Three books in one. In one volume, three of Frank Norris's classic novels. Included in this volume: McTeague: A Story of San Francisco (originally published in 1899) - The Octopus: A Story of California (originally published in 1901) - The Pit: A Story of Chicago (originally published in 1903) Frank Norris (1870-1902) was a prominent American novelist and journalist in the late 19th century. His works, which include McTeague , The Octopus , and The Pit , were influential in the development of naturalist fiction in the United States. Norris was born in Chicago, Illinois and grew up in San Francisco, California. He attended the University of California, Berkeley, where he studied literature and journalism. Norris's work focused on the harsh realities of life in the American West and in industrial settings. His works depicted the struggles of working-class men and women, and he was particularly interested in the power of large companies and trusts. He wrote about poverty, labor strife, and the power of money and greed. His works often featured starkly realistic depictions of violence and death. Norris's best-known works include McTeague , a novel about a miner's struggle against greed and violence, The Octopus , an epic novel about a railroad company's control of California's agricultural industry, and The Pit , a novel about a financial speculator's attempt to corner the wheat market. His works have been credited with influencing the development of naturalist fiction as well as inspiring writers such as Theodore Dreiser, Sinclair Lewis, and Jack London. Frank Norris's work continues to be studied and appreciated by readers and scholars alike. His novels remain relevant to modern readers and his influence on American literature is still felt today.