Prevented from entering college because of an eye affliction, Howard joined the staff of the Detroit Free Press. In 1867, he moved to New York City where he worked for various newspapers over the next five years. He wrote his first play, Fantine (based on Les Miserables) in 1864, but his first real success came with Saratoga in 1870. From 1873, Howard concentrated on his plays and became one of the most successful playwrights in America. He was elected as a member of the American Academy of Arts and Letters. His other works include The Banker's Daughter (1878), Old Love Letters (1878), Young Mrs Winthrop (1882), One of Our Girls (1885), The Henrietta (1887), Shenandoah (1889) and Aristocracy (1892). |