The Descent of Man and Other Stories: Classic Book Guide and Free Edition
The Descent of Man and Other Stories: author and translator credits, catalogue synopsis, subjects and links to the Gutenberg reading formats.
The Descent of Man and Other Stories is catalogued by Project Gutenberg with author credits for Wharton, Edith (1862–1937).
Catalogue synopsis
Project Gutenberg supplies this automated synopsis of the opening text:
"The Descent of Man and Other Stories" by Edith Wharton is a collection of short stories written during the late 19th century. The opening story, "The Descent of Man," introduces Professor Linyard, a biologist returning from a holiday in the Maine woods, who is enlivened not by nature alone but by an exhilarating new idea he has embraced. This collection explores themes of societal norms, personal relationships, and the tension between scientific thought and popular misconceptions. At the start of the text, Professor Linyard's character unfolds, revealing his complex domestic life, including a doting wife and children, as well as his internal struggle with the constraints of marriage and the vibrant ideas that inspire him. After his return from vacation, he contemplates a satirical work aimed at critiquing the pseudoscientific literature that has captivated the public. Linyard is drawn into a world where his intellectual pursuits clash with the mundane expectations of society, setting the stage for the tension between his domestic obligations and creative ambitions as he prepares to navigate the publishing landscape. His idea serves as both a comedic outlet and a serious critique, highlighting Wharton's deft handling of irony and social commentary.
Book and edition facts
- Title: The Descent of Man and Other Stories
- Author credits: Wharton, Edith (1862–1937)
- Catalogue language: English
Catalogue subjects
- New York (N.Y.) -- Social life and customs -- Fiction
- Short stories
Gutenberg collections
- Category: American Literature
- Category: Short Stories
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View the complete Gutenberg catalogue record. Project Gutenberg identifies this edition as public domain in the United States; that designation does not establish its copyright status in every country.
Source notes
Catalogue metadata is public domain and is supplied through Gutendex, which imports Gutenberg's machine-readable catalogue. The automated synopsis is source-supplied, not an independently verified review. Author dates above describe the credited people; no ebook release date is presented as the book's original publication date.
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