The Rise Of Silas Lapham by William Dean Howells

The novel centers around the moral and ethical journey of Silas Lapham, a self-made businessman who rises from rural Vermont origins to become a wealthy paint manufacturer in Boston. As Lapham grapples with the social expectations and responsibilities that accompany his newfound status, he faces a series of personal and financial challenges that test his integrity. His desire to integrate into high society and secure advantageous marriages for his daughters leads to a clash between the values of material success and moral rectitude. Throughout the story, Lapham's character is explored through his interactions with the aristocratic Corey family, highlighting the tensions between the old and new elite in American society.

The 1544th greatest book of all time

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Total Points: 243

Since this book was first published in 1885, there is a penalty of 0%. The age adjusted score is 243.0.

This is to prevent newer books from reaching super high on the ranked list of the greatest books of all time. The greatest books should also stand the test of time.