Author
Morley Roberts
1857-1942
Morley Roberts (1857-1942) is a public-domain author available on Rivro. Read free books, explore subjects, and discover related classics.
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Books by Morley Roberts
The private life of Henry Maitland: A record dictated by J. H.
"The Private Life of Henry Maitland: A Record Dictated by J. H." by Morley Roberts is a biographical account written in the early 20th century. The narrative centers around Henry Maitland, a relatively obscure yet insightful figure in literature, as described through the eyes of his close friend J.H. The text seeks to present an authentic portrait of Maitland's tumultuous life, exploring the complexities of his character and personal struggles amid the literary world. The opening of the biography establishes the context of J.H.'s deep acquaintance with Maitland, emphasizing the difficulty and responsibility of representing a friend’s life truthfully. J.H. reflects on Maitland's earlier years at Moorhampton College, highlighting his brilliance and idealism while foreshadowing the challenges that would soon confront him. As the narrative unfolds, it delves into both Maitland's academic honors and the unfortunate entanglement with a young woman from the streets, which would lead to a series of personal crises and moral dilemmas. The preface and opening chapters set the tone for an exploration of not just Maitland's external life but also the internal struggles that would shape his destiny as a writer and individual.
Lady Penelope
"Lady Penelope" by Morley Roberts is a novel written in the early 20th century. It centers around the character of Lady Penelope Brading, a beautiful and determined young woman dedicated to reforming society and challenging traditional norms, particularly concerning marriage and the roles of men and women. The opening of the book details Lady Penelope's defining moment as she celebrates her twenty-first birthday. Surrounded by friends and family, she boldly declares her intention to devote her life to societal reform, which includes addressing the selfishness and frivolousness she perceives in men. The narrative introduces several supporting characters, including her meek cousin Ethel and her overbearing aunt Titania, who represent the established societal norms that Penelope wishes to challenge. This initial chapter sets the stage for Penelope's revolutionary spirit and her struggle against societal expectations, hinting at the dynamic interactions she will have with her suitors, whom she refers to as her "horde." The blend of humor and social commentary creates an engaging backdrop for exploring themes of individualism and the quest for personal freedom.
The mate of the Vancouver
"The Mate of the Vancouver" by Morley Roberts is a novel written in the late 19th century. This maritime tale follows Tom Ticehurst, the chief mate of the bark Vancouver, as he navigates personal and emotional challenges while at sea, particularly involving his brother Will's dangerous drinking and the complications arising from romantic tensions with Will's wife, Helen, and passenger Elsie Fleming. The narrative intertwines themes of honor, love, and despair within the seafaring life. At the start of the story, Tom reflects on his family's long maritime lineage and his own rise to mate on the Vancouver. He reluctantly accepts this position to keep an eye on his brother, Will, who struggles with alcoholism. After a turbulent journey filled with drama, including a perilous confrontation leading to a tragic outcome, Tom finds himself entangled in complex relationships on board, especially with the formidable Helen and the charming young Elsie. The opening establishes Tom's internal conflicts and foreshadows the emotional turbulence he will face during the voyage.
A Tramp's Notebook
"A Tramp's Notebook" by Morley Roberts is a collection of personal essays written in the early 20th century. The book reflects the author's experiences, thoughts, and observations during his travels in various places, including the United States and Europe, with a particular focus on the hardships faced by individuals living on the fringes of society. The opening section depicts the struggles of a man navigating poverty and despair in San Francisco, setting the tone for a candid exploration of human resilience and the philosophical implications of personal experiences. The beginning of "A Tramp's Notebook" introduces the reader to the author's reflections on his time spent in San Francisco during the winter of 1885. He grapples with feelings of isolation and despair as he struggles to find work and build a life amidst the harsh realities of the city. The narrative describes his experiences attending a religious service where the dynamics of faith and community poignantly intersect with his own sense of lost purpose. Faced with starvation and the indifference of society, the author contemplates the psychological scars that personal misfortunes can leave, hinting at a deeper philosophical exploration that will unfold throughout the collection.
The prey of the strongest
"The Prey of the Strongest" by Morley Roberts is a novel written in the early 20th century. The narrative is set against the backdrop of British Columbia and explores the lives of workers in a lumber mill, highlighting the vibrant and perilous dynamics within a diverse community. The central character, Pitt River Pete, is a half-breed laborer returning to work at the mill and navigating the complex relationships with his colleagues, including the affections and tensions surrounding his wife, Jenny. The opening of the novel introduces readers to the day-to-day life in the mill through detailed descriptions of the machinery and workflow that dominate the setting. Pitt River Pete arrives at the bustling lumber mill, filled with a mix of anticipation and reflection on his past experiences. As the rhythm of labor unfolds, relationships and rivalries between the workers begin to take shape. Pete is quickly drawn into the workplace's social intricacies, particularly concerning his wife, Jenny, and the mill's manager, George Quin, who has his eyes set on her. This segment establishes a vivid picturing of mill life, setting the stage for conflicts and themes of love, jealousy, and the struggle for survival in a harsh environment.
The adventure of the broad arrow: An Australian romance
"The Adventure of the Broad Arrow: An Australian Romance" by Morley Roberts is a historical novel written in the late 19th century. The story unfolds in the harsh Australian outback, following the journey of two main characters—Smith and his companion Mandeville—as they seek gold and grapple with the brutal challenges of the wilderness. Their quest is fraught with physical and emotional trials as they confront thirst, starvation, and the psychological toll of isolation in an unforgiving landscape. At the start of the narrative, Smith and Mandeville are introduced in a rough barkeeper’s setting, where they reflect on their difficult circumstances and discuss their motivations for gold prospecting. Through vivid descriptions, the harshness of the Australian desert landscape is painted, showcasing the relentless heat and scarcity of resources. As they embark on their expedition, they are driven deeper into the wilderness, encountering both camaraderie and conflict within their party, and face the reality of survival against both nature and their own limitations. The opening portion sets a gripping tone of adventure blended with a sense of impending doom, revealing the psychological stresses as the men navigate their desolate surroundings.
The Blue Peter: Sea comedies
"The Blue Peter: Sea Comedies" by Morley Roberts is a collection of maritime-themed short stories written in the early 20th century. The book explores the lives and conflicts of various seamen, primarily aboard ships like the steamship "Nemesis", and highlights the challenges and camaraderie found at sea. The main characters include Captain Jordan, a once-ambitious mariner now forced to work under harsh conditions, alongside his crew who share similar struggles and resentments against their employers. At the start of the narrative, readers are introduced to Captain Jordan of the "Nemesis", who grapples with the dreary realities of working for a callous shipping company. As he and his crew prepare for departure, the atmosphere is rife with tension due to salary cuts and the arrival of the company's partners on board, who represent their exploitation. Captain Jordan's bitterness is reinforced by his reflections on past failures and the injustices he and his crew endure, setting the stage for a potential clash of wills once they set sail. The opening sets the tone for a series of comedic yet poignant encounters between the ship's crew and their selfish employers, establishing both the hardships of maritime life and the lighter, humorous aspects of their interactions.
Captain Balaam of the 'Cormorant', and other sea comedies
"Captain Balaam of the 'Cormorant' and Other Sea Comedies" by Morley Roberts is a collection of humorous maritime stories written in the early 20th century. The book introduces readers to a range of characters from various backgrounds navigating the challenges and comedic situations aboard ships, particularly focusing on Captain Balaam, the obstinate and unruly captain of the vessel "Cormorant". At the start of the first story, we meet Geordie Potts, a young sailor aboard the ship "Patriarch", who grapples with the impending fortune he believes he may inherit from his wealthy uncle, Thomas Tyser. As the crew banters about Geordie's relationship with his uncle, a mix of camaraderie and rivalry develops due to Geordie's unexpected claim to wealth. The narrative showcases Geordie's drunken escapades and the humorous dynamics between him and his crewmates, highlighting both their gripes and aspirations in the world of seafaring, setting the tone for the comedic sea adventures to follow.
The promotion of the admiral, and other sea comedies
"The Promotion of the Admiral and Other Sea Comedies" by Morley Roberts is a collection of fictional sea comedies likely written in the early 20th century. The primary narrative follows a rough and shrewd boarding-house keeper named Shanghai Smith, who has a history of mischief and interaction with sailors, particularly a British admiral named Richard Dunn. The stories depict humorous escapades rooted in naval life, exploring themes of rivalry, identity, and revenge, particularly as Smith seeks to exact his vengeance on the admiral who once bested him in a fight. At the start of the narrative, readers are introduced to Shanghai Smith, a notorious figure in San Francisco's Barbary Coast, who tells a tale of being thrashed by a naval officer named Richard Dunn many years ago. Smith learns that Dunn, now an admiral, is arriving in San Francisco, igniting his desire for revenge. Following this setup, the plot takes a twist as Smith plots to "shanghai" the admiral and ship him onto a notoriously rough vessel called the "California", leading to a series of comedic events that showcase the admiral’s resilience and resourcefulness. As the story unfolds, the humorous elements of mistaken identities and the clash of naval tradition with the rough-and-tumble world of the Barbary Coast are cleverly woven together, setting the stage for an engaging and entertaining read.