Author
W. L. (William Livingston) Alden
1837-1908
W. L. (William Livingston) Alden (1837-1908) is a public-domain author available on Rivro. Read free books, explore subjects, and discover related classics.
WikipediaSubjects
Books by W. L. (William Livingston) Alden
Christopher Columbus (1440-1506) : $b the first American citizen (by adoption)
"Christopher Columbus (1440–1506): The First American Citizen (by Adoption)" by William L. Alden is a historical account written in the late 19th century. This biography explores the life of Christopher Columbus, delving into his early years, ambitions, and the voyages that led to the discovery of the Americas. Alden presents Columbus not merely as a renowned explorer but also takes a unique stance by suggesting he can be considered the first American citizen by adoption. The opening of the book introduces readers to the complexities surrounding Columbus's birth and early life, highlighting the uncertain narratives surrounding his origins. Alden cleverly conveys the multiple claims to Columbus's birthplace and his early education and aspirations. The anecdotes about youthful adventures and misadventures provide insights into Columbus’s character and hint at the determination that would drive his later explorations. These early chapters set the stage for Columbus's aspirations to explore uncharted territories, as he begins to form ideas of sailing westward to find new lands, which would eventually lead to his historic voyages across the Atlantic.
Told by the Colonel
"Told by the Colonel" by W. L. Alden is a collection of humorous short stories written in the late 19th century. The tales are narrated by a character known as the Colonel, who shares amusing anecdotes and observations about life, revealing eccentric characters and absurd situations. The overarching themes often touch on human folly, social commentary, and the humorous aspects of everyday life. At the start of the book, readers are introduced to the Colonel as he sits in a Paris hotel, surrounded by a group of Americans who engage in boisterous discussions about their experiences in the city. The Colonel, initially quiet, draws attention when he requests an owl, prompting him to share the story of a parrot his daughter owned. This parrot, with its insatiable chatter and lack of regard for others, serves as the basis for an amusing narrative that highlights the Colonel's dry wit and skills as a storyteller. The opening portion sets the tone for the forthcoming tales, hinting at the mix of humor and critique that defines the Colonel's observations throughout the collection.
The cruise of the Canoe Club
"The Cruise of the Canoe Club" by W. L. Alden is a novel written in the late 19th century. This adventurous tale follows four boys—Charley Smith, Tom Schuyler, Harry Wilson, and Joe Sharpe—who embark on a canoeing journey filled with excitement, challenges, and camaraderie. The narrative captures their preparations, the trials they face in acquiring canoes, and their thrilling experiences as they navigate various waterways. The opening of this novel introduces us to the boys' ambitious plan for a canoe cruise, revealing their initial challenges with finances and canoe selection. They meet the Commodore of a canoe club for advice and receive conflicting recommendations from several canoeists regarding the best type of canoes. As the young adventurers come together to discuss their findings and make decisions, the foundation for their friendship is set against a backdrop of the great outdoors. Ultimately, they begin to navigate their newly acquired canoes, leading to both entertaining mishaps and thrilling escapades on the water, hinting at the many adventures that lie ahead.
A new Robinson Crusoe
"A New Robinson Crusoe" by W. L. Alden is a novel written in the late 19th century. This satirical tale follows the adventures of Mike Flanagan, a young Irishman who becomes shipwrecked alongside an eccentric and self-important character named Mr. Crusoe, who claims to be the grandson of the original Robinson Crusoe. The narrative presents a humorous twist on the classic castaway story, exploring themes of survival, friendship, and the absurdity of human nature. The opening portion introduces Mike Flanagan, who recounts his adventures at sea and how he ended up in a precarious situation aboard the ship "H. G. Thompson". After a disastrous storm leads to the shipwreck, Mike manages to save Mr. Crusoe, and they find themselves stranded on a deserted island. They begin their survival efforts, with Mr. Crusoe often leading with bizarre ideas and relying on the legacy of his grandfather's experiences. The comedic dynamic between the practical Mike and the delusional Mr. Crusoe sets the stage for a series of misadventures filled with witty dialogues as they attempt to navigate their new life on the island.
The moral pirates
"The Moral Pirates" by W. L. Alden is a children's adventure novel written in the late 19th century. The story revolves around a group of boys, particularly Harry Wilson, whose love for pirate tales inspires a summer sailing adventure filled with moral lessons. Their journey on the "Whitewing" offers a blend of excitement, camaraderie, and the challenges boys face while learning valuable life skills. At the start of the book, the main character, Harry, has been encouraged by his Uncle John to channel his fascination with piracy into a harmless and educational summer cruise with friends. The opening chapters depict the boys preparing for their trip, gathering supplies, and honing their sailing skills while addressing themes of responsibility, teamwork, and adventure. The narrative unfolds with a sense of humor and charm as the boys encounter various misadventures, setting the tone for a lighthearted exploration of friendship and moral integrity against the backdrop of thrilling escapades on the water.
The Adventures of Jimmy Brown
"The Adventures of Jimmy Brown" by W. L. Alden is a children's novel written in the late 19th century. The book follows the whimsical and mischievous escapades of a young boy named Jimmy Brown as he navigates childhood adventures, often leading to humorous situations involving his family and friends. At the start of the story, we are introduced to Jimmy's quirky thoughts and feelings towards the adults in his life, particularly Mr. Martin, who annoys him by calling him "Bub." Jimmy’s reflections set the tone for a series of comical incidents, starting with a ridiculous game and escalating to more absurd situations, including an embarrassing episode involving a scalping prank gone wrong. The beginning establishes Jimmy's imaginative perspective and sets the stage for the light-hearted adventures that follow, showcasing the charm of childhood innocence and the chaos it can bring into the lives of those around him.
The loss of the Swansea : $b A story of the Florida coast
"The loss of the Swansea: A story of the Florida coast" by W. L. Alden is a seafaring adventure novel for young readers written in the late 19th century. It follows Bristol brothers Jack and Tom, cast onto the Florida coast after a mutiny on the brig Swansea, as they face pirates, wild country, secret caves, and the lure of hidden treasure alongside a weathered ex-pirate ally. The opening of the story finds the orphaned brothers bound for America on the Swansea, where the drink-weakened Captain Fearing is overthrown by his mate, John March. Set adrift with the captain, the boys reach a Florida inlet, discover an abandoned pirate fort and a glittering cave, and endure a night of rattlesnakes and panthers. When another pirate gang appears and murders Fearing, the boys flee into the cave, are swept by an underground river to a hidden pool, and meet Bill Catchley, a marooned former pirate. With Bill’s help they blast open Blackbeard’s iron gate, wander a labyrinth, and narrowly find daylight again. They then slip upriver, steal back a boat, and push into the Everglades, where Bill reveals a long-buried treasure he once nearly unearthed. As they begin to dig at the marked spot, six armed Indians emerge and seize them.