Rise of Silas Lapham, The

This book, published in 1885, was one of the first to explore the topic of the American businessman. Set in Boston during the Victorian era, the story follows the financial and romantic upheavals of the Lapham family, with a focus on the personal development of the title character as his rise unfolds.

A devoted husband and father, fairly decent employer, and mostly honest businessman, Silas Lapham has used his father’s small paint company to amass a large fortune.  But he yearns to “enter society” and have his two daughters, Penelope and Irene, marry well.  While Penelope is pursued by Tom Corey, a scion of old money who is in love with her, Tom’s mother believes Penelope is an overly independent social climber and tries to thwart the romance.  Meanwhile, Silas’ efforts to be accepted by the Boston Brahmins lead him into dangerous financial waters that threaten to drown his business and swallow his family.