Author
Theodore Dreiser
1871-1945
Theodore Dreiser (1871-1945) is a public-domain author available on Rivro. Read free books, explore subjects, and discover related classics.
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Books by Theodore Dreiser
Sister Carrie: A Novel
"Sister Carrie: A Novel" by Theodore Dreiser is a novel published in 1900. It follows eighteen-year-old Caroline Meeber, who leaves small-town Wisconsin for Chicago seeking a better life. In the big city, she becomes involved with two men—a charming salesman and a married bar manager—while discovering her talent for acting. As Carrie rises toward fame and fortune, those around her face vastly different fates. The novel explores ambition, desire, and the pursuit of the American Dream in urban America.
The Financier: A Novel
"The Financier: A Novel" by Theodore Dreiser is a novel published in 1912. Based on real-life streetcar tycoon Charles Yerkes, it follows Frank Cowperwood's rise in Philadelphia's financial world. Starting with a profitable soap deal as a young man, Cowperwood climbs to wealth through investment and manipulation of municipal funds. When the Great Chicago Fire triggers a stock market crash in 1871, his corrupt dealings are exposed. As politicians use him as a scapegoat, Cowperwood faces bankruptcy and imprisonment while conducting an affair with his business partner's daughter.
A Traveler at Forty
"A Traveler at Forty" by Theodore Dreiser is a travelogue written in the early 20th century. The narrative follows Dreiser as he embarks on a journey to Europe at the age of forty, reflecting on his life experiences while engaging with new environments and cultures. The book delves into themes of self-discovery and societal observations, presenting a compelling exploration of the American identity in contrast to European lifestyles. At the start of the journey, Dreiser's protagonist is taken under the wing of Barfleur, an English acquaintance who plans an extensive itinerary across England and beyond. The opening section introduces Dreiser's introspection about life and literature, pondering the complexities of human nature against the backdrop of his impending departure. As he boards the ship, the excitement of adventure mingles with somber reflections on a friend's recent demise, highlighting the juxtaposition of life’s joys and sorrows. Encounters with intriguing characters on the ship, including two actresses, further enrich his experience, setting the stage for the profound engagements and cultural comparisons that follow in his travels.
The Titan
"The Titan" by Theodore Dreiser is a novel published in 1914. This sequel follows ruthless businessman Frank Cowperwood as he relocates to Chicago after prison, determined to dominate the city's street-railway system. Through financial manipulation and political alliances, he crushes opponents and rebuilds his fortune. Yet success proves hollow as society rejects him, his marriage crumbles amid infidelities, and his ultimate business ambitions remain frustratingly out of reach. A portrait of American ambition, power, and the price of both.
The "Genius"
"The 'Genius'" by Theodore Dreiser is a semi-autobiographical novel first published in 1915. It follows Eugene Witla, a talented painter who struggles between his artistic ambitions and overwhelming sexual desires. Unable to remain faithful to his wife Angela, Eugene pursues affairs that devastate his marriage and derail his career. The novel traces his journey from small-town Illinois to the art world of New York, culminating in scandal and tragedy as his uncontrolled passions destroy everything around him.
A Hoosier holiday
"A Hoosier Holiday" by Theodore Dreiser is a travel narrative written in the early 20th century. The book chronicles the author's journey back to his native Indiana, accompanied by an illustrator named Franklin. In this work, Dreiser reflects on his memories, childhood experiences, and the landscape of Indiana, expressing a deep nostalgia for his roots and the simple American life. At the start of the book, Dreiser shares the catalyst for his journey — a chance encounter with Franklin, who suggests a road trip to Indiana. The narrative unfolds with Dreiser reminiscing about his early years in various towns across Indiana, including Terre Haute and Warsaw, while detailing their modest circumstances and rich experiences. The opening chapters set the tone for a reflective journey filled with personal anecdotes, insights on rural life, and observations about the changing American landscape, hinting at the broader themes of nostalgia and the complexity of revisiting one’s past.
A Book About Myself
"A Book About Myself" by Theodore Dreiser is a memoir written in the early 20th century. This autobiographical account delves into Dreiser's formative years, exploring his aspirations, encounters, and the complexities of life in late 19th-century Chicago. Dreiser reflects deeply on his desire to become a writer, capturing the vibrant, raw essence of the city that inspired his work, as well as his youthful romantic entanglements. At the start of the memoir, Dreiser recounts his early dreams of writing stirred by the works of local author Eugene Field. Living in Chicago during its rapid growth, he vividly describes the city’s unique atmosphere, blending its bustling life with personal reflections on his ambitions. As he navigates his role as a collector for a furniture company, he yearns to document the life around him and slowly formulates a plan to break into journalism. His encounters with various characters and his infatuation with a young girl named Alice add layers to his journey, highlighting both his aspirations and the challenges he faces, including family dynamics and the harsh realities of economic struggle. This opening sets the tone for a candid exploration of Dreiser's life and ambitions.
Jennie Gerhardt: A Novel
"Jennie Gerhardt: A Novel" by Theodore Dreiser is a novel published in 1911. It follows Jennie, a destitute young woman who becomes involved with two men above her social station. First, a senator who dies before they can marry, leaving her pregnant. Then Lester Kane, a wealthy manufacturer's son who takes her as his mistress. Their relationship faces mounting pressure from his family and society's class barriers, forcing difficult choices about love, security, and sacrifice.
An American tragedy, v. 1
"An American Tragedy, v. 1" by Theodore Dreiser is a novel published in 1925. Based on a real 1906 murder case, it follows Clyde Griffiths, a young man from a poor religious family who pursues wealth and status. Working at his uncle's factory, he becomes entangled with two women: Roberta, a factory worker he gets pregnant, and Sondra, a wealthy socialite. Torn between obligation and ambition, Clyde's choices lead him toward a tragic fate on a remote lake.
Free, and other stories
"Free and Other Stories" by Theodore Dreiser is a collection of narratives written in the early 20th century. The initial story, "Free," revolves around the introspective and complex struggles of Rufus Haymaker, an architect grappling with the illness and potential death of his wife, Ernestine. As he reflects on his life and marital dissatisfaction, the tension between his desires for freedom and his sense of duty creates a poignant exploration of happiness, regret, and the societal expectations surrounding marriage. The opening of the collection introduces Rufus Haymaker in his Central Park West apartment, where he contemplates the gray morning outside while dealing with the anguish of his wife's serious illness. Throughout this thoughtful segment, Haymaker oscillates between feelings of sympathy for his wife and a deep-seated yearning for liberation from his long-unhappy marriage. As he interacts with medical professionals and reflects on their life together, the narrative delves into his bleak realizations about love, obligation, and the complexity of marital dynamics. This opening segment sets a melancholic tone, urging readers to consider the costs of societal conventions on personal happiness.
The Color of a Great City
"The Color of a Great City" by Theodore Dreiser is a collection of literary sketches written in the early 20th century. The work acts as a vivid portrayal of New York City during the early 1900s, conveying the stark contrasts and vibrancy of urban life. Dreiser delves into various aspects of the city through a series of observations, focusing on the lives of its inhabitants, particularly those from lower socio-economic backgrounds. The opening portion of the book introduces the author’s reflections on New York City as he experienced it between 1900 and 1915. Dreiser shares his personal journey of discovery, detailing the complexities of life amid the intense social and economic diversity. His observations highlight the bustling streets, the contrasts between wealth and poverty, and the unique characters he encountered, such as a determined seamstress who preferred her small living quarters in the city over a bigger house in the country. Through his contemplative and descriptive style, he sets the stage for a deeper exploration of the city's dynamics, emphasizing how the attitudes of its residents reflect broader themes of aspiration and struggle.
Sister Carrie
"Sister Carrie" by Theodore Dreiser is a novel published in 1900 about a young woman who leaves rural Wisconsin for Chicago in pursuit of the American Dream. Eighteen-year-old Caroline Meeber becomes entangled with two men—a charming salesman and a married bar manager—as she navigates the harsh realities of urban life. Through chance and ambition, she discovers her talent for acting and begins her ascent to stardom, while those around her face dramatically different fates in the unforgiving big city.
Twelve Men
"Twelve Men" by Theodore Dreiser is a collection of character sketches written in the early 20th century. The book showcases various individuals, primarily focusing on Peter, who stands out for his unique understanding of life and humanity. Through his interactions and observations, Dreiser explores themes of artistic expression, spirituality, and the nature of existence. The opening of "Twelve Men" revolves around Peter, a compelling and eccentric character who embodies a profound appreciation for life in all its facets. Dreiser introduces Peter as someone who embraces internal freedom, cherishing both the absurdity and beauty of his surroundings. In his early encounters in St. Louis, the narrator, presumably Dreiser himself, portrays Peter's lively spirit, artistic tendencies, and curiosity for the world around him. Their friendship develops against a backdrop of diverse personalities and societal norms, as they navigate through elements of humor, camaraderie, and the human experience. Through Peter’s character, the foundation is laid for a deeper exploration of the complexities of life, art, and human connections in the subsequent chapters.
Hey Rub-a-dub-dub: A Book of the Mystery and Wonder and Terror of Life
"Hey Rub-a-dub-dub: A Book of the Mystery and Wonder and Terror of Life" by Theodore Dreiser is a collection of reflective essays written in the early 20th century. The book delves into the complexities of human existence, exploring themes of poverty, morality, and societal contradictions as seen through the eyes of a contemplative narrator. The narrative voice grapples with personal inadequacies and observations of those around him, particularly focusing on the dissonance between aspiration and reality in American life. The opening of the book introduces the narrator, who reflects on his life at the age of forty, living in a shabby neighborhood across the river from New York City. He describes his struggles with poverty, his attempts at being a writer, and his natural curiosity about the world, which leads him to question the societal values he observes. As he looks out over the city, he feels a mix of envy and confusion regarding those who thrive materially while he appears stagnant. Through a series of anecdotes about his neighbors and his inner musings, the narrator sets the stage for deeper explorations of life’s moral complexities, social injustices, and the pursuit of meaning in a seemingly indifferent universe.
Chains : $b lesser novels and stories
"Chains: Lesser Novels and Stories" by Theodore Dreiser is a collection of narratives exploring themes of poverty, despair, and the human condition, likely written in the late 19th century. The book delves into the struggles of individuals trapped in dire circumstances, highlighting the difficulties faced by characters like Madeleine Kinsella, who navigates a harsh urban environment while grappling with her family's dysfunction and her own yearning for a better life. The opening of the book introduces Madeleine's grim existence in a rundown tenement, where the atmosphere is permeated by violence, drunkenness, and pervasive poverty. We learn about her oppressive family dynamics, marked by her father's alcoholism and her mother's neglect, which force her into a role of caretaker at an early age. As she grows, Madeleine's hope for a better life and love becomes evident; however, her encounters with the world are fraught with difficulties, leading her to questionable choices in search of escape. The narrative sets the stage for an exploration of her internal and external struggles as she faces the grim realities of her environment and the impacts of her circumstances on her future.
An American tragedy, v. 2
"An American Tragedy, v. 2" by Theodore Dreiser is a novel published in 1925. Based on a real 1906 murder case, it follows Clyde Griffiths, a young man from a poor religious family who climbs toward wealth and status. When he impregnates factory worker Roberta while courting wealthy socialite Sondra, Clyde faces an impossible choice. His desperate solution leads to a drowning, a sensational trial, and a fate sealed by circumstantial evidence and his own contradictory testimony.