Author
Joseph Hergesheimer
1880-1954
Joseph Hergesheimer (1880-1954) is a public-domain author available on Rivro. Read free books, explore subjects, and discover related classics.
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Books by Joseph Hergesheimer
Cytherea
"Cytherea" by Joseph Hergesheimer is a novel likely written in the early 20th century. It explores themes of aging, desire, and the complexities of love and relationships through the lens of the protagonist, Lee Randon, who reflects on his life and the allure of a mysterious doll named Cytherea. The book intricately delves into Lee’s thoughts and feelings about his marriage, the restlessness he experiences as he contemplates the passage of time, and the societal changes surrounding him. The opening of "Cytherea" introduces Lee Randon as he plays golf alone in the late autumn, a metaphor for his feeling of isolation and reflection on his life. He becomes enamored with a doll he saw in a shop window, which evokes memories of beauty and lost youth, symbolizing his yearning for meaning beyond his comfortable existence. As Lee interacts with his wife, Fanny, and other characters, a sense of tension builds around his restlessness and the implications of infidelity, particularly as he navigates the complications of his feelings for Fanny, their relationship, and the new influences in their social circle, including a rising actress, Mina Raff. The narrative sets the stage for a deeper exploration of these themes as Lee grapples with his desires and the motivations that define his life.
The Happy End
"The Happy End" by Joseph Hergesheimer is a novel likely written in the early 20th century. The narrative explores themes of longing, aspiration, and the complexities of relationships against the backdrop of rural life. The main character, Calvin Stammark, is introduced as a man who is deeply enamored with Hannah, the daughter of the Braley family, as he envisions a future together. However, the arrival of Hannah's sister, Phebe, who has become an actress, introduces tension and challenges to his aspirations. The opening of the novel sets a vivid scene of Greenstream, Virginia, and introduces key characters and their dynamics. Calvin, filled with optimism about his future with Hannah, has built a home to share with her. As he expresses his desire to marry her, doubts and vulnerabilities arise, especially with Phebe's arrival stirring Hannah's curiosity about a life beyond their mountain home. Through Calvin's internal struggles and interactions with Hannah and her family, the beginning of the story hints at the potential disruption caused by Phebe, paving the way for a deeper exploration of love, ambition, and the quest for fulfillment in a world that often diverges from personal dreams.
Linda Condon
"Linda Condon" by Joseph Hergesheimer is a novel published in 1919. It follows a wealthy woman who never learns to feel or express emotion. Raised by her single mother in a succession of hotels, Linda drifts through life as a detached observer. Married at eighteen to a lawyer twice her age, she remains emotionally frozen—"a woman of alabaster" who calls herself "the most sterile woman alive." When a sculptor from her past reenters her life, Linda faces a choice that could finally awaken something within her.
San Cristóbal de la Habana
"San Cristóbal de la Habana" by Joseph Hergesheimer is a novel written in the early 20th century. This work explores the vibrancy and complexity of Havana through the eyes of an unnamed narrator whose observations and reflections communicate an intimate relationship with the city. The story begins with a deep appreciation for Havana’s unique character, marked by its lush landscapes, rich history, and the palpable atmosphere that the author vividly illustrates. The opening of the novel sets a lyrical and reflective tone as the narrator arrives in Havana and grapples with his immediate emotional response to the city. He depicts the striking contrast between the city’s natural beauty and its complex social fabric, weaving in his thoughts about history, architecture, and cultural identity. As he navigates through Havana’s streets and indulges in its sensory experiences—from the vibrant colors and sounds to the taste of local drinks—he begins to uncover a deeper sense of belonging to a place that feels at once foreign and intimately familiar. The opening portion effectively establishes the atmosphere and theme of exploration, inviting readers to share in the narrator’s enthrallment with Havana as he embarks on this journey of discovery.
Mountain Blood: A Novel
"Mountain Blood: A Novel" by Joseph Hergesheimer is a fictional work written in the early 20th century. The narrative focuses on Gordon Makimmon, a stage driver living in the isolated community of Greenstream, as he grapples with personal struggles and the changing dynamics in his life, particularly in relation to his wealthy neighbors and the alluring, yet complex, figure of Lettice Hollidew. Themes of poverty, power, and the harsh realities of life unfold against a backdrop of rugged mountain scenery and a close-knit, often judgmental community. The opening of the novel introduces us to the quiet town of Stenton, where Gordon Makimmon is preparing to drive a stagecoach to Greenstream. We learn about the passengers he transports, including the confident Buckley Simmons and the reserved Lettice Hollidew, each embodying different social standing within their community. As they journey over the landscape, tensions arise, especially surrounding the dynamics between Gordon and Buckley, suggesting an underlying conflict driven by class and social expectations. Gordon's protective instincts emerge towards Lettice, hinting at both a burgeoning awareness of her womanhood and a sense of looming personal conflict tied to their familial and societal roles. As their paths intertwine, the atmosphere grows charged with unspoken emotions and the potential for turmoil amid the beauty of their surroundings.
Hugh Walpole: An Appreciation
"Hugh Walpole: An Appreciation" by Joseph Hergesheimer is a literary critique and appreciation of the works of British novelist Hugh Walpole, written in the early 20th century. This book serves as both an analysis of Walpole's novels and a personal reflection on the emotional landscapes he explores, focusing on themes of inner and outer experiences in his storytelling. The text illustrates Walpole's ability to intertwine the tangible world with the subtler dimensions of human emotion, highlighting the significance of imagination in literature. In this appreciation, Hergesheimer examines various novels by Walpole, emphasizing his unique narrative style and his talent for capturing the complexities of both character and place. Hergesheimer argues that Walpole's works, such as "The Golden Scarecrow" and "The Secret City," transcend mere entertainment; they resonate on an emotional level, encapsulating both the innocence of childhood and the challenges of adult life. Through reflective analysis, Hergesheimer portrays Walpole as a novelist with profound insight into the human condition, capable of evoking beauty and truth through his narratives, thus securing his place as an enduring figure in literature.
The Three Black Pennys: A Novel
"The Three Black Pennys: A Novel" by Joseph Hergesheimer is a work of fiction written in the early 20th century. The story centers around Howat Penny, a young man grappling with his identity and place within his family and society, amid a backdrop of ironmaking and the rich landscapes of early America. The novel delves into themes of individuality versus social expectations, personal freedom, and the relationships that complicate one's sense of self. At the start of the novel, the reader is introduced to Howat Penny as he navigates his surroundings in a restless state of mind, contemplating his life at Myrtle Forge and the various social dynamics present there. He feels discontent with the formalities of his family’s world and is drawn more to the wild and untamed aspects of nature. His encounter with Fanny Gilkan, the daughter of a founderman, introduces romantic tension and offers a glimpse into Howat's complex feelings about relationships and commitment. As he struggles with his emotions and societal expectations, his interactions with characters like Fanny and Mrs. Winscombe highlight his inner turmoil, further setting the stage for the exploration of deeper themes throughout the novel.
The Lay Anthony: A Romance
"The Lay Anthony: A Romance" by Joseph Hergesheimer is a novel written in the early 20th century. The story revolves around Anthony Ball, a young man grappling with his identity and societal expectations as he navigates life, love, and personal struggles in a small town. The themes of innocence, longing, and the contrast between youthful exuberance and stark reality are central to the narrative. The beginning of the novel introduces Anthony as he interacts with his friends at a local drugstore, revealing his paradoxical nature of projecting a worldly persona while secretly cherishing a sense of innocence. He finds himself caught between his aspirations in baseball and the pressures of conforming to societal norms, particularly as he navigates relationships with women, especially Eliza Dreen, who enters his life with a refreshing perspective. As he grapples with his feelings and external expectations, the opening chapters set the stage for a poignant exploration of youth, desire, and the search for authenticity in a world full of superficiality.
Java Head
"Java Head" by Joseph Hergesheimer is a novel written during the early 20th century. The story unfolds primarily through the eyes of a young girl named Laurel Ammidon as she navigates the complexities of growing up against the backdrop of a maritime family in Salem, Massachusetts. The narrative expertly explores themes of childhood innocence, familial relationships, and the tension between tradition and modernity. At the start of the novel, Laurel, who has just celebrated her eleventh birthday, reflects on her childhood beliefs regarding chairs, which she has anthropomorphized as friends and confidants. As she wakes up to a bright May morning, she yearns for the freedom of childhood, conflicted by the societal expectations of growing up. Laurel's interactions with her family, especially her grandfather, reveal a world steeped in maritime history and the looming absence of her uncle, who is expected to return on the boat "Nautilus." This opening portion vividly sets the stage for the character development and thematic depth that the novel promises to unfold.
Tubal Cain
"Tubal Cain" by Joseph Hergesheimer is a novel written in the early 20th century. The story delves into the life of Alexander Hulings, a disillusioned lawyer struggling with his professional failures and personal relationships. As he grapples with the pressures of his own inadequacies, the novel explores themes of ambition, identity, and the human connection to work and industry. The beginning of "Tubal Cain" introduces us to Alexander Hulings, who is caught in a melancholic state as he reflects on his lack of success in law and the stagnant engagement with his fiancée, Hallie Flower. As Hulings contemplates a drastic change in his life, he decides to abandon his legal career and travel to Tubal Cain, the iron forge owned by his cousin. His interactions with Dr. Veneada and his subsequent journey reveal a man on the brink of a significant turning point, aiming to forge a new path that transcends his past failures through the tangible and elemental pursuit of ironwork. This initial portion sets the stage for Hulings' transformation and the challenges he will face in his quest for meaning and success.
The Dark Fleece
"The Dark Fleece" by Joseph Hergesheimer is a novel written in the early 20th century. The book centers around Olive Stanes, a young woman living in the coastal town of Cottarsport, who is awaiting the return of her fiancé, Jason Burrage, after a long absence during which he sought fortune in the California goldfields. The story explores themes of expectation, personal sacrifice, and the contrast between rural simplicity and the allure of wealth. The opening of the novel introduces Olive Stanes in her modest home, where she grapples with her responsibilities to her family and the impact of Jason's anticipated wealth on their lives. As Olive reflects on her childhood and the boisterousness of her half-siblings, she simultaneously feels burdened by her maternal duties after a series of family losses. The narrative conveys her conflicting feelings about Jason's return, admiring his success while being wary of how it might change their relationship and her values. This initial section sets the tone for a poignant exploration of personal transformations as Olive contemplates a future that could be both filled with promise and fraught with uncertainty.
The Bright Shawl
"The Bright Shawl" by Joseph Hergesheimer is a novel written in the early 20th century. The story centers around Howard Gage, a young man returning from World War I, and his uncle Charles Abbott, who struggles to understand the disillusionment of the younger generation in the wake of the war. Their differing worldviews and the contrasting ideologies of youth and age form the crux of the narrative, offering a critical exploration of idealism, purpose, and the emotional toll of societal change. At the start of the novel, Charles Abbott reflects on his nephew Howard, who embodies an unsettling modernity defined by his lack of ideals and feelings of bitterness toward the war and its glorification. As Abbott reminisces about his own youth in Havana, he grapples with feelings of loss not just about the past but also about the societal values that seem to have deteriorated since his time. These contemplations set the stage for the complexities of the relationships that will unfold, particularly as Abbott observes Howard’s stark reality in contrast to his memories of an idealistic and passionate youth intertwined with prominent figures like Andrés Escobar, showcasing a lost nobility in the contemporary world.
Wild Oranges
"Wild Oranges" by Joseph Hergesheimer is a novel written during the early 20th century. The story unfolds in a lush and evocative setting, focusing on John Woolfolk, a weary seafarer whose life intersects with that of Millie Stope, a mysterious woman living in isolation. Throughout the narrative, themes of escape, love, and the haunting shadows of the past emerge as John grapples with both his own internal struggles and the enigmatic life of Millie. At the start of the novel, John Woolfolk arrives at a serene bay in Georgia on his yacht, the "Gar". As he settles in for supper, he catches sight of a woman swimming—Millie Stope—who quickly disappears into the darkness, leaving him captivated and curious. Their subsequent interactions hint at her troubled background and strained family dynamics, particularly her frail father, Lichfield Stope, and a man named Nicholas, who harbors dangerous priorities concerning Millie. The opening chapters set the stage for a tension-filled exploration of love and danger, capturing Woolfolk's tumultuous emotions as he becomes increasingly entangled in Millie’s extraordinary story and the hidden perils of her world.