The eminent Bishop of the Episcopalian diocese of New York has spent practically his whole life among people of wealth and fashion and their associates. He has made some brief excursions, but his social relations, his intimacies have been altogether with what Parton calls “the triumphant classes.” He knows the plutocracy; his diocese lies in its stronghold, includes many of its most conspicuous and aggressive leaders both in making and spending money. There can be no question of his qualif...

ON the top floor of Grafton’s house, in Michigan Avenue, there was a room filled with what he called “the sins of the fathers”—the bad pictures and statuary come down from two generations of more or less misdirected enthusiasm for art. In old age his father had begun this collection; forty years of dogged pursuit of good taste taught him much. Grafton completed it as soon as he came into possession. In him a Grafton at last combined right instinct and right judgment. Although he was not ye...

WENTWORTH Bromfield was mourned by his widow and daughter with a depth that would have amazed him. For twenty-one years he had been an assistant secretary in the Department of State at Washington—a rather conspicuous position, with a salary of four thousand a year. Influential relatives representing Massachusetts in the House or in the Senate, and often in both, had enabled him to persist through changes of administration and of party control, and to prevail against the “pull” of many an u...

I cannot remember the time when I was not absolutely certain that I would be a millionaire. And I had not been a week in the big wholesale dry-goods house in Worth Street in which I made my New York start, before I looked round and said to myself: “I shall be sole proprietor here some day.” Probably clerks dream the same thing every day in every establishment on earth—but I didn’t dream; Iknew. From earliest boyhood I had seen that the millionaire was the only citizen universally envied, h...

A COMET so dim that it is almost invisible will cause agitated interest in the heavens where great fixed stars blaze nightly unnoticed. Harrison was a large Ohio river town, and in its firmament blazed many and considerable fixed stars—presenting pretty nearly all varieties of peculiarity in appearance and condition. But when George Helm appeared everybody concentrated upon him. “Did you see that young fellow with the red whiskers stumping down Main Street this afternoon?”—“Did you see tha...

This novel is a satirical and social commentary on the upper echelons of New York City society during the Gilded Age, a period of American history characterized by great wealth and excess among the upper classes. The story follows the titular character, Joshua Craig, a successful and ambitious lawyer who rises through the ranks of society. Joshua Craig is a self-made man who navigates the complexities of high society and becomes entangled in various romantic and social adventures.Through t...

The novel is set in a fictional European principality and revolves around the life of a young American woman who unexpectedly becomes a prominent figure in European nobility. The story explores themes of romance, social status, and personal transformation.The protagonist, a woman of modest American background, finds herself thrust into the opulent and complex world of European royalty. Her transition from an ordinary life to that of a "Serene Highness" involves navigating the intricacies o...

The Hungry Heart centers around Mildred Gower, a young and beautiful woman who is dissatisfied with her life and marriage. Mildred marries Richard Gower, a man of considerable wealth, believing that marriage to him will provide her with stability and security. However, she soon finds herself trapped in a loveless and conventional union, longing for something more meaningful and fulfilling.As the story progresses, Mildred becomes increasingly restless and discontented. She begins to questio...

"The Deluge" is a social novel that focuses on the lives of characters affected by the changing dynamics of society, particularly the effects of industrialization and wealth on individuals and their relationships. The story revolves around the character of Percy Partridge, a young man from a small town who inherits a considerable fortune. The sudden wealth dramatically alters his life and exposes him to the complexities of society, wealth, and power.Phillips uses the narrative to explore t...

The novel centers around the character of Hope Farrell, a young woman from a modest background who dreams of achieving success and independence in New York City. Despite her humble origins, Hope is determined to rise above her circumstances and make a name for herself in the world.Hope's journey begins when she secures a job as a stenographer at a prestigious law firm, where she catches the eye of her employer, Mr. Holcombe. Holcombe is impressed by Hope's intelligence and ambition, and he...

The novel follows the life of Roland Lacy, a charming and clever young man who leads a double life. By day, Lacy appears to be a respectable member of society, but by night, he is involved in various criminal activities, particularly in the world of high-stakes theft and con artistry.Lacy’s criminal activities are driven by a combination of personal motives and a critique of societal norms. The story delves into his motivations, the intricacies of his schemes, and the moral ambiguities he ...

The plot of "White Magic" likely revolves around themes of love, ambition, and societal dynamics. Phillips' novels often explored the tensions and conflicts arising from the clash between individual desires and societal expectations, particularly within the context of the rapidly changing social landscape of early 20th-century America."White Magic" may delve into issues such as class distinctions, gender roles, and the pursuit of success and happiness. The title suggests a contrast between...