Description

William Dean Howells masterfully chronicles the ascent of Silas Lapham, a self-made man from Vermont who builds a formidable paint business in Boston. This novel delves into the complexities of American ambition, exploring Silas's journey from humble origins to immense wealth and his subsequent struggle to navigate the intricate social landscape of the Gilded Age elite. As Silas grapples with newfound status, the narrative probes the often-tenuous connection between material success and moral integrity, revealing the profound challenges of maintaining one's principles amidst the allure of high society. Howells's keen observation of character and societal dynamics offers a compelling portrait of a man caught between his past and his aspirations.

Available Editions

paperback edition cover

paperback

Hard Press

Published Nov 3, 2006

298 pages

ISBN: 9781406941913

available

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Details

First Published

1885

Language

eng

Content Warnings

No content warnings identified.