Author
Owen Johnson
1878-1952
Owen Johnson (1878-1952) is a public-domain author available on Rivro. Read free books, explore subjects, and discover related classics.
WikipediaSubjects
Books by Owen Johnson
The Woman Gives: A Story of Regeneration
"The Woman Gives: A Story of Regeneration" by Owen Johnson is a novel written in the early 20th century. This story explores the lives of various characters living in Teagan’s Arcade, a diverse and vibrant community in New York City, particularly focusing on King O’Leary, who feels out of place and alone, especially during the festive season of Christmas. The book delves into themes of connection, loneliness, and the search for belonging in a bustling urban landscape. At the start of the story, readers are introduced to the setting of Teagan’s Arcade, where people from different backgrounds converge. We meet King O’Leary, a man grappling with his isolation amidst the holiday spirit; he observes the merriment of the crowds while feeling disconnected. As he navigates through the arcade, O’Leary's chance encounters with characters like Tootles and the intriguing young woman next door, along with his cheeky interactions in the dilapidated yet warm environment, lay the groundwork for exploration of personal relationships and the search for meaning among societal outcasts. The opening vividly captures the contrasting emotions of joy and despair prevalent during Christmas, foreshadowing deeper connections that may blossom.
The Salamander
"The Salamander" by Owen Johnson is a novel written in the early 20th century. The novel explores the lives of young women in New York City against the backdrop of social change and economic independence. The main character, Doré Baxter, embodies the archetype of the "Salamander," a spirited young woman navigating the complexities of a modern society that both attracts and repulses her. The opening of the book introduces us to the vibrant, chaotic world inhabited by Doré and her peers, who live in a boarding house and seek excitement amidst the trials of their ambition. The narrative reveals their playful conversations and their aspirations, interspersed with hints of the underlying seriousness of their lives as they balance the thrill of exploration with the harsh realities of their social circumstances. Doré is portrayed as a charismatic figure, eager for adventure and autonomy, embodying the spirit of the new generation of women challenging societal norms. The reader is drawn into her world of curiosity, where the thrill of living is painted vividly against the darker undertones of societal expectations.
Skippy Bedelle His Sentimental Progress From the Urchin to the Complete Man of the World
"Skippy Bedelle" by Owen Johnson is a novel written in the early 20th century as part of the "Lawrenceville Stories" series. The book follows the life and experiences of a boy named Skippy Bedelle, capturing his comical and often tumultuous journey from boyhood to manhood, particularly in his interactions with girls and his inventive aspirations. The opening of the story introduces us to Skippy at the moment where he stands on the brink of adolescence, grappling with his changing views on girls, which he previously regarded with disdain. As he prepares for his compulsory bath at school, we see his internal struggle with the expectations of growing up and the intricate dynamics of boyhood friendships. The narrative brings humor to the forefront as Skippy's contempt for the opposite sex shifts toward an intriguing idea for an invention — a foot regulator for bathtubs — signaling the beginning of his sentimental education. This setup promises a blend of youthful innocence, creativity, and the trials of navigating friendships and early romantic feelings, making it a relatable coming-of-age tale.
The Eternal Boy: Being the Story of the Prodigious Hickey
"The Eternal Boy: Being the Story of the Prodigious Hickey" by Owen Johnson is a novel written in the early 20th century. The story revolves around the character of William Orville Hicks, commonly known as Hickey, portrayed as both a clever and mischievous boy navigating the challenges of school life. The narrative explores themes of rebellion, the struggles for acceptance, and the social dynamics among boys in an academic setting. At the start of the book, we are introduced to Hickey in a school declamation class, where he disrupts and mocks the speaker, an act that forms the core of his character as someone who revels in mischief. After a series of comedic interactions with his classmates and the teacher, we see Hickey dealing with the social injustices of being accused by authority figures, which fosters feelings of disillusionment. His confident and rebellious nature is further revealed through his schemes to challenge the strict regulations of the school and his influence over his peers, laying the groundwork for an engaging story about youthful defiance and camaraderie in a school environment.
Stover at Yale
"Stover at Yale" by Owen Johnson is a novel serialized in 1911 that depicts undergraduate life at Yale at the turn of the twentieth century. Dink Stover arrives at Yale with a strong reputation from his prep school days, ready to prove himself on the football field and in campus life. But he soon confronts Yale's powerful secret society system and the social pressures that come with it. As Stover navigates rivalries, athletics, and friendships, he must decide what kind of man he wants to become within Yale's demanding social hierarchy.
The Wasted Generation
"The Wasted Generation" by Owen Johnson is a novel written in the early 20th century. The story is set against the backdrop of World War I and follows the introspective journey of David Littledale, an American soldier in the French Foreign Legion who grapples with his identity and purpose amidst the chaos of war. The novel explores themes of nationalism, personal introspection, and the complexities of love and loss. At the start of the book, David reflects on his thirty years of life on his birthday, filled with memories of his past while recovering in a peaceful Savoy courtyard surrounded by comrades. The sounds of distant warfare contrast sharply with the simplicity of his immediate surroundings as he ponders his motivations for fighting in the war. His thoughts delve into feelings of alienation and introspection, highlighting a deep desire for meaning and belonging as he prepares to potentially return to the front lines. David's narrative reveals an evolving understanding of himself and those around him, marked by his observations of camaraderie among soldiers and wistful remembering of life before the war, setting the stage for character development and existential exploration throughout the novel.
In the Name of Liberty: A Story of the Terror
"In the Name of Liberty: A Story of the Terror" by Owen Johnson is a historical novel written in the early 20th century. Set during the tumultuous period of the French Revolution, the story follows a young man named Eugène Armand Barabant as he embarks on a journey to find his place amidst the tumult of revolutionary fervor. The book explores themes of freedom, identity, and the impact of war on human relationships as the narrator engages with various characters who embody the struggles and ideologies of the time. The beginning of the novel introduces Barabant arriving in Paris in August 1792, seeking shelter and adventure in a city bubbling with revolutionary zeal. As he settles into a room in a dilapidated building in the Faubourg St. Antoine, he encounters a colorful array of characters, including the spirited flower-girl Nicole, who quickly captures his attention, and la Mère Corniche, the concierge who's wary of newcomers. Barabant's excitement for the revolutionary ideals clashes with the realities around him as he begins to realize the seriousness of the struggle against the aristocracy and the chaos of the era. Through lively interactions and vivid descriptions of the environment, the opening portion sets the stage for Barabant's adventures and the turbulent events to come.
The Sixty-First Second
"The Sixty-First Second" by Owen Johnson is a novel written in the early 20th century. Set against the backdrop of a looming financial panic, the story revolves around the lives of two opposing trust company presidents, John G. Slade and Bernard L. Majendie, each embroiled in a high-stakes drama of ambition, power, and intrigue. The initial chapters introduce a tense atmosphere where the characters navigate through personal struggles and financial peril, hinting at deeper dynamics between them and linking their fates in unexpected ways. At the start of the novel, the scene is set in a New York apartment where Mrs. Rita Kildair hosts a gathering that transforms into a mysterious drama when her valuable ruby ring goes missing. A tense atmosphere unfolds as the guests are drawn into the intrigue surrounding the theft, leading to a gripping ultimatum: the lights are extinguished, and the culprit is urged to return the ring within a count of one hundred seconds. The tensions rise dramatically when the ring is not returned by the end of the count, resulting in an unsettling revelation that there may be more than one thief among them. This opening sets the groundwork for a complex exploration of trust, betrayal, and the complexities of human behavior amidst crisis, keeping readers intrigued by the unfolding drama and the secrets of each character.
The Varmint
"The Varmint" by Owen Johnson is a novel written in the early 20th century. The story centers around a young boy named Dink Stover, who arrives at a prestigious school called Lawrenceville, where he finds himself navigating the challenges of fitting in and facing the expectations of his new environment. The opening of the novel introduces Dink Stover as he arrives at the Trenton station, armed with stolen signs and a chaotic spirit typical of his youthful bravado. As he makes his way to Lawrenceville, he engages in witty banter with his fellow travelers, showcasing his cheeky personality. Upon arrival at the school, he encounters a group of students who mock his appearance and his past, leading to an immediate sense of trepidation for Dink as he grapples with the new social dynamics. The stage is set for Stover's journey as he aspires not only to gain acceptance from his peers but also to transform his mischievous energy into something that will earn him respect.
Making Money
"Making Money" by Owen Johnson is a novel written in the early 20th century. The story follows the life of Tom Beauchamp Crocker, affectionately known as Bojo, a recent college graduate who is eager to explore the world of finance as he begins his journey in Wall Street. The narrative delves into themes of ambition, personal struggle, and the dynamics of social status as Bojo navigates the complexities of wealth and relationships in New York City. The opening of the book introduces Bojo as he arrives in New York City, filled with excitement and optimism about the opportunities that await him. As he strolls down Fifth Avenue, he reflects on the bustling life around him, underscored by the hurried nature of those engulfed in their own pursuits for success. Throughout his interactions with old college friends, he grapples with their expectations surrounding wealth and status while feeling the weight of his father's expectations to enter the family business. Bojo's conversations reveal his desire for independence and his internal conflict regarding the traditional paths expected of him compared to the ambitions that stir within him. All of this sets the stage for his upcoming challenges as he delves deeper into the fast-paced and often ruthless world of finance, hinting at the transformative journey he is about to embark on.
Murder in Any Degree
"Murder in Any Degree" by Owen Johnson is a novel likely written in the early 20th century. The narrative unfolds among a group of artists and intellectuals at a club, focusing on their discussions about art, love, and marriage, particularly the dynamics between male artists and their wives or muses. The interactions reveal complex relationships and the tensions between creativity and domestic life. At the start of the novel, we are introduced to several characters, including Steingall, a painter, Quinny, an illustrator, and De Gollyer, a critic. They engage in lively conversations about the nature of inspiration and the influence of women in the lives of artists. The discussion shifts towards the topic of marriage and how it impacts artistic integrity and creativity. The dialogue paints a picture of contrasting viewpoints as the men grapple with their own experiences and perceptions of relationships, culminating in a story introduced by Britt Herkimer, who reflects on the outcomes of his friend Clyde Rantoul's marriage and its implications for his artistic career. The opening sets a stage for exploration of deeper themes of jealousy, inspiration, and the sacrifices made in the name of love and art.
Max Fargus
"Max Fargus" by Owen Johnson is a novel written in the early 20th century. The story introduces readers to the complex world of money, manipulation, and human relationships through the character of Max Fargus, who is not just a businessman but a man whose life is intertwined with secrets and deception. The opening chapters set a tense scene as Fargus is purportedly dead, but the narrative hints at deeper intrigues surrounding his relationships, especially with Sheila Vaughn, revealing the societal struggles of desire and respectability. The opening of the novel immediately plunges readers into New York City during the 19th century, where the pulse of ambition and deceit runs strong. It captures a pivotal evening where a lawyer named Bofinger comes to deliver shocking news to Sheila, claiming that her husband, Max Fargus, is dead—only for the narrative to twist ominously when he reveals that Fargus may still be alive. This revelation ignites Sheila's emotional turmoil, reflecting her precarious position as a woman caught between societal expectations and her desires. Meanwhile, Bofinger's cynical attitude reveals the darker themes of the story—manipulation, greed, and the moral compromises as he attempts to navigate his interests in relation to Sheila and Fargus's complex legacy. The detailed character sketches and setting create an engaging backdrop for what promises to be a gripping tale of love, ambition, and moral ambiguity.