Author
Burton Harrison
1843-1920
Burton Harrison (1843-1920) is a public-domain author available on Rivro. Read free books, explore subjects, and discover related classics.
WikipediaSubjects
Books by Burton Harrison
Latter-Day Sweethearts
"Latter-Day Sweethearts" by Mrs. Burton Harrison is a novel written in the early 20th century. The story revolves around Helen Carstairs, a young woman departing for a year-long trip to Europe, attempting to extricate herself from the discomforts of home life that include her father's recent marriage to a woman she despises. As she boards the ship "Baltic," Helen grapples with feelings of isolation and a secret past love for John Glynn, who now seems to be moving on with another young woman. The opening of the novel introduces us to Helen as she prepares for her journey, feeling the weight of solitude amidst the bustling crowd. As she contemplates her past, we learn of her discontent with her father's new wife and her failed romance with Glynn. Helen's thoughts are interrupted by the lively presence of another woman, who calls out to John Glynn as he makes his way through the crowd, igniting feelings of jealousy and lingering affection in Helen. Along with her companion, Miss Bleecker, Helen embarks on a voyage that promises to intertwine her fate with new characters, including the charismatic and engaging Miss Posey Winstanley, who represents a stark contrast to her own restrained demeanor, setting the stage for a story of love, identity, and social dynamics aboard the ocean liner.
The Old-Fashioned Fairy Book
"The Old-Fashioned Fairy Book" by Mrs. Burton Harrison is a collection of enchanting fairy tales written in the late 19th century. This captivating anthology revives the spirit of classic folklore, presenting whimsical stories filled with magic, adventure, and moral lessons. The opening chapters introduce readers to various delightful characters, including charming princesses, cunning witches, and heroic princes, set against fantastical backdrops that evoke the charm of traditional fairy tales. The beginning of this collection features a beautifully crafted introduction, hinting at the fond memories of storytelling that inspired the author. It sets the scene for the first tale, "The Princess Eglantine," where a young princess, enchanted by her jealous brother, is confined to an ivory tower. Meanwhile, a prince determined to save her learns of her plight and embarks on a quest filled with magical encounters, including a fairy who grants him invisibility powder. The subsequent stories promise adventures shaped by classic themes of courage and resilience in face of adversity, delighting readers with clever twists and intricate narratives rooted in fairy tale tradition.
The Carcellini Emerald, With Other Tales
"The Carcellini Emerald, With Other Tales" by Mrs. Burton Harrison is a collection of fiction stories written in the late 19th century. The tales delve into themes of society, class, and personal relationships, often centered around intrigue and the complexities of social standing. One of the pivotal stories follows Ashton Carmichael, a charming figure rising through New York's elite social circle, and the repercussions of his past relationships, particularly with Eunice Oliver, who now moves among the high society he aspires to dominate. At the start of the book, we are introduced to Ashton Carmichael, depicted as a charismatic yet enigmatic socialite whose rise is marked by a mysterious past and intertwined fates with those around him, particularly Tom Oliver, his once-dear friend. The narrative hints at a betrayal that has shattered their bond while also introducing Tom's sister Eunice, who harbors secret affections for Ashton. As tensions and misunderstandings build, particularly surrounding their romantic entanglements and the loss of respectability, the stage is set for explorations of love, betrayal, and social ambition, with the significant element of a precious emerald adding allure and potential menace to the unfolding drama.
A Virginia Cousin, & Bar Harbor Tales
"A Virginia Cousin & Bar Harbor Tales" by Mrs. Burton Harrison is a collection of fictional narratives likely written in the late 19th century. The stories revolve around the interactions and relationships of characters in American society, particularly focusing on the dynamics of family, class, and romantic entanglements. The opening chapter introduces Mr. Theodore Vance Townsend, a discontented young man navigating his social life and consideration of marriage, specifically to a woman named Katherine Ainger, amidst complex family ties and personal expectations. At the start of the narrative, Theodore Vance Townsend wakes on a bright spring morning in New York, grappling with an unease that seems to overshadow his privileged social standing. As he reflects on his relationships, particularly with his sister and potential fiancée, Katherine Ainger, feelings of frustration and ennui begin to crystallize around his desire for love and meaning. His journey takes a turn when he visits his Aunt Myrtle, who boasts of family connections to a cousin named Evelyn Carlyle from Virginia, hinting at an unfolding exploration of both familial and romantic connections. The opening sets the stage for themes of societal expectation, personal growth, and the complexities inherent in matters of the heart as Vance navigates his path toward love and fulfillment.