Subject
Lumber trade -- Fiction Books
Best books
Holman Day
King Spruce, A Novel
"King Spruce" by Holman Day is a novel written in the early 20th century. The story revolves around the timber industry and its various players, focusing on Dwight Wade, a young man navigating the complexities of love and ambition within the oppressive atmosphere of lumber barons and their influence over the woods and the townspeople. The narrative sets the stage for conflict between Wade and figures of authority, notably John Barrett, the powerful "King Spruce" of the logging world, and the Honorable Pulaski D. Britt, showcasing themes of class struggle, integrity, and human desire. The opening of the novel introduces Dwight Wade as he makes his way to "Castle Cut 'Em," the headquarters of the Umcolcus Lumbering and Log-driving Association. He feels out of place among the rough men waiting to speak to the Honorable John Barrett, who serves as the gatekeeper to futures in logging. As Wade arrives, he becomes privy to the frustrations and policies of the lumber industry, marked by the struggles of the stumpage buyers who compete against one another while desperately seeking to gain favor from Barrett. Wade’s initial encounter with Barrett leads to a tumultuous clash of ideals and ambitions, particularly as Wade expresses desires to involve young men in sustainable forestry practices. As tensions rise, it becomes apparent that Wade's emotional entanglement with Barrett's daughter, Elva, complicates his aspirations, laying the groundwork for the personal and societal conflicts that will unfold throughout the novel.
Peter B. (Peter Bernard) Kyne
The Valley of the Giants
"The Valley of the Giants" by Peter B. Kyne is a novel written during the early 20th century. The story revolves around John Cardigan, a pioneering figure who makes significant contributions to the lumber industry and dreams of building a prosperous town named Sequoia. The novel explores themes of love, loss, ambition, and the natural beauty of California's redwood forests, all experienced through the life of Cardigan and later his son, Bryce. The opening portion of the book introduces John Cardigan as he arrives in the untouched wilderness of Northern California in 1850, driven by a desire to carve out a life among the majestic redwoods. It details Cardigan's initial struggle and determination to utilize the natural resources around him, planting the seeds for what will eventually become a thriving community. As Cardigan works to establish his timber business and build Sequoia, the narrative hints at the personal trials he will face, including love, loss, and the challenges of success and failure. The rich descriptions of the redwood forest not only set the stage for the drama to unfold but also highlight the deep connection between Cardigan and the land he cultivates.
A. M. (Arthur Murray) Chisholm
The Boss of Wind River
"The Boss of Wind River" by A. M. Chisholm is a novel written in the early 20th century. The narrative centers on young Joe Kent, who inherits a struggling lumber business after the death of his father. As he enters this demanding and tumultuous world, Joe grapples with the realities of business management, the burden of debt, and the pressure to succeed against formidable challenges. The opening of the story introduces Joe Kent on his first day in his father's office, where he is met with curiosity and skepticism from the employees. He discovers a personal letter from his father that offers guidance and encouragement but also reveals the financial difficulties of the business. As Joe begins to navigate the complexities of lumber trading, he encounters various characters, including the pragmatic Wright and the shrewd lawyer Locke, who provide insight into the business and Joe's responsibilities. Amidst the tension of financial pressures and budding friendships, Joe's commitment to carrying on his father's legacy is set against the backdrop of a changing industry and personal struggles.
Bertrand W. Sinclair
The inverted pyramid
"The Inverted Pyramid" by Bertrand W. Sinclair is a novel published in 1924. Set in British Columbia's logging industry from 1909 to 1920, it follows the Norquay brothers—Rod, Phil, and Grove—as they pursue fortune in the booming timber sector and establish the Norquay Trust. Through ambition and mismanagement, their enterprise crumbles, testing family bonds and personal relationships. Rod Norquay's romance with Mary Thorn adds emotional depth to this tale of rise and fall in early twentieth-century Canada.
Samuel Merwin
The Whip Hand: A Tale of the Pine Country
"The Whip Hand: A Tale of the Pine Country" by Samuel Merwin is a novel written in the early 20th century. The story introduces themes of adventure and struggle against nature, as it begins with a dramatic sea rescue involving a group of young men from a surf-boat braving the stormy waters of Lake Michigan to save the crew of a distressed steamer. The narrative is anchored by the character Jack Halloran, who embodies youthful determination and camaraderie, as he leads his crew in what seems like a noble yet perilous endeavor. The opening of the novel sets an intense scene, characterized by a thick storm that creates an atmosphere of urgency and peril. As the young men rally around the surf-boat in a daring rescue mission, we see Halloran commanding the group's efforts, showing both his leadership and enthusiasm for the fight against the elements. Meanwhile, onshore, a festive gathering of students and townsfolk lends a contrasting sense of community and support as they wait for the boat's return. However, the backdrop of impending tragedy looms, hinted at by the storm and the shipwreck in progress, establishing the stakes for the characters as they engage in a struggle that mixes both physical challenge and the spirit of youth.
Peter B. (Peter Bernard) Kyne
Kindred of the Dust
"Kindred of the Dust" by Peter B. Kyne is a novel written during the early 20th century. The story revolves around Hector McKaye, a successful lumber magnate known as "The Laird of Tyee," and his family dynamics, especially focusing on his son Donald. As Hector navigates the challenges of wealth, family expectations, and moral dilemmas, the novel explores themes of social status, personal integrity, and community ties in a small lumber town. The opening of the novel introduces us to Hector McKaye, who watches his ships return to port from the cliffs above the town of Port Agnew, which he helped establish. Through Hector's character, we see his ambitions and dreams, particularly for his son Donald, who is in high school and yet to carve out his own identity. The narrative sets a contrasting backdrop with the introduction of Caleb Brent and his daughter Nan, who live modestly on the Sawdust Pile, a contested land in Port Agnew. As Donald grapples with his heritage and societal expectations, the opening hints at the future interactions between him and Nan Brent, setting up potential conflicts and relationships that will be pivotal as the story unfolds.
Ridgwell Cullum
The Trail of the Axe: A Story of Red Sand Valley
"The Trail of the Axe: A Story of Red Sand Valley" by Ridgwell Cullum is a novel written in the early 20th century. The story revolves around Dave, a robust and determined lumberman who came to the Red Sand Valley in search of success, and his complex relationships, particularly with the beautiful and vibrant Betty Somers, who has promised to marry the younger but troubled Jim Truscott. Themes of ambition, loyalty, and the harsh realities of life serve as a backdrop for the character-driven narrative." "At the start of the novel, we meet Dave, who embodies physical strength and a generous spirit but struggles with the perception of his plainness. Twelve years into his journey in the Red Sand Valley, he has established a successful lumber mill and garnered respect in the community. However, tensions arise when Jim Truscott, a young man with potential but lacking responsibility, returns to the valley after years away, having fallen into a life of debauchery. As the opening chapters unfold, we see Betty's internal conflict regarding her engagement to Jim amid news of his unsavory behavior. The groundwork is laid for a narrative that promises to explore the complexities of love and responsibility against a backdrop of personal struggle and communal life."
Bertrand W. Sinclair
Big Timber: A Story of the Northwest
"Big Timber: A Story of the Northwest" by Bertrand W. Sinclair is a novel set in the early 20th century that delves into the rugged life of logging in the Pacific Northwest. The story primarily follows Estella Benton, a young woman from a well-off background who embarks on a journey to reunite with her brother Charlie, a lumberjack. As Estella arrives in the stark and grueling environment of a logging camp, she confronts harsh realities that challenge her previous notions of society and her own identity. The opening of the novel introduces Estella Benton on her train journey to Hopyard, bringing her to a world vastly different from her sheltered upbringing. As she arrives in the logging town, she reflects on her uncertainties about the future, feeling lonely and out of place. Estella's initial impressions of the hard, rough lifestyle are coupled with observations of the men who dominate this world, including her brother Charlie, who is now deeply immersed in the demanding business of logging. Struggling with her new reality, she grapples with self-doubt and the prospect of adapting to a life filled with toil and hardships. The stage is set for her transformation as she embraces her responsibilities and navigates the complexities of a new existence amidst challenging circumstances.
Charles Christopher Jenkins
The Timber Pirate
"The Timber Pirate" by Charles Christopher Jenkins is a novel likely written in the early 20th century. The book explores themes of adventure, ambition, and intrigue set against the backdrop of the lumber industry in Canada. The central character appears to be Louis Hammond, a young man drawn into a mysterious mission involving a timber operation and a web of corporate rivalry and personal stakes. The opening of the novel introduces a stark, icy wilderness where an elderly man near death reveals secrets about a gold mine to his young companion, Alexander, moments before passing. This pivotal encounter sets the tone for secrecy and ambition. As the narrative shifts to Louis Hammond, we see him arriving at a pulpwood camp in Northern Ontario, where he is thrust into a world dominated by corporate machinations and eccentric characters, including the enigmatic Acey Smith, the camp's superintendent. The prose conveys an atmosphere of tension and mystery as Hammond grapples with his unclear mission and his attraction to a woman named Josephine Stone, further complicating his already intricate engagement in the unfolding events.
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