The Undiscovered Country (1881)

The Undiscovered Country is a novel written by William Dean Howells, first published in 1881. The story follows the life of Marcia Gaylord, a young woman who is forced to confront the realities of life and death after the sudden passing of her husband. As she struggles to come to terms with her loss, Marcia finds herself drawn to the spiritualist movement, hoping to find solace in the belief that her husband’s spirit may still be present in some form.Through Marcia’s journey, Howells explores themes of grief, loss, and the search for meaning in the face of mortality. The novel also delves into the social and cultural attitudes of the time towards death and spirituality, as well as the emerging scientific and medical advancements of the late 19th century.The Undiscovered Country is considered a significant work in the literary canon of American realism, known for its nuanced characterizations, detailed descriptions of everyday life, and exploration of complex themes. It remains a compelling read for anyone interested in the intersection of spirituality and mortality, as well as the social and cultural history of the United States during the late 1800s.This scarce antiquarian book is a facsimile reprint of the old original and may contain some imperfections such as library marks and notations. Because we believe this work is culturally important, we have made it available as part of our commitment for protecting, preserving, and promoting the world’s literature in affordable, high quality, modern editions, that are true to their original work.