David Harum

David Harum, published posthumously in 1898, is a humorous and sentimental portrayal of small-town life in 19th-century America. The titular character, a shrewd yet kind-hearted banker and horse trader, dispenses homespun wisdom and practical ethics in his dealings with others. Edward Noyes Westcott’s novel blends regional flavor, moral lessons, and gentle satire, making it an unexpected bestseller of its time. Its popularity helped shape early American popular fiction and led to a successful stage adaptation and film.