Frank Norris

Frank Norris was an influential American novelist and journalist born on March 5, 1870, in Chicago, Illinois. Best known for his vivid storytelling and keen social commentary, Norris played a pivotal role in the development of American naturalism. His works often explored the struggles of individuals against the backdrop of powerful social and economic forces, reflecting the complexities of life in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. With a passion for literature that emerged early in his life, he went on to study at the University of California, Berkeley, and later in Paris, where he was deeply inspired by European literary movements.

Norris's most notable works include "McTeague" and "The Octopus," where he delves into themes of greed, ambition, and the human condition. His writing style is characterized by a robust narrative and an unflinching look at reality, which makes his stories both compelling and thought-provoking. If you're curious about the intricacies of human nature and the societal forces at play, Frank Norris's novels are waiting for you. Dive into his literature through our app and discover the rich tapestry of his storytelling.

The Octopus

Read by Delmar H Dolbier 4.7
Frank Norris based his 1901 novel The Octopus (A Story of California) on the Mussel Slough Tragedy of 1880, a bloody conflict between ranche…

McTeague

Read by Jeff Robinson 4.6
McTeague is a simple dentist who becomes infatuated with Trina, the cousin of his friend Marcus. Trina then buys a winning lottery ticket wo…

The Third Circle

Read by David Wales 4.1
Sixteen short stories by the American novelist Benjamin Frank Norris Jr (1870-1902) who wrote predominantly in the naturalist genre. He liv…

Vandover and the Brute

Read by LibriVox Volunteers 4.3
Vandover is a student who succumbs to a gambling addiction. This addiction causes him to divest himself of his cherished possessions and to …

The Pit

Read by Delmar H Dolbier 4.2
The Trilogy of The Epic of the Wheat includes the following novels: THE OCTOPUS,, a Story of California.THE PIT, a Story of Chicago.THE WOL…

A Deal in Wheat and other Stories of the New and Old West

Read by Don W. Jenkins 4.6
This collection of Frank Norris' stories was published after his death in 1902. These stories range in topic from the machinations of the co…