David Harum (ePub)

Edward Noyes Westcott (1846-1898) was a significant American novelist at the turn of the 20th century, lauded for his singular work, 'David Harum' (1898). Westcott's professional endeavors were primarily in banking, and he spent a significant part of his life in Syracuse, New York, where much of his literary creation was conceived. Born on September 27, 1846, in Syracuse, he did not initially pursue a career in literature, but rather followed his father's footsteps into the banking industry. Despite his financial occupation, Westcott nurtured a passion for storytelling, a diversion that ultimately bore fruit in his writing. His singular novel, 'David Harum,' posthumously published, is often celebrated for its characterization and the depiction of rural American life during that period. The protagonist, a shrewd but kind-hearted banker, is said to reflect some autobiographical elements of the author himself, and the book encapsulates the peculiar local dialect and culture with warmth and wit. 'David Harum' not only gained popularity but also contributed to the canon of American humor literature, and was adapted into a play and later a film. Sadly, Westcott's death at the early age of 52 left the literary landscape with only a brief glimpse into his potential, but 'David Harum' endures as a classic, ensuring Westcott's contribution to American literary heritage is not forgotten. The novel remains his literary legacy, embodying an authentic reflection of the times and the regional ethos of his native upstate New York.