Living Too Fast; Or, The Confessions of a Bank Officer

by Oliver Optic

"Living Too Fast; Or, The Confessions of a Bank Officer" by William T. Adams, also known as Oliver Optic, is a fictional narrative written in the late 19th century. The book explores the moral dilemmas and experiences of a bank officer who becomes entangled in a life of deceit, driven by ambition and the desire to uphold appearances. The protagonist, Paley Glasswood, grapples with competition, rivalry, and the consequences of his choices, painting a picture of the struggles young businessmen encountered during this period. At the start of the novel, we are introduced to Paley Glasswood as he and his friend Tom Flynn vie for a coveted bank position. The competition heightens as Paley confronts his feelings of superiority, stemming from his belief in his own integrity compared to Tom’s dubious past. Through their interactions, it is clear that Paley’s ambitions are overshadowed by a nagging conscience when Tom is unfairly disqualified from the running due to past suspicions of theft, which Paley’s uncle manipulates for his advantage. As Paley begins his new position and becomes infatuated with the charming Miss Lilian Oliphant, his confidence begins to spiral into a web of deceitfulness regarding their increasing financial burdens and living arrangements, setting the stage for the moral decay that will ensue.