In his forties and still a bachelor, Theodore Colville is at loose ends after selling his Indiana newspaper. He decides to go back to Florence, Italy, where two decades ago a love affair of his ended badly. Soon after returning, he runs into an old friend, Evalina Bowen, who knew the girl who jilted him and who is now a chaperone for Imogene Graham, a girl of about twenty. Imogene is exciting and fresh and very earnest, and soon Colville and she are seeing more of each other. But it's uncl...

Silas Lapham's long-lasting paint, made with minerals found on his family's farm in Vermont, has helped make him a millionaire-as has hard work, ambition, and tough business sense. Now that he's reached late middle age, he's a success. A newspaper is writing him up in its "Solid Men of Boston" series, his family goes to seaside resorts in the summer, the scion of the aristocratic Covey family has joined his firm, his daughters have made inroads into 1880s society, and he's even having a la...

Basil March jumps at the chance to leave his boring job to become the founding editor of a new magazine. But this also means that he must leave comfortable Boston for the confusion and chaos of 1890s New York. As March and his wife try to find a decent place to live, he also struggles to find contributors and readers. The Marches are quickly drawn into the tangled lives of their fellow New Yorkers: a bitter German socialist who lost his hand fighting for the Union in the Civil War, a colon...

Deans treatise, History of the Otttoman Empire, chronicles 600 years of the empire from 1250 to 1850, including the Siege of Constantinople, the Battle of Lepanto, the Siege of Vienna, the war with Russia, and Greeces independence. A table of contents is included for easy navigation.

Deans History of the Ottoman Empire is a fascinating chronicle of Ottoman Empire from the 13th to the mid 19th centuries.

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...

Howells delves into how short stories are both reflections of everyday life and literary experiments, incorporating psychological depth, character development, and thematic exploration within limited space. He offers readers insights into the ways short stories can deviate from norms yet retain their significance as artistic forms capable of addressing universal truths. The book considers both classic examples of short stories and real-life observations, tying them together in thoughtful c...

"Buying a Horse" is a short story written by William Dean Howells, an American novelist, playwright, and literary critic. Howells was a prominent figure in American literary realism and is best known for his novels exploring social and economic issues of his time.In "Buying a Horse," Howells likely employs his keen observational skills and wit to depict a humorous or satirical situation involving the purchase of a horse. The story may explore themes such as human nature, social class, and ...

"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 ...

"April Hopes" is a realist novel that explores the themes of love, marriage, and social class in 19th-century America. The story follows the lives of its central characters, Charlton and Imogen March, a married couple who find themselves facing challenges and uncertainties in their relationship.The novel delves into the complexities of their marriage, including issues related to their differing social backgrounds and expectations. Howells uses the story to comment on the societal norms and...

The Register by William Dean Howells is a short story that examines the themes of memory, identity, and the passage of time. The plot revolves around a man who, while visiting a hotel, stumbles upon an old guestbook or register that holds a connection to his past. The entries in the register spark a series of reflections and emotions, as the protagonist recalls a significant event in his life tied to the hotel and the people who stayed there.As he reads through the names and dates in the r...

The story revolves around Lemuel Barker, a young man who is placed under the guidance and mentorship of a minister. Lemuel becomes the minister's apprentice and learns from his experiences, trials, and moral teachings. The novel explores themes of moral development, the pursuit of one's calling, and the challenges of finding one's place in society.William Dean Howells was known for his realistic portrayals of American life and his exploration of social and moral themes. "The Minister's Cha...