Thomas Bailey Aldrich, a prominent figure in the late 19th-century American literary scene, is chiefly remembered for his poetical works and his editorship at the acclaimed Atlantic Monthly. Born on November 11, 1836, in Portsmouth, New Hampshire, Aldrich's literary career was a testament to his precocious talent and an embodiment of the genteel tradition. His stylistic flair was marked by a blend of irony and nostalgia, which captured the complexities of post-Civil War American life. 'A Struggle For Life' is but a stitch in his rich literary tapestry, showcasing Aldrich's command of narrative tension and his prowess in depicting human fortitude. His other noteworthy publications include 'The Story of a Bad Boy' (1869), which influenced the genre of boyhood narratives by presenting a more realistic portrayal of adolescence than was common in his era, and 'Marjorie Daw' (1873), a collection of stories that further highlights his narrative agility and psychological insight. His works resonate with a fin-de-siècle sophistication, characterized by an acute sensitivity to language and a pensive, almost mournful, introspection. Aldrich served as editor for the Atlantic Monthly from 1881 to 1890, where his editorial acumen further shaped American literature's course. He passed away on March 19, 1907, leaving behind a legacy interwoven with the cultural fabric of American letters and an indelible impact on the aesthetic contours of the Gilded Age.