Bunker Bean

Bunker Bean, written by Harry Leon Wilson and first published in 1912, follows a discontented office clerk in New York who yearns for a more heroic existence. After consulting the Countess Cassanova, he learns of his past lives as historical figures like Napoleon, which inspires him to transform his mundane life. The novel is notable for its early depiction of the 'flapper' and was originally serialized in The Saturday Evening Post before being published in book form in 1913. It explores themes of self-discovery and the quest for identity amidst societal expectations.