Poor Richard (1867)

From one of the greatest novelists in the English language, Poor Richard is an early short story by Henry James exploring one man’s growth and success alongside one woman’s faithlessness.

First published in 1867, Poor Richard is an engaging short story warning about the dangers and unreliability of women. Penniless and orphaned, Richard Maule seeks to make the wealthy Gertrude Whittaker his wife. As he chases the girl, Richard reforms his life and begins to make a success of himself. But will Gertrude see the changes he’s making or will she continue to toy with various men’s hearts?

Henry James wrote this short story with influence from Benjamin Franklin’s annual publication, Poor Richard’s Almanack. The periodical was published between 1732 and 1758, and it collated various articles and columns, including practical tips, weather forecasts, and industry-related observations.