Rich Man, Poor Man

Irwin Shaw's classic novel is about the American dream-as it begins in the struggles of an immigrant father and as it continues in the next generation's search for grace. It Tells the story of Rudolph, Gretchen and Tom,the children of an embittered, impoverished German baker, growing up in a small town near New York City as World War II is drawing to a close. These three are seen over a period of twenty-four years in scene after brilliant scene which build up into a revelation of twentieth-century American life: the mobility, the quick encounters, the big deals, the myth-making. Ranging from Manhattan in the effervescent post-war years, to Hollywood, bathed in uncertain sunshine, and to the deceptive peace of the Mediterranean coast, RICH MAN,POOR MAN is at oncea triumphant study of character and a truly epic novel of America.