Milan C. Edson
Solaris Farm: A Story of the Twentieth Century
"Solaris Farm: A Story of the Twentieth Century" by Milan C. Edson is a novel written in the early 20th century. The book addresses significant themes surrounding agriculture, class struggles, and social reform, focusing on the lives of farmers and the importance of their role in society. The narrative is centered on the characters Fillmore Flagg and Fern Fenwick, who are depicted as progressive thinkers determined to improve the plight of farmers and the agricultural system amidst growing land monopolies. At the start of the novel, Fillmore Flagg and his college friend, George Gaylord, reconnect at a spectacular mountainous resort where they discuss their ambitions and future plans. Flagg, particularly passionate about bettering the conditions for farmers, reveals his recent experiences and his plans to tackle the serious issues affecting rural life. He is introduced to Fern Fenwick after losing an advertisement clipping that may lead him toward a life-changing opportunity, aligning with her own philanthropic agricultural goals. The opening sets the stage for their burgeoning relationship and Flagg’s quest to address the pressing problems in agriculture, as well as the societal responsibilities of farmers in shaping the future.