• CHAPTER 18 — A Rock Ahead Cover
      by LovelyMay In Chapter 18, "A Rock Ahead," of "Worldly Ways and Byways," the narrator reflects on the societal role and positioning of women in America, contrasting it unfavorably with the more integrated roles women play in the lives and businesses of their husbands in Europe. While wandering near the bustling stores of Twenty-third Street, the narrator observes a constant stream of women engaging in seemingly endless shopping, which he views as a sad commentary on their misplaced priorities and disconnectedness from…
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    • CHAPTER 17 — Royalty At Play Cover
      by LovelyMay Chapter 17 of "Worldly Ways and Byways" details the intriguing spectacle of European royalty indulging in their leisure time away from the burdens of court life. The author observes with a mix of amusement and insight as monarchs, empresses, and heirs apparent escape their formal duties to embrace the casual, luxurious lifestyle found between Cannes and Mentone. These royal figures, supposedly in pursuit of anonymity and relaxation, converge upon the Riviera, drawn by its sun-soaked shores and societal…
    • CHAPTER 16 — A Holy Land Cover
      by LovelyMay In "A Holy Land," the author reminisces about a cherished region around Grant's tomb, humorously dubbed the "Holy Land," which holds profound personal significance and childhood memories. This area, described as a playground of youth and a repository of sweet ties to the past, serves as a backdrop for a narrative intertwining history, personal experiences, and the encroachment of modern development on cherished spaces. The narrative weaves in the legend of the vanished city of "Is," drawing parallels to…
    • CHAPTER 15 — A False Start Cover
      by LovelyMay "Worldly Ways and Byways" chapter 15 entitled, "A False Start" delves into the contrast between American men and women in cosmopolitan and sophisticated circles. The author praises American women for their grace and tact, whereas American men are seen as lacking in many social graces. The narrative contends that this discrepancy stems from a flawed approach to the education and ambitions directed towards young American men. The historical backdrop of rapid post-war economic growth led to an overemphasis on…
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    • CHAPTER 14 — The Small Summer Hotel Cover
      by LovelyMay The eccentricities of American culture, particularly the predilection for staying in small summer hotels despite the accessibility of more luxurious accommodations, form the crux of Chapter 14 of "Worldly Ways and Byways." The author wonders why well-off Americans opt to spend considerable time in hotels and boarding houses, musing that an explorer need not journey afar to study fascinating habits when such peculiarities abound in New England. The author recounts a personal experience staying in a small…
    • CHAPTER 13 — Our Elite and Public Life Cover
      by LovelyMay In Chapter 13 of "Worldly Ways and Byways," the author delves into the widespread reluctance of socially prominent and intelligent citizens to engage in public life, presenting a thoughtful exploration of the underlying causes. Among the key reasons cited is the geographic separation between the nation's political capital and its economic or cultural centers, a stark contrast to the model observed in countries like England and France. This separation imposes significant personal and professional sacrifices…
    • CHAPTER 12 — “Seven Ages” of Furniture Cover
      by LovelyMay The chapter "Seven Ages" of Furniture from "Worldly Ways and Byways" delineates the evolving tastes in household decoration of an American couple as a metaphor for broader cultural and personal growth. It begins by painting a picture of young American couples, including the trope of the insightful wife and her adoring husband, navigating their way through various stages of domestic aestheticism, influenced largely by their financial status, exposure to different cultures, and the prevailing tastes of their…
    • CHAPTER 11 — Social Exiles Cover
      by LovelyMay In "Social Exiles," the author explores the phenomenon of people who, due to economic or personal circumstances, find themselves living indefinitely outside their home country, forming what can only be described as colonies of expatriates. These individuals, often originating from affluent backgrounds, embark on a journey abroad following a change in their financial situation, initially intending it as a temporary move during a period of mourning or for the sake of their children's education. However, as…
    • CHAPTER 10 — Bohemia Cover
      by LovelyMay The chapter delves into a reflection on Bohemia, an elusive cultural and social space celebrated for its association with artistic and intellectual freedom, as experienced by a visiting talented English comedian and his wife in New York. Despite enjoying widespread kindness and social engagements in the city, they lament their failure to interact with prominent artistic figures or intellectual luminaries, such as painters, authors, sculptors, or notable inventors like Tesla and Edison, whose works are…
    • CHAPTER 9 — Social Suggestion Cover
      by LovelyMay Chapter 9 of "Worldly Ways and Byways" titled "Social Suggestion" delves into the subtle yet profound influence of social contexts and company on individual tastes, opinions, and behaviors. It opens with a contemplation of how unseen forces shape our perceptions of success and failure, extending this inquiry to the realms of entertainment, art, and fashion. The chapter illustrates through anecdotal evidence how one's environment and companions can dramatically sway one's appreciation for a theater piece or…
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