WeRead Powered by ReaderPub
A Hazard of New Fortunes — Volume 1 cover

A Hazard of New Fortunes — Volume 1

By William Dean Howells
Open in WeRead

About This Book

A literary couple moves from a quieter setting to New York and navigates house-hunting, family arrangements, and strained domestic hopes amid urban pressures. Their private struggles are interwoven with a sweeping portrait of the city: diverse social types, contested political and economic ideas, and episodes of labor unrest that transform personal dilemmas into public crises. The work alternates intimate scenes and brisk dialogue with broad social observation, using a range of characters and episodic incidents to probe class divisions, the costs of aspiration, and the tentative prospects for reform in a rapidly changing metropolis.

About the Author

Howells, William Dean portrait

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.

More Books by This Author

6 picks
A Belated Guest (from Literary Friends and Acquaintance) cover A Belated Guest (from Literary Friends and Acquaintance) by William Dean Howells A Boy's Town cover A Boy's Town by William Dean Howells A Chance Acquaintance cover A Chance Acquaintance by William Dean Howells A Confession of St. Augustine cover A Confession of St. Augustine by William Dean Howells A Counterfeit Presentment; and, The Parlour Car cover A Counterfeit Presentment; and, The Parlour Car by William Dean Howells A Fearful Responsibility and Other Stories cover A Fearful Responsibility and Other Stories by William Dean Howells