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The Midlander

By Booth Tarkington
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About This Book

Two Oliphant brothers, Harlan and Dan, are drawn in contrasting portraits: Harlan is fastidious, reserved, and stately, while Dan is impulsive, rougher, and playful. Set among the large, old-family houses of an upper avenue facing the pressures of urban growth, the narrative follows their childhood and adolescence through domestic scenes, neighborhood episodes, and a few youthful enterprises and disputes. Chapters sketch social rituals, local characters, and everyday comedy, using the brothers’ differing habits and ambitions to examine questions of social identity, privilege, and changing community tastes with a mix of affectionate observation and mild irony.

About the Author

Tarkington, Booth portrait

Booth Tarkington

Booth Tarkington was an American novelist and playwright, celebrated for his keen observations of American life in the early 20th century. Born in 1869, he gained prominence with works that often explored themes of social class and the complexities of human relationships. Tarkington is perhaps best known for his novels "Alice Adams" and "Penrod," which showcase his ability to blend humor with poignant social commentary. His literary contributions earned him two Pulitzer Prizes for Fiction, solidifying his place in American literary heritage. Through his vivid characters and engaging narratives, Tarkington captured the essence of his time, making his works enduring classics.

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