Most Popular Books by Edna Ferber

Pulitzer Prize winner Edna Ferber''s stunning first autobiography, in which she recounts her small-town Midwestern childhood and rise to literary fame, all amidst the backdrop of America around the turn of the 20th century. A modest girl growing up one of the only Jewish children in her Midwestern town, Edna Ferber started overcoming the odds at a young age. Pursuing work at the local newspaper as an innocent 17-year-old, she was assigned the night court shift, reporting on drugs and violence, and gradually finding her own voice in standing up to what she witnessed. As she continued to pursue writing, she recalls the various ways in which she found inspiration, leading her to publish her first books and later, So Big, which won a Pulitzer Prize and catapulted her to fame. Ferber''s incredible experiences all occur during a time of pre-WWII rising anti-Semitism and the gaining power of Hitler in Europe, and the various historical and political tensions of the time color the fascinating events of her life.

The Pulitzer Prize–winning “masterpiece” by the acclaimed author of Giant follows the life of a farming woman on the Illinois prairie (The Literary Review). In the small Dutch community of New Holland, Illinois, Selina DeJong dedicates herself to her passion for learning by becoming a schoolteacher. But as life progresses, she finds other loves: first, her husband, Pervus, a Dutch farmer; and then her son, Dirk, whom she nicknames “So Big” in reference to the common refrain: “How big is baby? So big!” Throughout her life, Selina never loses her fondness for learning and art—even as tragedy, loss, the realities of hard work, and the necessity of money threaten to eclipse all else. But as her son grows up to pursue his fortune in Chicago, can she help him retain those same values? So Big is the story of both a woman and her son, and a country in the midst of profound cultural transition. The winner of the 1925 Pulitzer Prize, it is widely considered author Edna Ferber’s masterpiece. “It has the completeness, [the] finality, that grips and exalts and convinces.” —The Literary Review

Show Boat is a 1926 novel byEdna Ferber. It chronicles the lives of three generations of performers on the Cotton Blossom, a floating theater on a steamboat that travels between small towns along the banks of the Mississippi River, from the 1880s to the 1920s. The story moves from the Reconstruction Era riverboat to Gilded Age Chicago to Roaring Twenties New York, and finally returns to the Mississippi River.

A rich, varied, and brilliant collection of some of the most-loved stories from one of America''s favorite writers, chosen by the author herself, Pulitzer Prize winner Edna Ferber. At eighteen, Edna Ferber was the only female reporter on a big, tough, midwestern daily, covering everything from fires and accidents, to divorces and murders. It was here that she learned how to write and spin the raw material from her own life into numerous fascinating stories, novels, and plays. Increasing in number over the course of a long and glorious career, One Basket collects these beloved stories that, like her novels, present Ferber''s brilliant cross-section of American life.

This sweeping tale captures the essence of Texas on a staggering scale as it chronicles the life and times of cattleman Jordan "Bick" Benedict, his naive young society wife, Leslie, and three generations of land-rich sons. A sensational story of power, love, cattle barons, and oil tycoons, Giant was the basis of the classic film starring James Dean, Elizabeth Taylor, and Rock Hudson.

Dawn O’Hara: The Girl Who Laughed (1911) is a novel by Edna Ferber. Written while the author was recovering from a bout of anemia, Ferber’s debut marked the beginning of an illustrious literary career. Inspired by her experience as a reporter in the city and countryside, Dawn O’Hara: The Girl Who Laughed is the story of a young woman who recognizes the unhappiness in her life and decides to risk it all for something better. Lighthearted in nature, Ferber’s novel recalls the best of Fitzgerald in its unswerving commitment to humanity in all its beauty and terror. “‘Newspaper reporting, h''m? In New York? That''s a devil of a job for a woman. And a husband who... Well, you''ll have to take a six months'' course in loafing, young woman. And at the end of that time, if you are still determined to work, can''t you pick out something easier—like taking in scrubbing, for instance?’” As though suffering a mental breakdown wasn’t bad enough, Dawn is forced to listen to the snide advice of a doctor who seems to know more about her home and professional life than she does. Determined to maintain her career as a reporter, she decides to move to a small town and start fresh. Away from the hustle and bustle of New York City, she hopes to find success while learning more about herself in the process. With a beautifully designed cover and professionally typeset manuscript, this edition of Edna Ferber’s Dawn O’Hara: The Girl Who Laughed is a classic work of American literature reimagined for modern readers.

"Buttered Side Down: Stories" is a collection of short stories by Pulitzer Prize winning author Edna Ferber. In the author''s words, ""And so," the story writers used to say, "they lived happily ever after." Um-m-m—maybe. After the glamour had worn off, and the glass slippers were worn out, did the Prince never find Cinderella''s manner redolent of the kitchen hearth; and was it never necessary that he remind her to be more careful of her finger-nails and grammar? After Puss in Boots had won wealth and a wife for his young master did not that gentleman often fume with chagrin because the neighbors, perhaps, refused to call on the lady of the former poor miller''s son? It is a great risk to take with one''s book-children. These stories make no such promises. They stop just short of the phrase of the old story writers, and end truthfully, thus: And so they lived."

Published in 1929, Cimarron takes readers on a compelling journey through the Oklahoma land rush and the subsequent development of the state. It delves into the tumultuous era of American history, presenting a vivid portrayal of the pioneers who sought fortune, survival, and a sense of belonging in the untamed frontier. Through her meticulous research and evocative prose, Ferber skillfully captures the essence of the characters and their struggles, painting a rich tapestry of their dreams, aspirations, and disappointments.

Edna Ferber (1885-1968) was an American novelist, author and playwright, born in Kalamazoo, Michigan. She briefly attended Lawrence University and took jobs at the Appleton Daily Crescent and the Milwaukee Journal before publishing her first novel. Her novels generally featured a strong female as the protagonist, although she fleshed out multiple characters in each book. She usually highlighted at least one strong secondary character who faced discrimination ethnically or for other reasons; through this technique, Ferber demonstrated her belief that people are people and that the non-so-pretty persons have the best character. In 1925, she won the Pulitzer Prize for her book So Big (1924). Several theatrical and film productions have been made based on her works, including: Show Boat (1926) and Cimarron (1930) which won an Oscar. Other works include: Buttered Side Down (1912), Fanny Herself (1917), Cheerful by Request (1918), and Half Portions (1920).

Fanny Herself (1917) is a novel by Edna Ferber. Inspired by her experience as a young Jewish woman from the Midwest, Fanny Herself is the story of a young woman who recognizes the unhappiness in her life and decides to risk it all for something better. Lighthearted in nature, yet serious in its ideals, Ferber’s novel recalls the best of Fitzgerald in its unswerving commitment to humanity in all its beauty and heartbreak. “You could not have lived a week in Winnebago without being aware of Mrs. Brandeis.” Such a confident pronouncement proves even truer for young Fanny, whose mother is the Mrs. Brandeis in question. As the owner of Brandeis’ Bazaar—a successful store raised from the ashes of her deceased husband’s chronic mismanagement—Molly Brandeis is a deeply serious woman who wants nothing but the best for her daughter. Where they differ, of course, is in the definition of that deceptive superlative. While Molly wants to train her daughter to follow in her managerial footsteps, Fanny dreams of training as an artist in order to escape the confinement of small-town life. Consistently moving, frequently funny, and supremely true, Fanny Herself is an underappreciated novel from Pulitzer Prize winning author Edna Ferber. With a beautifully designed cover and professionally typeset manuscript, this edition of Edna Ferber’s Fanny Herself is a classic work of American literature reimagined for modern readers.

With “much humor” and “awareness of family dynamics” this classic novel “stands as an enduring portrait of women torn between duty and self-fulfillment”(Publishers Weekly). First published in 1921, Edna Ferber’s The Girls revolves around the “three Charlottes” of the Thrift family—Great-Aunt Charlotte, her niece Lottie, and Lottie’s niece Charley. All single “old maids,” as the narrator describes them, their lives weave together as they deal with issues involving money, work, friendship, family, and love as they strive to join Chicago’s growing middle class in the early twentieth century. With a historic span that travels from the Civil War to World War I, Ferber highlights how the three generations of Charlottes lead very different lives. But we also see the ways their experiences rhyme with one another and how, despite the social advances in America, as Kathleen Rooney writes in her introduction, all three have to confront “a sexist and claustrophobic societal atmosphere in which any little act of self-assertion can feel like a leap from a precipice.” Told through Ferber’s assured and generous style, and full of her signature strong female characters, The Girls is an American classic. “This is one of those books that nails setting and character so well that plot is mostly beside the point. . . . Ferber splits the difference with clearer prose and keener insight than [Sister Carrie author Theodore] Dreiser managed, while incorporating some of the same dry humor that [Babbitt author Sinclair] Lewis used to describe midwestern strivers.” —Dmitry Samarov, Chicago Reader “Written with such verve and insight that it could be a piece of historical fiction produced last week.” —Patrick T. Reardon, Third Coast Review

Originally published in 1945, the triumphant novel of a great American family dynasty in the Pacific Northwest, by Pulitzer Prize winner Edna Ferber. Great Son tells the story of four generations of the Melendys, a family grown rich and ill at ease, who watched Seattle grow from a village to a skyscraper town, who felt the rhythm and sweep of America in the building, and the call of the Alaskan gold fields. There is Madam Exact Melendy, who saw Seattle grow from an Indian camp to the wonder city of the Northwest, and Vaughan, her son, who wrested three fortunes from the wilderness, but yielded to the domination of three women. Finally, there is Mike Melendy, a clear-eyed representative of the new generation, who, feeling there was no place to go but up, took to flying. With her signature colorful prose, Edna Ferber brings to life the triumphant story of the magnificent Melendy men and women.

The basis for the classic film starring Gary Cooper and Ingrid Bergman, Saratoga Trunk unfolds the story of Clio Dulaine, an ambitious Creole beauty who more than meets her match in Clint Maroon, a handsome Texan with a head for business -- and an eye for beautiful young women. Together they do battle with Southern gentry and Eastern society, but in their obsession to acquire all they''ve ever wanted, they fail to realize they already have all they''ll ever need -- each other.

Edna Ferber''s novel, Half Portions, takes readers on a poignant journey through the lives of two women struggling to find their place in a changing world. Set against the backdrop of early 20th-century America, Ferber''s vivid descriptions and deeply emotional storytelling resonate with readers, offering a powerful commentary on the societal shifts of the time. The book''s mix of drama and wit creates a compelling narrative that keeps the reader engaged from start to finish. Ferber''s fluid prose and well-developed characters make Half Portions a standout work in American literature. Edna Ferber, known for her insightful portrayals of social issues and strong female characters, draws from her own experiences to craft a story that is both timeless and relevant. Her ability to blend personal reflection with universal themes elevates Half Portions to a work of literary excellence. I highly recommend Half Portions to readers who appreciate thought-provoking and emotionally resonant narratives that offer a window into the complexities of human relationships and societal norms.

From the Pulitzer Prize-winning novelist Edna Ferber, this collection of short stories features the tales of many brave, charming women who will stay with you long after you’ve set this volume down. Set in Chicago in the early 1910s, these 12 short stories mostly feature everyday American women. Edna Ferber was a humorous, witty writer with excellent skill for capturing the small details of normal life. Her writing is sometimes sad and at other times comedic, but her stories are always memorable. This volume features 12 short stories: - ‘Cheerful by Request’ - ‘The Gay Old Dog’ - ‘The Tough Guy’ - ‘The Eldest’ - ‘That''s Marriage’ - ‘The Woman Who Tried to Be Good’ - ‘The Girl Who Went Right’ - ‘The Hooker-Up-the-Back’ - ‘The Guiding Miss Gowd’ - ‘Sophy-As-She-Might-Have-Been’ - ‘The Three of Them’ - ‘Shore Leave’ First published in 1918, Cheerful - By Request is now in a brand new edition featuring an introductory excerpt by Rogers Dickinson. This insightful collection of short stories by Edna Ferber is not to be missed by collectors of the Algonquin Round Table writers’ work.

And d''you know what I''ll do meanwhile, out of revenge on the sex? I''ve just ordered three suits of white flannel, and I shall break every feminine heart in the camp, regardless'' Oh, say, that''s what I came in to tell you Guess whom I saw at the tailor''s? Well, Mr. Bones, whom did you, and so forth? Fat Ed Meyers. I just glimpsed him in one of the fitting-rooms. And they were draping him in white. Emma McChesney sat up with a jerk. Are you sure? Sure? There''s only one figure like that. He had the thing on and was surveying himself in the mirror'' or as much of himself as could be seen in one ordinary mirror. In that white suit, with his red face above it, he looked like those pictures you see labeled, ''Sunrise on Snow-covered Mountain.'' * Includes Broadway to Buenos Aires, Thanks to Miss Morrissey, A Closer Corporation, Blue Serge, ''Hoops, My Dear '', Sisters under Their Skin, and An Etude for Emma.

The story follows the life of a young woman, Selina Peake De Jong, who decides to be a school teacher in farming country. During her stay on the Pool family farm, she encourages the young Roelf Pool to follow his interests, which include art. Upon his mother''s death, Roelf runs away to France. Meanwhile, Selina marries a Dutch farmer named Pervus. They have a child together, Dirk, whom she nicknames "So Big," from the common question and answer "How big is baby? " "So-o-o-o big!" (Ferber, 2). Pervus becomes ill and dies, and Selina is forced to take over working on the farm to give Dirk a future. As Dirk gets older, he works as an architect but is more interested in making money than creating buildings and becomes a stock broker, much to his mother''s disappointment. His love interest, Dallas O''Mara, an acclaimed artist, echoes this sentiment by trying to convince Dirk that there is more to life than money. Much later in life, Selina is visited by Roelf Pool, who has since become a famous sculptor. Dirk grows very distressed when, after visiting his mother''s farm, he realizes that Dallas and Roelf love each other and he cannot compete with the artistically minded sculptor. In the end, Dirk comes to appreciate the wisdom of his mother, who always valued aesthetics and beauty even as she scraped out a living in a stern Dutch community. Ultimately, Dirk is left alone in his sumptuous apartment, saddened by his abandonment of artistic values.

A seminal short story collection containing 12 humorous and dark tales from the prominent Jazz Age author, Edna Ferber. This 1912 volume highlights Edna Ferber’s famous wit as well as her masterful control over tragedy. The 12 stories featured in this collection reflect early twentieth-century moral values in America, and demonstrate everyday life in the 1910s. Often armed with a strong, female protagonist, Ferber writes realistic characters and fascinating tales. This volume features the following short stories: - ‘The Frog and the Puddle’ - ‘The Man Who Came Back’ - ‘What She Wore’ - ‘A Bush League Hero’ - ‘The Kitchen Side of the Door’ - ‘One of the Old Girls’ - ‘Maymeys From Cuba’ - ‘The Leading Lady’ - ‘That Home-Town Feeling’ - ‘The Homely Heroine’ - ‘Sun Dried’ - ‘Where the Car Turns at 18th’ Now in a brand new edition, this volume has been republished by Read & Co. Classics, complete with an introduction by Rogers Dickinson. Buttered Side Down would make a great addition to the bookshelf of Edna Ferber fans and lovers of short stories.

This work has been selected by scholars as being culturally important, and is part of the knowledge base of civilization as we know it. This work was reproduced from the original artifact, and remains as true to the original work as possible. Therefore, you will see the original copyright references, library stamps (as most of these works have been housed in our most important libraries around the world), and other notations in the work.This work is in the public domain in the United States of America, and possibly other nations. Within the United States, you may freely copy and distribute this work, as no entity (individual or corporate) has a copyright on the body of the work.As a reproduction of a historical artifact, this work may contain missing or blurred pages, poor pictures, errant marks, etc. Scholars believe, and we concur, that this work is important enough to be preserved, reproduced, and made generally available to the public. We appreciate your support of the preservation process, and thank you for being an important part of keeping this knowledge alive and relevant.

Edna Ferber (August 15, 1885 - April 16, 1968) was an American novelist, short story writer and playwright. Her novels include the Pulitzer Prize-winning So Big (1924), Show Boat (1926; made into the celebrated 1927 musical), Cimarron (1930; adapted into the 1931 film which won the Academy Award for Best Picture), Giant (1952; made into the 1956 film of the same name) and Ice Palace (1958), which also received a film adaptation in 1960. Ferber''s novels generally featured strong female protagonists, along with a rich and diverse collection of supporting characters. She usually highlighted at least one strong secondary character who faced discrimination, ethnic or otherwise. Ferber''s works often concerned small subsets of American culture, and sometimes took place in exotic locations she had visited but was not intimately familiar with, such as Texas or Alaska. She thus helped to highlight the diversity of American culture to those who did not have the opportunity to experience it. Some novels are set in places she had not visited. (wikipedia.org)

Handsome mechanics, struggling actresses, unhappy couples, and seemingly successful businessmen, Gigolo is an Edna Ferber short story collection that recounts the quiet private lives of everyday Americans. First published in 1922, Gigolo contains eight short stories that give a remarkable insight into life in 1910s America. The aftermath of the war, the glamour of Hollywood, and women’s long-awaited right to vote have had varying effects on the characters Edna Ferber presents in this masterful collection. This volume features eight short stories: - ‘The Afternoon of a Faun’ - ‘‘Old Man Minick’ - ‘‘Gigolo’ - ‘‘Not a Day Over Twenty-One’ - ‘‘Home Girl’ - ‘‘Ain’t Nature Wonderful!’ - ‘‘The Sudden Sixties’ - ‘‘If I Should Ever Travel!’ Read & Co. Classics have proudly republished Gigolo - An Edna Ferber Short Story Collection in a brand new edition, complete with an introduction by Rogers Dickinson. This volume is not one to be missed by fans of the famous Jazz Age writer.

"I think I ought to tell you," she began, "that I never was a minister''s daughter, and I don''t remember ever havin'' been deserted by my sweetheart when I was young and trusting. If I was to draw a picture of my life it would look like one of those charts that the weather bureau gets out-one of those high and low barometer things, all uphill and downhill like a chain of mountains in a kid''s geography." -from "Pink Tights and Ginghams" The critics of her day called her the greatest American woman novelist, and one, in 1918, called her character Emma McChesney "one of the cheeriest, truest, and most helpful characters given to American readers in recent years." Edna Ferber rose to fame, in fact, on her short stories about the adventures of Emma, a sophisticated traveling underwear saleswoman about whom the phrase "one smart cookie" might have been coined. This 1913 collection of some of those tales is an excellent introduction to Emma, and to Ferber, whose vivid prose and sharply realized characters continue to make her work among the most enjoyable in American literature. Ferber''s piercing perspective offers a keen insight on the foibles of American society, and finds the undercurrents of hypocrisy and frivolity with intelligence and humor. American novelist EDNA FERBER (1885-1968) was a member of the Algonquin Round Table, the unofficial society of New York City literary wits. She won the Pulitzer Prize in 1924 for her novel So Big; among her other works are Showboat (1926), Cimarron (1929), Giant (1952), and Ice Palace (1958).

This work has been selected by scholars as being culturally important, and is part of the knowledge base of civilization as we know it. This work was reproduced from the original artifact, and remains as true to the original work as possible. Therefore, you will see the original copyright references, library stamps (as most of these works have been housed in our most important libraries around the world), and other notations in the work. This work is in the public domain in the United States of America, and possibly other nations. Within the United States, you may freely copy and distribute this work, as no entity (individual or corporate) has a copyright on the body of the work.As a reproduction of a historical artifact, this work may contain missing or blurred pages, poor pictures, errant marks, etc. Scholars believe, and we concur, that this work is important enough to be preserved, reproduced, and made generally available to the public. We appreciate your support of the preservation process, and thank you for being an important part of keeping this knowledge alive and relevant.