A Deal in Wheat (Barnes & Noble Digital Library)

Frank Norris (1870–1902) was born in Chicago, but lived most his life in San Francisco. Inspired by the work of Emile Zola and Gustave Flaubert, Norris adapted their methods to American settings, adding a naturalist flair. He is best known for his novels McTeague, and The Octopus, set in California during an era of railroad expansion.