This book features a biographical account of the American writer Eugene Field (1850-1895), best known for his children's poetry and humorous essays. There were two Fields – the author and the man – and it is the purpose of this study to reproduce the latter as he appeared to those who knew and loved him for what he was personally for the benefit of those who have only known him through the medium of his writings. In doing this it was far from the author's intention and farther from his friendship to disturb any of the preconceptions that have been formed from the perusal of Field's works as these are the creations of something entirely apart from the man whose genius produced them.
Contents:
Pedigree
His Father's First Love-affair
The Dred Scott Case
Birth and Early Youth
Education
Choice of a Profession
Marriage and Early Domestic Life
Early Experiences in Journalism
In Denver, 1881-1883
Anecdotes of Life in Denver
Coming to Chicago
Personal Characteristics
Relations with Stage Folk
Beginning of His Literary Education
Method of Work
Nature of His Daily Work
Pedigree
Introduction to Colored Inks
Some Letters
More Letters
Publication of His First Books
His Second Visit to Europe
In the Saints' and Sinners' Corner
Political Relations
His "Auto-analysis"
Last Years
Last Days