Vandover and the Brute

Published posthumously in 1902, 'Vandover and the Brute' is Frank Norris's first novel that delves into the destructive nature of addiction. The story follows Vandover, a student whose gambling addiction leads to the loss of his possessions and social status, while his peers thrive. The novel uniquely portrays his transformation into a state of degenerative lycanthropy, reflecting Norris's naturalistic style and exploration of habit and addiction.