The Poor Man

253 pp. Novel inspired by author's time as a tutor and university press editorial reader at the University of California. Benson was a feminist author, and received the Benson Medal (no relation) for excellence in literature in 1931. The Poor Man is a vividly written love-story in which socially awkward Edward pursues bright and sociable Emily, with sidelights on San Francisco and China and satirical send-ups of the arty set. Walks a fine line between tragedy and comedy.