Pulitzer Prize Fiction Winner

The Late George Apley

by John P. Marquand

Summary

A satirical biography of a Boston Brahmin who lives his entire life constrained by the rigid social conventions of his class, told through letters, diary entries, and editorial commentary.

Historical Context & Significance

Marquand expertly lampooned Boston's upper-class provincialism and social snobbery. The novel-in-letters format allowed him to create a portrait of a man trapped by propriety and tradition.