Subject
Middle-aged persons -- Fiction Books
Best books
William Dean Howells
A Hazard of New Fortunes — Complete
"A Hazard of New Fortunes" by William Dean Howells is a novel published in 1889. Basil March moves from Boston to New York City to manage a new literary magazine, bringing him into contact with characters from across American society—capitalists, socialists, former Civil War soldiers, and artists. When political tensions between the magazine's wealthy owner and March's impoverished mentor escalate, the conflict mirrors the larger divisions tearing through Gilded Age America, culminating in a violent streetcar strike that forces everyone to confront the consequences of their beliefs.
William Dean Howells
A Hazard of New Fortunes — Volume 5
"A Hazard of New Fortunes — Volume 5" by William Dean Howells is the fifth volume of a novel published in 1889. This installment continues the story of Basil March, who moved from Boston to New York to help launch a literary magazine. As tensions escalate between socialist ideals and capitalist interests, the narrative builds toward a violent streetcar strike that brings together the magazine's diverse characters—wealthy owners, impoverished intellectuals, and idealistic humanitarians—in a dramatic confrontation that will forever change their lives.
William Dean Howells
A Hazard of New Fortunes — Volume 3
"A Hazard of New Fortunes — Volume 3" by William Dean Howells is a novel published in 1889. When Basil March moves from Boston to New York to launch a literary magazine, he finds himself caught between conflicting worlds. His staff includes a socialist German immigrant, a pro-slavery Southerner, and an anti-union millionaire backer whose views inevitably clash. As tensions escalate, a streetcar strike erupts into violence, forcing March and those around him to confront the brutal realities of class conflict in Gilded Age America.
Clara Louise Burnham
Clever Betsy: A Novel
"Clever Betsy: A Novel" by Clara Louise Burnham is a fictional narrative written in the early 20th century. The story revolves around Betsy Foster, a diligent and independent woman, and her interactions with a range of characters including Captain Hiram Salter and Mrs. Bruce, highlighting themes of loyalty, love, and social dynamics in a small seaport village. As relationships unfold, there are hints of past loves, societal expectations, and Betsy's unwavering dedication to her duties. At the start of the novel, we are introduced to Betsy, who is engaged in her daily routine when she encounters Captain Salter, an old acquaintance who attempts to woo her. Their banter reveals both the history and complexity of their feelings, particularly in relation to their former spouses. We also meet Mrs. Bruce, Betsy’s employer, who returns from Europe with a need for Betsy's steadfast help in managing her household. As the opening chapters progress, we begin to see the dynamics of their relationships and how Betsy, while devoted to her role, navigates her sentiments about love, loss, and the changing tides of her life at Fairport. This interplay sets the stage for a rich exploration of character and circumstance in a community filled with both tenderness and tension.
William Dean Howells
A Hazard of New Fortunes — Volume 1
"A Hazard of New Fortunes — Volume 1" by William Dean Howells is a novel published in 1889. When Basil March moves from Boston to New York to launch a literary magazine, he enters a world of clashing ideologies and social tensions. His new publication brings together a volatile mix of characters: a socialist immigrant, a pro-slavery Southerner, and a ruthless capitalist financier. As their conflicting views collide against the backdrop of labor unrest in late 19th-century New York, March finds himself caught between his ideals and harsh realities.
William Dean Howells
A Hazard of New Fortunes — Volume 2
"A Hazard of New Fortunes — Volume 2" by William Dean Howells is a novel published in 1889. Basil March relocates from Boston to New York to help launch a literary magazine, but soon finds himself caught between conflicting ideologies. The magazine's staff includes a wealthy capitalist backer, a socialist Civil War veteran, and a pro-slavery Southern colonel. As tensions escalate over workers' rights and class divisions, a streetcar strike erupts into violence, forcing March and others to confront the deadly consequences of their beliefs.
William Dean Howells
A Hazard of New Fortunes — Volume 4
"A Hazard of New Fortunes — Volume 4" by William Dean Howells is a novel published in 1889. This volume continues the story of Basil March, who has moved from Boston to New York to help launch a literary magazine. As tensions mount between the magazine's socialist translator, its wealthy capitalist backer, and various other characters with clashing ideologies, the narrative builds toward a dramatic streetcar strike that will forever alter the lives of those involved in the publication.
Josephine Daskam Bacon
A Philanthropist
"A Philanthropist" by Josephine Daskam Bacon is a novella written during the early 20th century. This work delves into themes surrounding social responsibility and personal motivations in philanthropy, portrayed through the interactions between the main characters, Miss Gould and Mr. Welles. The story illustrates the complexities of charitable efforts and the diverse perspectives surrounding them. The plot revolves around Miss Gould, a diligent philanthropist driven by a strong sense of duty to help others, and Mr. Welles, a charming yet indolent lodger who is more focused on leisure than social reform. Their relationship takes center stage as Miss Gould attempts to influence Mr. Welles' careless attitude towards life. Despite her noble intentions, she finds herself in a comedic struggle to reform him while managing the actions of a local reformed drunkard, Tom Waters, and a group of other villagers who challenge her principles. Throughout the narrative, the dynamic between Miss Gould's earnestness and Mr. Welles' nonchalance creates moments of tension and humor, culminating in Mr. Welles' unexpected proposal that complicates their philanthropic pursuits and personal lives.
Josephine Daskam Bacon
Mrs. Dud's Sister
"Mrs. Dud's Sister" by Josephine Daskam Bacon is a novel written in the early 20th century. The book explores themes of nostalgia, the passage of time, and the subtleties of human relationships, particularly focusing on the contrasts between past and present through the interactions of its characters. Set in a genteel social setting, it delves into the lives of its characters with a blend of humor and poignant reflections. The story revolves around Varian, a man who reflects on his memories from childhood as he unexpectedly reconnects with Miss Redding, the sister of Mrs. Dud, during a party at a lavish estate. Their conversation triggers a series of nostalgic reminiscences about their shared childhood, touching on themes of aging, societal expectations, and personal fulfillment. As Varian spends time with Miss Redding, he finds himself drawn to her warmth and simplicity, contrasting sharply with the bustling social scene around them. The evolving dynamics of their relationship suggest that true happiness lies in companionship and understanding, rather than the superficial glitz of high society. The narrative beautifully captures the essence of longing for simplicity and genuine connection in an increasingly complex world.
Josephine Daskam Bacon
In The Valley Of The Shadow
"In The Valley Of The Shadow" by Josephine Daskam Bacon is a poignant novel written in the early 20th century. The narrative explores themes of love, resilience, and the anxieties surrounding illness and family dynamics as a woman embarks on a critical surgical procedure. It captures the emotional turmoil faced by family members during a medical crisis, highlighting the intricate relationships that define them. The story revolves around the Moore family as they confront the impending surgery of Mrs. Clarice Moore, affectionately known as Caddy. The characters—particularly Caddy's husband Peter and her brother-in-law Belden—navigate their fears, hopes, and frustrations as they rely on the stoic presence of a nurse named Miss Strong. The narrative weaves through the family's interactions, revealing their vulnerabilities and the inevitable struggle against despair as they await the outcome of Caddy's operation. As tensions rise, the story balances the stark realities of life, loss, and the unique strength shown by those caring for the sick, ultimately emphasizing the power of human connection in times of distress.
Josephine Daskam Bacon
The courting of Lady Jane
"The Courting of Lady Jane" by Josephine Daskam Bacon is a novel written in the early 20th century, capturing the essence of romance and social dynamics in a transitional period of American society. The story revolves around the themes of love, maturity, and the complexities of familial relationships, delving into the lives of three primary characters as they navigate the resolves of affection and societal expectations. The narrative centers on Colonel Driscoll, a middle-aged man, who becomes enamored with the beautiful and gracious Lady Jane Leroy, a young woman of only twenty-two. As the story unfolds, Colonel Driscoll proposes to Jane with the hope of merging their households and lives, which initially seems a charming match despite their significant age difference. However, as they grow closer, the ensuing complexities arise with Mrs. Leroy, Jane's mother, who struggles with the potential loss of her daughter. Ultimately, the story reveals the layered emotional dynamics between the characters, highlighting the notion of true happiness over mistaken commitments when Lady Jane realizes her affections lie elsewhere, leading to a poignant resolution that prioritizes the joy and future of the young couple over societal propriety.
Josephine Daskam Bacon
A Reversion To Type
"A Reversion To Type" by Josephine Daskam Bacon is a short story written in the early 20th century. This fictional narrative explores themes of identity, love, and societal expectations through the lens of a young woman contemplating her life choices and romantic past. The story subtly critiques the roles of women in a collegiate environment and raises questions about the value of independence versus domestic fulfillment. The narrative follows a disillusioned German assistant professor who reflects on her life while teaching a class of young women. As she observes her students, she becomes increasingly aware of the simplicity and ease of their lives compared to her own struggles and sacrifices for education and independence, particularly her past love for a man named Hermann. The protagonist grapples with her choices, contemplating the feasibility of returning to her former life in Germany and reconnecting with Hermann, whom she left behind. As she interacts with her students and navigates the complexities of her evolving self-image, the story culminates in her realization that she may have lost her chance at happiness, yet feels an inexplicable allure to the idea of love and life outside her current reality.
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