Novel 226: Albert Bigelow Paine, The Van Dwellers (1901)
A family tries out various apartments and houses in New York City and vicinity.
Albert Bigelow Paine (1861-1937) is remembered mainly as Mark Twain's literary executor and biographer. This brief work is less interesting for its humorous caricatures than for the light it throws on New York apartment living at the end of the 19th century.
“It seems . . . real to those who have had any experience in this line.” Detroit Free Press, October 14, 1901
“Amusingly told . . . , cleverly written . . . , a jolly companion for an unfilled hour.” Baltimore Sun, October 31, 1901
A contrasting view:
“At times fresh and amusing, but in part forced and over-done.” Literary World, January 1902
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