THE PLUM TREE

David Graham Phillips was an American novelist and journalist of the muckraker tradition, who in the early 20th century worked to expose the corruption and abuses of power in politics, business, and various aspects of American life. Among the other famous muckrakers were Helen Hunt Jackson, Samuel Hopkins Adams, Upton Sinclair, Charlotte Perkins Gilman, and Lincoln Steffens.

Phillips became a newspaper reporter in Cincinnati with the Cincinnati Times-Star, and then moved to New York city in 1890. “The Plum tree” was published in 1905 and represents the classical example of the muckraker tradition. Together with “Light Fingered Gentry” it dealt with political corruption.

Most of Phillips's novels employ journalistic techniques and explored a variety of social problems, so you have the great opportunity to get acquainted with one of his literary works. Enjoy the reading!