The Whole Family

The Whole Family: A Novel by Twelve Authors is a collaborative novel written by twelve authors, edited by American humorist and writer John Kendrick Bangs. The book was first published in 1908 and is a unique literary experiment that explores the dynamics of a large, extended family. Each author was assigned a different character in the family, and they were tasked with writing a chapter from that character's perspective. The novel follows the lives of the members of the Mannering family as they gather for a reunion at their ancestral home in New England. The family is made up of a wide range of characters, including a wealthy businessman, a struggling artist, a young couple in love, a widow, a spinster, and a mischievous child. As the family members interact with one another, their secrets, desires, and conflicts are revealed, and the reader is given a glimpse into the complex web of relationships that make up this family.The Whole Family is a fascinating look at turn-of-the-century America, with its social norms and values, as well as its changing attitudes towards family and gender roles. The novel is both humorous and poignant, as the authors bring their own unique voices and perspectives to the story. Overall, The Whole Family is a delightful and entertaining read that offers a glimpse into the lives of a diverse group of people, united by blood and family ties.In fact, it's got chapters by by William Dean Howells, Mary E. Wilkins Freeman, Mary Heaton Vorse, Mary Stewart Cutting, Elizabeth Jordan, John Kendrick Bangs, Henry James, Elizabeth Stuart Phelps, Edith Wyatt, Mary Raymond Shipman Andrews, Alice Brown, and Henry Van Dyke respectively.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.