The Reign of Gilt

"The Reign of Gilt" by David Graham Phillips explores the collision of extreme wealth and democracy in early 20th-century America. Through observations of an Episcopalian bishop, Phillips draws a contrast between the lavish lifestyles of the New York elite and the bedrock ideals of a fair society. The story examines the moral pitfalls of a society obsessed with money, especially its impact on young women and the erosion of fundamental democratic values. The heart of the book explores the tension between growing economic inequality and the principles of equality, illustrating how relentless pursuit of wealth threatens the very foundations of American culture and its democratic spirit.