The Magnificent Ambersons , written by Booth Tarkington in 1918, tells the story of a wealthy family and their decline in society during the late 19th century as America underwent significant industrial and societal changes. The novel centers around the character of George Amberson Minafer, the spoiled and arrogant grandson of the family patriarch, and his relationships with the other members of the family and his community as they adjust to the changing times. The novel is a commentary on the loss of traditional values and the impact of progress on American society. It was a best-seller at the time of its publication and was later adapted into a film directed by Orson Welles.