Author
Charles Neville Buck
1879-1957
Charles Neville Buck (1879-1957) is a public-domain author available on Rivro. Read free books, explore subjects, and discover related classics.
Subjects
Books by Charles Neville Buck
The Tempering
"The Tempering" by Charles Neville Buck is a novel written in the early 20th century. Set against the backdrop of the rugged Appalachian mountains, the story revolves around Boone Wellver, a young boy grappling with feelings of discontent and longing for adventure, and Victor McCalloway, an enigmatic stranger whose presence stirs Boone's imagination. The book explores themes of conflict, family loyalties, and the struggle between tradition and change within a society marked by deep-seated feuds. At the start of the story, Boone sits on a fence lamenting the monotony of his life in his isolated mountain community, surrounded by remnants of pioneer life. His world changes with the arrival of McCalloway, a well-traveled stranger with an air of romance, who inadvertently draws Boone into a complex web of family feuds as the local politics heat up. The narrative foreshadows the tensions between different families in the area, particularly the Gregories and the Carrs, as Boone witnesses the emotional weight of his relatives’ past and the simmering animosities that threaten to ignite. As the plot unfolds, Boone's yearning for a life beyond his mundane existence collides with the realities of his heritage and the violent inheritances of his kin.
Destiny
"Destiny" by Charles Neville Buck is a novel written in the early 20th century. It explores the lives of the Burton family, particularly focusing on the aspirations and struggles of the brothers Ham and Paul, as well as their sister Mary, against the backdrop of rural poverty and familial duty. The book delves into themes of ambition, identity, and the quest for a better life as the characters face both internal and external conflicts. At the start of the story, we meet Paul Burton, a sensitive and musically inclined boy, who is grappling with bullying at school and the expectations of his brother, Ham. Ham is depicted as assertive and ambitious, determined to escape their impoverished life on the family farm and seek greater opportunities. The opening chapters vividly illustrate the boys' contrasting personalities and dreams, culminating in Ham's bold declaration of his aspirations to leave and carve out a name for himself in the world, while Paul longs for acceptance and understanding through his music. The family's struggles are further compounded by socio-economic challenges, setting the stage for the greater conflict between ambition and familial obligation that unfolds throughout the novel.
When 'Bear Cat' Went Dry
"When 'Bear Cat' Went Dry" by Charles Neville Buck is a novel written in the early 20th century. The story is set in the Appalachian region and follows the tumultuous relationship between Turner Stacy, nicknamed Bear Cat, and his father, Lone Stacy, who engages in illegal moonshining as a means of survival. The narrative intertwines themes of family loyalty, youthful rebellion, and the struggle against personal demons, particularly alcohol, as Turner seeks his place in a world that offers limited opportunities. The opening of the novel introduces us to the Stacy family, with Lone Stacy's stern demeanor contrasting sharply with the aspirations of his son, Turner. As he searches for his missing son, Lone expresses frustration with Turner’s reluctance to assist with their moonshining operation. We learn that Turner, though physically strong, wrestles with an inner conflict related to his identity and a burgeoning desire for a better life. The narrative draws readers into the harsh realities of mountain life, emphasizing the tension between family responsibilities and personal desires, setting the stage for the family's struggles against societal norms and interpersonal conflicts that loom ahead.
The Call of the Cumberlands
"The Call of the Cumberlands" by Charles Neville Buck is a novel written during the early 20th century. The story is set against the backdrop of the rugged Appalachian mountains and centers on the lives of various characters, prominently featuring a young mountain girl named Sally and a visiting painter, George Lescott. The narrative explores themes of beauty, art, and the tensions between the mountain families embroiled in feuds, particularly the Souths and the Hollmans. At the start of the novel, the reader is introduced to the serene yet wild landscape of the Cumberland ridge, where Sally, a young girl with a keen appreciation for nature and beauty, discovers a set of abandoned artist’s supplies. Her exploration leads her to instinctively care for George Lescott, the injured painter who owns the supplies, demonstrating her innate kindness and curiosity about the outside world. As the story unfolds, we learn about the prevailing tensions in the community due to the longstanding feud between the South and Hollman families, setting the stage for future conflicts and the emotional turmoil experienced by the characters, especially concerning Sally's admiration for Samson South and his complex feelings about familial duty amid the feud's violent legacy.
The Tyranny of Weakness
"The Tyranny of Weakness" by Charles Neville Buck is a novel written in the early 20th century. The story centers around the turbulent emotions and societal expectations faced by the young protagonist, Stuart Farquaharson, as he navigates love and rigid family traditions in the aftermath of the Civil War. The inciting conflict arises from his feelings for Conscience Williams, a spirited girl from the North, against the backdrop of a father's strict moral and puritanical control over his daughter. The opening of the novel introduces Stuart and Conscience during their youthful banter as they face the nuances of blossoming adolescence and the weight of their family backgrounds. Stuart is torn between his noble heritage and his romantic ideals, while Conscience teases him, revealing her independent spirit. The dynamic between them unfolds through lively exchanges filled with misunderstanding and emerging affection, setting the stage for deeper themes of love, loyalty, and the impact of societal norms on personal desires. As the narrative progresses, the tension between Stuart's desires and Conscience's father's stringent expectations begins to emerge, foreshadowing the struggles that will ensue in their relationship.
The Beneficent Burglar
"The Beneficent Burglar" by Charles Neville Buck is a novel written in the early 20th century. The story revolves around themes of love, elopement, and a series of comedic misadventures that unfold as the protagonist attempts to secure his future with the woman he loves. Set against a backdrop of societal norms and constraints, this light-hearted narrative delves into the lengths to which individuals will go for love, featuring a mix of humor and mistaken identities. The plot follows Lewis Copewell, who is desperately trying to prevent his beloved Mary Asheton from being sent away to Europe by her family as part of their efforts to keep them apart. With the help of his friend Alexander Hamilton Burrow, Copewell concocts an elaborate plan to elope with Mary. However, complications arise as miscommunication, misunderstandings, and the antics of various characters, including the mischievous burglar Rat Connors, create chaos. The story culminates in a series of comedic events that lead to mistaken encounters and an unexpected resolution. Ultimately, the narrative explores not only the pursuit of love but also the unpredictable nature of life, making for an engaging and entertaining read.
The Code of the Mountains
"The Code of the Mountains" by Charles Neville Buck is a novel written in the early 20th century. The story centers around Newt Spooner, a young man recently released from prison and seeking revenge against those he holds accountable for a crime that led to his incarceration. The narrative explores themes of vengeance, the clash of old ways versus new, and the complexities of life in the Appalachian mountains and the surrounding areas. The opening portion of the book introduces Newt Spooner as he reflects on his past and struggles with the stigma of his criminal past. Recently pardoned for murder, Newt's focus is singular—he is determined to kill Henry Falkins, the man whose testimony led to his conviction. As he makes his way through the unfamiliar landscapes of post-prison life towards his rugged home, he grapples with his identity, feelings of bitterness, and a newly awakened awareness of the world, especially represented by those in the lowlands. The narrative sets up an intense dichotomy between vengeance and the possibility of change, which is echoed in the lives of both Newt and those connected to him, like Minerva Rawlins, a character introduced later in the opening chapters.
The Portal of Dreams
"The Portal of Dreams" by Charles Neville Buck is a novel written in the early 20th century. The story centers around the protagonist, Mr. Deprayne, a man struggling with his artistic aspirations and personal demons. After a warning from his doctor concerning the dangers of his over-sensitized nerves, he embarks on a journey through Europe, encountering a mysterious young woman who captures his fascination and seems to elude him at every turn. At the start of the narrative, the main character, Mr. Deprayne, is engaged in a conversation with his physician, who emphasizes the need for Deprayne to travel extensively to maintain his mental health. Despite an initial sense of reluctance, he books passage to the Mediterranean, where an elusive woman catches his attention. This intrigue develops as he navigates through various cities, yet his encounters with her remain fleeting and filled with unanswered questions. The opening chapters establish themes of desire, isolation, and the interplay between fate and personal agency, leaving readers eager to uncover how Deprayne’s quest for connection unfolds amidst the backdrop of travel and adventure.
The Key to Yesterday
"The Key to Yesterday" by Charles Neville Buck is a novel written in the early 20th century. The story is set against the backdrop of horse racing at Churchill Downs and introduces readers to complex characters navigating the realms of love, identity, and artistic ambition. The main character, Robert A. Saxon, is a painter who grapples with his mysterious past and the emergence of profound feelings for a woman named Duska Filson as he embarks on a new journey in his art and life. The opening of the novel immerses readers in the excitement of the Derby Day races, where Saxon becomes captivated not only by the thrilling competition between horses but also by the striking presence of Duska, a young woman amidst the crowd. Their initial encounter is characterized by awkwardness, admiration, and the beginnings of a more profound connection. As the story unfolds, the contrast between the thrill of the races and Saxon's introspective artistic pursuits sets the stage for a deeper exploration of themes such as identity, connection, and the complexities of love, particularly as Saxon harbors a haunting secret about his past. This blend of dynamic dialogue and rich imagery piques interest in the character's journey and the unfolding romance.
The Roof Tree
"The Roof Tree" by Charles Neville Buck is a novel written in the early 20th century. The story begins with a tense and dramatic opening that introduces a tragic incident involving a gunshot in a mountain cabin, leading to profound consequences for the characters involved. The narrative centers around Kenneth Thornton, who finds himself fleeing and assuming a new identity after defending his sister Sally from her abusive husband. The opening portion of the novel depicts a harrowing moment following a murder, where Kenneth must navigate the emotional turmoil his sister faces. As he grapples with the immediate aftermath, he resolves to protect her and the unborn child. This sets off a chain of events that lead him into the rugged landscapes of Kentucky as a fugitive, intertwined with themes of love, sacrifice, and identity, all while exploring the complex dynamics of family, duty, and protection in a tumultuous environment. The tone is rich with visceral detail, drawing readers into a world of stark realities and emotional depth.
A Pagan of the Hills
"A Pagan of the Hills" by Charles Neville Buck is a novel written in the early 20th century. The story is set in the rugged and untamed landscape of the Kentucky mountains and centers around the characters of Alexander McGivins, a strong-willed woman, and her father, Aaron, who faces a grave injury. As they navigate the struggles of rural life against the forces of nature and the complexities of personal dynamics, the narrative explores themes of identity, gender roles, and the clash between civilization and wilderness. The opening of the book introduces the backdrop of a turbulent spring flood while establishing the strong character of Alexander, who embodies both femininity and a rugged spirit typically associated with masculinity. The tension builds around her father's precarious condition and the looming threat of losing their timber to the flood. As she prepares to assume responsibility for their family's future, Alexander emerges as a force to be reckoned with. The dialogue and interactions among the local mountaineers reveal a rich tapestry of community dynamics, setting the stage for conflicts that challenge established norms and personal motivations. This introduction hints at both the physical and emotional battles that lie ahead for Alexander and those connected to her.
The Lighted Match
"The Lighted Match" by Charles Neville Buck is a novel written in the early 20th century. The story centers around the themes of love and duty, focusing on the character Cara, who struggles with the demands of her royal heritage and her desires for personal freedom. Through her interactions with Benton, the novel unfolds a mix of romantic entanglements and societal expectations. At the start of the novel, a young man and woman wash their hands in a common basin, while a farmer shares a local superstition, hinting at the relationship dynamics between them. The young man, Benton, appears to be charmed by the vibrant young woman, Cara, who expresses a longing for freedom from the constraints that come with her potential marriage to a foreign prince. As they ride in the autumn sunset, their playful banter reveals the depth of their connection, contrasted with Cara’s hidden worries about her royal obligations and the presence of Pagratide, a suitor she is expected to choose. The opening sets a tone of romantic tension and foreshadows the struggle between societal expectations and personal desires that will shape the rest of the narrative.