This Madness

“An American Tragedy,” subtitled “The First Truly Honest Novel of Love,” which Theodore Dreiser considered his most significant and personal work. As the author himself confessed, romantic relationships always played the primary role in his life: they invigorated him, stirred his thoughts, and strengthened his spirit. It’s no surprise that Dreiser’s love life was extremely eventful—he separated from his wife, regularly changed mistresses, and even cheated with a longtime companion. The novel is based on memories of several of the most vivid relationships from Dreiser’s life. “An American Tragedy” was published in installments in the pages of “Hearst International” from February to July 1929. The writer planned to include additional essays, but he never returned to this topic.