Showing results by author "Theodore Dreiser" in All Categories

An American Tragedy is the story of Clyde Griffiths, who spends his life in the desperate pursuit of success. On a deeper, more profound level, it is the masterful portrayal of the society whose values both shape Clyde's ambitions and seal his fate; it is an unsurpassed depiction of the harsh realities of American life and of the dark side of the American dream.

Frank Cowperwood's ambition ignites in the bustling streets of 19th-century Philadelphia, where he transforms humble soap sales into a lucrative empire. But beneath his entrepreneurial spirit lies a darker pursuit: the relentless quest for wealth and power. As he climbs the financial ladder, Cowperwood navigates a world rife with corruption, scandal, and moral ambiguity. From his early days at Henry Waterman & Company to his daring embezzlement of municipal funds, every decision leads him closer to both fortune and disaster. This gripping tale unravels the complexities of ambition and greed, ...

A magnificent portrayal of 1890's America and the harsh realities of a dog-eat-dog world, Sister Carrie lies at the forefront of American Naturalism. When poor young provincial woman Carrie Meeber arrives in Chicago, she little expects to be catapulted from lower-class woman to prominent Broadway actress. Passive and yielding, she lets circumstances coerce her into action and by good fortune she arrives at fame. It is in Chicago that Carrie meets a successful businessman, Hurstwood, who helps her establish her name.

The first in a "trilogy of desire", The Financier tells the story of the ruthlessly dominating broker Frank Cowperwood as he climbs the ladder of success, his adoring mistress championing his every move. Based on the life of flamboyant finance captain C. T. Yerkes, Theodore Dreiser's cutting portrayal of the unscrupulous magnate Cowperwood embodies the idea that behind every great fortune there is a crime.

Set in 18th century Philadelphia, the book follows Frank as he amasses a large fortune through stock speculation and purchases of shares in the growing street railway industry. He marries an older woman and has two children and uses his new found wealth to become socially prominent. Things however take a turn for the worst when he has an affair with Aileen Butler, the daughter of a politically prominent Irish industrialist.

Sister Carrie is an epic of urban life, the story of an innocent heroine adrift in an indifferent city. When small-town girl Carrie Meeber sets out for Chicago, she is equipped with nothing but a few dollars, a certain unspoiled beauty and charm, and a pitiful lack of preparation for the complex moral choices she will face. Her story is one of struggle, from sweatshop to stage success, and of the love she inspires in a married man twice her age, whose obsession with her threatens to destroy him.

Adapted for radio by award-winning dramatist Steve Chambers, it follows 18-year-old Carrie as she travels to Chicago to start a new life, only to find her idealistic dreams crushed by grim reality. Destiny takes over when her fresh prettiness attracts the attention of smooth-talking salesman Charlie Drouet. Carrie’s desire for the good life overcomes her misgivings about living in sin, and she allows herself to be seduced by him.

This story follows a true crime murder case from New York in 1906. Clyde Griffiths is the impoverished young man from a family of street preachers who dreams of bettering his station in life. However, his dream ends in murder and he is subsequently arrested and put on trial—putting the media in a frenzy.

Jennie Gerhardt is the tragic story of an innocent, caring, beautiful young girl from an extremely poor family who throughout her life is drawn into affairs with two different men from a much higher social class. How members of her family, the family of one of the wealthy men, and society in general react to her situation is the basis of this classic story.

This classic novel describes an ambitious poor relative of a rich man who secures an opportunity in his uncle’s factory and has a social leap to prospectively marry another rich man’s daughter in town. Similar to Gatsby and published in the same year, 1925.

This powerful novel explores the dynamics of the financial world during the Civil War and after the stock market panic caused by the Chicago fire. Frank Cowperwood, a ruthlessly domineering wheeler-dealer, experiences both the heights and the depths of the financial world, always with his loving mistress championing his every move.

The Titan is the second volume in what the author called his "trilogy of desire," featuring the character of Frank Cowperwood, a powerful, irresistibly compelling man driven by his own need for power, beautiful women, and social prestige.

The greatest short story writers strive to achieve a single, dramatic effect, a feature which the early masters of this genre perfected. Although the short story came from Europe, it was reborn in America and reached a pinnacle of superb form on these shores by the turn of the 20th century. In so many of our best writers, we hear echoes of a pioneer ethos that sustains the heart of a great literature. Here are 12 of America's best.

In the words of literary historian Larzer Ziff, The only figure of literary repute who ever rated The Genius as first among the novels of Theodore Dreiser was Theodore Dreiser. This poignant work, Dreisers fifth published novel, is his most autobiographical and remains the one he cherished the most. Crafted over four years, it reflects his struggle for recognition amidst controversy. Despite its rich exploration of sexual urges and complicated relationships, Dreiser felt the book never received the acclaim it deserved due to his original publishers reluctance to support it against criticism. ...

In Theodore Dreiser's gripping tale, we follow the ambitious Frank Cowperwood as he arrives in Chicago with his new wife, Aileen. Driven by the desire for power and wealth, Cowperwood sets his sights on dominating the city's street-railway system. With shrewd political maneuvering and the backing of influential allies like John J. McKenty, he quickly dismantles his opponents, leaving a trail of financial ruin. However, as Cowperwood's ambitions grow, so does the scrutiny from Chicago's elite. Once welcomed into high society, the couple soon faces backlash when Cowperwood's past in Philadelphia...

Serialized in Shadowland from November 1921 to February 1922, Hollywood: Its Morals and Manners is Theodore Dreiser's shocking four part expose on the motion picture industry. In it, he shares his observations from his extended stay in Los Angeles, and gives us an intimate look at the seedier underside of Hollywood. (Summary by ChuckW)

In 'Jennie Gerhardt,' Theodore Dreiser unveils the poignant journey of a young girl trapped between two worlds. Born into poverty, Jennie embodies innocence and compassion, yet her beauty attracts the attention of powerful men from higher social classes. As she navigates complex relationships with these men, Jennie's story explores themes of love, sacrifice, and the harsh realities of societal judgment. The reactions of her family, the wealthy elite, and the broader community shape her fate, revealing the struggles faced by women in a rigidly class-conscious society. This timeless narrative ...

In 'Genius,' Theodore Dreiser reveals a deeply personal story that explores the tumultuous relationship between creativity and desire. This semi-autobiographical novel delves into the life of an aspiring artist grappling with his ambitions and the complexities of human connection. Dreiser's candid portrayal of sexual urges and emotional struggles offers a raw look at the often painful path to artistic success. Over four years, he meticulously crafted this narrative, making it the work closest to his heart. Listeners will discover how the protagonist's quest for recognition leads to moments of ...

Based on a true incident, young Clyde Griffiths revolts against the poverty and missionary zeal of his parents as he pursues job advancement, acceptance in the world of society and the affections of two women. The solution to his romantic dilemma is vividly described in this haunting, sometimes horrific story.

This collection presents eleven of Dreiser’s best tales, ranging from trenchant social analysis to penetrating character study.