Audio Books
Showing 301–350 of 2033 results
American Big-Game Hunting
The first book published by The Boone and Crockett Club founded by Theodore Roosevelt and George Grinnell, who declared in their Editors Note: “Hunting big game in the wilderness is, above all things, a sport for a vigorous and masterful people. The rifle-bearing hunter, whether he goes on foot or on horseback, whether he voyages in a canoe or travels with a dog-sled, must be sound of body and firm of mind, and must possess energy, resolution, manliness, self-reliance, and capacity for hardy self-help. In short, the big-game hunter must possess qualities without which no race can do its life-work well; and these are the very qualities which it is the purpose of this Club, so far as may be, to develop and foster.” A bit outdated as to the equipment they used, this book is nevertheless an intense look at the west in early days, and at the beginnings of the conservationist movement in America. Each chapter focuses on a different animal, from buffalo, mountain goat, elk, pronghorn sheep, grizzlies, etc., indigenous peoples, different areas like the Rockies and Yellowstone, and it still captures the essence of the spirit of the hunt. The book ends with a list of the club’s original 100 members, a veritable Who’s Who of Generals, Colonels, Doctors, Senators and Representatives, amongst them that most illustrious Gen’l William T. Sherman. ( ~ Michele Fry, read by LibriVox Volunteers)
American Civil War Collection, Volume 1
Compilation of American Civil War related poems and short works of literature. Summary by Bill2147
American Cookery
American Cookery, by Amelia Simmons, was the first known cookbook written by an American, published in 1796. Until this time, the cookbooks printed and used in what became the United States were British cookbooks, so the importance of this book is obvious to American culinary history, and more generally, to the history of America. The full title of this book was: American Cookery, or the art of dressing viands, fish, poultry, and vegetables, and the best modes of making pastes, puffs, pies, tarts, puddings, custards, and preserves, and all kinds of cakes, from the imperial plum to plain cake: Adapted to this country, and all grades of life. (Description from Wikipedia)
American Fairy Tales
This collection of fantasy stories was originally serialized in regional newspapers, prior to being published as a complete volume. The stories, as critics have noted, lack the high-fantasy aspect of the best of Baum’s work, in Oz or out. With ironic or nonsensical morals attached to their ends, their tone is more satirical, glib, and tongue-in-cheek than is usual in children’s stories; the serialization in newspapers for adult readers was appropriate for the materials. (Introduction by Wikipedia and Matthew Reece)
American History Stories, Volume 1
A children’s book detailing early American history from the Norsemen to the Revolution, meant for educational use.
American History Stories, Volume 2
History is brought to life in the second volume of American History Stories by Mara L. Pratt. It is a wonderful introduction for children to American history, this volume beginning with the causes of the American Revolution. Although each chapter is short, it is full of fascinating information, and so well-written that adults will enjoy it as much as children. (Summary by Laura Caldwell) Reader’s Note: This edition contains patriotic songs of the time period. Where these songs have occurred, the lyrics have been read. The music for these songs may be found in the text.
American Indian Fairy Tales
With no written language, Native Americans living in the Lake Superior region passed their cultural identity down through the generations by way of stories. Far more than mere tales to amuse children, they passed along the collective wisdom of the tribes. In the 1830s, government Indian Agent and ethnologist Henry R Schoolcraft learned the language of these people and went out to collect and preserve their stories before the tribes disappeared under the westward rush of American civilization. Though these stories were recast as children?s fairy tales in the 1920s, they contain much of the old wisdom of a culture which has largely disappeared. (Summary by Chip)
American Leaders and Heroes
Historian Wilbur F. Gordy presents short chapters on well-known American figures from the viewpoint of the early twentieth century, including explorers, political leaders, military figures and inventors. – Summary by Larry Wilson
American Men of Action
In this book, Burton Egbert Stevenson writes a brief biography of some of the most noteworthy men in American history. He begins at the very beginning of the history of America with Christopher Columbus and proceeds forward with the story of people who made America what it is today by their respective vocations. It is interesting to note that the vast majority of the subjects started in poverty and excelled financially and in stature. He makes something that could be very dull, a very readable and enjoyable book. (Summary by William Tomcho)
American Men of Mind
?American Men of Mind? is a collection of short biographies of men of note in various disciplines. It is an absorbing collection of short biographies of men who made a difference in American history; most beginning life in very humble circumstances, both in the United States and in foreign countries. Although ?men? is mentioned in the title, Mr. Stevenson also relates biographies of several women. This is a most interesting read. (William Tomcho)
American Notes
In American Notes, Rudyard Kipling, the Nobel Prize-winning author of the Jungle Book, visits the USA. As the travel-diary of an Anglo-Indian Imperialist visiting the USA, these American Notes offer an interesting view of America in the 1880s. Kipling affects a wide-eyed innocence, and expresses astonishment at features of American life that differ from his own, not least the freedom (and attraction) of American women. However, he scorns the political machines that made a mockery of American democracy, and while exhibiting the racist attitudes that made him controversial in the 20th century concludes ?It is not good to be a negro in the land of the free and the home of the brave.? G. A. England of Harvard University (letter to The New York Times 10/11/1902) wrote: ?To the American temperament, the gentleman who throws stones while himself living in a glass house cannot fail to be amusing; the more so if, as in Mr Kipling?s case, he appears to be in a state of maiden innocence regarding the structure of his own domicile.? (Summary by Tim Bulkeley with Quotations from the Gutenberg edition of American Notes and the online version of The New York Times of October 11th 1902.)
American Notes (Version 2)
Charles Dickens records his impressions of America during his 1842 journey. – Summary by Brad “Hamlet” Filippone
American Notes for General Circulation
American Notes for General Circulation is a travelogue by Charles Dickens detailing his trip to North America from January to June, 1842. While there he acted as a critical observer of these societies almost as if returning a status report on their progress. This can be compared to the style of his Pictures from Italy written four years later, where he wrote far more like a tourist. His American journey was also an inspiration for his novel Martin Chuzzlewit. (Summary by Wikipedia)
American Philosophy Collection Vol. 2
This recording is the second in an ongoing series of collections highlighting foundational articles in early 20th Century American philosophy. Volume 2 focuses on the debates surrounding the emergence of the so-called ‘New Realism.’ Inspired by the early works of the American pragmatists, the new realists opposed idealistic and transcendental metaphysics, and advocated for various forms of empirical and scientific naturalism. (summary by P. J. Taylor) Track List: 01 – The Program and Platform of the Six Realists by Edwin B. Holt, Walter T. Marvin, W. P. Montague, Ralph Barton Perry, Walter B.Pitkin and Edward Gleason Spaulding 02 – The Egocentric Predicament by R. B. Perry 03 – Brief Studies in Realism I by John Dewey 04 – Brief Studies in Realism II by John Dewey 05 – The Inadequacy of ?Natural? Realism by Durant Drake 06 – Reflections of a Temporalist on the New Realism by A. O. Lovejoy 07 – Report of the Committee on Definitions of the American Philosophical Association by F. J. E. Woodbridge, Frank Thilly, Dickinson S. Miller, Arthur O. Lovejoy, W. P. Montague, and E. G. Spaulding 08 – The Relation of Consciousness to Object in Sense Perception by E. B. McGilvary 09 – The Relation of Consciousness to Object in Sense Perception by Frank Thilly 10 – Consciousness and Object by W. J. E. Woodbridge 11 – The New Realism by Morris Raphael Cohen
American Psychology, 1900-1922
This is the first of what is intended to be three projects featuring journal articles which chart the development of psychology as an academic discipline in the United States during the twentieth century. This first collection begins with an appraisal of functionalism by William James and takes in: early contributions to educational psychology; works of early feminist psychologists; discussions of behaviourism and pragmatism. Also included is Watson and Rayer’s famous 1920 “Little Albert” study. (Summary by Carl Manchester)
American Psychology, 1922-1947
This is the second of what is intended to be three projects featuring journal articles which chart the development of psychology as an academic discipline in the United States during the twentieth century. This collection includes key texts in the development of behaviourism, neuropsychological testing, the psychology of race and humanist therapeutic psychology. Many thanks to staff at the American Psychological Association, Taylor and Francis and Phi Beta Kappa who have helped us to establish that these papers are public domain for those who live in the United States or countries that recognise the Rule of the Shorter Term. (Summary by Carl Manchester)
American Scenery, Vol. 1
Although the focus of this book is the engravings depicting scenic sites of 19th century America, each is accompanied by a short description of the site and location. These vignettes give us rare glimpses of scenic locations as they appeared in 1840. All sites are in the eastern part of the United States, especially New England and New York. This is Volume One of a two-volume set. (Summary by Larry Wilson)
American Scenery, Vol. 2
Although the focus of this book is the engravings depicting scenic sites of 19th century America, each is accompanied by a short description of the site and location. These vignettes give us rare glimpses of scenic locations as they appeared in 1840. All sites are in the eastern part of the United States, especially New England and New York. This is Volume Two of a two-volume set. – Summary by Larry Wilson The Book Coordinators for this project were Larry Wilson and Linette Geisel
American Women’s Literature, 1847 to 1922
This is a collection of 20 short stories and long-form poetry by American women writers. (Summary by BellonaTimes)
Americans All, Immigrants All
The United States Department of the Interior, Office of Education partnered with the Columbia Broadcasting System to present a series of 26 dramatic radio broadcast programs detailing the role of immigrants in the development of the USA. This small volume was printed as a supplement to the programs. It contains a great deal of the data concerning the contributions of immigrants to the country, often in condensed or tabular form, which were highlighted in the broadcasts. – Summary by Mark Smith
Americans and Others
A collection of sometimes biting, always clever commentaries on some of life’s foibles — as apt today as when Ms. Repplier wrote them in 1912. Though less know to modern readers, Repplier was in her prime ranked among the likes of Willa Cather. Note: Section 13 contains the word niggards. I put it in print here so that it will not be mistaken for a racial epithet when heard. (written by Mary Schneider)
Amid the High Hills
A regular contributor to magazines and periodicals on outdoor pursuits, in this work, Fraser discusses salmon fishing, deer stalking, fauna in the forest, high hills and more. – Summary by Lynne Thompson
Among Cannibals
From 1880-1883, the author undertook an academic expedition to Australia, with the purpose of recording zoological phenomena. While there, he developed an interest in the indigenous people and, unlike contemporary studies, did not restrict himself to appearance and outward behavior, but rather looked at the social, economic and anthropological. – Summary by Lynne Thompson
Among Malay Pirates : a Tale of Adventure and Peril
G. A . Henty was a prolific writer of historical fiction for young adults. In this collection of shorter stories we visit Malay pirates, have a couple of tales of India, a shipwreck off the Channel Islands and a bursting dam in California, and finish off escaping from captivity in China (Summary by annise)
Among the Farmyard People
A wonderful children’s book filled with engaging stories about various farmyard animals. Each book ending with a moral which gently encourages children towards better behaviour and attitudes. – Summary by Claire Schreuder
Among the Forest People
Another delightful children’s book by Clara Dillingham Pierson about various forest animals – what they do, and what they are like. Each one also giving subtle moral and life lessons to young children. – Summary by Claire Schreuder
Among the Great Masters of the Drama
In “Among the great masters of the drama; scenes in the lives of famous actors; thirty-two reproductions of famous pictures with text”, Walter Rowlands introduces us to the most famous playwrights and actors that might be seen on the London stages in the 19th century. Many of the playwrights mentioned are very famous until today, like Shakespeare and Moli?re, some are today less well-known. Especially interesting are the short biographies of the stars of the stage, which may in some cases remind you of contemporary actors. – Summary by Carolin
Among the Meadow People
Lovely book of nature written for children by teacher and naturalist Clara Dillingham Pierson. This book in the “Among the People” series explores the animal inhabitants of the meadow and garden. The charming prose shrinks us down and puts us in the fascinating world of the tiny insects, amphibians, and birds who call the field their home. From the author’s Introduction: “In selecting the tiny creatures of field and garden for the characters in this book, I have remembered with pleasure the way in which my six loyal pupils befriended stray crickets and grasshoppers, their intense appreciation of the new realm of fancy and observation, and the eagerness and attention with which they sought Mother Nature, the most wonderful and tireless of all story-tellers.” – Summary by Clara Dillingham Pierson & Jill Engle
Among the Night People
No need to be afraid of the dark – here is a wonderful collection of stories about the creatures and personalities who live at night and sleep in the day. – Summary by Jude Somers
Among the Pond People
Lovely book for children written by teacher and naturalist Clara Dillingham Pierson. This book in the “Among the People” series explores the animal inhabitants of a pond. The beautiful writing brings the pond creatures into being in the reader’s imagination and allows them a glimpse of the mysterious lives being carried out above and below the water’s surface. (Summary by Jill Engle)
Among the Rice Fields
LibriVox volunteers bring you 22 recordings of Among the Rice Fields by Laurence Hope.. This was the Weekly Poetry project for August 16, 2020. —— Violet Nicolson was an English poet who wrote under the pseudonym Laurence Hope. In 1901, she published Garden of Kama, which was published a year later in America under the title India’s Love Lyrics. She attempted to pass these off as translations of various poets, but this claim soon fell under suspicion. Her poems often used imagery and symbols from the poets of the North-West Frontier of India and the Sufi poets of Persia. She was among the most popular romantic poets of the Edwardian era. Her poems are typically about unrequited love and loss and often, the death that followed such an unhappy state of affairs. Many of them have an air of autobiography or confession. (Wikipedia )
Among the Tibetans
Isabella L. Bird was an English traveller, writer and natural historian. She was travelling in the Far East alone at a time when such endeavours were risky and dangerous even for men and large, better equipped parties. In “Among the Tibetans”, Bird describes her tour through Tibet with her usual keen eye: From descriptions of the landscape and flora to the manners, customs and religion of the local people we get a fascinating account of a world long past.
Among the Trees Again
This is a volume of poetry by Evaleen Stein. Special about this volume is, among other things, that many of the poems point to certain seasons and months. This volume thus refers to each part of the year. – Summary by Carolin
Among the Trees at Elmridge
“On that bright spring afternoon when three happy, interested children went off to the woods with their governess to take their first lesson in the study of wild flowers, they saw also some other things which made a fresh series of “Elmridge Talks,” and these things were found among the trees of the roadside and forest.” – Summary by Ella Rodman Church
Among Typhoons And Pirate Craft
Anderson served as third officer aboard the Eamont. Eamont was an opium clipper built in Cowes. Eamont was involved in the opening of Japan to foreigners in 1858, serving as a dispatch boat between Nagasaki and Shanghai, and was one of the first vessels to open up a trade with Formosa. The Eamont was employed in the negotiations for the first commercial treaty with Japan. On this occasion she ran into Nagasaki and quietly dropped anchor, in spite of the fact that opposition to the proposed commercial treaty was very strong at the time. On the following morning 150 boat-loads of Japanese attempted to tow her to sea, being evidently ignorant of an anchor’s raison d’etre. But though they attempted several similar methods to get rid of her they refrained from any armed attack, and, eventually, her mission was completely successful. This was in 1858, and the Eamont’s crew saw many wonderful sights in that tierra incognita. The September Typhoon of 1858 destroyed several well-known opium clippers at Double Island, including the Anonyma, Gazelle, Pantaloon, and Mazeppa. Eamont was anchored off Double Island, with “150 fathoms of chain out and a second anchor backed on it at 60 fathoms.” The waves in the anchorage were estimated to be as large as 40 feet, and the Eamont?s crew had to cut away her masts. Eamont was one of only two ships in that anchorage to survive the night, the other being the Hazard. (See Wikipedia article on Eamont (schooner)) (Wikipedia and david wales)
Amores: Poems
Amores is one of D. H. Lawrence’s earliest works of poetry, published in 1916, was a precursor to his delving in free verse in later collections. The poems in this collection are characterized by haunting and dark themes, sensuousness and his controversial dealing with sexual topics. (Anusha Iyer)
Amoretti: A sonnet sequence
The Amoretti (meaning little love poems) is a sequence of 89 sonnets written in the tradition of the Petrarchan sonnets, a popular form for poets of the Renaissance period. Spenser?s sequence has been largely neglected in modern times, while those of his contemporaries William Shakespeare and Sir Philip Sidney have been acclaimed. However, because of the artistic skill, along with the emotion and the humor exhibited, these poems deserve a broader hearing, even though they may be somewhat difficult for the present-day reader, partly through Spenser?s love for words and expressions that were already archaic in his time. Amoretti, written throughout the year 1594 and published the following year, violates at least one of the conventional elements of the Renaissance sonnet sequences. Other poets, including Petrarch and Sidney, chose as the inspiration for their sonnets a woman who was inaccessible to the poet, sometimes even married to someone else. They idealized this woman, seeming to be extravagantly suffering because of their passionate admiration, while in real life they might hardly know the lady and had no real interest in an actual love affair. Spenser, however, dedicated his verses to a woman that he actually loved and sought, Elizabeth Boyle, whom he then married. Also the sonnet series by other poets were usually despairing of any fruition in regard to the lady, and Spenser certainly does show much frustration himself in his efforts to achieve a closer relationship with his love; but as the series progresses, he gradually sees improvement in the success of his wooing, as his actual wedding nears. The poems feature elaborate imagery, loaded with metaphorical situations, saying much the same thing repeatedly in a wide variety of ways, with much clever creativity, sometimes impressive and sometimes a bit awkward. There is a rich vein of humor running through the whole sequence, often through mock passion, and there is even a bit of sensuality in some of the later sonnets. The better poems are often sharp and crystalline, sparkling in their freshness and originality. (Introduction by Leonard Wilson)
Amphibians and Reptiles in Captivity
In recent years the number of people interested in keeping amphibians and reptiles in captivity has grown rapidly. All too often, these same people have little knowledge of the proper care needed for their captives, nor do they know where to turn in order to learn the needs of their animals. It is the intent of the authors of this special issue to offer the proper information needed to successfully keep amphibians and reptiles in captivity. We are by no means THE experts on the subject, nor do we claim to cover all the facts. However, we do hope that enough information is furnished to answer most of the common questions asked by people. – Summary by Tom R. Johnson
Amphitryon
“The history of Amphitryon and Alcmene, or rather the myth of the birth of Hercules, is certainly very old, and is to be found in the literature of different nations.” Under Moliere’s touch, it becomes “One of the most charming and natural comedies composed in French verse…. Sprightliness and vivacity abound in this comedy….” – Summary by Translator Henri Van Laun Cast list: Mercury, in the form of Sosia: Nemo Night: Eva Davis Jupiter, in the form of Amphitryon: Larry Wilson Mercury, in the form of Sosia: Nemo Amphitryon, general of the Thebans: Tomas Peter Argatiphontidas, Theban Captain: Jim Locke Naucrates, Theban Captain: alanmapstone Polidas, Theban Captain: Adrian Stephens Pausicles, Theban Captain: Leanne Yau Sosia, Amphitryon’s servant: ToddHW Alcmene, Amphitryon’s wife: Availle Cleanthis, Alcmene’s maid, Sosia’s wife: Sonia Stage Directions: Foon Edited by: ToddHW
An Account of Egypt by Herodotus
HERODOTUS was born at Halicarnassus, on the southwest coast of Asia Minor, in the early part of the fifth century, B. C. Of his life we know almost nothing, except that he spent much of it traveling, to collect the material for his writings, and that he finally settled down at Thurii, in southern Italy, where his great work was composed. He died in 424 B. C. The subject of the history of Herodotus is the struggle between the Greeks and the barbarians, which he brings down to the battle of Mycale in 479 B. C. The work, as we have it, is divided into nine books, named after the nine Muses, but this division is probably due to the Alexandrine grammarians. His information he gathered mainly from oral sources, as he traveled through Asia Minor, down into Egypt, round the Black Sea, and into various parts of Greece and the neighboring countries. The chronological narrative halts from time to time to give opportunity for descriptions of the country, the people, and their customs and previous history; and the political account is constantly varied by rare tales and wonders. Among these descriptions of countries the most fascinating to the modern, as it was to the ancient, reader is his account of the marvels of the land of Egypt. From the priests at Memphis, Heliopolis, and the Egyptian Thebes he learned what he reports of the size of the country, the wonders of the Nile, the ceremonies of their religion, the sacredness of their animals. He tells also of the strange ways of the crocodile and of that marvelous bird, the Phoenix; of dress and funerals and embalming; of the eating of lotos and papyrus; of the pyramids and the great labyrinth; of their kings and queens and courtesans. – Summary by the author
An Address to Free Colored Americans
The first Anti-Slavery Convention of American Women met in New York City in May, 1837. Members at the Convention came from all walks of life and included such prominent women as Mary Parker, Lucretia Mott, the Grimke sisters, and Lydia Maria Child. One outcome of this important event was a statement of the organization?s role in the abolitionist movement as expressed in AN ADDRESS TO FREE COLORED AMERICANS, which begins: ?The sympathy we feel for our oppressed fellow-citizens who are enslaved in these United States, has called us together, to devise by mutual conference the best means for bringing our guilty country to a sense of her transgressions; and to implore the God of the oppressed to guide and bless our labors on behalf of our “countrymen in chains.” This significant event was a precursor to the growing women?s rights movement of the time and to greater female involvement in other political reform movements. (Summary by lubee930)
An African Millionaire: Episodes in the Life of the Illustrious Colonel Clay
“My name is Seymour Wilbraham Wentworth. I am brother-in-law and secretary to Sir Charles Vandrift, the South African millionaire and famous financier. Many years ago, when Charlie Vandrift was a small lawyer in Cape Town, I had the (qualified) good fortune to marry his sister. Much later, when the Vandrift estate and farm near Kimberley developed by degrees into the Cloetedorp Golcondas, Limited, my brother-in-law offered me the not unremunerative post of secretary; in which capacity I have ever since been his constant and attached companion.” An illustrious scientist, Allen came to fiction as a more lucrative avenue than more serious writing. As well as writing ghost and detective stories, he introduced us to the illustrious Colonel Clay, a precursor of other gentleman rogue characters; he notably bears a strong resemblance to Maurice Leblanc’s Ars?ne Lupin, introduced some years later. – Summary by Lynne Thompson, quote from the first chapter
An Afternoon in July
LibriVox volunteers bring you 14 recordings of An Afternoon in July by Rosanna Eleanor Leprohon. This was the Fortnightly Poetry project for July 7, 2013. Rosanna Eleanor Leprohon, born Rosanna Eleanor Mullins, was a Canadian writer and poet. She was “one of the first English-Canadian writers to depict French Canada in a way that earned the praise of, and resulted in her novels being read by, both anglophone and francophone Canadians.” Leprohon’s novels were popular in both English and French Canada in the late 19th-century, and were still being reprinted in French in the mid-1920s. They gradually went out of fashion in the early 20th-century, as literary styles changed. “Since 1970, however,”says the Dictionary of Literary Biography, “the life and works of Rosanna Eleanor Mullins Leprohon have been frequently noted and increasingly praised by critics and scholars of both English-and French-Canadian literature, and new editions of her works have been published.” (Summary by Wikipedia)
An Alabama Student And Other Biographical Essays
Here are thirteen biographical sketches of physicians penned by one of the founders of modern medicine, William Osler, published in 1908. “Sir William Osler, one of the best-loved and most influential teachers of his time, was born in Canada in 1849?. Wherever he worked his gifted and unique personality was a center of inspiration? one would like to see his honorable place as a man of letters more generally understood. His generous wisdom and infectious enthusiasm are delightfully expressed in his collected writings?. His lucid and exquisite prose, with its extraordinary wealth of quotation from the literature of all ages, and his unfailing humor and tenderness, put him in the first rank of didactic essayists?. Rich in every gentle quality that makes life endeared, his books are the most sagacious and helpful of modern writings?” – Summary by Christopher Morley, Modern Essays, 1921, and David Wales
An Alphabet of History
An alphabet of historical characters presented in poetical form! In their original form, the contents of this book appeared in the Chicago Sunday Tribune, which newspaper is hereby thanked for the privilege of reproducing this Alphabet (Summary from the Acknowledgment and Ann Boulais) Who frets about the mystery Enshrouding all of history On reading this will, maybe, see We’ve made it plain as A, B, C.
An American Idyll: The Life of Carlton H. Parker
In a memoir marked by joy, love, and an unbending sense of adventure, Cornelia Stratton Parker reveals the heart of a unique man and their life together. As a member of California’s turn-of-the-20th-century Immigration and Housing Commission, Carlton H. Parker came to understand the problems surrounding migrant camps and the labor movement in general. In this volume she recounts his undertakings in that regard and their family life. – Summary by Mary Schneider
An American in the Making, the Life Story of an Immigrant
?The sweat-shop was for me the cradle of liberty. . . It was my first university.? Attending lectures and the New York theatre at night; by day sewing sleeves into shirts in a ghetto shop, Marcus Eli Ravage (1884-1965) began his transformation from ?alien? to American. His 1917 autobiography is a paean to the transformative power of education. Ravage emigrated from Rumania in 1900, at the age of 16. After working for several years as a ?sleever? to save money, he enrolls in the University of Missouri (the least expensive school he can find), where culture shock overwhelms him at first. ?I was not sure whether it was a pig or a sheep that bleated, whether clover was a plant and plover a bird, or the other way around.? But he adapts, and eventually embraces ?the bigger and freer world? outside the immigrant ghetto. He writes that, because of his university experience, he was no longer ?a man without a country.? He had become an American. – Summary by Sue Anderson
An American Politician
In 1880?s Boston, Mass. the good life is lead according to all the Victorian era societal rules of the New World. Political ambitions and the business of making money go hand in hand. A Senate seat suddenly opens up due to the current junior senator?s unexpected death, and the political machinations to fill the seat begin. Senatorial candidate John Harrington is a young idealist who thinks that fighting for truth and justice, regardless of political affiliation, is the way. But he is told he can?t possibly win because he isn?t partisan enough. His opponents in the iron mine, railroad and shipping business sabotage his first bid for office, because he wants to do away with protectionism in trade to open up global competition. He eventually succeeds in winning a Senate seat. He gives a rousing speech to Congress as they gather to elect a President in a race which has ended in a three way tie. His message is that blindly following a party?s positions and principles is not being free and independent, and will not always lead to the best person being elected, or to the best decisions being made for the country as a whole. (Summary written by Maire Rhode)
An American Robinson Crusoe
An American Robinson Crusoe is a short version of the original story. An indolent, rebellious teen goes on a marine voyage against his parents’ wishes. The ship (and all of its crew) is lost in a storm, but Robinson makes it to a deserted island. He has no tools, no weapons, but he lives for over 28 years on the island. He befriends many animals on the island and after over 20 years living solo, he is joined by a young “savage” who becomes his constant companion. The transformation from the young, lazy teen to a self-sustaining, incredibly knowledgeable adult is one of the major themes in the story. (Summary by: Allyson Hester)