<p>Rex Beach's 'The Auction Block' presents a vivid exploration of societal mores and the commodification of beauty in the early 20th century. Set against the bustling backdrop of New York City, the narrative unfolds through the life of Lorelei Knight, whose parents' aspirations of wealth thrust her into the limelight of a 'girl show,' only to become entangled with the wayward Bob Wharton. Beach's prose, rich with social commentary, weaves a tale...