Early Masters:
* Nathaniel Hawthorne: His works like "The Scarlet Letter" and "The House of the Seven Gables" explored themes of sin, guilt, and the Puritan past, while also painting vivid portraits of New England towns and characters.
* Henry David Thoreau: His classic "Walden" is a meditation on simple living and nature, deeply rooted in his experiences in Concord, Massachusetts.
* Sarah Orne Jewett: Known for her realistic portrayal of rural New England life, especially in her novels "A Country Doctor" and "The Country of the Pointed Firs."
* Harriet Beecher Stowe: Her powerful anti-slavery novel "Uncle Tom's Cabin" used New England as a backdrop to explore moral issues, highlighting the complexities of the region's history.
Later Masters:
* Rose Terry Cooke: A prolific writer of short stories and novels that captured the everyday lives of ordinary New Englanders, often focusing on their struggles and triumphs.
* Mary E. Wilkins Freeman: Known for her dark and realistic portrayal of New England life, particularly the lives of women, in works like "A Humble Romance" and "The Portion of Labor."
* William Dean Howells: His novels like "The Rise of Silas Lapham" and "A Hazard of New Fortunes" examined the changing social and economic landscape of New England, capturing the complexities of urban life.
* Edith Wharton: Her novels like "Ethan Frome" and "The Age of Innocence" often explored the dark side of New England life, revealing the underlying tensions and secrets within seemingly idyllic communities.
* Robert Frost: Though primarily known as a poet, Frost's works often captured the beauty and harshness of New England landscapes and the lives of its inhabitants.
Modern Influences:
* John Updike: His novels and short stories, such as "Rabbit, Run" and "Couples," examined the changing social norms and moral dilemmas of post-war New England.
* Anne Tyler: Her novels, often set in Baltimore, explore themes of family, community, and the complexities of human relationships with a nuanced understanding of New England values.
* Louise Erdrich: Though primarily known for her Native American themes, Erdrich's works often incorporate the landscape and characters of New England, particularly in "The Round House" and "Future Home of the Living God."
This is just a small sampling of the many talented writers who have contributed to the rich literary tradition of New England local color. It's worth exploring the works of these authors and discovering the nuances of their individual styles and contributions to the genre.