The Gibson Upright

Name: The Gibson Upright
Author: Booth Tarkington

By Booth Tarkington

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Plays/Films/Dramas

About This Book

Set in a piano factory, the play centers on factory owner Andrew Gibson and Nora Gorodna, a piano tester who also organizes workers; a visiting socialist journalist seeks an interview as tensions over wages, materials, and labor agreements surface. Scenes alternate between Gibson's orderly office and the workshop, introducing a cross-section of employees whose grievances and loyalties illuminate conflicts between managerial pragmatism and collective demands. Dialogue-driven scenes combine domestic humor, sharp social observation, and ethical dilemmas about production, price, and community, culminating in negotiations that test personal relationships and industrial ideals.

About the Author

Booth Tarkington

Booth Tarkington was an American novelist and playwright, celebrated for his keen observations of American life in the early 20th century. Born in 1869, he gained prominence with works that often explored themes of social class and the complexities of human relationships. Tarkington is perhaps best known for his novels "Alice Adams" and "Penrod," which showcase his ability to blend humor with poignant social commentary. His literary contributions earned him two Pulitzer Prizes for Fiction, solidifying his place in American literary heritage. Through his vivid characters and engaging narratives, Tarkington captured the essence of his time, making his works enduring classics.