First published 1989
Silas Lapham's paint empire has made him a fortune, but his newfound wealth threatens to corrode his principles. As he climbs the social ladder, desperate to marry off his daughter into the aristocratic Corey family, Silas must confront the ethical compromises that fueled his success. When his business partner proposes an unscrupulous deal, Silas faces a pivotal choice: sacrifice his values or surrender his riches. In this incisive social satire, Howells masterfully explores the moral pitfalls of American capitalism.
Genres: classic-literature, domestic-fiction, american-fiction, business, contemporary, 19th-century, business-ethics, family-drama
Vibes: intimate, social-commentary, thought-provoking
Tropes: moral-conflict, social-satire
296 pages · Paperback