The Romance of a Plain Man

The Romance of a Plain Man, written by Ellen Anderson Gholson Glasgow in 1909, is set in Richmond, Virginia, during the late 19th century. The novel follows Ben Starr, a young boy from a struggling family, as he navigates the complexities of social class and his aspirations for a better life. The story explores themes of innocence, love, and the contrasts between wealth and poverty, culminating in a romance between Ben, a driven industrialist, and a woman of privilege. Glasgow's work is noted for its dramatic situations and insightful character development.