Edward Noyes Westcott
Biography
Edward Noyes Westcott (1846–1898) was an American banker and novelist from Syracuse, New York. He spent most of his life in banking before writing his only novel, David Harum: A Story of American Life, during the final years of his life while battling tuberculosis. The book was published posthumously in 1899 and became one of the biggest bestsellers of the era, eventually selling over a million copies. Its title character, David Harum—a shrewd, horse-trading, aphorism-spouting small-town banker—became one of the most popular characters in American fiction, a type of lovable Yankee trickster.
Common themes in Edward Noyes Westcott's work
American Life
A recurring theme throughout Edward Noyes Westcott's writing.
Small Town Fiction
A recurring theme throughout Edward Noyes Westcott's writing.
Yankee Character
A recurring theme throughout Edward Noyes Westcott's writing.
Bestseller
A recurring theme throughout Edward Noyes Westcott's writing.
Books
Explore by genre
Other authors you may enjoy
Why Edward Noyes Westcott is still read today
David Harum was a publishing phenomenon that captured the American imagination. Its portrait of small-town Yankee shrewdness and humor reflects an enduring strand of American character.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who was Edward Noyes Westcott?
An American banker who wrote one novel, David Harum, which became a million-copy bestseller published after his death.
What is David Harum about?
A shrewd, witty small-town banker who embodies Yankee humor and horse-trading cunning. Read it free on TextStack.
Why was David Harum so popular?
The title character's combination of shrewdness, humor, and folksy wisdom captured the American imagination at the turn of the century.
Essential cookies keep you signed in and save your reading progress. Analytics cookies help us understand how the site is used. You can reject analytics — we still work without them. Learn more in our Privacy Policy.