A Hazard of New Fortunes

A Hazard of New Fortunes is a social novel by William Dean Howells, first published in 1889. Set in New York City, it follows Basil March and his family as they navigate the challenges of starting a literary magazine amid the city’s social and economic tensions. Howells’s keen realism portrays the diverse strata of urban life, from wealthy capitalists to struggling workers, highlighting class conflict and moral dilemmas. The novel remains a perceptive exploration of the American Dream and the forces shaping modern urban society.