The Modern World of Neith Boyce: Autobiography and Diaries. Ed. Carol DeBoer-Langworthy

Abstract

The review argues that Neith Boyce (1872-1951) was a significant figure in modernist American culture, embodying experimental attitudes toward literature, gender roles, and marital relations. Edited by Carol DeBoer-Langworthy, *The Modern World of Neith Boyce* presents previously unpublished works—including an autobiography and diaries—that illustrate Boyce’s contributions to modernist creative nonfiction. The reviewer emphasizes her role as a 'new woman' who challenged conventional norms through writing and personal relationships, particularly her tumultuous marriage to Hutchins Hapgood. The review praises the editorial work for its scrupulous annotation and introduction, contextualizing Boyce’s writings within modernist literary practices. It highlights how her works blur genre boundaries, combining autobiography, history, and literature in a way that reflects modernist experimentation. The inclusion of unpublished materials is noted as particularly valuable for understanding Boyce’s life and artistic development.

(The abstract and keywords were prepared retrospectively for indexing purposes using AI-assisted tools and editorial review, based on the original article. They did not appear in the original publication.)