Author
Robert Grant
1852-1940
Robert Grant (1852-1940) is a public-domain author available on Rivro. Read free books, explore subjects, and discover related classics.
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Books by Robert Grant
The Law-Breakers and Other Stories
"The Law-Breakers and Other Stories" by Robert Grant is a collection of short stories written during the late 19th century. The narratives explore themes of morality, societal values, and personal dilemmas faced by characters in contemporary settings, particularly in the context of American politics and the impact of individual actions on community standards. The opening story introduces George Colfax, a self-proclaimed reformer, who grapples with his disdain for political corruption while navigating his relationship with Mary Wellington, a woman caught between her social ideals and personal feelings. At the start of "The Law-Breakers," we meet George Colfax as he shares his outrage over a recent case of political misconduct with Mary Wellington, the woman he desires to marry. He expresses his frustration over the election of a corrupt figure, Jim Daly, who has previously served a jail sentence for impersonating a civil-service candidate. Mary, while sympathetic to George’s moral stance, reflects on the complexities of their relationship, particularly her doubts about his integrity when faced with decisions that test his principles. As the discussion unfolds, George’s deeper character traits and the societal norms surrounding them begin to surface, setting the stage for a nuanced exploration of morality and integrity throughout the collection.
The Art of Living
"The Art of Living" by Robert Grant is a reflective work addressing personal finance and lifestyle choices, likely written in the late 19th century. The author explores themes of consumption, social norms, and the pressures of maintaining a certain standard of living, particularly in an era of growing wealth and social expectations. Throughout the text, Grant contrasts characters like Mr. Rogers, who lives modestly despite his financial limitations, with others who grapple with societal pressures to display wealth. At the start of the book, we meet the narrator, who learns from a friend’s bookkeeper, Mr. Rogers, about the art of budgeting and living well on a limited income. This encounter prompts a deep reflection within the narrator about financial choices, societal pressures, and personal happiness. His conversation with his wife, Barbara, reveals their shared struggle with monthly bills and the morality of living within their means, especially in comparison to Mr. Rogers's seemingly successful family life on a much lower income. Through these initial discussions, the groundwork is laid for an exploration of what it truly means to live wisely and the complex choices individuals face in managing their income amidst societal expectations.
The Orchid
"The Orchid" by Robert Grant is a novel written in the early 20th century. The narrative revolves around Lydia Arnold, a clever and poised young woman navigating the complexities of love and social expectations within an affluent hunting community. At the story's outset, she is at the center of speculation regarding her potential engagement to Herbert Maxwell, a wealthy suitor, while also being the object of admiration and curiosity from various members of the Westfield Hunt Club. The opening portion of the novel introduces Lydia Arnold as a perceptive and astute character, whose personal attitudes and choices stir interest among her peers. As the hunt season progresses, there’s rising speculation about her relationship with Maxwell and the implications of their engagement. The reader witnesses Lydia's intricate dynamics with the members of her social circle, including her close friend Mrs. Walter Cole, who both supports and questions Lydia's decisions. The narrative hints at underlying tensions and themes of love, societal norms, and individual aspirations, primarily shown through Lydia's interactions and observations on the hunt, her aspirations for a luxurious life, and the unexpected arrival of a dashing newcomer, Harry Spencer, complicating matters further. This sets the stage for a deeper exploration of relationships and self-discovery that unfolds throughout the novel.
The Undercurrent
"The Undercurrent" by Robert Grant is a novel written in the early 20th century. The book explores the complexities of love, ambition, and societal expectations through the story of Constance Forbes, a young woman who marries Emil Stuart, a man striving for success in a rapidly growing city. As they navigate their relationship and their individual ambitions, the story delves into themes of disillusionment and the challenges faced in a changing societal landscape. The opening of the narrative presents the wedding of Constance and Emil, highlighting Constance's mixed feelings about her choice to marry, reflecting on the sacrifices she makes for love and her aspirations in the field of education. The couple's dynamic is established through their conversation and interactions, revealing Emil's ambition and Constance's support as they settle into married life. However, as Emil confronts the harsh realities of business and eventually faces failure, the strain on their relationship becomes apparent, setting the stage for deeper conflicts around personal aspirations and societal pressures. This beginning hints at the tumultuous journey the couple will face as they grapple with their dreams and the realities of life together.
Unleavened Bread
"Unleavened Bread" by Robert Grant is a novel written in the early 20th century. The story revolves around Selma White, a young schoolteacher navigating her path in a rapidly changing American society, following her marriage to Lewis Babcock, a varnish manufacturer. The narrative explores themes of personal development, ambition, and the evolving role of women during a time of social transformation. The opening of the novel introduces Selma and Babcock as they depart from a wedding, setting the stage for their developing relationship. Selma reflects on her previous life and the constraints she feels from her small-town upbringing and societal expectations, contrasting her aspirations of achieving something greater in a burgeoning city like Benham. Babcock, on the other hand, is portrayed as a devoted husband who yearns for Selma's affection while harboring dreams of a prosperous future. Their early interactions signal Selma's ambivalence toward traditional domestic roles and foreshadow the complexities of her character as she grapples with her desires for independence and influence in a changing world.
The King's Men: A Tale of To-morrow
"The King's Men: A Tale of To-morrow" by Robert Grant and others is a novel written in the late 19th century. The story unfolds in an alternate historical setting where England is reeling from the consequences of political upheaval, particularly after the abdication of King George V and the establishment of a republic. The primary character, Geoffrey Ripon, finds himself in a precarious position as the last heir of a once-great lineage, living in diminished circumstances and reflecting on the social changes around him. The beginning of the book introduces Geoffrey Ripon, who is living in a lodge once associated with his noble family, troubled by financial ruin and pondering the shifting social landscape of post-monarchical England. Through his interactions and observations, readers glimpse a society grappling with the consequences of radical change. The narrative sets up significant themes of class, nostalgia for the past, and the social dynamics of a world where titles and power are in disarray, hinting at more personal and political conflicts to come as various characters enter his life, including Margaret Windsor, the daughter of a wealthy American businessman who has taken residence in Ripon House. The opening chapters establish the tone and atmosphere, immersing the reader in a rich tapestry of historical context and character intrigue.
A Romantic Young Lady
"A Romantic Young Lady" by Robert Grant is a novel written in the late 19th century. The story follows Virginia Harlan, a young woman raised in a wealthy but unconventional household, as she navigates her way into society while grappling with her heritage and the expectations placed upon her. Central to the narrative are Virginia's relationships with her father, her aunts, and a young man named Roger Dale, as she seeks love and independence amid societal pressures. At the start of the book, we are introduced to Virginia and her unusual upbringing, marked by the influence of her two aunts who shape her education and outlook on life. As Virginia prepares to enter society at eighteen, she learns she is heir to a substantial fortune, which complicates her views on relationships and self-identity. Through her father's guidance, Virginia is made aware of the potential pitfalls of wealth and the insincere courtship that may arise from her fortune. The opening sets the stage for her eventual romantic entanglements and her struggle for autonomy, all while highlighting the tension between her idealistic dreams and the harsh realities of societal expectations.
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No description available.
The Opinions of a Philosopher
"The Opinions of a Philosopher" by Robert Grant is a humorous novel written in the late 19th century. The narrative unfolds through the perspective of Fred, a self-proclaimed non-philosopher who reflects on the challenges and ironies of middle-class family life, centered around his wife Josephine and their four children. The story explores themes of personal philosophy, parenting, marital dynamics, and societal expectations, offering a light-hearted look at domestic life through the lens of a man grappling with his evolving role and identity. The opening of the book introduces Fred as he humorously contemplates his newfound philosophical outlook as he enters middle age. He reflects on various aspects of his family life, including his wife's insistence on attending church and the chaos caused by their children, particularly a memorable incident involving his son Fred and an encounter with a fisherman. Grant's writing captures the comedy of errors that often accompanies family life, as Fred recognizes his struggle to practice the ideals he espouses. The initial chapters establish the playful tone of the narrative as Fred navigates his domestic challenges, with a blend of self-awareness and amusing introspection.
Search-Light Letters
"Search-Light Letters" by Robert Grant is a philosophical work written in the late 19th century. This book takes the form of letters that address various audiences, including young men and women seeking ideals, modern women with social ambitions, and political optimists. Through a series of essays, Grant delves into topics of morality, societal values, and the pursuit of personal and social excellence, urging readers to reflect on the nature of character and ethics amidst the dynamics of modern life. The opening of "Search-Light Letters" sets the tone for a reflective exploration of ethics and ideals. The author begins by assuming certain qualities in his readers, such as honesty, purity, and courage, as foundational for those seeking an uncommon life. The narrative presents thoughts on the nature of character in society, comparing those with refined manners and morals to those who lack depth and authenticity. Through the lens of a cheerful conversation between two characters, the Philosopher and a Refined Instructress, Grant examines everyday ethical dilemmas and societal expectations, using their interaction to illustrate broader moral questions. This opening effectively lays the groundwork for the exploration of the ideals the author wishes to engage with throughout the letters.