Subject
West (U.S.) -- Fiction Books
Best books
Thomas Fitch
Better days; or, A Millionaire of To-morrow
"Better Days: or, A Millionaire of To-morrow" by Thomas Fitch and Anna M. Fitch is a novel likely written in the late 19th century. The story revolves around themes of wealth, social responsibility, and economic justice, presenting characters such as Professor John Thornton, a wealthy individual grappling with the ethics of wealth, and David Morning, an engineer with newfound fortune and ambitions. Through their conversations and experiences, the novel delves into the societal impacts of wealth accumulation and challenges conventional views about millionaires and their responsibilities. The opening of the narrative introduces readers to a bustling scene in Chicago during the World’s Exposition, where the excitement centers on a locomotive race. Through the eyes of Professor Thornton and Dr. Eustace, the characters discuss the nature of American society and its relationship with wealth, raising caution about the potential for societal decay due to the overwhelming power of millionaires. As the plot unfolds, we learn about David Morning, a skilled mining engineer whose life takes a turn when he discovers a rich gold lode, prompting him to ponder the consequences of his newfound wealth not just on himself but on society at large.
Mary Hallock Foote
The Desert and the Sown
"The Desert and the Sown" by Mary Hallock Foote is a novel likely written in the late 19th century. The narrative unfolds in a rich tapestry of social dynamics, character interactions, and themes of love and conflict centered around the lives of military families engaged in the everyday realities of their surroundings. The early chapters introduce a range of characters, including Colonel Middleton and his daughter Moya, as well as the Bogardus family, laying the groundwork for impending relationships, familial tensions, and dynamics influenced by social class and personal aspirations. At the start of the book, we find Colonel Middleton grappling with the challenges of hosting Mrs. Bogardus, the future mother-in-law of his daughter Moya. The conversation reveals their differing perspectives on social class, duties, and personal ambitions, setting a tone of satire and introspection. Meanwhile, Moya's spirited personality contrasts with the heavier themes introduced through her interactions with her future husband, Paul Bogardus, and the burdens of their respective legacies. The opening scenes expertly blend humor and tension, hinting at deeper conflicts and relationships that will unfold as the story progresses, setting up themes of love, societal expectation, and the quest for identity amidst the complexities of frontier life.
Albert Payson Terhune
Caleb Conover, Railroader
"Caleb Conover, Railroader" by Albert Payson Terhune is a novel written in the early 20th century. The story focuses on the life of Caleb Conover, a self-made man from humble beginnings who has risen to prominence in the world of railroads and politics, reflecting themes of ambition, social status, and the quest for acceptance among the elite. At the start of the novel, the narrative unfolds during a grand reception hosted by Caleb Conover to showcase his social standing and celebrate his daughter’s recent marriage to a prince. As guests arrive, Mr. Conover struggles to navigate the world of high society while grappling with his past and the perception others have of him. Interactions among the guests reveal the underlying tensions of social class and political aspirations, setting the stage for conflict as Clive Standish, a potential political opponent, is introduced. The opening establishes not only the central character's ambitions but also hints at impending challenges both within his family and in the political realm, making it clear that the story will delve deeper into issues of power, perception, and personal integrity.
Olive Harper
The shoemaker : $b A powerful picture of nature, adapted from Hal Reid's famous drama of the same name
"The Shoemaker" by Olive Harper is a historical novel, likely written in the early 20th century. The story centers around Morris Goldberg, a Jewish shoemaker who has immigrated to America from Russia with his family, seeking a better life. The narrative explores themes of struggle, resilience, and the immigrant experience, including the challenges faced by Goldberg and his daughter Dora as they navigate their newfound freedom in a difficult environment. The opening of the book establishes the backdrop of Morris's humble shop located in a rundown area of New York City. We are introduced to his relentless work ethic and deep love for his daughter Dora, who is growing into a beautiful young woman but is haunted by the memory of her deceased mother. As Morris juggles the demands of his small business, we see his hope for a promising future for his daughter amidst their daily struggles. The presence of other characters, including a simple boy named Loney and the grim realities surrounding them, lays the foundation for a rich tapestry of human emotion and the darker aspects of urban life, hinting at the conflicts and choices that will follow in their journey.
Annie F. (Annie Fellows) Johnston
Travelers Five Along Life's Highway Jimmy, Gideon Wiggan, the Clown, Wexley Snathers, Bap. Sloan
"Travelers Five Along Life's Highway" by Annie Fellows Johnston is a collection of fictional tales likely written in the early 20th century. The book follows the intersecting lives and experiences of five distinct characters journeying through life, showcasing their struggles, friendships, and personal growth, all set against the vivid backdrop of their individual stories in a community environment. The opening of the work introduces readers to a character named Jimmy, an old ranch hand in Arizona, who is struggling with his place in life, particularly after feeling displaced by a new cook, Matsu. A humorous yet poignant altercation ensues between Jimmy and Matsu over a mishap in the kitchen, which reflects Jimmy’s deeper feelings of inadequacy and resentment. As tensions rise, however, a moment of crisis allows Jimmy to step back into a caring role when he must tend to a sick boy named Dane. This opening sets the tone for an exploration of interpersonal relationships, the complexities of human emotions, and the importance of compassion in the face of adversity.
Jos. E. (Joseph Edward) Badger
Delaware Tom; or, The Traitor Guide
"Delaware Tom; or, The Traitor Guide" by Jos. E. Badger is a novel written in the late 19th century. The story unfolds during the mid-1850s, focusing on a wagon train of emigrants making their arduous journey through hostile territories. Central to the narrative are key characters like Clara Calhoun, a strong-willed young woman; Dusky Dick, the ambiguous guide with nefarious intentions; and Tom Maxwell, a seasoned guide who seems to reside firmly on the side of the emigrants. The beginning of the novel sets the tone with a typical scene from the Old West, where the wagon train moves slowly across a desolate landscape. Clara Calhoun's disdain for her fellow traveler, Dusky Dick, quickly escalates, revealing tensions within the group. Initially, Clara expresses distrust towards Dusky Dick, suspecting his loyalty, especially after overhearing a threat he makes towards her. The chapter closes with the suggestion of impending danger as old guide Tom Maxwell grows vigilant, holding suspicions of Dusky Dick's true motives, laying the groundwork for the conflicts and peril to come as the emigrants face both internal strife and external threats from Indian tribes.
Edward Sylvester Ellis
The red wizard, or, the cave captive
"The Red Wizard; or, The Cave Captive" by Edward Sylvester Ellis is a novel written in the late 19th century. This tale is set against the backdrop of the American frontier, featuring themes of survival, conflict between settlers and Native Americans, and the complex dynamics of love and betrayal. The story seems to revolve around a young Indian woman and a group of emigrants as dangerous situations unfold, highlighting heroic actions and moral dilemmas. The opening of the novel introduces several characters embroiled in tension and conflict, beginning with a confrontation involving a young Sioux woman, a scout named Wash Lawton, and a man named George Parsons. As tensions rise, the scout defends the young woman from harm at the hands of others, showcasing his principles against unnecessary violence. Meanwhile, with the emigrants preparing to camp for the night, danger looms as they are confronted by the realities of their perilous journey. The scene is set for a dramatic unfolding of events that will challenge the characters' convictions and relationships, particularly as the threat of Native American attacks becomes imminent. This dynamic introduction suggests that the narrative will explore themes of courage, morality, and the consequences of one's actions amid the clash of cultures.
Edward Sylvester Ellis
The Three Trappers; or, The Apache Chief's Ruse
"The Three Trappers; or, The Apache Chief's Ruse" by Seelin Robins is a novel written in the late 19th century. The story follows Fred Wainwright, a young hunter navigating the dangers of the American frontier as he encounters hostile Comanche Indians and seeks refuge with a pair of seasoned trappers, George Harling and Ward Lancaster. This narrative is poised to delve into themes of survival, camaraderie, and the adventures that come with trapping and exploring the untamed landscapes of the West. The opening of the novel introduces Fred Wainwright as he experiences a tense moment while surveying the prairie, fearing an impending encounter with Comanche Indians. After a successful but narrow escape from his pursuers, he inexplicably falls into the company of two friendly trappers who offer him refuge. The narrative then shifts to illustrate the personalities of these trappers, setting the stage for a deeper exploration of their adventures together and the challenges they face while navigating through hostile territories, including potential confrontations with the Apache tribe and the fortuitous encounter with an emigrant party. As relationships begin to develop, particularly with the mention of a mysterious young woman, the story hints at emotional entanglements alongside the physical challenges of frontier life.
Edwin L. (Edwin Legrand) Sabin
The other half
"The Other Half" by Edwin L. Sabin is a short story that explores themes of loss, longing, and the consequences of past actions. Written in the early 20th century, the tale unfolds during a plane trip across the rugged landscapes of the American West, invoking a sense of nostalgia and adventure. The narrative centers around the mysterious character John Brown, a man consumed by his search for a long-lost woman and the other half of a silver coin that holds deep personal significance. The storyline follows the narrator, an aviator, who accepts John Brown as a passenger on his return journey from Omaha to San Francisco. As the journey progresses, an engine failure forces them to land in a desolate area where they discover a skeleton and the missing half of Brown's cherished coin. Through a poignant conversation, the aviator reveals the tragic backstory of Brown's lost love and her fate, intertwining the past and present. This encounter leads John Brown to confront his decades-long turmoil wrought by the abandonment of his wife, ultimately giving him a sense of closure as both the physical and emotional halves of his story come together at last.
Joseph A. (Joseph Alexander) Altsheler
The Great Sioux Trail: A Story of Mountain and Plain
"The Great Sioux Trail: A Story of Mountain and Plain" by Joseph A. Altsheler is a historical novel written in the early 20th century. The story unfolds during the tumultuous period following the Civil War, focusing on young Clarke and his companion Boyd as they navigate through the vast and perilous American West, encountering the powerful Sioux nation led by the resolute chief Red Cloud. Their quest is fraught with danger, adventure, and the clash between the encroaching settlers and the indigenous tribes. The opening of the book introduces us to the lead character, Will Clarke, who feels a mix of excitement and trepidation as he witnesses a tense standoff between soldiers and Sioux warriors. A conference led by Red Cloud serves as a critical moment, where he asserts the Sioux's determination to protect their lands from white encroachment. Clarke's admiration for the chief and his instincts for survival are immediately evident. Following a series of intense events, including an escape from the soldiers, Clarke and Boyd set forth into the wilderness, determined to continue their quest for a legendary gold mine, while evading the dangers posed by the Sioux. This opening sets up a narrative teeming with themes of bravery, exploration, and the complex relationships between the settlers and Native Americans during this era.
Francis Lynde
David Vallory
"David Vallory" by Francis Lynde is a novel written in the early 20th century. It revolves around the character David Vallory, a young engineer returning to his hometown of Middleboro after working on a government harbor project. The story explores David’s complex relationships with his family, particularly with his father, who faces financial ruin, and his interactions with his romantic interests, which add layers of personal and moral dilemmas to the plot. The beginning of the book introduces David's return home after a long absence, where he begins to notice a sense of disappointment about his hometown, now tinged with melancholy. Upon arriving, he discovers his father is in trouble due to the bank's precarious financial situation, leading to a series of family and ethical quandaries. David’s strong idealism clashes with the harsh realities of adult life, as he grapples with the implications of his father’s actions and the weight of their family reputation. As the narrative unfolds, themes of responsibility, the challenge of ideals versus pragmatism, and the complexities of love begin to emerge, setting the stage for David’s journey toward maturity and self-discovery.
Caroline Abbot Stanley
The First Church's Christmas barrel
"The First Church's Christmas Barrel" by Caroline Abbot Stanley is a fictional narrative published in the early 20th century, specifically in the early 1910s. The book addresses themes surrounding charity and the true spirit of Christmas, centering on the struggles of a missionary family as they face poverty and the complexities of receiving help from their home church. The narrative explores the contrasts between genuine generosity and the superficiality often surrounding charitable acts. The story follows Reverend John Haloran and his wife Mary as they navigate the hardships of frontier life, especially during the Christmas season. When a barrel of donated items arrives from the First Church, the couple anticipates relief and joy, especially for their four children. However, their excitement quickly turns to disappointment as they discover that the contents are largely unsuitable and insufficient for their needs. This leads Mary to take a strong stand against the church's neglect, igniting a call for genuine support rather than merely symbolic gestures. The story culminates in a meeting at the First Church where the women confront their own complacency and redefine what it truly means to give, ultimately learning that love and thoughtfulness should accompany acts of charity.
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