The Potiphar papers

by George William Curtis

We might reply that it is necessary to know something of a subject before writing about it, and that if a man wished to describe the habits of South Sea Islanders, it is useless to go to Greenland; we might also confess a partiality for pate, and a tenderness for truffes, and acknowledge that, considering our single absence would not put down extravagant, pompous parties, we were not strong enough to let the morsels drop into unappreciating mouths; or we might say, that if a man invited us to see his new house, it would not be ungracious nor insulting to his hospitality, to point out whatever weak parts we might detect in it, nor to declare our candid conviction, that it was built upon wrong principles and could not stand.

Genres: Satire

214 pages, Unknown Binding

First published January 1, 1853

Reviews

[Jules Radcliffe · Rating 3 out of 5]

A solid 3.5. As a satire on US high society during the 1850s, I found this often hit its mark, but I don't think it has worn that well simply due to changing attitudes. The reader is meant to sympathise with Mr Potiphar, who is led by his nose by his much younger wife, but to modern sensibilities he is annoyingly weak rather than sympatheticly pitiable. Curtis is having a sly dig at older men who allow themselves to be captivated by a young lady, but is much kinder to Potiphar than he is to Mrs Potiphar who is shown to be shallow and gullible - as are all the women who dance across the pages.

The novel does, however, capture the feel of contemporary New York City, and has some brilliantly funny passages, especially Mrs Potiphar's party where guests and waiters run amok and ruin carpets, dresses, and furniture. Recommended to anyone who enjoys witty satires and exploring the social mores of history.