"A Man and His Money" is a novel written by Frederic Stewart Isham, an American author, and it was first published in 1902. The novel is primarily a work of fiction but includes elements of social commentary and satire, focusing on the lives and financial endeavors of the American upper class during the Gilded Age.
Key features and themes of "A Man and His Money" include:
Social Satire: The book offers a satirical commentary on the values, aspirations, and excesses of the wealthy elite in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. It examines the pursuit of wealth and the lifestyles of the privileged classes, often with a critical and humorous lens.
Financial Ambition: The central character, John Thorpe, is a wealthy young man who inherits a significant fortune. The novel explores his financial ambitions, investment decisions, and his relationships with those who are attracted to his wealth.
Romantic Elements: Alongside its financial themes, the novel also incorporates romantic subplots, as John Thorpe navigates love and relationships, which are often influenced by the financial and social standing of the characters.
Moral and Ethical Dilemmas: As John Thorpe amasses wealth and faces various dilemmas, the novel delves into questions of morality and ethics. It raises issues about the pursuit of wealth at the expense of other values and the consequences of one's actions.
Period Setting: "A Man and His Money" is set against the backdrop of the Gilded Age, a period of significant economic growth and wealth accumulation in the United States, marked by conspicuous consumption and social change.
The novel is a reflection of its time, capturing the attitudes and concerns of the American upper class as they navigated a rapidly changing society. Frederic Stewart Isham's work can be seen as both a critique and a portrayal of the era's financial and social dynamics. It is an intriguing read for those interested in historical fiction, social commentary, and the Gilded Age in America.
