Title
William Dean Howells : Novels 18751886: A Foregone Conclusion, A Modern Instance, Indian Summer, The Rise of Silas Lapham (Libr,New
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The four novels collected in this Library of America volume are among the classic works from the immensely productive career of Americas most influential man of letters at the turn of the twentieth century. William Dean Howells was a champion of French and Russian realistic writers and a brilliant advocate of the most controversial American writers of his own time.In A Foregone Conclusion (1875), a young American painter roams through Europe for years before at last deciding to marry the woman who, he erroneously thinks, has been in love with an Italian priest turned agnostic. A Modern Instance (1882) offers an unflinching portrait of an unhappy marriage and ends with a hero barred by his perhaps overscrupulous conscience from marrying the divorced heroine. Once again personal dilemmas are seen as symptoms of the rapid displacement of older social and religious stabilities by opportunism and commercial progress.One of the most engaging of all his novels, Indian Summer(1885), is touched with the Jamesian glamour of romantic confusion among two American couples in Italy. Here Howellss realism takes a quietly humorous turn. Situations which might be exploited by another novelist for their theatrical or melodramatic possibilities are instead eroded by the often trivial or casual experiences of everyday living. Characteristically, Howells is opposed to exaggeration in the interest of discovering how people, despite the crises that beset them, manage to find their way.The Rise of Silas Lapham (1885), Howellss bestknown work, gives a brilliantly skeptical portrait of American business life and its perils, celebrating not the rise but the loss of fortune that makes possible the heros recovery of his earlier integrity and happiness. There are, remarked a contemporary reviewer, thousands of Silas Laphams throughout the United States, and presentday readers might agree that there still are.LIBRARY OF AMERICA is an independent nonprofit cultural organization founded in 1979 to preserve our nations literary heritage by publishing, and keeping permanently in print, Americas best and most significant writing. The Library of America series includes more than 300 volumes to date, authoritative editions that average 1,000 pages in length, feature cloth covers, sewn bindings, and ribbon markers, and are printed on premium acidfree paper that will last for centuries.
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This product may contain chemicals known to the State of California to cause cancer, birth defects, or other reproductive harm.
For more information, please visit www.P65Warnings.ca.gov.
- Q: How many pages does this book have? A: This book contains one thousand two hundred seventeen pages. It offers a comprehensive collection of William Dean Howells' novels.
- Q: What is the binding type of this book? A: This book is bound in hardcover. The durable binding ensures longevity and makes it ideal for both reading and display.
- Q: What are the dimensions of this book? A: The dimensions of this book are five point sixteen inches in length, one point forty-five inches in width, and eight point fifteen inches in height. These sizes make it a standard fit for bookshelves.
- Q: Is this book suitable for young readers? A: This book is generally aimed at adult readers. It contains complex themes and narratives that may not be suitable for younger audiences.
- Q: What genres does this book belong to? A: This book falls under the genre of historical fiction. It explores themes relevant to American society during the late nineteenth century.
- Q: Can I read this book in one sitting? A: While it's possible to read this book in one sitting, it's quite lengthy. Readers may prefer to enjoy it over several sessions to fully appreciate the narratives.
- Q: How should I store this book? A: Store this book upright on a shelf, away from direct sunlight and moisture. This will help preserve its condition over time.
- Q: Is this book easy to clean? A: Yes, this book can be gently wiped with a soft, dry cloth. Avoid using water or cleaning solutions to prevent damage.
- Q: What should I do if the book arrives damaged? A: If the book arrives damaged, contact the seller immediately for a return or exchange. Most sellers provide a clear return policy for such situations.
- Q: How does this book compare to other works by Howells? A: This book features some of Howells' most significant works. It offers a deeper exploration of his themes compared to his shorter novels.
- Q: What can I expect from the themes in this book? A: Expect themes of social realism, personal dilemmas, and critiques of American society. Howells' work often reflects the complexities of human relationships.
- Q: Are there illustrations or images in this book? A: No, this book does not contain illustrations or images. It focuses solely on the text of Howells' novels.
- Q: Is this a part of a larger series? A: Yes, this book is part of the Library of America series. This series aims to publish and preserve significant American literary works.
- Q: Who is the author of this book? A: The author of this book is William Dean Howells. He was a prominent American novelist and literary critic.
- Q: What is the publication year of this edition? A: This edition was published by the Library of America, but the specific publication year is not provided in the details. Check the publisher's site for more information.