National Avenue

National Avenue, originally titled The Midlander, is Booth Tarkington final entry in his Growth Trilogy. Like the previous entries in the series, National Avenue addresses the rapid industrialization of small-town America at the turn of the century, and the socioeconomic changes that such change brings with it. Dan Oliphant and his brother Harlan are the children of a wealthy small-town businessman. Harlan is a traditional upper-class man while Dan is boisterous and lively, eager to do big things. Dan sees the rise of industry in Americas east as a harbinger for his own Midwestern town, and sets his mind on building an industrial suburb next to his city downtown. Dans idea is met with scorn and mockery from his family and fellow townspeople. Dan persists, and soon the town must contend with his dream becoming a reality: noisy cars, smoky factories, and the destruction of nature become the new normal. National Avenue focuses on the men and women who actually bring industrial change about. Dan is portrayed sympathetically, but Tarkington makes it clear that his dreams lead to a deeply unhappy family life and the ruination of the land. Perfect for readers who appreciate classic American literature that captures the transformative spirit of early 20th century America, this compelling family saga explores how progress and tradition clash in changing times.