The Marches, married twenty-five years, take the European tour they could not afford as newlyweds — the ship, the Rhine, Carlsbad, a young couple in trouble whom they cannot help minding about. Howells edited The Atlantic and wrote for Harper's, and was the most powerful literary broker in America; here he does middle age exactly, and the kindness of the book is not softness.

An Ohio family — a judge, his wife, and a daughter recovering from an unsuitable attachment — is taken to Europe to get over it, and the Atlantic and the Dutch canals do not much help. Howells edited The Atlantic and was the most powerful literary broker in America; this 1902 novel is his quiet study of ordinary decent people being wrong about their own children, and the father is beautifully done.

A middle-aged American in Florence, comfortable and finished with life, is courted by a girl of twenty and by her chaperone, who is his own age — and behaves badly, then better, then badly again. Howells edited The Atlantic and was the most powerful literary broker in America; this 1886 novel is his lightest and his best, and the humiliation of a man discovering he is not young is done with no cruelty at all.

My earliest memories, or those which I can make sure are not the sort of early hearsay that we mistake for remembrance later in life, concern a country newspaper, or, rather, a country printing-office. The office was in my childish consciousness some years before the paper was; the compositors rhythmically swaying before their cases of type; the pressman flinging himself back on the bar that made the impression, with a swirl of his long hair; the apprentice rolling the forms, and the forem...

The story is set in New York City during the late 19th century and follows the lives of various characters, both native-born and immigrants, as they navigate the complexities of American society and strive for success. The central narrative focuses on the clash of social classes and the challenges faced by those attempting to climb the social and economic ladder."A Hazard of New Fortunes" is known for its detailed character studies and social commentary. It explores themes such as capitali...

New York City. The dawn of a new century. Two men intent on changing the world with two very different visions.When a self-made millionaire and a new-age social revolutionary come head-to-head, there's no telling who will come out on top. One wants the world. The other wants to give it to those less fortunate. And when a goodwill man steps in to act as mediator, he soon finds himself at a crisis of conscience. How should man choose who wins and loses? What is the best approach for ...

Key themes explored in "The Rise of Silas Lapham" include:Wealth and Social Status: The novel delves into the impact of newfound wealth on individuals' aspirations and interactions with established social hierarchies.Business and Ethics: The Lapham family's journey raises questions about the moral implications of business decisions and the pursuit of wealth.Family Dynamics: The relationships within the Lapham family are tested as they navigate societal expectations and personal ambitions.R...

The novel "A Foregone Conclusion" is a story that revolves around the experiences of an American artist named Kenyon, who travels to Italy. In Italy, Kenyon becomes involved with a circle of characters, including a group of artists and various personalities within Italian society.The narrative explores themes such as art, culture, love, and personal relationships against the backdrop of Italian society. Kenyon's interactions and experiences with the diverse characters shape his perspective...

"Their Wedding Journey" is a humorous and satirical novel that follows the newlywed couple, Kenyon and Ellen, on their honeymoon trip through Europe. The novel explores their experiences, observations, and interactions with fellow travelers as they navigate the challenges and pleasures of travel in Europe.One of the central themes of the novel is the contrast between the idealized expectations and the reality of the honeymoon journey. Howells uses the characters of Kenyon and Ellen to sati...

In "Their Silver Wedding Journey," Kenyon and Ellen celebrate their 25th wedding anniversary by embarking on a journey to revisit some of the places they traveled to during their honeymoon in Europe, as depicted in the earlier novel. This sequel explores how their lives and relationship have evolved over the years.The novel is written in a humorous and satirical style, similar to its predecessor. It reflects on the changes in American society, culture, and politics since the time of their ...

"The Kentons" is a family drama that follows the lives of the Kenton family, who are middle-class Americans living in the late 19th century. The novel delves into the dynamics within the family, their relationships, and their aspirations. It also explores the challenges and changes faced by the family members as they navigate the evolving social and cultural landscape of the time.The central character of the novel is Basil Kenton, a young man who is pursuing a career in journalism. As the ...

The novel is set in New York City and follows the lives of a diverse group of characters who come from various social backgrounds. The central character is Basil March, a journalist who, along with his family, becomes embroiled in the lives and struggles of those around him. The story delves into the challenges faced by the characters as they navigate the complexities of urban life, including issues related to class, labor, and the pursuit of the American Dream."A Hazard of New Fortunes" i...