William Dean Howells 
The Rise of Silas Lapham 

In William Dean Howells’ novel, ‘The Rise of Silas Lapham’, the reader is transported to the bustling world of 19th-century America, where the protagonist, Silas Lapham, navigates the complexities of wealth, morality, and social class. Howells’ realistic and detailed prose captures the essence of the era and provides a window into the challenges faced by individuals striving for success in a rapidly changing society. The novel is a masterful exploration of human ambition and the consequences of unchecked materialism, making it a significant work in American literary history. Howells’ use of social commentary and vivid characterization adds depth to the narrative, engaging readers in a thought-provoking examination of the American Dream. The novel’s compelling plot and nuanced portrayal of human nature make it a timeless classic that continues to resonate with contemporary audiences. Fans of American literature and historical fiction will appreciate Howells’ insightful portrayal of the complexities of wealth and morality in ‘The Rise of Silas Lapham’.

About the author

William Dean Howells (1837–1920) stands out as one of the foremost figures in American literature during the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Born on March 1, 1837, in Martinsville, now known as Martins Ferry, Ohio, Howells became a man of letters who wore many hats – as a novelist, literary critic, playwright, and editor. As a proponent of Realism, he championed the portrayal of ordinary life devoid of romantic idealization or dramatic elements, which was quite revolutionary at the time and influenced the path of American writing (Goodman, 1999). His seminal work, ‘The Rise of Silas Lapham’ (1885), exemplifies this style, detailing the moral and ethical dilemmas faced by its eponymous protagonist amidst the backdrop of the Gilded Age. Notably, the book provides a nuanced view of the American Dream through its depiction of social class and business ethics (Crowley, 2001). Howells served as the editor of the Atlantic Monthly and was in regular correspondence with other literary giants of his time such as Mark Twain and Henry James, helping to shape the discourse of American literary naturalism. The body of his work extends over a hundred volumes, including fiction, plays, and essays. Howells was not only an influential writer but also a critic who championed the work of other realists, and in doing so, profoundly shaped the standards by which literature was judged in his era (Kaplan, 1989).