Joseph Crosby Lincoln

Joseph Crosby Lincoln Biography

Joseph Crosby Lincoln (February 13, 1870 – March 10, 1944) was an American author celebrated for his novels, poems, and short stories, many set in a fictionalized Cape Cod. Born in Brewster, Massachusetts, Lincoln was the son of Captain Joseph Lincoln and Emily Crosby Lincoln. After his father's death, his mother moved the family to Chelsea, Massachusetts, a manufacturing city outside Boston.

Lincoln's literary career can be seen as an attempt to return to the idyllic Cape Cod of his youth, portraying it as a pre-modern haven amidst America's rapid modernization, urbanization, and industrialization. His works often featured individuals of old Yankee stock, offering readers a nostalgic antidote to the changing American landscape.

Throughout his career, Lincoln's work frequently appeared in popular magazines such as the Saturday Evening Post and The Delineator. He was aware of contemporary naturalist writers but chose to focus on "spinning yarns" that made readers feel good about themselves and their neighbors. Lincoln was a Republican and a Universalist. Upon achieving success, he spent his winters in northern New Jersey, near Manhattan's publishing world, and summered in Chatham, Massachusetts, in a shingle-style house named "Crosstrees" overlooking the Atlantic Ocean.

Lincoln passed away on March 10, 1944, in Winter Park, Florida, leaving behind a rich legacy of Cape Cod-inspired literature that continues to charm readers with its warmth and humor.

Trivia About Joseph Crosby Lincoln

• Lincoln's first novel, Cap'n Eri, published in 1904, became an overnight success and established his reputation as a storyteller of Cape Cod life.
• He was dubbed the "Literary Dean of Cape Cod" by William Dana Orcutt.
• Lincoln wrote under various pseudonyms early in his career while contributing to magazines.
• His works often depicted the clash between traditional Cape Cod values and the encroaching modern world.

Famous Quotes by Joseph Crosby Lincoln

• "A man's best friends are his ten fingers."
• "There are lots of people who mistake their imagination for their memory."

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Who was Joseph Crosby Lincoln?

Joseph Crosby Lincoln was an American author known for his novels, poems, and short stories set in a fictionalized Cape Cod, reflecting the region's culture and traditions.

What are some of Joseph Crosby Lincoln's notable works?

Some of his notable works include Cap'n Eri, Cy Whittaker's Place, and Keziah Coffin, all of which depict life in Cape Cod.

How did Joseph Crosby Lincoln's upbringing influence his writing?

Growing up in Brewster, Massachusetts, and experiencing the maritime culture of Cape Cod deeply influenced Lincoln's writing, leading him to set many of his stories in a fictionalized version of the region.

Related Literary Movements

Joseph Crosby Lincoln's work is associated with regionalism and local color writing, focusing on the specific characteristics of Cape Cod and its inhabitants. His storytelling provides a nostalgic look at a bygone era, preserving the dialects, customs, and traditions of the region.

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