The Mansion: Classic Book Guide and Free Edition
The Mansion: author and translator credits, catalogue synopsis, subjects and links to the Gutenberg reading formats.
The Mansion is catalogued by Project Gutenberg with author credits for Van Dyke, Henry (1852–1933).
Catalogue synopsis
Project Gutenberg supplies this automated synopsis of the opening text:
"The Mansion" by Henry Van Dyke is a philosophical short story written in the early 20th century. This poignant narrative explores themes of wealth, self-worth, and the true meaning of success through its main character, John Weightman, a self-made man entangled in the expectations of societal status and material wealth. The story delves into the contrast between earthly aspirations and spiritual fulfillment. The plot follows John Weightman, a prosperous banker, who has devoted his life to building a grand reputation and empire based on principles of financial prudence. As he navigates his relationships with his son Harold and his own values, Weightman is struck by a moment of realization after a mysterious encounter following his death. He envisions a journey to a heavenly realm, where he anticipates the magnificent mansion promised to him. However, upon arrival, he is confronted with the stark difference between his expectations and the reality of a modest hut that represents the sum of his true life's work—revealing that his earthly investments were not accrued from genuine love and selflessness. The story ultimately showcases a profound lesson about the nature of true riches and the importance of acts of kindness driven purely by love rather than for profit or recognition.
Book and edition facts
- Title: The Mansion
- Author credits: Van Dyke, Henry (1852–1933)
- Catalogue language: English
Catalogue subjects
- Christian fiction
- Christian life -- Fiction
- Christmas stories
- Conduct of life -- Fiction
- Future life -- Fiction
- Immortality -- Fiction
Gutenberg collections
- Category: American Literature
- Category: Philosophy & Ethics
- 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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