James Hall was fortunate to be born into a well-to-do family that encouraged literary creativity. Hall's father, John, was secretary of the Pennsylvania land office and a U.S. marshal, while his mother, Sarah Ewing Hall, a scholar's daughter educated at home, became a formative influence on James and one of the first women in America to be recognized for her literary enterprises. In 1816 the Hall family took over Joseph Dennie's Port Folio, and until its demise in 1827, that magazine was essentially their vehicle: one son, Harrison, published it; another, John Elihu, edited it; and James and Thomas Mifflin Hall-as well as their mother-were principal contributors. The oldest brother, John Elihu, also published the American Law Journal (1808-1817). Though it was never his primary occupation, James perceived writing to be a common part of day-to-day living. Active as a writer, editor, and publisher for nearly his entire life...