Author
Eleanor Gates
1875-1951
Eleanor Gates (1875-1951) is a public-domain author available on Rivro. Read free books, explore subjects, and discover related classics.
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Books by Eleanor Gates
Alec Lloyd, Cowpuncher
"Alec Lloyd, Cowpuncher" by Eleanor Gates is a novel written in the early 20th century. The story centers on Cupid Lloyd, a lovable and somewhat mischievous character who enjoys playing matchmaker among the romantic entanglements of the people in Briggs City. Set against the backdrop of the American West, the novel explores themes of love, rivalry, and the colorful dynamics of a small-town community. The opening of "Alec Lloyd, Cowpuncher" introduces us to Cupid Lloyd and his friend Hairoil Johnson, who are pondering the complexities of love and marriage while lounging together at a railroad depot. Cupid is passionate about helping his friend Billy Trowbridge win the heart of Rose Andrews, but soon finds himself tangled in a rivalry with the wealthy and charming Doctor Simpson, who has also set his sights on Rose. The narrative is laced with humor and vivid descriptions of the everyday lives of its characters, setting the stage for further romantic adventures and conflicts in the unfolding story.
The justice of Gideon
"The Justice of Gideon" by Eleanor Gates is a novel written in the early 20th century. The book centers around Gideon Carr, a Justice of the Peace in the small town of Manzanita, California, as he navigates both legal matters and personal relationships. Key themes include justice, ambition, and the complexities of human interactions, particularly focusing on the characters Gideon, Alicia, and Homer. The opening of the narrative sets a vivid scene in Gideon's courtroom, emphasizing both the physical space and the weight of his responsibilities. He is preparing for a day of trials when Alicia, a girl he seems to have affection for, enters with concerns about Homer, a young man whom Gideon has helped raise. As Alicia reveals gossip about Homer gambling and potentially getting into trouble, the Judge's protective instincts come into play. This opening not only establishes the main characters and their relationships but also hints at impending conflicts that will test Gideon's sense of justice and personal connections as the story unfolds.
The Biography of a Prairie Girl
"The Biography of a Prairie Girl" by Eleanor Gates is a novel written in the early 20th century. The story centers on a young girl growing up on a Dakota farm and explores her experiences, relationships, and the challenges she faces within the frontier setting. The narrative paints a vivid picture of prairie life and family dynamics, particularly focusing on the little girl's interactions with her brothers and mother. The opening of the book introduces the main character, a little girl, as she contemplates the arrival of the stork that brought her into the world during a fierce winter storm. This event sets the stage for her early life on the farm, marked by the love and attention of her three older brothers and her mother's efforts to keep the family together during hardships. The family eagerly anticipates naming the girl after her birth, but their plans are complicated by tragedy and the relentless demands of frontier life. As the little girl grows, the narrative promises to explore her journey through childhood, heartache, and the process of finding her identity within the constraints of her environment.
The Rich Little Poor Boy
"The Rich Little Poor Boy" by Eleanor Gates is a novel written in the early 20th century. The story centers around a ten-year-old boy named Johnnie Smith, who lives in a tenement and is under the care of harsh foster father Big Tom Barber. As Johnnie navigates the challenges of his difficult home life, he uses his imagination to escape into a world where he dreams of adventure and a brighter future. At the start of the book, the reader is introduced to Johnnie's grim reality, marked by his oversized, tattered clothes and the oppressive presence of Big Tom, who issues commands and instills fear. Despite these conditions, Johnnie possesses a vibrant imagination, vividly visualizing a life of nobility and freedom. He shares a bond with his step-sister Cis, who provides some comfort as they communicate using a secret system due to Barber’s harsh nature. The opening sections establish Johnnie's character, his struggles, and his escapist tendencies, setting the stage for a tale about resilience, dreams, and the quest for kindness amidst adversity.
The Plow-Woman
"The Plow-Woman" by Eleanor Gates is a novel written in the early 20th century. This work chronicles the experiences of Dallas Lancaster, a determined young woman adapting to life on the Dakota prairie in the face of challenges that come with homesteading, family struggles, and the complexities of community life during a time of expansion in the American West. The story examines themes of resilience, responsibility, and the clash between the encroaching railroad and the lives of settlers. At the start of the narrative, we meet Dallas, who is diligently plowing their new land with her mules, Ben and Betty, as winter approaches. The opening chapter introduces her family, including her father Evan, a crippled former railroad worker, and her delicate younger sister, Marylyn. The family's hopes hinge on their claim's potential value because of the imminent arrival of the railroad, which Dallas worries will disrupt their hard-earned life. As Dallas handles her plowing and interacts with her surroundings, the narrative builds a sense of both the arduous labor required for homesteading and the subtle shifts in their circumstances, foreshadowing conflict that may arise from their precarious position in the frontier. The arrival of outsiders, including a storekeeper named John Lounsbury, hints at evolving relationships and possible tensions in this tightly-knit community.
The Poor Little Rich Girl
"The Poor Little Rich Girl" by Eleanor Gates is a novel written in the early 20th century. The story revolves around Gwendolyn, a wealthy little girl who grapples with feelings of disappointment and longing as she experiences the complexities of her life surrounded by affluence yet lacking genuine happiness and freedom. The narrative explores her emotional struggles in a world filled with lavishness and the expectations that come with being a rich child. At the start of the novel, Gwendolyn, on the day of her seventh birthday, checks her height against a mark made on a mirror, only to find that she has not grown as she had hoped. This triggers a cascade of emotions leading to disappointment and grief. As she navigates the nursery, her feelings of being overlooked and undervalued surface, especially in the presence of her governess and nursemaid. The opening establishes her yearning for autonomy and emotional connection against the backdrop of her wealthy upbringing, highlighting her isolation in a world that is seemingly perfect yet emotionally unfulfilling.
Good Night (Buenas Noches)
"Good Night (Buenas Noches)" by Eleanor Gates is a children's story illustrated by Arthur Rackham, likely written in the early 20th century. The book captures the lively interactions between various fowl, primarily focusing on a mischievous parrot named Loretta and her relationship with Padre Alonzo and a canary named Tony. The narrative intertwines themes of companionship, mischief, and the warmth of community life. The story unfolds in a vibrant garden setting, where Loretta the parrot causes trouble by plucking flowers and vying for attention from Tony, the canary. Padre Alonzo, a kind-hearted priest, often intervenes to protect Loretta from the strict Padre Anzar, who views her antics as disruptive. Throughout the book, the tale delves into the dynamics of life in the garden, illustrating the antics of the birds as they interact with each other and the priests who take care of them. Eventually, Loretta's mischief leads her into trouble with a cat named Tomasso, but her bravery and spirited nature shine through in her attempts to protect her friend Tony. The story concludes with a message of love and understanding, encapsulated in the tender relationship between the characters.
Phœbe
"Phœbe" by Eleanor Gates is a novel written in the early 20th century. It follows the life of a young girl named Phœbe Blair, who is suddenly uprooted from her familiar life in New York to stay with her distant relatives in a smaller city. The story explores themes of innocence, family dynamics, and the impact of adult issues, as Phœbe navigates her new surroundings and grapples with the troubling changes in her mother's health and the implications of divorce. The opening of the novel presents a critical moment as Phœbe receives a telegram from her mother, instructing her to pack and leave for her grandmother's house. The reader is introduced to Phœbe's tender relationship with her father, who accompanies her on the train. As she embarks on this journey, Phœbe's reflections reveal her confusion and sense of loss, particularly regarding her mother's sudden departure and the ominous suggestion of a family tragedy. Upon arrival at her grandmother's house, Phœbe encounters a new and unfamiliar world, populated by relatives she barely knows, which deepens her sense of isolation and longing for her mother. The stage is set for a coming-of-age story that promises to delve into the complexities of family relationships and the fears of a young girl confronting adult realities.
"Swat the Fly!": A One-Act Fantasy
"Swat the Fly!" by Eleanor Gates is a one-act fantasy play written in the early 20th century. The story unfolds in a garden behind a laboratory for animal experimentation, highlighting the ethical dilemmas surrounding vivisection and animal rights. The play explores themes of compassion, cruelty, and the interconnectedness of all living beings through a humorous yet poignant narrative. The plot centers on a confrontation between a doctor experimenting on animals and a woman inspector who questions his methods. A boy enters to feed the animals, believing they're being mistreated, which leads to a debate over the morality of animal testing. While the animals express their grievances against the doctor, they ultimately discover that a common fly is the real threat, carrying diseases that necessitate the doctor's work. In a twist, they decide to team up against the fly, realizing that it is the source of their troubles, resulting in a comical yet insightful resolution where they resolve to "swat the fly" instead of the doctor. The play cleverly uses anthropomorphic animals to discuss serious issues, blending humor with a message about the responsibility humans have towards animals and nature.
Apron-Strings
"Apron-Strings" by Eleanor Gates is a novel written in the early 20th century. The story explores the complex dynamics between mothers and daughters, illuminating the various types of mothers that exist. Central to the narrative are the characters of Mrs. Milo and her daughter, Susan, along with a cast of supporting characters, including a bride named Hattie and the parish’s new rector, Mr. Farvel, weaving together themes of familial love and societal expectation. The opening of the book introduces us to the setting of a parish rectory as preparations are made for Hattie's wedding. Various conversations unfold, revealing the personalities and backgrounds of the characters, particularly focusing on Mrs. Milo, who exhibits a controlling and somewhat judgmental nature, contrasting with the more open-hearted and nurturing qualities of Susan. As Sue interacts with the orphan boys from the nearby orphanage, the underlying tensions between her and her mother become evident, suggesting deeper themes of maternal expectations and social responsibilities. The dialogue is rich with humor and light-heartedness, juxtaposed with poignant moments, setting the stage for the emotional developments to follow.