The Gland Stealers

by Bertram Gayton

"The Gland Stealers" by Bertram Gayton is a novel written in the early 20th century. This whimsical story revolves around a 95-year-old man named Gran'pa, who, upon learning about rejuvenation through gland-grafting, decides to undergo the procedure himself. Along with his excited grandson George, he embarks on a comedic adventure involving gorillas and attempts to revive his youth, leading to unexpected surprises that involve not just his own transformation but also the lives of others around him. The opening of "The Gland Stealers" introduces us to Gran'pa's character, who is initially portrayed as a typical old man living a calm life until an intriguing newspaper article about gland-grafting sparks his imagination. Soon after, he decides to pursue the theory of rejuvenation, which leads him to acquire a gorilla for gland extraction. The tale humorously unfolds as Gran'pa's excitement turns into an uncontrollable enthusiasm for life and adventure, impacting both his relationship with his family and the communities around them. The narrative sets the stage for both comedy and thought-provoking themes on aging, vitality, and the human spirit's desire for youth.