Author
Hulbert Footner
1879-1944
Hulbert Footner (1879-1944) is a public-domain author available on Rivro. Read free books, explore subjects, and discover related classics.
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Books by Hulbert Footner
The Woman from Outside [On Swan River]
"The Woman from Outside" by Hulbert Footner is a novel written in the early 20th century. Set in the majestic and mysterious landscapes of the Canadian North, the story revolves around the arrival of a new, enigmatic doctor, Ernest Imbrie, whose presence intrigues and unsettles the established community at Fort Enterprise. The narrative begins by introducing various characters at the post, highlighting their conversations and anticipations regarding the cold, isolated environment they inhabit. At the start of the book, the local residents at Fort Enterprise are engaged in a discussion concerning the tardy arrival of the mail and their growing curiosity about the mysterious Imbrie, who has seemingly isolated himself in an unexplored region beyond the Swan River. The arrival of Kakisa Indians underscores a disruption, and the discovery of Imbrie's intentions creates a wave of intrigue and resentment among the inhabitants, particularly the trader John Gaviller. As the plot unfolds, hints are dropped about the potential connections and tensions that may arise with the newcomer, foreshadowing deeper interpersonal dynamics and mysteries yet to be revealed. The opening thus sets the stage for a compelling mix of adventure and exploration in the wild, combined with an exploration of human relationships and the community’s response to the unknown.
A backwoods princess
"A Backwoods Princess" by Hulbert Footner is a novel written in the early 20th century. Set in the rugged Northwest Territories, it follows the life of Loseis Blackburn, the daughter of a free trader, who must navigate the tumultuous landscape of loss, love, and cultural conflict after her father's sudden death. The opening of the book introduces the reader to Loseis and her surroundings at Blackburn's Post as she grapples with the recent loss of her father. Confined to the Women’s House with her Indian handmaidens due to rain, Loseis is depicted as a strong-willed and spirited young woman, adorned in a bearskin and pearls, reflecting her mixed heritage and the wilderness of her environment. The sudden arrival of news concerning her father's death disrupts the fragile peace of their lives, thrusting her into a position of responsibility for the Post, where tensions simmer between her and the local Slavi tribe. As Loseis confronts the challenges ahead, her complex emotions, including tension with her potential rival, the trader Gault, and feelings for the geologist Conacher, shape a compelling narrative of resilience and determination in a harsh landscape.
Two on the Trail: A Story of the Far Northwest
"Two on the Trail: A Story of the Far Northwest" by Hulbert Footner is a novel written in the early 20th century. The story follows Garth Pevensey, a reporter from New York, as he embarks on an adventurous journey through the Northwest territories of Canada. Along the way, he encounters Natalie, a charming and spirited young woman, leading to a developing partnership as they navigate the challenges of the wilderness together. At the start of the narrative, Garth finds himself in Papps's Restaurant, where he unexpectedly meets Natalie during a rather awkward lunch. The scene captures their mutual interest in each other amid the contrasting personalities of surrounding diners. As their paths cross, Garth becomes enchanted by Natalie, who remains poised and enigmatic. The opening sets the stage for their forthcoming adventure, hinting at both romantic intrigue and the trials they will face as they journey into the wild together.
The Substitute Millionaire
"The Substitute Millionaire" by Hulbert Footner is a novel written in the early 20th century. The story introduces us to Jack Norman, a bookkeeper living on a minimal salary, who becomes embroiled in a sensational aftermath following the murder of a wealthy miser, Silas Gyde. After an unexpected turn of events, Jack learns that he is the sole heir to Gyde’s vast fortune, which propels him into a life filled with wealth and the trappings that come with it. The opening of the book sets the stage for Jack’s character and his socioeconomic frustrations as he navigates daily life on a meager income. With the backdrop of Gyde's explosive demise making headlines, Jack fantasizes about a life of luxury far removed from his austere reality. His fortunes change when he is summoned by Walter Delamare, the president of the National New York Bank, who reveals that Jack has inherited millions from Gyde. The initial excitement is tempered by the heavy realization of the responsibilities that accompany such wealth, especially in light of Gyde’s infamous life and the dangers lurking due to previous threats against him. As Jack contemplates his new wealth, he faces immediate challenges of identity, danger from those who may covet Gyde's legacy, and the complexities of romance that arise with his newfound status.
Thieves' Wit: An Everyday Detective Story
"Thieves' Wit: An Everyday Detective Story" by Hulbert Footner is a detective novel written in the early 20th century. The story introduces B. Enderby, a struggling confidential investigator who unexpectedly steps into his first case after a famous actress, Irma Hamerton, contacts him regarding her missing pearl necklace. As an ordinary man thrust into the world of crime and deception, Enderby navigates the complexities of human emotions and motivations while attempting to uncover the truth behind the theft. The opening of the story sets the stage for Enderby's journey as he reflects on his transition from an unfulfilled clerk to a detective. Following an unexpected encounter with Hamerton, who is distraught over her stolen pearls, he is drawn into a web of intrigue and potential romantic entanglement. As he learns about the complexities of her life and the circumstances surrounding the theft, Enderby grapples with self-doubt and the challenge of balancing his role as a detective and a confidant to an emotionally vulnerable client. This blend of detection, emotional depth, and the allure of the theatrical world promises an engaging narrative that explores themes of trust, deception, and the search for truth.
The Sealed Valley
"The Sealed Valley" by Hulbert Footner is a novel likely written in the early 20th century. The story is set against the rugged backdrop of the Canadian wilderness and introduces readers to the main character, Ralph Cowdray, a young doctor seeking adventure and romance in a region on the brink of development. The plot is set in motion when Ralph encounters Nahnya, a beautiful Indian woman who draws him into a journey filled with intrigue, personal discovery, and the complexities of human relationships. The opening of the story showcases Ralph's life in Fort Edward, a settlement poised for growth with the arrival of a railway. As Ralph engages in whimsical conversations with his friend Dan about the concept of romance being extinct, he is unexpectedly visited by Nahnya, who seeks his medical help for her mother. Their interaction hints at deeper themes of desire and cultural differences, laying the groundwork for an expedition into the heart of the wilderness, where Ralph hopes to experience the romance he believes is missing from his life. The introduction sets the stage for a tale of adventure and exploration, as Ralph grapples with his feelings for Nahnya and the challenges that lie ahead.
Jack Chanty: A Story of Athabasca
"Jack Chanty: A Story of Athabasca" by Hulbert Footner is a historical novel written in the early 20th century. It unfolds the adventures of Jack Chanty, a young man navigating life on the Spirit River while prospecting for gold and engaging with the local inhabitants of Fort Cheever. The story mixes elements of romance, exploration, and the clash between modernity and tradition in the wilderness of Athabasca. At the start of the narrative, we are introduced to Jack as he floats down the river on a makeshift raft, singing and soaking in the beauty of his surroundings. His carefree spirit and vibrant youth are presented vividly, setting the stage for his encounter with Mary Cranston, a local girl he instantly finds attractive. Their playful interaction, which includes a humorous hair-cutting scene and the exploration of their budding feelings for each other, hints at deeper themes of identity and belonging amidst the isolation of their northern frontier. The opening chapters establish a rich backdrop of character dynamics, setting the framework for the unfolding story in a land where the past and present collide.
Antennae
"Antennae" by Hulbert Footner is a novel written in the early 20th century. The book introduces two main characters, Wilfred Pell and Joe Kaplan, who navigate their tumultuous coming-of-age experiences in the contrasting environments of New York City. As the story unfolds, it explores themes of identity, societal expectations, and the stark realities of youth. The opening portion of the novel sets the stage with a detailed account of Wilfred's furtive nighttime escapades as he grapples with the pressures of adolescence. He is marked by a sense of isolation and self-doubt as he ventures into the city, observing various facets of life and encountering others who embody different paths and choices. Meanwhile, Joe Kaplan, depicted in the subsequent sections, is characterized as street-smart and resourceful, showcasing a contrasting perspective shaped by his hard upbringing. The interplay of their journeys establishes a rich tapestry of youthful ambition and the quest for belonging in the urban landscape, inviting readers to reflect on the complexities of growing up in a world rife with challenges and opportunities.
The Huntress
"The Huntress" by Hulbert Footner is a novel written in the early 20th century. Set in a remote Indigenous village, the story introduces us to Bela, a headstrong and unconventional young woman who defies the traditional gender roles of her tribe. The narrative seems to revolve around her quest for identity, familial connections, and the complicated dynamics of attraction and societal expectation. The opening of the novel presents a vivid depiction of life in the "Fish-Eaters' Village," where tensions arise from Bela's rebellious nature, which sets her apart from the other women and frustrates her father, Charley Whitefish. As a strong-willed individual, Bela refuses to conform to the expectations placed on her, leading to conflict not only within her family but also with the rest of the tribe. The chapter elicits a sense of identity struggle, moving from her initial defiance against her father's authority to a revelation about her mixed heritage. With budding feelings for the outside world represented by white men and advice from the enigmatic old Musq'oosis, the story hints at a transformational journey for Bela as she seeks her place between two cultures.
The Fur Bringers: A Story of the Canadian Northwest
"The Fur Bringers: A Story of the Canadian Northwest" by Hulbert Footner is a historical novel written in the early 20th century. Set against the backdrop of the Canadian fur trade, the story revolves around Ambrose Doane, a young free trader, and his interactions with his partners and the local community, including the trader's spirited daughter, Colina Gaviller. The narrative explores themes of rivalry, romance, and the complexities of life in a frontier setting. The opening of the novel introduces us to Ambrose Doane and his partner, Peter Minot, who run a trading post on Lake Miwasa. Tension brews between the two partners, revealing a backdrop of camaraderie and conflict in their work life, compounded by Ambrose's feelings of restlessness and emotional turmoil, described as "June fever." As the story unfolds, we learn about Colina Gaviller, a strong-minded and adventurous woman, who captures Ambrose's fascination. Their first encounter is charged with tension and attraction, setting the stage for a deeper exploration of their relationship amidst the challenges posed by their environment and societal expectations. The initial chapters establish the emotional stakes and the characters' backgrounds, offering a rich setting for Ambrose's impending journey and the dynamics of frontier life.
The Deaves Affair
"The Deaves Affair" by Hulbert Footner is a novel written in the early 20th century. The story revolves around Evan Weir, a struggling artist, and his encounters with the eccentric millionaire Simeon Deaves. The plot unfolds as Evan becomes inadvertently embroiled in a blackmail scheme targeting Deaves, leading him to navigate the complexities of privilege, class, and personal integrity. The opening of the novel introduces Evan, who is frustrated with his artistic endeavors and seeks inspiration outside his attic studio. His day takes a peculiar turn when he witnesses an amusing yet charged confrontation involving the old miser Simeon Deaves, who is scorned by a crowd for his stingy ways. As Evan intervenes to help Deaves, the narrative hints at Evan's journey to both find meaning in his life and to uncover the tangled web of deception surrounding the wealthy family. The initial chapters lay the groundwork for a comedic yet incisive exploration of societal values, ambition, and the unexpected bonds formed amidst chaos.
The Owl Taxi
"The Owl Taxi" by Hulbert Footner is a novel written in the early 20th century. The story introduces the main character, Greg Parr, a young man facing a major life transition as he contemplates leaving New York for London after a recent personal crisis. However, his plans take an unexpected turn when he finds himself posing as a taxi driver in the streets of New York, entering a world filled with surprises, intrigue, and possibly danger. At the start of the novel, Greg is on his way to catch passage on the Savoia, harboring a growing nostalgia for his familiar city. Delaying his departure, he befriends a taxi driver named Hickey Meech, who instead proposes a life swap, offering his taxi in exchange for Greg's better clothes. As Greg begins to embrace this new identity, he picks up a fare that leads to a shocking discovery—a dead body in his taxi—which complicates his situation significantly. As he navigates the aftermath, the tension ramps up with the arrival of mysterious characters, setting the stage for a suspenseful exploration of crime, deception, and identity in the bustling city.
Ramshackle House
"Ramshackle House" by Hulbert Footner is a novel written in the early 20th century. The story centers around Pen Broome, a strong-willed young woman grappling with the decline of her family's estate and her unexpected feelings for a mysterious visitor named Donald Counsell, who arrives amidst accusations of murder. As the narrative unfolds, it paints a vivid picture of life at Broome's Point and the complexities of love and loyalty interwoven with elements of suspense. At the start of the novel, we are introduced to Pen Broome, a hardworking and spirited woman managing her family's crumbling estate, while dealing with the frustrations of her father’s incompetence and the household’s mismanagement. On Decoration Day, while assisting around the house, Pen becomes restless upon witnessing the gaiety of the holiday outside. Following a confrontation with her father about household repairs, she retreats to a serene, hidden grove containing an old temple, where she reflects on her unfulfilled desires and loneliness. This introspection is interrupted when she meets Counsell, a handsome and charming stranger who is camping nearby. Their awkward initial interactions are filled with underlying tension and attraction, setting the stage for further developments as Pen learns of the murder charge against Counsell, leading to escalating drama that challenges her sense of duty and affection.