Author
Cleveland Moffett
1863-1926
Cleveland Moffett (1863-1926) is a public-domain author available on Rivro. Read free books, explore subjects, and discover related classics.
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Books by Cleveland Moffett
Careers of Danger and Daring
"Careers of Danger and Daring" by Cleveland Moffett is a non-fiction collection written in the late 19th century. The book explores various adventurous professions that involve significant risks, such as steeple-climbing, deep-sea diving, ballooning, and others, shedding light on the lives and experiences of individuals who choose these dangerous careers. The opening of the book introduces "Steeple Bob," a skilled steeple-climber who captivates onlookers with his daring feats high above the streets of New York City. The narrator details their conversations with him, revealing Bob's modesty and passion for adventure, gleaned from years of experiences both at sea and on land. Through Bob's anecdotes, readers gain insight into the techniques and perilous situations that come with steeple-climbing, from dealing with the trepidation of heights to the physical demands of the job, all while inviting readers into the fascinating world of those who embrace danger as a part of their careers.
The Conquest of America: A Romance of Disaster and Victory, U.S.A., 1921 A.D.
"The Conquest of America: A Romance of Disaster and Victory, U.S.A., 1921 A.D." by Cleveland Moffett is a fictional narrative that was written during the early 20th century. This gripping tale explores the hypothetical scenario of a major German invasion of the United States in the aftermath of World War I, drawing on themes of military preparedness and national identity. The narrative centers around James E. Langston, a war correspondent for the "London Times," who experiences the turbulent events and catastrophic military failures firsthand, offering readers a lens through which to understand the dire consequences of unpreparedness. At the start of this narrative, the reader is introduced to James E. Langston, who is stationed in Panama and discusses the imminent threat posed by a potentially aggressive Japan, highlighting the United States' lack of military readiness. In a dramatic twist, the Panama Canal is destroyed, signaling the beginning of hostilities with Germany, who seizes the moment to launch a surprise invasion of America. The chaos escalates as German forces invade Long Island, overwhelming American defenses and prompting fears of a full-scale occupation of New York City. The opening chapters set a tense tone, portraying the emotional and strategic dilemmas faced by both military leaders and ordinary citizens as they grapple with the sudden realization of their vulnerability.
The Bishop's purse
"The Bishop's Purse" by Cleveland Moffett and Oliver Herford is a novel written in the early 20th century. The story revolves around a chance encounter between a bishop, a charming American girl named Betty, and a mysterious young woman, Hester Storm, who is on the run from her past. Central to the plot is the bishop's lost purse containing a significant sum of money, which becomes the focal point of tension and intrigue that intertwines the lives of these characters. At the start of the novel, we are introduced to the bishop and Betty as they travel on a train in England. The scene quickly shifts when Hester Storm, who initially appears to be merely an innocent fellow passenger, becomes embroiled in a stolen purse incident that raises questions about her true nature. Hester's internal struggle with her past and her impulsive decision to steal the bishop's money creates mounting suspense, especially as she tries to maintain her façade while navigating the repercussions of her actions. This opening establishes a compelling mix of humor, social commentary, and character development, suggesting both a lighthearted adventure and deeper explorations of morality and identity throughout the narrative.
True Detective Stories from the Archives of the Pinkertons
"True Detective Stories from the Archives of the Pinkertons" by Cleveland Moffett is a collection of historical crime narratives written in the late 19th century. The book explores real-life detective cases handled by the famous Pinkerton National Detective Agency, which was known for its innovative investigative techniques and involvement in many high-profile criminal cases of the time. The overarching topic revolves around thrilling accounts of robberies, investigations, and the cunning criminal minds that the Pinkertons aimed to outwit. The opening of the book draws readers into the harrowing tale of the Northampton Bank Robbery in 1876, setting the stage for a gripping account of masked bandits who invade the home of bank cashier John Whittelsey to seize the keys and combination to the bank vault. The narrative vividly depicts the brutal tactics employed by the robbers to extract compliance and details the eventual involvement of the Pinkertons as they sift through various leads and witness accounts. This introduction not only foreshadows the intense and often morally complex world of crime and detection but also highlights the painstaking effort required to bring justice in the face of organized crime.
Through the Wall
"Through the Wall" by Cleveland Moffett is a novel written in the early 20th century. The story centers around Paul Coquenil, a renowned French detective who finds himself embroiled in a complex and dangerous criminal case after an inexplicable encounter with a mysterious candle seller in Notre-Dame. This encounter awakens his instincts and thrusts him into a web of intrigue involving love, suspicion, and a plot that could threaten his life and career. The opening of the book sets the stage for Coquenil's internal struggle, showcasing his faith in intuition and uncanny knowledge that often guide his investigations. As he walks through Paris, reflecting on his past as a celebrated detective now facing personal turmoil, he encounters a distressed girl who unknowingly shares a dream that is deeply interconnected with his own history. This moment propels him into a series of unforeseen events, including his upcoming appointment in Brazil, a sudden murder, and a romantic tension with Alice, the candle seller. Meanwhile, Alice grapples with her feelings for Lloyd Kittredge, an American, whose life becomes entangled with Coquenil’s investigation as he is accused of murder. The opening chapters create an atmosphere filled with suspense and foreshadow the twists that await.
Possessed
"Possessed" by Cleveland Moffett is a novel written in the early 20th century. The story revolves around Penelope Wells, a beautiful and troubled woman, who grapples with the psychological trauma of her past experiences, including a tumultuous marriage and haunting memories from World War I. As she seeks help from Dr. William Owen, she wrestles with manifestations of duality in her personality, visions, and unexplained voices that plague her existence. At the start of the novel, readers are introduced to Penelope during a party where an unsettling prophecy concerning her fate is made by a medium named Seraphine. This prophecy foretells tragic events that soon come to pass, including the death of her husband and her involvement in the war. As Penelope returns from the war with a heavy heart, she finds herself suffering from severe psychological effects, including nightmares and hallucinations. The narrative unfolds her interactions with Dr. Owen as she reveals her troubled dreams and past, setting the stage for her emotional struggles and the exploration of themes surrounding mental health, love, and supernatural occurrences.