Subject
United States -- Social life and customs -- 1865-1918 -- Fiction Books
Best books
Wallace Irwin
Letters of a Japanese schoolboy ("Hashimura Togo")
"Letters of a Japanese Schoolboy ('Hashimura Togo')" by Wallace Irwin is a satirical work written in the early 20th century. The text presents the humorous and often absurd experiences of a 35-year-old Japanese schoolboy named Hashimura Togo, who is navigating life as an immigrant in America. Through his letters to a New York newspaper editor, Togo shares his observations on American culture, politics, and the issues faced by Asian immigrants, all expressed in a unique and comical voice that highlights cultural misunderstandings. At the start of the text, Togo introduces himself and provides context for his situation, explaining his arrival in San Francisco and the hardships he has faced, including a recent injury from a brickbat thrown by an American. He expresses admiration for the concept of the "Noble Allies" between Japan and the United States while lamenting the difficulties he encounters due to his ethnicity, including a lack of employment opportunities. His letters reveal his attempts to assimilate into American society and critique both American culture and the perceptions of Japanese people held by his new compatriots, encapsulated in a style that blends humor and poignancy.
Robert Barr
The Speculations of John Steele
"The Speculations of John Steele" by Robert Barr is a novel written in the early 20th century. The story centers around John Steele, a resourceful young man who finds himself navigating the challenges of working on the railway, beginning as a station-master and ultimately moving up to a more significant position within the railway system. Through a series of events, Steele's quick thinking and actions save a train from disaster, leading to an unexpected promotion that throws him into the complexities of corporate politics and intrigue. At the start of the novel, we are introduced to John Steele during a harrowing night at Hitchen’s Siding where he must avert a potential train collision. His initiative and decisive actions manage to sidetrack a freight train just in time to prevent a catastrophe. Following this narrow escape, he is transferred to the division superintendent's office in Warmington City. In this new role, he quickly becomes well-liked; however, he faces resistance from T. Acton Blair, the general manager, who disapproves of his informal and hasty manner. The opening chapters lay the groundwork for an exploration of both Steele's internal struggles with confidence and the external pressures of his superiors and coworkers, setting the stage for his ambitions and the obstacles he must overcome in his career.
Molly Elliot Seawell
A Strange, Sad Comedy
"A Strange, Sad Comedy" by Molly Elliot Seawell is a novel written in the late 19th century. Set during the American Civil War, it revolves around Colonel Archibald Corbin and his family at Corbin Hall in Virginia, showcasing their genteel lifestyle amidst the chaos of the war. The main character, Colonel Corbin, is portrayed as a dignified gentleman trying to navigate the adversities of the war while retaining his composure and sense of honor. The opening of the novel introduces Colonel Corbin as he reads in his library, reflecting on the changes brought by the war. As federal soldiers arrive at his home, the Colonel exhibits a serene determination to uphold his dignity in the face of losing his property. Shortly after the soldiers depart, the narrative shifts to a visit from Sir Archibald Corbin, a young Englishman seemingly related to the Colonel, which opens up themes of family and generational ties. The initial interactions both highlight the Colonel's calm demeanor and hint at the underlying tensions of life during wartime, setting the stage for a mix of comedy and pathos as the story unfolds.
Charles Klein
The Lion and the Mouse; a Story of an American Life
"The Lion and the Mouse; a Story of an American Life" by Charles Klein and Arthur Hornblow is a novel written in the early 20th century during a time of significant economic and social turbulence in America. The story delves into the life of John Burkett Ryder, a powerful and wealthy railroad magnate whose unscrupulous methods and obsession with wealth come into conflict with the ideals of honesty and morality represented by Judge Rossmore. The opening of the novel sets the stage in the bustling offices of the Southern and Transcontinental Railroad Company, capturing the tension as directors prepare for a crucial meeting. Their fears are focused on a legal injunction affecting the railroad's operations, a situation exacerbated by Ryder's increasingly corrupt tactics and the unyielding integrity of Judge Rossmore. Key characters are introduced, including Ryder, alongside his son Jefferson, who ultimately diverges from his father's unethical business practices to seek a different path, illustrating the generational conflict over morality and the cost of wealth. The complexity of their relationships and the rich backdrop of early 20th-century capitalism provide a gripping narrative as the story unfolds.
Charles Klein
The Lion and the Mouse: A Story of American Life
"The Lion and the Mouse" by Charles Klein is a novelized version of a play, presumably written in the early 20th century. The narrative unfolds against the backdrop of the American railroad industry, exposing themes of corporate greed, political corruption, and the clash between wealth and morality. The primary characters introduced include John Burkett Ryder, a powerful railroad magnate whose unscrupulous methods are contrasted with Judge Rossmore, a morally upright figure facing challenges from Ryder's machinations. The opening portion of the book begins with a bustling scene in the offices of the Southern and Transcontinental Railroad Company as the directors convene for a significant meeting. We learn that the railroad is under threat due to public discontent and legal challenges, primarily due to the actions of Judge Rossmore, who represents a formidable obstacle to Ryder's ambitions. The narrative paints a vivid picture of the stock market's and railroad's power dynamics, with Ryder depicted as a man driven by insatiable greed, willing to destroy anyone who stands in his way, including Judge Rossmore, who is battling corruption within the judicial system. The tension between these two figures sets the stage for a dramatic conflict that explores deeper societal issues.
Laura Jean Libbey
Pretty Madcap Dorothy; Or, How She Won a Lover
"Pretty Madcap Dorothy; Or, How She Won a Lover" by Laura Jean Libbey is a romantic novel likely written in the late 19th century. The book centers around Dorothy Glenn, a spirited and carefree young woman working in a book-bindery in New York City, as she navigates the complexities of love and friendship amidst her ambitions. The story explores Dorothy's relationships with her fellow working-girls, her flirtation with a dashing streetcar conductor, Harry Langdon, and the challenges she faces as she desires a love that transcends her modest background. At the start of the novel, the reader is introduced to a lively group of young women, led by Dorothy, who is full of hope and vitality. Conversations quickly turn to the prospects of finding love, revealing the girls' aspirations and insecurities. Dorothy becomes infatuated with Harry Langdon, a young man who reveals a mysterious side when he is not just a streetcar operator but also a law student engaged in a wager. Their budding romance is complicated by Dorothy's existing engagement with Jack Garner, a devoted but less affluent young worker. The narrative captures the excitement, naiveté, and the inevitable drama of young love as relationships clash amidst the backdrop of societal expectations and personal desires, foreshadowing deeper conflicts ahead.
Recently surfaced classics