
A Traveler at Forty
Enriched edition. An Introspective Journey Through Existential Reflections and Moral Turmoil in Late 19th Century AmericaBy Theodore DreiserLength18h 31m
About this audiobook
In "A Traveler at Forty," Theodore Dreiser masterfully intertwines autobiography with broader reflections on American society, encapsulating his personal journey with elements of naturalism. The book, written in a reflective prose style reminiscent of the late 19th and early 20th centuries, invites readers to explore Dreiser's travels, both literal and figurative, as he navigates the complexities of life at the age of forty. Through vivid imagery and introspective narrative, Dreiser examines themes of ambition, identity, and the pursuit of happiness, offering a poignant critique of the American Dream and its discontents. Theodore Dreiser, a pivotal figure in American literature and a champion of naturalism, drew inspiration from his own experiences of struggle and disenchantment. Born into a modest family in 1871, his early life was fraught with challenges that shaped his critical view of society. "A Traveler at Forty" emerges during a period of personal reflection, as Dreiser grapples with his past successes and failures, offering readers insight into the mind of an author deeply engaged with the social and cultural dynamics of his time. This book is highly recommended for readers interested in American literature, autobiography, and the complex interplay between personal experience and societal critique. Dreiser's evocative language and incisive observations make it an essential read for those seeking to understand the evolution of the American narrative and the individual's place within it.
In this enriched edition, we have carefully created added value for your reading experience:
- A succinct Introduction situates the work's timeless appeal and themes.
- The Synopsis outlines the central plot, highlighting key developments without spoiling critical twists.
- A detailed Historical Context immerses you in the era's events and influences that shaped the writing.
- An Author Biography reveals milestones in the author's life, illuminating the personal insights behind the text.
- A thorough Analysis dissects symbols, motifs, and character arcs to unearth underlying meanings.
- Reflection questions prompt you to engage personally with the work's messages, connecting them to modern life.
- Hand‐picked Memorable Quotes shine a spotlight on moments of literary brilliance.
- Interactive footnotes clarify unusual references, historical allusions, and archaic phrases for an effortless, more informed read.
Audiobook details
GenreLiterary Classics, General Fiction
Length18 hrs 31 mins
Narrated byListen with 1,000+ voices
FormateBook with Audio
Publish dateNov 5, 2021
LanguageEnglish
Table of contents
1Introduction
32CHAPTER XXVII WE GO TO EZE
2Introduction
33CHAPTER XXVIII NICE
3Synopsis
34CHAPTER XXIX A FIRST GLIMPSE OF ITALY
4Historical Context
35CHAPTER XXX A STOP AT PISA
5Author Biography
36CHAPTER XXXI FIRST IMPRESSIONS OF ROME
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6CHAPTER I BARFLEUR TAKES ME IN HAND
37CHAPTER XXXII MRS. Q. AND THE BORGIA FAMILY
7CHAPTER II MISS X.
38CHAPTER XXXIII THE ART OF SIGNOR TANNI
8CHAPTER III AT FISHGUARD
39CHAPTER XXXIV AN AUDIENCE AT THE VATICAN
9CHAPTER IV SERVANTS AND POLITENESS
40CHAPTER XXXV THE CITY OF ST. FRANCIS
10CHAPTER V THE RIDE TO LONDON
41CHAPTER XXXVI PERUGIA
11CHAPTER VI THE BARFLEUR FAMILY
42CHAPTER XXXVII THE MAKERS OF FLORENCE
12CHAPTER VII A GLIMPSE OF LONDON
43CHAPTER XXXVIII A NIGHT RAMBLE IN FLORENCE
13CHAPTER VIII A LONDON DRAWING-ROOM
44CHAPTER XXXIX FLORENCE OF TO-DAY
14CHAPTER IX CALLS
45CHAPTER XL MARIA BASTIDA
15CHAPTER X SOME MORE ABOUT LONDON
46CHAPTER XLI VENICE
16CHAPTER XI THE THAMES
47CHAPTER XLII LUCERNE
17CHAPTER XII MARLOWE
48CHAPTER XLIII ENTERING GERMANY
18CHAPTER XIII LILLY: A GIRL OF THE STREETS
49CHAPTER XLIV A MEDIEVAL TOWN
19CHAPTER XIV LONDON; THE EAST END
50CHAPTER XLV MY FATHER’S BIRTHPLACE
20CHAPTER XV ENTER SIR SCORP
51CHAPTER XLVI THE ARTISTIC TEMPERAMENT
21CHAPTER XVI A CHRISTMAS CALL
52CHAPTER XLVII BERLIN
22CHAPTER XVII SMOKY ENGLAND
53CHAPTER XLVIII THE NIGHT-LIFE OF BERLIN
23CHAPTER XVIII SMOKY ENGLAND (continued)
54CHAPTER XLIX ON THE WAY TO HOLLAND
24CHAPTER XIX CANTERBURY
55CHAPTER L AMSTERDAM
25CHAPTER XX EN ROUTE TO PARIS
56CHAPTER LI “SPOTLESS TOWN”
26CHAPTER XXI PARIS!
57CHAPTER LII PARIS AGAIN
27CHAPTER XXII A MORNING IN PARIS
58CHAPTER LIII THE VOYAGE HOME
28CHAPTER XXIII THREE GUIDES
59Analysis
29CHAPTER XXIV “THE POISON FLOWER”
60Reflection
30CHAPTER XXV MONTE CARLO
61Memorable Quotes
31CHAPTER XXVI THE LURE OF GOLD!