First harvests : $b An episode in the life of Mrs. Levison Gower : A satire without a moral

by Frederic Jesup Stimson

"First Harvests: An Episode in the Life of Mrs. Levison Gower" by F. J. Stimson is a satirical novel written in the late 19th century. The story revolves around Mrs. Levison Gower, whose life and social aspirations reflect the changing dynamics of American society during that period. The book explores themes of wealth, class, and aspiration, as seen through the eyes of the main character, Flossie Starbuck, and her pursuit of a fashionable social standing. The opening of the novel introduces readers to the setting of a stately brownstone house in New York City, which symbolizes the height of wealth and social status. It paints a vivid picture of the hustle and bustle of the city, contrasting the exclusive society that Mrs. Gower inhabits with the more chaotic lives of the working class just a few blocks away. The narrative also delves into Flossie Starbuck's reflections on her upbringing and her desire to elevate her social standing in an era where money was becoming a crucial determinant of worth and identity. As she grapples with her ambitions and the expectations of those around her, readers are invited to witness the complexities of her life and the societal pressures that shape it.