The "Genius"

Theodore Dreiser's novel "The Genius" (1915) explores the nature of talent, desire, and faith. The protagonist, Eugene Witla, moves to New York City to pursue his art but feels held back by his obligation to his wife, Angela. The novel examines the values of an entire society and is a classic of American literature reimagined for modern readers.

Format: Hardback
Length: 740 pages
Publication date: 15 February 2022
Publisher: West Margin Press

Theodore Dreiser's novel "The "Genius"" (1915) delves into the complexities of talent, desire, and faith. Drawing from his own experiences as an artist from the Midwest, the book explores the nature of artistic genius and the challenges faced by those who strive for greatness. Despite initial high hopes, the novel received mixed reviews and faced obscenity charges, which resulted in reduced sales. However, some critics praised Dreiser's frankness in addressing sex and desire, opposing the censorship targeting his work.

The protagonist of the story, Eugene Witla, is born in a small Midwestern town but dreams of a life in the bustling city of Chicago. He enrolls at the Chicago Art Institute to study painting but spends more time pursuing women than his studies. Despite his desire for a faithless life, Eugene agrees to marry his lover, Angela. The couple moves to New York City, where Eugene's urban realist style attracts critical acclaim and commercial success. However, Eugene's obligation to Angela, who lacks any creative inclination and desires a simple, anonymous life, holds him back.

On a trip to Europe, Eugene suffers a mental breakdown and decides to abandon his art, turning to advertising as a means of livelihood. While he claims to be satisfied with his new career, his behavior soon reveals his discontentment. "The "Genius"" is a multi-dimensional story that examines the complexities of human relationships, societal expectations, and the pursuit of artistic excellence. With its beautifully designed cover and professionally typeset manuscript, this edition of Theodore Dreiser's classic novel offers a modern readers a fresh perspective on a timeless masterpiece.

Dimension: 203 x 127 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781513135434