<p>Few works have captured the seamy side of American urban life with such graphic immediacy as Frank Norris’ <em>McTeague</em>. Heredity and environment play the role of fate in this portrayal of human degradation in turn-of-the-century San Francisco.</p> <p>McTeague a successful but naive dentist marries Trina introduced to him by her cousin Marcus Schouler. When Trina wins $5000 in a lottery and increases the sum by shrewd investment Schouler who had wanted to marry Trina himself feels cheated. In revenge he exposes McTeague’s lack of diploma or license. Forbidden to practice McTeague becomes surly but the miserly Trina refuses to let him use her money and they sink into poverty. What follows is a descent into the ultimate crime murder and life as a fugitive in a tale that moves toward its harrowing conclusion with the grim power and inevitability of Classic tragedy.</p>