The Three Black Pennys: A Novel

Name: The Three Black Pennys: A Novel
Author: Joseph Hergesheimer

By Joseph Hergesheimer

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American Literature

About This Book

The narrative centers on Howat Penny, scion of a family that owns regional ironworks, and traces his perceptions amid the furnace and forge, the mechanical rhythms of ironmaking and the surrounding rural estate. Interwoven are social encounters with visiting figures and local gentry, domestic interiors, seasonal landscapes, and the material details of production. The story explores contrasts between industrial labor and cultivated leisure, the shaping influence of inherited enterprise on personal ambitions, and the subtle currents of desire, indifference and social rivalry that link characters in a claustrophobic yet richly observed community.

About the Author

Joseph Hergesheimer

Joseph Hergesheimer was an American novelist and short story writer known for his vivid and lyrical prose. Active in the early 20th century, he explored themes of love, ambition, and the complexities of human relationships. His notable works include "Cytherea," which delves into the intricacies of desire and identity, and "Java Head," a tale set against the backdrop of the East Indies that examines cultural clashes and personal transformation. Hergesheimer's writing often reflects a deep appreciation for the beauty of language and a keen insight into the human condition, contributing significantly to American literature during his time.