The Underdog is a novel written by F. Hopkinson Smith, first published in 1899. The story is set in New York City and follows the life of a young artist named John Scott, who is struggling to make a living. He is constantly overshadowed by his wealthy and successful friends, but he remains determined to succeed on his own terms.John's fortunes begin to change when he meets a wealthy philanthropist named Mr. Van Duser. Van Duser takes an interest in John's art and offers to help him financially. With Van Duser's support, John is able to focus on his art and begins to gain recognition in the art world.However, John's success is not without its challenges. He becomes romantically involved with Van Duser's daughter, but their relationship is met with disapproval from her family. John also faces criticism from his former friends, who view him as a sell-out for accepting Van Duser's help.Throughout the novel, John struggles to balance his artistic integrity with his desire for success and acceptance. The Underdog is a story of perseverance, ambition, and the challenges of navigating the competitive world of art and society.I gave no sign of her presence. It is dangerous to break down the reserve of silence, which is often the only barrier between an out-door painter and the crowds that surround him. Persisted in, it not only compels their respect, even to the lowering of their voices and the tip-toeing in and out of the circle about you, but shortens the time of their visits, a consummation devoutly to be wished. So I worked on in silence, never turning toward this embodiment of one of Boutet do Monvel's drawings, whose absorbed face I could see out of one corner of my eye.This scarce antiquarian book is a facsimile reprint of the old original and may contain some imperfections such as library marks and notations. Because we believe this work is culturally important, we have made it available as part of our commitment for protecting, preserving, and promoting the world's literature in affordable, high quality, modern editions, that are true to their original work.