Subject
Robbers and outlaws -- Fiction Books
Best books
Nai'an Shi
水滸傳
"水滸傳" by Nai'an Shi is a Chinese novel from the Ming dynasty and one of the Classic Chinese Novels. Set during the Northern Song dynasty around 1120, it follows 108 outlaws who gather at Mount Liang to rebel against a corrupt government. After their uprising, they are granted amnesty and recruited to fight foreign invaders and other rebels. Written in vernacular Mandarin, the novel introduced iconic characters like Wu Song and Lin Chong, becoming a masterpiece that influenced fiction throughout East Asia.
Horatio Alger
The Young Adventurer; or, Tom's Trip Across the Plains
"The Young Adventurer; or, Tom's Trip Across the Plains" by Horatio Alger, Jr. is a novel written in the late 19th century. The story centers around a young boy named Tom, who aspires to seek his fortune in California during the gold rush era. The narrative explores themes of adventure, responsibility, and the pursuit of dreams, following Tom as he embarks on a journey filled with challenges and encounters that will test his character. At the start of the book, we are introduced to Tom Nelson and his family's struggles on their farm, burdened by financial difficulties. Tom, eager to change his fate and help his family, resolves to leave home and follow his dreams. After finding a wallet filled with money belonging to the wealthy Squire Hudson, Tom chooses to return it, which leads to an opportunity for him to borrow money for his expedition to California. As the opening unfolds, Tom's strong moral compass is established, setting the stage for his adventures and the people he will meet along the way, including potential allies and adversaries.
W. C. (Wilbur C.) Tuttle
Thicker than water : $b a story of Hashknife Hartley
"Thicker than Water: A Story of Hashknife Hartley" by W. C. Tuttle is a fictional novel written in the late 1920s. The story unfolds in the American West, focusing on complicated relationships among the characters, particularly the conflict between father and son—Rance McCoy and his son, Angel McCoy. The narrative hints at themes of betrayal, identity, and the consequences of gambling on personal relationships, with Angel's tumultuous relationship with Lila being a central point of tension. The opening of the book introduces the complex dynamic between Angel and Rance McCoy, set against the backdrop of their ranch. A heated confrontation reveals the strained relationship, as Angel resents his father's control over his life and expresses a desire to marry Lila, who he believes is not his sister. Their confrontation escalates into a high-stakes gamble where one draws cards to determine who gets the first shot in a potential gunfight. This opening sets the stage for themes of deceit, familial loyalty, and the darker side of human nature as Angel's gambling habits threaten not only his relationship with his father but also with Lila, leading to further complications in the small-town community.
Ernst Frei
Lips Tullian und seine Raubgenossen Eine romantische Schilderung der Thaten dieses furchtbaren Räuberhauptmanns und seiner Bande, welche im Anfange des 18. Jahrhunderts ganz Sachsen, Böhmen und Schlesien mit Furcht, Schrecken und Entsetzen erfüllte
"Lips Tullian und seine Raubgenossen" by Ernst Frei is a historical novel written in the mid-19th century. The story centers around the infamous brigand Lips Tullian and his band of robbers, whose exploits terrorized regions of Saxony, Bohemia, and Silesia in the early 18th century. The narrative delves into themes of vengeance, survival, and the allure of a life of crime, presenting a complex character whose descent into criminality is driven by personal loss and societal injustice. The opening of the story introduces a lively tavern scene on the Silesian-Polish border, where patrons recount terrifying tales of the notorious robber chief known as the "Black Wenzel" and his band of criminals. Among the lively debates about the bandits' supposed mystical powers to become invisible, a young man in fine attire, determined and expressive about his grievances with society, resolves to join these men of ill-repute in their life of crime. As he commits his first act of violence and theft, he fully embraces his new identity as Lips Tullian, signaling the start of a harrowing journey into the criminal underworld. The narrative quickly establishes the tension between his past as a wronged man and his aggressive future in crime, foreshadowing the challenges he will face in his quest for power and revenge.
Horatio Alger
Luke Walton
"Luke Walton" by Horatio Alger, Jr. is a novel written in the late 19th century. The story follows Luke Walton, a young Chicago newsboy who navigates the struggles of poverty and the challenges of life on the streets, showcasing his honesty, kindness, and determination to improve his family's circumstances. As he encounters various situations, including deception and criminality among peers, Luke exemplifies strong moral values and the desire for justice. At the start of the book, we meet Luke as he sells newspapers outside a prominent hotel in Chicago. Despite his relatively better appearance compared to other newsboys, he is approached by a gentleman, Benjamin Afton, who unexpectedly buys two papers but pays with a five-dollar bill, trusting Luke to return the change the next day. Luke’s resolve to return the money rather than keeping it, even when encouraged by his peers to be dishonest, establishes his character as one of integrity. The chapter unfolds Luke's encounters with other newsboys, his family life, including his mother and younger brother, and dramatic hints at a deeper family secret related to a letter from his deceased father, which sets the stage for Luke's quest for justice against those who wronged his family.
Nai'an Shi
Kapinallinen Lo Ta : $b Koomillinen kiinalainen seikkailuromaani
"Kapinallinen Lo Ta: Koomillinen kiinalainen seikkailuromaani" by Nai'an Shi is a comic novel written in the early 20th century. The story is set in a historical context that seems to revolve around the social and political turbulence of 12th century China, where the protagonist, Lo Ta, embarks on various misadventures. The narrative explores themes of rebellion, moral dilemmas, and the contrast between physical prowess and intellectual wit through Lo Ta's experiences, especially as he interacts with an array of intriguing characters. The opening of the novel introduces us to Lo Ta, a captain in the city watch, who becomes embroiled in a conflict after defending a friend from the oppression of a ruthless local butcher, Tshing. Through a series of encounters, Lo Ta's bravery quickly escalates into chaos, ultimately leading to his unfortunate consequence of murder. Realizing the imminent danger, he flees from Wei Tshou, faced with the prospect of evading justice and seeking refuge elsewhere. As the story unfolds, Lo Ta's character is developed against a backdrop of humor and adventure, setting the stage for his transformation from a soldier to a monk as he grapples with the consequences of his deeds, all while intertwining with various other characters along the way.
Bret Harte
Salomy Jane
"Salomy Jane" by Bret Harte is a short novel written in the late 19th century, particularly reflective of the American frontier's rough and romantic spirit. The story centers around themes of love, crime, and societal expectations set against the backdrop of the Wild West, capturing the essence of individualism and resilience characteristic of that era. The plot follows Salomy Jane, a spirited young woman who unexpectedly finds herself embroiled in the fate of a horse-thief named Jack Dart, who escapes execution thanks to her passionate kiss. As Salomy grapples with the ramifications of her actions and societal judgment, she becomes further entangled with Dart, leading to dramatic confrontations with her father and the law. The narrative explores the dichotomy between Salomy's desire for adventure and the expectations placed on her as a woman, culminating in a mix of romance and moral dilemmas that highlight the complexities of love and loyalty in a volatile frontier society. The story intriguingly concludes with hints of redemption and transformation, as Dart seeks a new life after their tumultuous interactions.
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