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Simpkins, Magpie (Fictitious character) -- Fiction Books
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W. C. (Wilbur C.) Tuttle
Playing Safe in Piperock
"Playing Safe in Piperock" by W. C. Tuttle is a humorous novel set in the early 20th century. This lighthearted tale captures the comical exploits of two friends, Ike and Magpie, as they navigate the chaotic life in the quirky and lawless town of Piperock. The narrative is rich with satirical observations about small-town life and the antics of its memorable characters, serving as a delightful reflection of a bygone era. The story unfolds with the return of Ike and Magpie to Piperock after two months of mining work, only to find the town gearing up for an "Old Home Week" Celebration, promising brotherly love and a series of festive events. However, their plans for a circus exhibit quickly spiral into chaos as a menagerie of eccentric characters including a tiger and an elephant, lead to a comedic series of mishaps. The mayor and sheriff try to maintain order as the pair's circus antics threaten to bring disorder to the planned celebrations. Tuttle’s blend of hilarious dialogue, rich characterizations, and slapstick humor portrays a vivid picture of the wild west, making it an engaging read for anyone interested in a light, entertaining literary escape.
W. C. (Wilbur C.) Tuttle
Ajax, for example
"Ajax, for Example" by W. C. Tuttle is a humorous novella written during the early 20th century. The story revolves around a comically naive and overly educated professor named Ajax Ulysses Green, who embarks on a scientific mission in the rough-and-tumble environment of the American West. Tuttle's work blends elements of comedy and satire to explore themes of education versus practicality, illustrating the misadventures that ensue when academic knowledge meets the realities of frontier life. The narrative follows Ajax as he arrives at the cabin of Magpie Simpkins and his partner Ike Harper, seeking to study the effects of a plant called astragalas splendens on sheep—a task that proves nearly impossible due to his lack of survival skills and social awareness. His pretentious behavior and academic jargon bewilder the rugged residents of the area, resulting in a series of absurd escapades, including a humorous fight with a sheep herder and an unintended theft of a goat. As Ajax navigates through the trials of frontier life, he becomes an object of both affection and frustration for Magpie and Ike, who embody the street-smarts that Ajax sorely lacks. In the end, Ajax's efforts to contribute to science become both a farce and a poignant commentary on the disconnect between formal education and practical wisdom.
W. C. (Wilbur C.) Tuttle
The Color of His Boots
"The Color of His Boots" by W. C. Tuttle is a humorous short story likely written in the early 20th century, specifically in the 1910s. This work can be classified as fiction, weaving elements of adventure and comedy. The narrative follows the misadventures of two characters, Ike Harper and Magpie Simpkins, as they deal with the chaotic aftermath of a train ride incident involving a pair of yeller boots and a mistaken baby. The story unfolds as Magpie buys a new pair of boots which subsequently leads to an uproar when, through a series of comedic mishaps, they accidentally exchange the boots for a baby on a train. As they find themselves in the Bad Lands, the duo faces a series of humorous challenges, including wild cow interactions and narrow escapes from a posse seeking a kidnapper. Their antics culminate in a realization that the baby they carry, named Georgie, has a connection to the porter who ruined Magpie's prized boots. The story cleverly showcases themes of friendship, responsibility, and the absurdity of their predicament, leaving readers with laughter and a light-hearted commentary on the chaos that ensues from everyday follies.
W. C. (Wilbur C.) Tuttle
Psychology and Copper
"Psychology and Copper" by W. C. Tuttle is a humorous fictional tale that falls within the early 20th century adventure genre. The story mixes elements of mining prospecting with light-hearted commentary on psychology and luck, revolving around characters exploring their fortunes in the western mining landscape. The narrative likely discusses the clash between scientific approaches to mining and the capriciousness of luck in striking it rich. The plot follows Ike Harper, who partners with the eccentric and scientifically minded Magpie Simpkins as they navigate the challenges of mining claims. After reluctantly accepting the involvement of a quirky capitalist named Peters, they experience unpredictable twists of fortune, culminating in the discovery that a fellow prospector, Tellurium Woods, has struck gold while they had been sidelined by their own theories and plans. Tuttle cleverly intertwines themes of friendship, ambition, and the folly of over-reliance on science, culminating in a comedic revelation of human behavior in the face of unpredictable outcomes in both life and mining endeavors.
W. C. (Wilbur C.) Tuttle
Upside Down or Backwards
"Upside Down or Backwards" by W. C. Tuttle is a comedic short story that was published in the early 20th century, specifically in a 1918 issue of Adventure magazine. The narrative follows the amusing escapades of two characters, Magpie Simpkins and Ike Harper, partners in a mining venture who find themselves entangled in a series of humorous events stemming from an impulsive purchase made while intoxicated. The story primarily explores themes of friendship, misadventure, and the absurdities of life in the Wild West. The plot centers around Magpie's return from a trip to the East, carrying with him a bewildering purchase: a male cassowary, an exotic bird he can't recall buying due to his drunken state. As the duo grapples with the implications of this impulsive decision, they navigate encounters with various townsfolk who become equally intrigued by the strange bird. The story escalates as the infrastructure of their small town and the locals' reactions spiral into chaos, all while showcasing witty dialogue and colorful characters. Ultimately, the tale is a humorous exploration of folly and the unexpected turns that life can take, particularly when one acts without full awareness—symbolized through the bird and its unforeseen consequences.
W. C. (Wilbur C.) Tuttle
Bearly Reasonable
"Bearly Reasonable" by W. C. Tuttle is a humorous adventure novel probably written in the early 20th century. This light-hearted tale follows the misadventures of two characters, Magpie Simpkins and Ike Harper, as they embark on a comical quest involving a professor's unusual scientific inquiry into the maternal instincts of grizzly bears and the relationship between rattlesnakes and prairie dogs. The story begins when Magpie and Ike are approached by Professor Phinney, who seeks their help in settling a debate about wildlife behaviors. They find themselves misled into a series of chaotic events when they attempt to use a sickly bear owned by a neighbor, Mighty Jones, as a stand-in for a mother grizzly, along with a badger as its supposed cub. As the pair navigates comedic challenges, including the bear's antics and unexpected encounters with their eccentric employer and his wife, the characters become embroiled in a humorous chaos that showcases Tuttle’s ability to blend adventure with witty dialogue and absurd situations. The narrative culminates in a farcical conclusion where the scientific inquiries take a backseat to sheer hilarity and mishaps in the wilderness.
W. C. (Wilbur C.) Tuttle
Loco or Love
"Loco or Love" by W. C. Tuttle is a humorous novel set in the American West during the early 20th century. The story follows two partners, Ike Harper and Sheriff Magpie Simpkins, as they navigate their roles in law enforcement while becoming entangled in a budding romance with a mysterious woman named Lily Lester. The plot delves into themes of friendship, love, and the often comedic misadventures of life on the frontier. The narrative unfolds as Ike and Magpie, after discovering Lily’s cabin, become infatuated with her. Their friendly rivalry for her affection leads to a series of humorous exchanges and interactions, filled with witty banter and misunderstandings. As they attempt to protect Lily and pursue their duties as lawmen, they inadvertently face a robbery, and it is through these escapades that their true feelings emerge. The story reaches a turning point when they stumble upon Lily's secret identity, revealing her connection to Abraham Lincoln, adding a twist to their love-struck pursuit. Ultimately, the book combines elements of comedy and adventure, highlighting the dilemmas of love and friendship against the backdrop of their tumultuous lives in the wild West.
W. C. (Wilbur C.) Tuttle
Shepherds for Science
"Shepherds for Science" by W. C. Tuttle is a humorous adventure story penned in the early 20th century. This light-hearted tale follows two characters, Dirty Shirt Jones and the narrator, Ike Harper, as they unwittingly become involved in a sheep-herding escapade in Yaller Rock County, where they are made deputy sheriffs. The book examines themes of absurdity within human experiences, particularly in the Western setting, coupled with moments of comedy that arise from the characters’ absurd predicaments. The narrative focuses on Dirty and Ike's journey as they attempt to manage a herd of sheep left in their care by a disheartened sheriff, Magpie Simpkins. As the plot unfolds, they encounter various colorful characters, including professors with an academic interest in sheep herding's impact on the mind. The story spirals through misadventures involving runaway sheep, rival cowboys, and unexpected challenges, all seasoned with witty dialogue and amusing situations. Ultimately, the duo concludes that while one might not be insane for being a shepherd, the experience itself may drive a person to madness—or make them a "superman" instead.
W. C. (Wilbur C.) Tuttle
Wise Men and a Mule
"Wise Men and a Mule" by W. C. Tuttle is a humorous novel written in the early 20th century. The narrative is set in the American West and centers around a group of eccentric characters planning a unique Christmas celebration. The book's likely topic revolves around the antics and mishaps of these characters as they prepare to put on a Christmas play, highlighting themes of community, humor, and the festive spirit in an unconventional setting. The story follows an ensemble of quirky characters, primarily Magpie Simpkins, Ike Harper, and Dirty Shirt Jones, as they embark on the ambitious task of organizing a Christmas pageant in their small town of Piperock. Faced with challenges such as an unruly mule named Maud S, a questionable orchestra, and a series of comical mishaps, the group tries to create a memorable celebration. The story unfolds with a blend of absurdity and wit, culminating in chaotic scenes involving the mule, a steer dressed as Sandy Claws, and the ensuing pandemonium that erupts during the performance. Through this comedic chaos, Tuttle captures the essence of the holiday spirit and the unpredictability of community events.
W. C. (Wilbur C.) Tuttle
Tied Up for Tombstone
"Tied Up for Tombstone" by W. C. Tuttle is a humorous novel set in the early 20th century. It takes place in a fictional Western town named Piperock, characterized by the antics and colorful personalities of its citizens, particularly the sheriff and a recently returned vagabond seeking adventure. The storyline likely revolves around themes of lawlessness, political intrigue, and the dynamics of small-town life in the American West. In the book, the protagonist, Ike Harper, returns to Piperock after a lengthy absence, only to find his old partner, Magpie Simpkins, has taken over as the town's sheriff and newly appointed editor of the local newspaper, "The Piperock Pilot". As the narrative unfolds, readers are introduced to a cast of quirky characters, including the notorious outlaw Tombstone Todd and various townsfolk who find themselves embroiled in comedic misadventures. Magpie struggles with his dual roles while dealing with threats from Tombstone, and his attempts at journalism produce a series of humorous escapades, ultimately culminating in a clever and amusing critique of small-town politics and life.
W. C. (Wilbur C.) Tuttle
Too much progress for Piperock
"Too Much Progress for Piperock" by W. C. Tuttle is a humorous novel written during the early 20th century, specifically in the 1920s. The story revolves around the arrival of a beautiful artist named Henrietta Harrison to the small, quirky town of Piperock, where she seeks inspiration for her work but instead stirs up a comedic whirlwind of chaos amongst the local men and women. The book captures the clash between tradition and progress as the townsfolk react to Henrietta's unconventional ideas. The narrative is told through the eyes of Ike Harper, who, along with his friend Magpie Simpkins, becomes embroiled in the hilarious events that unfold as Henrietta attempts to introduce modern dancing to a town accustomed to its old ways. As the townspeople rally to learn her interpretive dancing, various misunderstandings, rivalries, and romantic entanglements occur, leading to comedic scenarios filled with colorful characters. The story culminates in a chaotic dance performance that showcases not only the new ideas but also the resistance from the townsfolk, resulting in a memorable and entertaining exploration of change in a small community.
W. C. (Wilbur C.) Tuttle
A Man-Sized Pet
"A Man-Sized Pet" by W. C. Tuttle is a humorous short story written during the early 20th century. The narrative follows the light-hearted antics of a trio of men—Magpie Simpkins, Tellurium Woods, and Bantie Weyman—living in the rugged wilderness of Sleeping Creek as they navigate friendships, fears, and the challenges of life in the wilderness. The story centers on the peculiar topic of pets, particularly the unconventional choices of animals that the men keep or encounter, leading to comedic and unexpected situations. The plot unfolds in a cabin where the three friends gather for a game of cards, during which their distinctly different personalities come into play, particularly Bantie's timid nature in contrast to the more boastful Tellurium and Magpie. A dancing bear and a wolf contribute to the chaos, prompting Bantie's refusal to play with a live menagerie. As the story progresses, Bantie adopts a playful gray kitten, resulting in a series of comic misadventures with the other men and their "man-sized" pets. The humor escalates as misunderstandings and animal antics culminate in a hilarious chase, ultimately conveying themes of friendship, bravery, and the whimsical nature of companionship in the wilderness.
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