Personality Plus: Some Experiences of Emma McChesney and Her Son, Jock

**Rediscover a Pioneering Voice in American Literature: *Personality Plus: Some Experiences of Emma McChesney and Her Son, Jock* by Edna Ferber** Before *Show Boat* and *Giant* captivated the nation, Edna Ferber, a Pulitzer Prize-winning author, established herself as a literary force with her unforgettable character, Emma McChesney. *Personality Plus* is the second delightful installment in the Emma McChesney series, showcasing a woman ahead of her time, navigating the complexities of the early 20th-century business world and motherhood with wit, grit, and unparalleled style. This reprint edition from the University of Illinois Press offers a fresh look at a novel originally published in 1914, a time when the concept of a successful businesswoman was still revolutionary. Forget damsels in distress; Emma McChesney is a dynamic, independent, and thoroughly modern heroine. Having conquered the challenges of life on the road as a traveling sales representative for the T. A. Buck Featherloom Petticoat Company, Emma now finds herself stepping into a well-deserved partnership. The long-awaited dream of having a real home, complete with a cozy fireplace, finally comes to fruition. But Emma's life is far from settling down. Her son, Jock, now a charming and ambitious 21-year-old, is making his own mark in the advertising world at Berg, Shriner Advertising. Hes inherited his mother's sharp mind and persuasive talents, and his colleagues believe he could sell "ice to an Eskimo". However, Jock's youthful exuberance and overconfidence sometimes lead him astray. He strives to impress and innovate, but his methods often ruffle feathers, alienate clients, and even lead him to subtly patronize his own mother's expertise. The central conflict of *Personality Plus* arises when Jock's advertising firm takes on the T. A. Buck Featherloom Petticoat Company as a client. Assigned the task of crafting a captivating campaign for T.A. Buck's no-frills petticoats, Jock sees an opportunity to prove his mettle. The clash of generations and perspectives creates a delightful dynamic, as Emma's years of experience and practical wisdom are put to the test against Jock's innovative, but occasionally misguided, ideas. Who truly understands the customer, and what advertising approach will resonate most effectively? Ferber's writing is sharp, witty, and incredibly insightful. Beyond the engaging plot and memorable characters, *Personality Plus* offers a fascinating glimpse into the social and economic landscape of early 20th-century America. It explores themes of ambition, family dynamics, the evolving role of women in business, and the ever-present tension between tradition and innovation. This novel is not just a captivating story; it's a significant piece of American literature, offering a fresh and relevant perspective on issues that continue to resonate today. If you enjoy stories featuring strong female characters, early-20th-century American fiction, or books that explore the dynamics of family and career, *Personality Plus* is a must-read. Discover why Edna Ferber's Emma McChesney became a beloved icon and why *Personality Plus* remains a timeless classic. A compelling tale of a mother and son navigating the complexities of business and life, this edition invites a new generation of readers to experience Ferber's exceptional storytelling. Get your copy today!