Under the Skylights (ePub)

Henry Blake Fuller (1857-1929) was an American author and a significant figure in the literary renaissance of Chicago during the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Fuller was known for his realistic and sometimes satirical portrayals of middle-class life and social issues, characteristic of the Chicago literary movement. Fuller's early works were predominantly travel literature, but he achieved critical success with his social novels, including 'The Cliff-Dwellers' (1893), which is often cited as one of the first American urban naturalistic novels, set against the backdrop of the rapidly industrializing Chicago. 'Under the Skylights' (1901), another notable work, shifts focus to the artistic and literary circles of Chicago, showcasing the challenges faced by individuals in the burgeoning Midwestern metropolis. Fuller's literary style is noted for its incisive observations and clear, straightforward prose. His work often reflects the dichotomies of American society at the turn of the century, juxtaposing the provincialism of the Midwestern United States with the cosmopolitan nature of its urban centers. Fuller's contributions to American literature are perhaps best understood through the lens of the Chicago Renaissance, in which he played a prominent role alongside contemporaries such as Theodore Dreiser and Edgar Lee Masters. Fuller's legacy lies in his exploration of personal identity and social structures through the medium of fiction, which continues to be appreciated for its historical and cultural significance in the American literary canon.