A Hazard of New Fortunes — Volume 4

"A Hazard of New Fortunes — Volume 4" by William Dean Howells is a novel written during the late 19th century. The book explores themes of social dynamics and class relations in American society through the lens of its characters, particularly focusing on the characters involved in the publication of a literary magazine called 'Every Other Week,' including Fulkerson, Dryfoos, and March, as they navigate their individual relationships and aspirations. The opening of the novel introduces a scene where Fulkerson discusses plans for a celebratory dinner with Dryfoos, attributing the success of 'Every Other Week' to both his own creativity and Dryfoos's financial backing. The dynamics between the characters reveal tensions related to social status, self-perception, and the intersection of art and commerce. March exhibits skepticism towards Fulkerson's ambitious advertising strategies, while Dryfoos seems both proud and unsure in his newfound role. This complex interplay sets the stage for broader explorations of ethics and individuality within a changing society, establishing the foundation for the characters' development and the conflicts that may arise from their interrelations. (This is an automatically generated summary.)

William Dean Howells was an American realist novelist, literary critic, and playwright, nicknamed "The Dean of American Letters". He was particularly known for his tenure as editor of The Atlantic Monthly, as well as for the novels The Rise of Silas Lapham and A Traveler from Altruria, and the Christmas story "Christmas Every Day," which was adapted into a 1996 film of the same name.