By William Dean Howells (Exploring Economics Units 4-7)

This book, published in 1885, was one of the first to explore the topic of the American businessman. Set in Boston during the Victorian era, the story follows the financial and romantic upheavals of the Lapham family, with a focus on the personal development of the title character as his rise unfolds.

See the Notes About the Literature in the Guide for Parents and Answer Key.

This book traces, the life of a family man and a business man who wrestle with questions, such as… Do the principles of economics apply to real life? What does it profit a man to gain the whole world and lose his soul? How should we handle success, and failure?