The congressman's wife, a story of American politics

Chapter 2: Preface

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About This Book

The story follows a Washington congressman and his family as they cope with the demands of political life, particularly the exhaustive social round managed by his wife. Through household scenes, receptions, and interactions with colleagues and servants, the narrative contrasts public ambitions and the private standards upheld at home, showing how entertaining, appearances, and partisan duties sap health and strain relationships. The author concentrates on social and human complications, tracing the emotional costs, small moral compromises, and differing conduct expected in public and domestic spheres.

Preface

In this story my aim has not been primarily to depict conditions in American politics. This work has already been done far better than I could do it by several writers, among others, by Mr. Brand Whitlock, whose novel, “The Thirteenth District,” shows a remarkable insight and fidelity. I have merely used a familiar condition for the purpose of tracing some of its purely social and human complications. The contrast between the standards a man may follow in public life or in business and those he maintains at home, with his wife and children, seemed to me to afford material worth the attention of the story-writer.

J. D. B.

July, 1903.