The late George Apley : a novel in the form of a memoir

A modern classic restored to print - the Pulitzer Prize-winning novel that charts the diminishing fortunes of a distinguished Boston family in the early years of the 20th century. Sweeping us into the inner sanctum of Boston society, into the Beacon Hill townhouses and exclusive private clubs where only the city's wealthiest and most powerful congregate, the novel gives us - through the story of one family and its patriarch, the recently deceased George Apley - the portrait of an entire society in transition. Gently satirical and rich with drama, the novel moves from the Gilded Age to the Great Depression as it projects George Apley's world - and subtly reveals a life in which success and accomplishment mask disappointment and regret, a life of extreme and enviable privilege that is nonetheless an imperfect life.John Phillips Marquand (November 10, 1893 – July 16, 1960) was an American writer. Originally best known for his Mr. Moto spy stories, he achieved popular success and critical respect for his satirical novels, winning a Pulitzer Prize for The Late George Apley in 1938. One of his abiding themes was the confining nature of life in America's upper class and among those who aspired to join it. A modern classic restored to print -- the Pulitzer Prize-winning novel that charts the diminishing fortunes of a distinguished Boston family in the early years of the 20th century. Sweeping us into the inner sanctum of Boston society, into the Beacon Hill town houses and exclusive private clubs where only the city's wealthiest and most powerful congregate, the novel gives us -- through the story of one family and its patriarch, the recently deceased George Apley -- the portrait of an entire society in transition. Gently satirical and rich with drama, the novel moves from the Gilded Age to the Great Depression as it projects George Apley's world -- and subtly reveals a life in which success and accomplishment mask disappointment and regret, a life of extreme and enviable privilege that is nonetheless an imperfect life From back cover of Washington Square Press paperback January 1970: A wicked satire This is a brilliantly etched portrait of a Bostonian and of the tradition-bound, gilded society in which he lived. But even more, it is the story of three generations of Apley men, a story of the maturing of America, a story of the golden era of American security from 1866 to 1933. The Late George Apley is fascinating, warm, witty and delightful. Marquand's superb sense of the comix has made it a classic of modern American literature. And when at last you reluctantly put it down, you will know why it won a Pulitzer Prize. Introduction by Henry H. Adams Sweeping us into the inner sanctum of Boston society, into the Beacon Hill town houses and exclusive private clubs where only the city's wealthiest and most powerful congregate, this novel gives usthrough the story of one family and its patriarch, the recently deceased George Apleythe portrait of an entire society in transition. Gently satirical and rich with drama, the novel moves from the Gilded Age to the Great Depression as it projects George Apley's worldand subtly reveals a life in which status and accomplishment mask disappointment and regret, a life of extreme and enviable privilege that is nonetheless an imperfect life. Featuring a new introduction, this contemporary satire of turn-of-the-century Boston, which was awarded the Pulitizer Prize for Fiction in 1938, traces the life of George Apley, a wealthy businessman who sacrifices his individuality to social custom and tradition By John P. Marquand. Originally Published In Hardcover By Little, Brown And Company, January 1937--t.p. Verso. "Published, January, 1937; reprinted, January, 1937." Pulitzer Prize winner.