Ellis Parker Butler
Kilo : being the love story of Eliph' Hewlitt, book agent
"Kilo: Being the Love Story of Eliph' Hewlitt, Book Agent" by Ellis Parker Butler is a novel likely written during the late 19th century. The narrative centers on Eliph' Hewlitt, a charming yet hapless book agent traveling through Iowa, who finds himself navigating both the challenges of selling books and the intricacies of courtship. At the start of the book, we meet Eliph' Hewlitt, who is on his way to a church picnic while navigating the peculiarities of his horse, Irontail. As he arrives at the picnic, his eagerness to sell copies of Jarby's Encyclopedia leads him to observe the faces of potential customers among the attendees, although they appear less than promising. A chance encounter with a woman named Mrs. Tarbro-Smith, who has come to bring some joy to the community, ignites his romantic interest. Eliph's awkwardness shines through as he reflects on the lessons from his encyclopedia regarding courtship, showcasing his struggle to balance his jovial attempts to sell books while contending with his emerging feelings for the charming Miss Sally Briggs. The opening sets the stage for a humorous exploration of what it means to be a book agent and a potential suitor, promising readers a blend of wit, charm, and social commentary.