Letters From a Son to His Self-Made Father: Being the Replies to Letters From a Self-Made Merchant to His Son

by Charles Eustace Merriman

A witty, epistolary novel of a son’s letters to his “self-made” father, filled with humor, family pride, and moral misfires.

In this humorous collection, a young man writes home from college and beyond, trading sly jabs for affection as he tests his father’s business wisdom against his own misadventures. The letters blend satire with warmth, offering a portrait of a family negotiating work, money, and the evolving bond between father and son.

The book uses a lively voice to explore ambition, ethics, and the quirks of American life at the turn of the century. It pairs sharp humor with stubborn love, creating scenes that are comic, candid, and occasionally tender.

Epistolary charm that unveils character through witty, revealing exchanges Humor rooted in workplace hustle, social pressures, and family expectations A mix of playful satire and genuine affection that foregrounds father–son bonds A window into a bygone era’s slang, social mores, and business culture Ideal for readers who enjoy humorous, character-driven fiction that hinges on family ties, practical jokes, and a sly critique of early American commerce.

309 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 1903

Reviews

[Vera Schofield · Rating 3 out of 5]

I find reading comedy rarely makes me laugh out loud. However this book made me at times and smile often.

[Eddie Romero · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very clever.