A Counterfeit Presentment; and, The Parlour Car

Name: A Counterfeit Presentment; and, The Parlour Car
Author: William Dean Howells

By William Dean Howells

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About This Book

A two-part volume opens with a comic drama in which an artist's arrival and an extraordinary resemblance unsettle a household, prompting delicate confrontations with grief, self-reproach, and the precariousness of social reputation. Intimate scenes and shifting perceptions examine how likeness, memory, and moral suspicion distort relationships and complicate romantic and familial expectations. A short closing farce concentrates comic energy on social pretension and mistaken assumptions, employing brisk action and irony to expose manners and hypocrisy.

About the Author

William Dean Howells

William Dean Howells (1837-1920) was an influential American author and literary critic, often regarded as the "Dean of American Letters." He is best known for his realistic portrayals of American life and society, particularly in the late 19th century. Howells's works often explore themes of social class and morality, reflecting the complexities of contemporary life. His notable novel, "A Hazard of New Fortunes," delves into the challenges faced by individuals in a rapidly changing society. Throughout his career, Howells contributed significantly to the development of realism in American literature, advocating for a more truthful representation of everyday experiences.