Theodore Dreiser

Full Name: Theodore Herman Albert Dreiser
Profession: Novelist

Nationality:

Biography: Theodore Dreiser was an American novelist known for his pioneering role in the naturalist school of writing. His novels often portrayed characters whose value lies not in their moral code, but in their persistence against all obstacles, thus offering a compelling critique of the social and economic conditions of the time.

Dreiser's first novel, Sister Carrie (1900), was a groundbreaking work that departed from the prevailing Victorian norms of the era. The novel presented a young woman who defies societal expectations, seeks personal fulfillment, and openly embraces her desires. This frank depiction of sexuality and the pursuit of success was initially met with controversy but is now regarded as a classic.

In addition to Sister Carrie, Dreiser is known for his "Trilogy of Desire", which includes the novels The Financier (1912), The Titan (1914), and The Stoic (1947). These works explore the life of a single character, Frank Cowperwood, a ruthless and cunning business tycoon. Through Cowperwood's rise and fall, Dreiser explores the corrosive effects of unchecked ambition and the dehumanizing impact of wealth and power.

Born: August 27, 1871
Birthplace: Terre Haute, Indiana, USA
Star Sign: Virgo

Died: December 28, 1945 (aged 74)