Subject
Traveling sales personnel -- Fiction Books
Best books
Edna Ferber
Roast Beef, Medium: The Business Adventures of Emma McChesney
"Roast Beef, Medium: The Business Adventures of Emma McChesney" by Edna Ferber is a novel written during the early 20th century. The story revolves around Emma McChesney, a strong and independent traveling saleswoman for T. A. Buck's Featherloom Petticoats, who navigates the challenges of her profession with wit and tenacity while also reflecting on her personal life and maternal instincts. At the start of the book, we are introduced to Emma as she enjoys a solitary dinner in a small-town hotel, contemplating her work and the competitive nature of the retail industry. She reflects on her experiences as a traveling saleswoman, highlighted by her encounter with a handsome, young man, who is new to the business. The interaction leads Emma to impart some hard-earned wisdom about the realities of their jobs, while also wrestling with her reminiscences of home and motherhood. This opening sets the stage for a mix of humor and serious introspection as Emma balances her professional ambitions with her role as a mother to her teenage son, Jock.
Edna Ferber
Emma McChesney and Co.
"Emma McChesney and Co." by Edna Ferber is a novel written during the early 20th century. The story revolves around Emma McChesney, a strong-willed saleswoman who is navigating the competitive world of the women's fashion industry. With a keen business sense and a desire to succeed, Emma is poised to travel to South America to expand her company's reach against the rival Sans-Silk Skirt Company, led by her former colleague, Fat Ed Meyers. At the start of the narrative, we are introduced to Emma McChesney, whose dedication to her son and career sets the stage for her upcoming challenges. The opening chapter depicts her lively dialogue with her business partner, T. A. Buck, highlighting their dynamic partnership. Emma's determination to seize opportunities in South America is met with both skepticism and support from Buck, capturing the tension between their professional ambitions and personal concerns. The initial interactions not only establish Emma's character as a savvy and confident businesswoman but also hint at the unfolding drama between ambition, gender roles, and a budding romance that could complicate their professional lives.
William H. Maher
A Man of Samples. Something about the men he met "On the Road"
"A Man of Samples. Something about the Men He Met 'On the Road'" by William H. Maher is a novel likely written in the late 19th century. The story unfolds through the experiences of a young traveling salesman tasked with taking over for a colleague on his wedding tour, revealing a world filled with quirky characters, challenges in sales, and the unpredictability of the business landscape. The opening portion sets the stage for an engaging tale filled with the internal struggles and comedic encounters of the main character, who initially dreads his assignment. As he embarks on his journey, he reflects on his hesitations and the perceived risks of failure that weigh heavily on him. His first stop in a town that he refers to as Albany introduces a colorful cast of characters, including a cantankerous gun shop owner and other merchants, showcasing the complexities of selling in various conditions. These initial interactions illustrate the cutthroat nature of salesmanship while hinting at humor and camaraderie among those who navigate this world, creating a vivid picture of the challenges and triumphs of a man on the road.
Betsy Curtis
Temptress of Planet Delight
"Temptress of Planet Delight" by Betsy Curtis is a science fiction novel written in the early 1950s. The story centers on Captain Herl Hofner, a trader from Galactic Coordination, as he arrives on the planet Delight, which has been recently cleaned up from its past issues and renamed from Geescow. The opening introduces a blend of Galactic bureaucracy, the struggles of colonization, and hints at an underlying tension around the Eyefers, a population that embodies a societal burden, which sets the stage for an exploration of this unique civilization. At the start of the book, Captain Herl Hofner is navigating the complexities of interplanetary bureaucracy as he prepares to land on Delight. He encounters the friendly yet perplexed local port control staff, who inform him of the various regulations he must adhere to during his visit. As Herl adjusts to the planet, he learns about its unique inhabitants, the Eyefers, whose forgetfulness has led them to be viewed as societal outcasts. A sense of anticipation builds when Herl meets a mysterious girl wrapped in a golden haze in a waiting area, foreshadowing deeper connections to the planet and underscoring themes of beauty, societal structure, and individual responsibility within a complex political landscape. This initial setup leaves readers curious about Herl's journey and the fate of the inhabitants of Planet Delight amidst brewing conflicts.
Charles N. (Charles Newman) Crewdson
Tales of the Road
"Tales of the Road" by Charles N. Crewdson is a collection of essays written in the early 20th century. The book delves into the intricate world of salesmanship, particularly highlighting the experiences, challenges, and philosophies of traveling salesmen as they navigate their profession. Through a series of anecdotes and reflections, the author emphasizes the significance of integrity and relationship-building in the business of sales. The opening of "Tales of the Road" introduces readers to the foundational concepts of salesmanship, as Crewdson asserts that successful salesmen embody qualities such as resilience, quick thinking, and a commitment to fairness. He recounts the various roles that a traveling salesman plays—from persuader to strategist—and shares personal stories that illustrate the importance of a "square deal" with customers. As Crewdson begins to explore his own experiences in the world of sales, he builds a narrative that blends practical advice with engaging tales, establishing a rapport with readers that promises insights into the art of salesmanship.
Edna Ferber
Personality Plus: Some Experiences of Emma McChesney and Her Son, Jock
"Personality Plus: Some Experiences of Emma McChesney and Her Son, Jock" by Edna Ferber is a novel written in the early 20th century. The story centers around the dynamic relationship between Emma McChesney, a successful businesswoman, and her ambitious son, Jock, as they navigate the challenges of their respective careers in the advertising world. At the start of the novel, the reader is introduced to the characters of Emma and Jock in their New York apartment as Jock prepares for his first significant job interview. Emma, a savvy and experienced figure in business, expresses a mix of pride and anxiety for her son, who is eager to make his mark in the competitive advertising industry. The opening chapters capture their banter and contrasting viewpoints on youth, ambition, and the nature of success, showcasing their unique personalities and the complexities of their mother-son relationship. As Jock embarks on his journey, the narrative hints at both the excitement and harsh realities that await him in his career, setting the stage for deeper themes of growth and self-discovery.
Recently surfaced classics