Twelve Men
Jul 2020 · Otbebookpublishing
Ebook
279
Pages
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About this ebook
Although world-famous for his novels Sister Carrie and Jennie Gerhardt, Theodore Dreiser was also highly accomplished in journalism, autobiography, and travel writing. In 1919, having recently accepted the publishing contract of a new publisher, Dreiser proposed to publish a "book of characters" that would collect twelve biographical sketches of individuals who were major influences on Dreiser, both as a man and as a writer. The resulting narratives combine the best attributes of the character sketch, the autobiography, and the short story into miniature masterpieces of prose. The men profiled in Twelve Men are a diverse and colorful group: from Dreiser's equally famous brother, the song-writer Paul Dreiser's ("My Brother Paul"), to the entirely obscure railroad foreman Michael Burke ("The Mighty Rourke"), on whose work crew Dreiser had labored in 1903. The twelve narratives are compelling portraits of the men portrayed, but they also reveal many insights into Dreiser's own life and work. (Goodreads)
About the author
Theodore Dreiser (1871-1945) stands as a towering figure in American literature, renowned for his unflinching portrayal of the human condition and the stark realities of American life. Born into poverty in Terre Haute, Indiana, Dreiser's early experiences of hardship and struggle profoundly shaped his worldview and literary voice. His works often delve into themes of ambition, desire, and the relentless pursuit of success, reflecting the socio-economic turbulence of the Gilded Age and the early 20th century.Dreiser's literary journey was marked by controversy and censorship, particularly with his novel "Sister Carrie," which faced significant backlash for its candid depiction of a woman's rise to success through morally ambiguous means. Despite initial resistance, the novel eventually gained recognition for its groundbreaking realism and complex characterizations.A pioneer of naturalism, Dreiser's influence extended to contemporary writers like Sinclair Lewis and John Steinbeck, who admired his commitment to depicting life's harsh truths without romanticization. His works challenged the prevailing moral norms and highlighted the often-brutal forces of capitalism and industrialization.Dreiser was also a vocal advocate for social justice, aligning himself with progressive causes and critiquing the inequities of American society. His fearless exploration of taboo subjects and his dedication to social realism cemented his legacy as a revolutionary literary figure who dared to confront the uncomfortable truths of his time.
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