Rebecca Blaine Harding Davis (1831–1910) was an American author, journalist, and social reformer, pioneering literary realism in American literature. Her works depicted industrial life, social injustice, and marginalized communities.
Born in Washington, Pennsylvania, she moved to Wheeling, Virginia (now West Virginia) in 1836, witnessing the rise of iron and steel mills, which shaped her themes. She graduated valedictorian from Washington Female Seminary (1848) and later contributed reviews, stories, and editorials to the Wheeling Intelligencer.
Her most influential work, Life in the Iron Mills (1861,) published in The Atlantic Monthly, portrayed industrial labor and class struggles. Other notable works include Margret Howth: A Story of To-Day (1862,) exploring poverty and resilience, and John Andross (1874,) critiquing political corruption.
She also wrote Silhouettes of American Life (1892,) a short story collection addressing social issues, and her autobiography Bits of Gossip (1904,) reflecting on her experiences and career.
More: Wikipedia • READ: Works by Rebecca Harding Davis
Our young people have come to look upon war as a kind of beneficent deity, which not only adds to the national honor but uplifts a nation and develops patriotism and courage. That is all true. But it is only fair, too, to let them know that the garments of the deity are filthy and that some of her influences debase and befoul a people.
—Rebecca Harding Davis
Topics: War
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