Author
Ben Ames Williams
1889-1953
Ben Ames Williams (1889-1953) is a public-domain author available on Rivro. Read free books, explore subjects, and discover related classics.
WikipediaSubjects
Books by Ben Ames Williams
The Great Accident
"The Great Accident" by Ben Ames Williams is a novel written in the early 20th century. Set in the small midwestern town of Hardiston, the story explores the lives of its residents, particularly focusing on the political dynamics and personal relationships that shape their community. The narrative features Congressman Amos Caretall, who returns home to participate in a mayoral election, presenting a backdrop of political intrigue, competition, and local pride as the town grapples with its identity and future. At the start of the novel, the reader is introduced to Hardiston, rich in history and character—an unpretentious town with a close-knit community that prides itself on its distinctive identity amidst political maneuverings. The narrative quickly establishes the political tensions surrounding the upcoming mayoralty election, including key figures like Congressman Caretall and Winthrop Chase, Jr., as well as local attorney Peter Gergue, who circles the political scene. The opening chapters set the stage for exploring the complexities of friendships, ambitions, and the interplay of personal and political agendas as they unfold in the small-town setting. The dialogue-heavy sections give insight into the characters' motivations and relationships, hinting at the central themes of camaraderie and rivalry that will develop as the plot progresses.
Thrifty Stock, and Other Stories
"Thrifty Stock and Other Stories" by Ben Ames Williams is a collection of short stories written in the early 20th century. The stories, set in a small village called Fraternity, reflect themes of rural life, nature, and interpersonal relationships, particularly focusing on characters like Lucia Moore and Johnny Dree, who navigate their aspirations and hardships in a farming community. This enchanting backdrop suggests a deep exploration of human emotions, growth, and resilience, likely resonating with readers interested in rich, character-driven narratives. The opening of "Thrifty Stock" introduces Lucia Moore, a young woman grappling with discontent in her new rural life after moving from the city. Frustrated by her father's stubbornness and her mother’s passivity, Lucia seeks solace in the beauty of the surrounding landscape but is inherently restless. She encounters Johnny Dree, a neighbor and skilled orchardist, who captures her interest through his diligent agricultural practices. Their developing relationship hints at themes of individuality, effort, and the possible rejuvenation of both her family’s farm and her own spirit, showcasing the complexities of rural living and the bonds formed therein.
Black Pawl
"Black Pawl" by Ben Ames Williams is a novel written in the early 20th century. The story revolves around Captain Black Pawl, a seasoned master of a whaling schooner, and explores themes of family conflict, personal struggle, and the weight of past sins. The dynamic between Black Pawl and his son, Red Pawl, who harbors deep resentment toward his father, serves as a focal point in the narrative. The opening of "Black Pawl" introduces readers to the intricate daily life aboard the schooner, set against the captivating backdrop of tropical islands. Black Pawl's commanding presence is juxtaposed with the turbulent relationship he has with his son Red, who challenges his authority and appears resentful of their father-son bond. Amidst this familial tension, the interaction between Black Pawl and a missionary brought on board, along with a young woman named Ruth, hints at potential new dynamics and allegiances. The narrative intricately details their surroundings and relationships, establishing a rich foundation for the conflicts and personal revelations that are to unfold throughout the rest of the novel.
Evered
"Evered" by Ben Ames Williams is a novel written in the early 20th century. The story begins by vividly depicting a northern land, filled with beauty and character, particularly focusing on the small village of Fraternity, where the lives of its hardy, rustic inhabitants intertwine in complex ways. Among the characters introduced is Evered, a harsh yet powerful farmer and butcher, whose relationship with his gentle son John and his wife Mary is central to the narrative. The opening of "Evered" paints a rich landscape and establishes a tense domestic atmosphere. It introduces the community dynamics as the men gather at Will Bissell's store, where local gossip and tales of camaraderie are exchanged. The narrative quickly turns darker as Evered arrives with an imposing presence that instills fear and respect within the village men. His complicated relationship with his son John is highlighted—where John embodies gentleness and a yearning for love, contrasting with Evered's ruthlessness and emotional turmoil. This tension foreshadows the tragedy that befalls Mary Evered, setting the stage for a powerful exploration of love, anger, and the consequences of passion against a backdrop of rural life.
The Sea Bride
"The Sea Bride" by Ben Ames Williams is a novel written in the early 20th century. This story revolves around the themes of love, sacrifice, and the struggles of life at sea as it follows Faith Holt, who is on the cusp of her marriage to the seasoned whaling captain, Noll Wing. As she moves from the familiar comforts of her childhood home into the harsh realities of a whaling life, Faith grapples with her evolving identity as a wife and the challenges of her new life. At the start of the novel, the narrative sets the stage for Faith's wedding day and her complex feelings about leaving her home and father, Jem Kilcup. In the warm, intimate atmosphere of the old house, we see Faith's fondness for simplicity and familiarity contrasted by her excitement and contentment in marrying Noll. As Faith transitions from her old life to the ship's new reality aboard the "Sally Sims", the opening emphasizes her love for Noll while foreshadowing the challenges that lie ahead, including the growing tensions and dangers of life at sea. The dynamics of her relationships with Noll, her family, and other crew members hint at deeper conflicts that will unfold as the voyage begins.
All the Brothers Were Valiant
"All the Brothers Were Valiant" by Ben Ames Williams is a novel written in the early 20th century. The narrative is set in the world of whaling, exploring themes of brotherhood, loss, and honor as it follows Joel Shore and his siblings who are involved in the whaling industry. The story intricately weaves the threads of family dynamics against the backdrop of the harsh realities of life at sea and the perils associated with it. At the start of the book, we are introduced to Joel Shore and the House of Shore, a family steeped in whaling tradition. The narrative begins with a history of their ancestral home, the legacy of Joel’s valiant brothers, and a sense of melancholia stemming from the loss of his brother Mark, who has gone missing at sea. Joel reads through the family’s logbook filled with entries detailing the tragic fates of his siblings, highlighted by the poignant line, "All the brothers were valiant." As he reflects on the family's legacy, readers are drawn into a world fraught with danger and adventure, laying a rich foundation for the unfolding drama of Joel’s determination to find Mark, setting the stage for themes of loyalty, struggle, and the pursuit of honor in the face of grief and uncertainty.