The Titan

Theodore Dreiser's The Titan (1914) is a powerful social critique of the Gilded Age, based on the life of Charles Yerkes. Frank Cowperwood exploits the Panic of 1873 to become a millionaire, but his past catches up with him, and he questions the trajectory of his ambitious life. The novel explores romance, greed, and betrayal and remains a classic of American literature.

Format: Hardback
Length: 488 pages
Publication date: 15 February 2022
Publisher: West Margin Press

Theodore Dreiser's novel The Titan, published in 1914, stands as a remarkable work of naturalist fiction and continues to be a potent illustration of social critique, spanning over a century since its initial publication. This second installment of Dreiser's Trilogy of Desire follows The Financier (1914) and precedes The Stoic (1947). Set during the Gilded Age, a period characterized by the unchecked rise of tycoons who seized control of vast segments of American industry, The Titan vividly captures the pervasive greed that permeated this era. Based on the life of Charles Yerkes, an influential businessman who played a significant role in developing railway systems in Chicago and London, The Titan is considered a masterpiece of twentieth-century American literature, resonating with readers even today.

After serving his time in prison, Frank Cowperwood capitalizes on the Panic of 1873 to acquire stocks at discounted prices, resulting in substantial profits and restoring his millionaire status. However, his desire for success and a new life leads him to relocate to Chicago, where he establishes a new home with his young lover and seeks a divorce from his estranged wife. With unwavering determination, Cowperwood seizes control of the burgeoning transit system in Chicago, propelling himself to new heights of wealth and influence. However, his past eventually comes to light, tarnishing his reputation among the local elite and causing him to become an outcast at social gatherings. As his grip on Chicago begins to loosen, so does the stability of his marriage. Overwhelmed by doubt and succumbing to his lustful ways, Cowperwood begins to question the trajectory of his ambitious life.

The Titan is a captivating tale that explores themes of romance, greed, and betrayal, offering profound insights into the nature of a single man and the societal values of the time. This edition of Theodore Dreiser's novel features a beautifully designed cover and a professionally typeset manuscript, enhancing the reading experience for enthusiasts of classic literature.

Weight: 614g
Dimension: 134 x 210 x 33 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781513135427