David Harum / A Story of American Life

Name: David Harum / A Story of American Life
Author: Edward Noyes Westcott

By Edward Noyes Westcott

Open in WeRead

Explore more books like this:

American Literature Humour Novels

About This Book

The narrative centers on an elderly country banker whose shrewd horse-trading maxims and homespun philosophy influence a small central New York community. It presents episodic scenes and humorous anecdotes that reveal his mixture of bluff, practical wisdom, and unexpected generosity. A quiet love story and the banker’s dealings with neighbors and customers give shape to the portrait, while vivid local color and dialect create a sense of place. The book emphasizes character sketches and moral observations more than tightly plotted action, using colloquial speech and aphorisms to explore rural commerce, social relations, and practical ethics.

About the Author

Edward Noyes Westcott

Edward Noyes Westcott was an American author best known for his novel "David Harum: A Story of American Life," published in 1898. This work captures the essence of rural life in upstate New York and reflects the values and character of its time through the lens of its memorable protagonist, David Harum. Westcott's writing is characterized by its vivid portrayal of American culture and its engaging storytelling. In addition to his notable novel, he also wrote "The Christmas Story from David Harum," which further explores the themes of community and tradition. Westcott's contributions to American literature provide insight into the social fabric of his era.