author
William Mathews
1818–1909
A lively 19th-century essayist, editor, and teacher, he wrote about books, language, conversation, and public speaking with an eye for practical wisdom. His work moves easily between literary culture and everyday self-improvement, which gives it an inviting, conversational feel even now.
1 Audiobook
Words; Their Use and Abuse
by William Mathews
About the author
Born in Waterville, Maine, on July 28, 1818, he studied at what is now Colby College and later at Harvard Law School. Early in his career he practiced law and worked in journalism, editing and publishing newspapers in Maine and Boston before moving west.
In 1856 he settled in Chicago, where he became a well-known man of letters. Sources agree that he served as a professor of rhetoric and English literature at the University of Chicago for more than a decade, and he went on to devote himself largely to literary work. He died in Boston on February 14, 1909.
Mathews is remembered for essays and books on language, style, oratory, reading, and conduct, including Hours with Men and Books, Oratory and Orators, and Words: Their Use and Abuse. His writing is often clear, curious, and encouraging, making him a rewarding guide for listeners interested in both literature and the art of expression.