013 - Chapter XIII

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013 - Chapter XIII

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Henry Adams, the enigmatic author behind Democracy, unveiled his literary prowess posthumously in 1918. Originally released in 1880 to widespread acclaim, the novel transports readers to Washington in the 1870s, during the presidencies of Grant and Hayes. At its heart is Madeleine Lee, a wealthy and independent young widow who leaves her life in New York to delve into the political landscape of the capital. As she navigates the complex world of power and influence, she encounters Senator Silas P. Ratcliffe, a formidable and somewhat uncultured politician eyeing the presidency, who believes Mrs. Lee would make an ideal First Lady. Through witty dialogue and sharp observations, Adams explores the intricate themes of political necessity, compromise, and the encroaching corruption of corporate interests in national governance. This compelling narrative raises timeless questions Should morally upright individuals shun politics to maintain their integrity, or does that merely cede control to the unscrupulous? Adams, a grandson of a president, grappled with these dilemmas in both his life and his literature, and they resonate just as powerfully in todays political landscape. (Introduction by Nicholas Clifford)

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