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 novella written in the early 20th century. The narrative explores themes of materialism versus spiritual fulfillment, focusing on the life of John Weightman, a wealthy banker committed to upholding societal norms and expectations. The book delves into the consequences of a life measured solely by material success and the inherent values of selflessness and love for others. The story follows John Weightman, who prides himself on his material achievements and societal respectability, as he navigates his relationships with his son Harold and wife. Harold, seeking a more authentic life, feels stifled by his father's rigid values and longs for freedom to make his own choices. After a Christmas Eve dinner where tensions rise, John Weightman experiences a life-altering moment that leads him to an unexpected understanding of his existence. In a surreal journey after his death, he encounters the Keeper of the Gate, who reveals the true measure of a person’s worth lies not in material possessions but in acts of love and kindness. Ultimately, John discovers that his earthly deeds, driven by self-interest, do not grant him the grand mansion he expected in the afterlife, but instead a humble abode reflective of his life's true essence. This transformation compels him to change his approach to life and relationships, particularly with Harold, as he learns the value of genuine giving and connection.
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
- Short stories
Gutenberg collections
- Category: American Literature
- Category: Novels
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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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