Author
Will Levington Comfort
1878-1932
Will Levington Comfort (1878-1932) is a public-domain author available on Rivro. Read free books, explore subjects, and discover related classics.
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Books by Will Levington Comfort
Fate Knocks at the Door: A Novel
"Fate Knocks at the Door: A Novel" by Will Levington Comfort is a work of fiction written during the early 20th century. The novel follows the life of Andrew Bedient, a young man who experiences profound emotional and physical transformations as he navigates through different cultures and personal relationships in Asia and beyond. Central to the narrative is the theme of fate and destiny, as Bedient encounters both the turmoil of life at sea and the complexities of love and friendship. The opening of the novel introduces Andrew Bedient as he serves as a cook on the ship "Truxton", which is becalmed in the treacherous waters of the China Sea. The narrative vividly portrays Bedient's interactions with Captain Carreras, a fragile yet kind-hearted gentleman who profoundly impacts his life. As a powerful typhoon strikes, forcing both men into a fight for survival, Bedient's character begins to emerge through his courage and quick thinking. Through this intense incident, the foundation is laid for Bedient's journey of self-discovery and the exploration of deep emotional connections, especially as he ventures into the world after parting from Carreras. This initial chapter sets the stage for further developments in Bedient's life, hinting at themes of resilience, friendship, and the search for purpose amidst chaos.
The Hive
"The Hive" by Will Levington Comfort is a philosophical and educational treatise written in the early 20th century. The work explores themes of child development, spirituality, and the quest for a new social order termed the "New Race." It delves into the importance of nurturing the imagination and spirit of children, while also hinting at the roles of parents and educators in shaping the future generation. The opening of "The Hive" introduces the author's vision of a transformative approach to education and parenting, emphasizing the need for adults to evolve alongside children. Comfort shares anecdotes and reflections about children and their unique perceptive abilities, particularly before the age of seven, when they connect readily with the unseen world. He asserts that the old models of authority and interaction often cause misunderstandings and stifle creativity. Instead, he proposes a gentle nurturing of the child's imagination, which he believes is critical for the development of a harmonious and enlightened future society.
She Buildeth Her House
"She Buildeth Her House" by Will Levington Comfort is a novel written in the early 20th century. The story revolves around the central character, Paula Linster, and her interactions with various men, including Quentin Charter and Dr. Bellingham, as she navigates her personal and professional life in New York. Through her experiences, the book explores themes of femininity, the search for identity, and the complex dynamics of power and attraction in relationships. The opening of the novel introduces Paula at the age of twenty-seven, where she is faced with the metaphorical arrival of "two giants"—Bellingham and Charter—who represent conflicting forces in her life. The narrative details her mundane yet reflective morning as she prepares for a day that intertwines her professional ambitions with her personal dilemmas. Her encounter with Reifferscheid, an editor who admires her work, sets the stage for her literary aspirations, while her thoughts about Bellingham reveal her underlying fears and aversions. As she contemplates attending one of his lectures, we witness her internal struggle between curiosity and repulsion, highlighting her complex relationship with these influential male figures and the societal pressures they represent.
Child and Country: A Book of the Younger Generation
"Child and Country: A Book of the Younger Generation" by Will Levington Comfort is a reflective work blending memoir and philosophical exploration written in the early 20th century. The author shares his journey of home-making in the country, intertwining themes of nature, child-rearing, and self-discovery, particularly through the lens of educational philosophy. Throughout the narrative, Comfort examines the challenges and joys of cultivating a life away from the chaos of city living, emphasizing the importance of nurturing the inner lives of children and appreciating the simple pleasures of country life. At the start of the book, Comfort reflects on his previous experiences in the city, contrasting them with the revitalizing peace found in the countryside. He details the decision to move to a lake shore residence with his family, illustrating the sense of longing for a simpler life and the joy of reconnecting with nature. As the narrative unfolds, Comfort introduces the realities of parenting and education, revealing a deep concern for the welfare of children in the modern world and an eagerness to explore the balance between structured learning and natural growth. This opening lays the foundation for an exploration of the transformative journey of self-discovery and education that follows, inviting readers to consider the impact of environment on individual and collective well-being.
Red Fleece
"Red Fleece" by Will Levington Comfort is a novel set during the early 20th century, likely written in the years preceding World War I. The story centers on Peter Mowbray, a journalist who navigates the war-torn landscape of Warsaw and beyond, encountering a mysterious and enchanting young woman named Berthe Solwicz. As Mowbray and Berthe's relationship develops amid the chaos, the novel explores themes of love, sacrifice, and the human impact of war. At the start of the novel, we are introduced to Peter Mowbray, who becomes captivated by Berthe during a chance meeting in Palace Square, Warsaw. Initially preoccupied with his work, he is struck by her nobility and beauty. Their connection deepens as they encounter each other again, leading to meaningful conversations filled with introspection and emotional depth. Mowbray is soon thrust into the realities of war, where he grapples with his feelings for Berthe amidst the horrors he witnesses, including the violent treatment of soldiers. This beginning sets the stage for a rich tapestry of personal and political conflicts as characters navigate their destinies during a tumultuous time.
The Public Square
"The Public Square" by Will Levington Comfort is a novel written in the early 20th century. The narrative follows the experiences of Pidge Musser, a young girl who has just arrived in New York City, eager to find her place as a writer while navigating the complexities of life among diverse characters in a rooming house. Themes of aspiration, identity, and the clash between idealism and reality are likely explored as Pidge seeks to establish herself in the bustling metropolis. At the start of the story, we meet Pidge Musser as she arrives in New York with aspirations to write, feeling both excitement and apprehension. She finds a room in a modest boarding house on Harrow Street run by Miss Claes, who seems to embody a mix of support and resilience amidst the challenges of urban life. We witness Pidge's interactions with her fellow lodgers, including a mysterious and intriguing individual named Nagar, as she struggles with her writing and the weight of expectations placed upon her. The opening segment sets the stage for a deeper exploration of creativity, personal growth, and the relationships that will shape her journey in the city, laying a rich foundation for the unfolding narrative.
Routledge rides alone
"Routledge Rides Alone" by Will Levington Comfort is a novel written in the early 20th century. The story revolves around Cosmo Routledge, an American war correspondent, who navigates the complexities of life, war, and relationships as he travels through Asia and returns home. The narrative hints at themes of personal growth, the horrors of conflict, and cultural reflections, while exploring Routledge's relationships, particularly with Noreen Cardinegh, the daughter of an esteemed war correspondent. At the start of the novel, we are introduced to Jerry Cardinegh, who reminisces about his time in China and eagerly awaits the return of his friend Routledge. Their reunion sets the stage for conversations filled with shared experiences, reflections on war, and the emotional bonds formed through their journeys. As they anticipate the arrival of Routledge, Noreen expresses her admiration for him, indicating his importance not only as a war correspondent but also as a person with a profound understanding of the world. This opening establishes a rich backdrop of tension and camaraderie, hinting at larger conflicts that will unfold in the narrative while exploring the personal dynamics between the characters.
Somewhere south in Sonora : $b A novel
"Somewhere South in Sonora" by Will Levington Comfort is a novel written in the early 20th century. The story explores themes of family, identity, and cultural divides, centering around the life of Bob Leadley and his mixed-race son Bart in a small mining town in Arizona. As Bart navigates his heritage and the cultural tensions within the community, the narrative delves into the challenges faced by father and son, illustrating their struggles for acceptance in a divided society. The opening of the novel introduces Bob Leadley, who finds himself on a fateful night in the town of Bismo, Arizona. He receives distressing news about the birth of his son, Bart, whose mother has passed away shortly after childbirth. The narrative dives into Bob’s complex feelings regarding his son’s identity as a child of a Mexican mother in a predominantly white mining community. As Bart grows up, he embodies a blend of cultures, drawing the ire and scorn of the townsfolk while also solidifying a deep bond with his Mexican heritage. This sets the stage for a poignant exploration of their relationship, alongside the tensions of their environment, deepening the themes of belonging and identity that will likely unfold throughout the novel.
Down among men
"Down Among Men" by Will Levington Comfort is a novel written in the early 20th century. It explores the themes of war, humanity, and personal transformation, focusing on the character John Morning, a war correspondent. The narrative delves into the complexities of personal struggle against the backdrop of military conflict, highlighting both the valiant and the tragic aspects of human experience. The opening of the book introduces us to John Morning as he participates in a military campaign in Luzon, Philippines, during the backdrop of the late 19th century. He finds himself among military personnel, grappling with feelings of inferiority and the challenges of his profession, particularly in comparison to more established war correspondents. Morning is characterized by his sense of being an outsider and carries a burden of shame from past actions, including a petty theft. His interactions with other characters, like the prominent journalist Mr. Reever Kennard and the contemplative Duke Fallows, set the stage for the exploration of societal and personal issues intertwined with the nature of warfare as they prepare for the Russo-Japanese War. Conflicts, both external and internal, shape Morning's journey as he seeks purpose and redemption amidst the chaos of battle.
Lot & Company
"Lot & Company" by Will Levington Comfort is a novel written in the early 20th century. The narrative introduces a central character, Bellair, who navigates the complexities of life in New York City, grappling with his mundane job at a printing firm, Lot & Company, and his longing for adventure, as ignited by his fascination with a sailing ship, the "Jade of Adelaide". The book explores themes of personal significance versus societal expectations, as well as the yearning for a life filled with passion and depth. The opening of the story reveals Bellair's existential struggle amidst the monotonous backdrop of his daily life, which is starkly contrasted by his encounter with the "Jade". On a seemingly uneventful Sunday, he is stirred by a beautiful ship departing the harbor, sparking a deep longing for freedom and adventure. This moment catalyzes his introspection about his insignificance and the unfulfilled potential he feels, which has led him to view his life and relationships through a lens of quiet discontent. The narrative continues to shift between Bellair's internal experiences and his interactions with various characters within the Lot & Company establishment, setting the stage for a deeper exploration of his desires and the moral quandaries of his work environment.
The Last Ditch
"The Last Ditch" by Will Levington Comfort is a novel written in the early 20th century. The story introduces Romney, an American expatriate navigating life in China, who becomes captivated by Moira Kelvin, a complex and intriguing woman coping with loss and searching for redemption. Their initial encounter on a river steamer sets the stage for a blend of personal struggle and explorations of deep emotional connections against the backdrop of a richly described foreign landscape. The opening portion of the book establishes strong character dynamics, particularly through the interaction between Romney and Moira, as they discuss their pasts and desires while aboard the steamer. Moira’s haunting memories of her deceased child and husband, combined with her longing for companionship, contrast sharply with Romney's impressions of her beauty and strength. As they converse, both characters are drawn into a tense emotional landscape, revealing their vulnerabilities while tackling themes of loss, yearning, and existential longing. The narrative unfolds in settings that emphasize cultural richness and the complexity of human relationships, indicating the direction in which their connection may evolve.
Son of Power
"Son of Power" by Will Levington Comfort is a novel written in the early 20th century. The story navigates the life of a boy named Sanford Hantee, also known as Skag, who develops an obsession with animals, leading him from a chaotic childhood in Chicago to the jungles of India. As Skag embarks on a quest for self-discovery, he encounters wild animals and forms deep connections with nature, while simultaneously searching for a mystical woman named Dhoop Ki Dhil, who embodies power and beauty. The beginning of the book introduces Skag as a young boy entrapped by the allure of the Lincoln Park Zoo, eventually leading him to runaway from home and engage in a series of adventures across the wilderness. After spending years with animals and experiencing hardships, he finds himself drawn to India where he hopes to learn about wildlife in their natural habitat. The narrative sets the stage for his transformative journey, where he becomes embroiled in the local culture and legends, especially regarding Dhoop Ki Dhil, the enchanting nautch-girl. Through his experiences, the story explores themes of power, connection to nature, and the pursuit of a deeper understanding of both the animal kingdom and human emotions.