Genre - Social Commentary

The Quaker City by George Lippard is one of the most sensational and controversial novels of nineteenth-century America. First released in serial form, it shocked readers with its unflinching portrayal of vice, corruption, and hidden depravity in Philadelphia’s upper classes.
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William Makepeace Thackeray’s Vanity Fair captures the follies, ambitions, and hypocrisies of early 19th-century English society. At its heart is Becky Sharp, a clever, ruthless social climber whose wit and determination drive her through the rigid class structures of her time.
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In A Guide to Men, Helen Rowland delivers a witty and biting look at male behavior through the lens of early 20th-century relationships. She wastes no time exposing the inconsistencies, charms, and absurdities of men in love, marriage, and society. With razor-sharp humor and bold candor, Rowland offers women both caution and amusement as they navigate the romantic battlefield.
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In Utopia, Thomas More constructs a fictional society to critique the political, social, and economic flaws of 16th-century Europe. Through a dialogue between fictionalized versions of himself and the traveler Raphael Hythloday, More presents an imagined island where communal ownership, religious tolerance, and rational governance create a harmonious society. By contrasting this utopian vision with the corruption of contemporary European states, More challenges readers to reflect on justice, ine… Read More

Cranford by Elizabeth Gaskell is a delightful portrait of small-town life in 19th-century England, blending gentle humor, social commentary, and heartwarming moments. Gaskell captures the charm and complexities of a close-knit community, revealing universal truths about human relationships and resilience.
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Gentlemen Prefer Blondes by Anita Loos is a sparkling and satirical portrayal of the Jazz Age, offering readers a witty glimpse into the lives of its glamorous, gold-digging heroines. With humor and charm, Loos captures the frivolity, ambition, and allure of a bygone era.
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First published in 1722, Journal of a Plague Year is a gripping account of the Great Plague of London in 1665. Blurring the lines between fiction and historical reporting, Defoe delivers a vivid narrative that captures the fear, resilience, and societal upheavals of a city ravaged by a deadly epidemic. Through its meticulous detail and humanistic approach, the book remains a timeless exploration of how societies respond to crises.
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Dive into the intricate world of Bleak House, a masterful novel by Charles Dickens that blends mystery, satire, and social commentary.
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“Middlemarch” is a novel written by English author George Eliot (the pen name of Mary Ann Evans). The novel was first published in eight installments between 1871 and 1872.
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