The Education of Henry Adams

At the age of seventy, Henry Adams wrote "The Education of Henry Adams" — an autobiographical book sent to a small circle of friends, the primary task of which, as the author himself noted, was to educate himself. In form,... "The Education of Henry Adams" is a classic coming-of-age novel. Adams thoroughly and in detail describes his entire life, from youth to old age, reflects on his actions, both conscious and unconscious, and comes to certain conclusions. Memories of his own past are complemented by reflections on the history of the United States, rather critical observations of American society, and philosophical musings about the fate of the American people. The vivid style, sharp observations, and biting characterizations turn "The Education of Henry Adams" into one of the best examples of memoir prose. Published in large print after the author's death, the book became a bestseller, received the Pulitzer Prize, and is now considered a classic of American literature, with its influence traced in the works of writers such as Fitzgerald, Hemingway, and Pynchon.