Subject
Manhattan (New York, N.Y.) -- Fiction Books
Best books
John Dos Passos
Manhattan Transfer
"Manhattan Transfer" by John Dos Passos is a novel published in 1925. It captures the transformation of New York City from the Gilded Age to the Jazz Age through overlapping stories of diverse characters struggling to survive in the metropolis. Using experimental techniques inspired by Joyce and Eliot, Dos Passos creates a fragmented portrait of urban life—a restless, merciless city teeming with strivers, winners, and losers. Their intersecting tales reveal the consumerism and social indifference of modern Manhattan.
S. S. Van Dine
The Benson murder case
"The Benson murder case" by S. S. Van Dine is a mystery novel published in 1926. When a New York man-about-town is found dead under mysterious circumstances, amateur detective Philo Vance offers his psychological insights to assist District Attorney Markham's investigation. Using careful observation and deduction, Vance reconstructs the crime and determines specific physical characteristics of the killer. He methodically examines the victim's business associates and romantic connections, working to break through alibis and uncover the truth behind this locked-room mystery.
James Huneker
Painted Veils
"Painted Veils" by James Huneker is a novel written in the early 20th century. The story introduces Esther Brandès, a young woman who arrives in New York with dreams of becoming a successful dramatic soprano. The narrative explores her experiences as she grapples with near-desperation and homesickness while navigating the vibrant yet harsh world of the city's artistic scene. At the start of the novel, the protagonist, Esther, arrives in New York during a snowstorm, filled with anticipation and anxiety. She is greeted by Madame Felice at the Maison Felicé, a hotel frequented by artists and musicians, but immediately faces challenges when her pre-booked room is occupied, compelling her to adjust to a new, less appealing space. Despite her loneliness and the dismal winter evening, Esther’s spirits begin to lift during dinner when she meets Alfred Stone, a music critic, who takes an interest in her aspirations. The opening sets the stage for Esther’s journey as she attempts to establish herself in the competitive world of music while dealing with emotional turbulence and social intricacies.
Brander Matthews
Vignettes of Manhattan; Outlines in Local Color
"Vignettes of Manhattan; Outlines in Local Color" by Brander Matthews is a collection of urban sketches and character portraits written in the late 19th century. This work aims to capture the essence and diverse life of New York City through a series of vignettes that reflect various aspects of its society and environment, showcasing the interactions of different types of people in the metropolis. Each vignette serves as a snapshot, introducing readers to the unique characters and happenings that define the city's lifestyle during that era. At the start of the book, Matthews sets the tone with a reflective letter addressed to Theodore Roosevelt, explaining his affection for New York. He presents the city not just as a backdrop but as a character in its own right, filled with life and variation. The opening portion includes a poignant depiction of a funeral in a small church, highlighting the lives of actors and sympathetic characters who gather for a young man's burial. This setting serves as a stage for exploring themes of ambition, loss, and the fleeting nature of life, inviting readers to delve deeper into the multifaceted world of Manhattan as portrayed throughout the collection.
Henry Thew Stephenson
Patroon van Volkenberg : $b A tale of old Manhattan in the year sixteen hundred & ninety-nine
"Patroon van Volkenberg: A Tale of Old Manhattan in the Year Sixteen Hundred" by Henry Thew Stephenson is a historical novel likely written in the early 20th century. It immerses the reader in the turbulent times of late 17th-century America, focusing on the protagonist, Vincie Le Bourse, who is in search of his long-lost sister, Ruth. The novel unravels his adventures as he navigates the complexities of life in Manhattan amid political strife and societal challenges. At the start of the narrative, Vincie is cast ashore on Long Island by a pirate ship, reflecting on his loneliness and the strong hope that drives him toward finding Ruth. He seeks refuge in a tavern, where he encounters a kind host, learns about the prominent patroon Kilian Van Volkenberg, and gets advice on reaching New York. As he prepares for the next leg of his journey, readers are introduced to Vincie's backstory of familial love, despair, and resilience during a time when Huguenots faced persecution. The opening sets the stage for an engaging tale that blends personal quests with broader historical themes.
Edward S. (Edward Sims) Van Zile
The Manhattaners: A Story of the Hour
"The Manhattaners: A Story of the Hour" by Edward S. Van Zile is a novel written in the late 19th century. The story introduces us to two contrasting characters, John Fenton, a weary and cynical journalist in his forties, and Richard Stoughton, an enthusiastic young man embarking on his career in New York City’s newspaper industry. The narrative explores themes of ambition, societal norms, and the complexity of human relationships as Richard navigates his way through life and encounters characters who challenge and inspire him. At the start of the novel, the two men are engaged in a contemplative discussion in City Hall Park, reflecting on a statue of Nathan Hale. Fenton warns Richard about the perils of youthful ideals, suggesting that such enthusiasm can lead to ruin, drawing analogies to historical oppression and personal experience. Their conversation touches on deeper societal issues, contrasting Richard's optimistic outlook with Fenton’s disillusionment. As they continue their journey through the city, Fenton challenges Richard to learn from the realities of life, setting the stage for Richard's development and interpersonal relationships, particularly with the wealthy and artistically inclined Percy-Bartletts, whose world seems both alluring and fraught with complications.
Chester Cohen
Round-Up Time
"Round-Up Time" by Chester Cohen is a short story likely written in the mid-20th century, around the 1950s. This piece combines elements of speculative fiction and social commentary, exploring themes of mass hysteria and the effects of an unusual spectacle in an urban setting. The narrative centers around the bizarre and chaotic events that unfold when a character known as Queerpants unexpectedly captivates a crowd in Central Park. The story follows a protagonist who, struggling to make ends meet, finds unexpected fortune on the Fourth of July when he encounters a peculiar man, Queerpants. As Queerpants appears to conduct an imaginary performance, a throng of onlookers becomes entranced, showering the narrator with money as they are seemingly spellbound by the spectacle. The excitement crescendos as the crowd follows Queerpants to a strange, hovering structure that resembles a giant banana, where people willingly enter without apparent concern for their safety. Ultimately, the narrator, feeling alienated by the madness and left with a pile of money, grapples with the unsettling reality that everyone around him appears to have lost their sanity, leaving him questioning the events he has just witnessed.
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