<p>Richard Harding Davis's 'Episodes in Van Bibber's Life' encapsulates the Gilded Age's ambiance through a sequence of masterfully crafted short stories. With the urbane and astutely observant Van Bibber at its heart, this compilation not only offers vibrant character studies but also subtly critiques the class dynamics and societal norms of its era. Davis employs a perceptive narrative style, rich in both wit and nuance, to expose the veneer of...