The Rake's Progress The Rake's Progress The Rake's Progress is an English-language opera in three acts and an epilogue by Igor Stravinsky. The libretto, written by W. H. Auden and Chester Kallman, is based loosely on the eight paintings and engravings "A Rake's Progress" (1733–1735) of William Hogarth, which Stravinsky had seen on 2 May 1947, in a Chicago exhibition. The story concerns the decline and fall of one Tom Rakewell, who deserts Anne Trulove for the delights of London in the company of Nick Shadow, who turns out to be the Devil. After several misadventures, all initiated by the devious Shadow, Tom
William S. Herriman William S. Herriman William S. Herriman (24 October 1791 – 6 April 1867) was a wealthy businessman who became President of Long Island Bank, the first bank in Brooklyn, New York. He remained in that position until his death when he was replaced by William C. Fowler. Herriman was born 1791 in Jamaica, Queens, New York, and was the third of four known surviving children. He had a brother and three sisters. His father was Stephen Herriman (formerly Harriman) III (1757-1792). His mother was Elizabeth Smith (1760-1847). William married Maria Belle Stillwell Frecke/Freeke on 13 December 1820. Herriman had five