The Reign of Gilt

"The Reign of Gilt" by David Graham Phillips is a novel written in the early 20th century. The book explores the themes of wealth, aristocracy, and the challenges of democracy in a rapidly changing society. It delves into the lives of the wealthy in New York, highlighting the extravagance and moral implications of a growing plutocracy that threatens fundamental democratic values. The opening of the book introduces the perspective of an Episcopalian bishop who has spent his life among the affluent, offering a critical examination of the contemporary plutocracy. He laments the moral decay and extravagance he observes, particularly among young women who appear to value wealth above all else. Phillips contrasts the corrupting influence of money with the enduring principles of democracy and intelligence, arguing that true progress hinges on the diffusion of knowledge and the promotion of equality. This sets the stage for a broader exploration of the societal dynamics between wealth and democracy, as well as the personal lives woven into this fabric of extravagance.

The Reign of Gilt, by David Graham Phillips. Republished by OpenStories from Project Gutenberg eBook #64402.