USPS honors American novelist Sarah Orne Jewett with new ‘Literary Arts series' stamp

The useful part

Postal Service released a new stamp this month honoring American novelist and short story author Sarah Orne Jewett. Known for her regional works set along the southern coast of Maine, Jewett's stamp is the 35th in the USPS's Literary Arts series. The stamp recognizes the author as a foundational figure in American literary regionalism.

How it works

• I have personally read her moving work and it is an honor to have her stamp unveiled in our community today," said South Berwick Postmaster Matthew Kirksey.
• Her strong female characters have led to a renewed interest in her work." The stamp was unveiled at the Sarah Orne Jewett Literary House in South Berwick, Maine, the town she called home her entire life.
• "Sarah Orne Jewett is the premier historical icon of South Berwick, and her writings captured 19th-century New England life.
• She sought to highlight the positive spirit of the region, an enduring model of harmony between individualism and communal values," the USPS said.
• "Jewett began publishing before age 20 and was firmly established as a writer by 1880.

What to take from it

Although a 1902 accident ended her writing career, she continued to mentor younger writers, notably Willa Cather. She published hundreds of short stories, poetry, essays and some 18 novels in her lifetime.