That Fortune

Name: That Fortune
Author: Charles Dudley Warner

By Charles Dudley Warner

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About This Book

A coming-of-age tale follows a young man raised in a rural setting whose youthful impulses and reveries shape his choices between personal cultivation and worldly success. The narrative moves from nostalgic scenes of childhood into episodes of study and travel, chronicling efforts to form character, pursue ambitions, and negotiate social expectations around marriage and reputation. Central themes explore how inherited temperament, family background, and chance influence adult behavior, revealing the persistence of early traits despite education and refinement and the tension between private ideals and public measures of success.

About the Author

Charles Dudley Warner

Charles Dudley Warner (1829-1900) was an American essayist, novelist, and social critic, known for his keen observations on American life and culture. He was a prominent figure in the literary scene of the late 19th century and is often associated with the Hartford Wits, a group of writers from Connecticut. Warner's works, such as "Being a Boy" and "Backlog Studies," reflect his insightful commentary on society, education, and the human experience. He collaborated with Mark Twain on "The Gilded Age," which satirizes the greed and corruption of post-Civil War America. Warner's contributions to literature continue to resonate, offering a window into the complexities of his time.