Author
Don Marquis
1878-1937
Don Marquis (1878-1937) is a public-domain author available on Rivro. Read free books, explore subjects, and discover related classics.
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Books by Don Marquis
Danny's Own Story
"Danny's Own Story" by Don Marquis is a novel written during the early 20th century. This engaging narrative introduces readers to Danny, a young boy found in a basket on the doorstep of a tumultuous household ruled by the alcoholic blacksmith Hank Walters and his feisty wife Elmira. The book navigates themes of identity, familial conflict, and the struggles of growing up in a dysfunctional environment. At the start of the novel, we learn about Danny's unique origin story that involves a humorous mix-up regarding his name, as Hank and Elmira quarrel over it. As they adopt Danny into their chaotic household, the story paints a vivid picture of his difficult upbringing filled with Hank's abuse and Elmira's harshness. Danny reflects on his life experiences, revealing insights into the nature of the people around him, including his complex relationship with education and personal growth. The opening sets a tone that is both poignant and humorous, inviting readers to empathize with Danny as he navigates his challenging reality amidst the flawed but memorable characters around him.
Hermione and Her Little Group of Serious Thinkers
"Hermione and Her Little Group of Serious Thinkers" by Don Marquis is a satirical exploration of modern intellectual pretensions, likely written in the early 20th century. The book revolves around Hermione, a self-proclaimed serious thinker, and her eclectic circle of friends who delve into absurd topics ranging from profound philosophical questions to trivialities in fashion. Through Hermione's musings and whimsical discussions, the text scrutinizes the superficiality and eccentricities of intellectual and artistic movements of the time. At the start of the narrative, we are introduced to Hermione in her environment, a gathering place filled with her quirky friends who engage in discussions that blend the profound with the absurd. Hermione's thoughts and observations reveal her eccentric yet earnest attempts to embrace trends in philosophy, sociology, and aesthetics while poking fun at their contradictions. Through her interactions and reflections, readers glimpse both the humor and pathos of her character, who grapples with the desire for sincerity and meaning in a chaotic world, demonstrating Marquis’s keen insight into human nature and the follies of societal norms.
Dreams and Dust
"Dreams and Dust" by Don Marquis is a collection of poems written during the early 20th century. The work reflects on themes of existence, the human condition, and the intersection of dreams and reality, allowing readers a glimpse into the profound emotional and philosophical struggles inherent to life. Marquis's verses explore various facets of humanity, woven through his unique lyrical style that captures both the beauty and sorrow of human experience. The beginning of "Dreams and Dust" sets a tone of introspection and hope, with the proem establishing a willingness to embrace life despite its challenges. The early poems invite readers to celebrate each new day, suggest a deep connection to nature, and reflect on the weight of past mistakes and regrets. As characters navigate through the themes of love, loss, and aspiration, Marquis illustrates a vivid landscape of emotions, giving voice to the universal hope for renewal and understanding amidst the complexities of existence. This initial exploration hints at the rich tapestry of ideas and feelings that will unfold throughout the collection.
The Old Soak, and Hail And Farewell
"The Old Soak and Hail And Farewell" by Don Marquis is a collection of humorous sketches and reflections written in the early 20th century. The work is centered around the character of the "Old Soak," who shares his thoughts on life, alcohol, and the impact of Prohibition on society. It provides a nostalgic glimpse into barroom culture and serves as a critique of the dry laws that altered the landscape of social interactions and personal enjoyment during that time. The opening of the book introduces the Old Soak in a rather melancholic state as he expresses his discontent with the current state of affairs, particularly with Prohibition. He recounts tales from his past, highlighting the camaraderie and comfort he found in saloons, as well as his disdain for amateur moonshiners and the inferior drinks they concoct. The Old Soak reflects on the joyous experiences and moral lessons learned in barrooms, lamenting their closure and the resultant loss of community, warmth, and character that came with them. This beginning sets the tone for a mix of humor, nostalgia, and social commentary that runs throughout the collection.
The Revolt of the Oyster
"The Revolt of the Oyster" by Don Marquis is a satirical novella written in the early 20th century. The book humorously explores themes of evolution and humanity's relationship with the natural world through anthropomorphized characters, particularly focusing on Probably Arboreal, a proto-human figure confronting both personal and existential dilemmas." "The opening of the novella introduces Probably Arboreal, who observes the beachgoers and their primitive, carefree lifestyle while reflecting on his own ideals about love and marriage. He is intrigued yet annoyed by his neighbor Slightly Simian's domestic disputes, which lead him to contemplate his own romantic pursuits, particularly involving a girl known for her red hair and spirited nature. However, when Probably Arboreal inadvertently finds himself grappling with a giant oyster, the absurdity of the situation escalates as the crowd gathers, transforming the fight into a spectacle that captures both the sea's power and humanity's place within the natural order. This dramatic encounter sets the stage for broader commentary on survival and the potential upheaval of societal norms in the face of primal challenges."
Carter, and Other People
"Carter, and Other People" by Don Marquis is a collection of short stories written in the early 20th century. The opening story, "Carter," follows the experiences of a man named Carter, who grapples with his mixed heritage as a mulatto in the American South and later in New York, exploring themes of identity, race, and social acceptance. Through Carter's eyes, the story reveals the internal struggles and societal challenges faced by individuals caught between two worlds. The opening of the book introduces Carter as he reflects on his life from childhood to adulthood. Born in Atlanta, he is acutely aware of his racial identity, feeling the pain of being neither fully accepted in the white community nor in the black community. The narrative captures his fleeting moments of self-acceptance intertwined with intense feelings of bitterness and envy, especially toward his half-brother, Willoughby Howard, who enjoys the privileges of their shared white ancestry. As Carter moves to New York seeking a better life, he finds his internal conflict deepening, especially when he falls in love with a woman who seems indifferent to his racial identity, ultimately leading to a heartbreaking self-rejection when he cannot reconcile with who he is in a society rigidly divided by race.
The Cruise of the Jasper B.
"The Cruise of the Jasper B." by Don Marquis is a novel written during the early 20th century. The story follows Clement J. Cleggett, a drab copyreader at a New York newspaper, whose mundane existence is upended when he unexpectedly inherits a small fortune from his irascible Uncle Tom. The narrative explores themes of adventure, self-discovery, and romance as Cleggett embarks on a journey that transforms him from a dull office worker into an aspiring seafarer and romantic hero. The opening of the novel introduces Cleggett as a seemingly unremarkable man, living a life of quiet routine until he receives shocking news about his inheritance. This revelation ignites a change in him, prompting him to confront his boss with newfound audacity and reach for a more adventurous life. Shortly after, he begins to fantasize about swashbuckling adventures on the sea, leading him to purchase the rundown ship, the Jasper B. His preparations include gathering a motley crew and dealing with impending threats that hint at danger and intrigue, setting the stage for a captivating adventure on the high seas.
Index of the Project Gutenberg Works of Don Marquis
"Index of the Project Gutenberg Works of Don Marquis" by Don Marquis is a compilation of literary works from the author, created as a reference tool during the early 21st century. This book serves as an index and bibliographic guide to various works of Marquis, who was known for his humorous and satirical writing style. The likely topic of the book revolves around the diverse themes present in Marquis's writings, including society, human nature, and the absurdities of life. The index includes several titles, such as "The Cruise of the Jasper B.," "Carter, and Other People," "The Revolt of the Oyster," "The Old Soak," and "Danny's Own Story." Each listed work encompasses a range of subjects and characters, from whimsical nautical adventures to poignant reflections on society and personal narratives. By organizing these works, the index facilitates easy access for readers interested in exploring the author's various contributions to literature, encapsulating Marquis's unique perspective and style that interweave humor with serious commentary on life and culture.