Stories by American Authors (Volume 4)

Metadata

Gutenberg ID

22401

Title

Stories by American Authors (Volume 4)

Language

en

Book source

Project Gutenberg

Description max 80 words

This anthology presents a collection of evocative short stories by Constance Fenimore Woolson, H. C. Bunner, John William De Forest, and others, capturing the social nuances, emotional depths, and historical curiosities of 19th-century America. With a tone ranging from intimate introspection to adventurous discovery, these tales explore themes of fame, faith, isolation, and the passage of time, offering readers a rich tapestry of human experience and literary craftsmanship.

Summary up to 500 words

Volume IV of *Stories by American Authors* presents a collection of narratives that explore the tension between personal ambition, historical isolation, and spiritual resilience. Constance Fenimore Woolson opens the volume with "Miss Grief," a story examining the nature of fame and artistic integrity. The protagonist, a celebrated young author, finds his quiet life disrupted by a persistent visitor named Miss Crief. Through their evolving dialogue, Woolson contrasts the author's superficial satisfaction with his own fame against Miss Crief's desperate need for recognition. Miss Crief, shabby and unattractive, reveals she has read every word the author has written and can recite his favorite scenes with profound understanding. Her visit culminates in a plea for pity and a request to have her manuscript read, challenging the author to look beyond his own success and acknowledge the human suffering behind the art he admires. H. C. Bunner's "Friend Barton's Concern" shifts the setting to rural Pennsylvania, depicting the devout Barton family's struggle with poverty and faith. The narrative focuses on Dorothy Barton, a young woman who takes on the heavy burden of farm life to support her feeble mother and three young brothers. Despite the harsh realities of washing sheep in a cold stream and the isolation of their community, the family maintains a strong spiritual resolve. The story highlights themes of sacrifice and endurance, particularly when Dorothy saves herself and her brother Sheppard from drowning after a mishap during sheep-washing. The narrative underscores the family's quiet dignity and their reliance on divine providence amidst economic hardship. Noah Brooks' "Lost in the Fog" transports readers to the forgotten Spanish mission of San Ildefonso in California. Isolated for decades following the Mexican-American War, the town remains loyal to Mexico, unaware that the country has been transferred to the United States. The story follows explorers who discover the town still awaiting news from a homeland that no longer exists. The narrative blends historical mystery with human endurance, as the priest, Father Ignacio, and the townsfolk maintain their traditions and loyalty despite forty years of silence. The story concludes with the explorers leaving the town, only to find that the world has moved on, leaving San Ildefonso lost in a fog of time and political change. Together, these stories offer a compelling glimpse into the literary and cultural landscape of the era, balancing intimate personal drama with broader historical reflections.

LLM editorial rating

4.2/5

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Categories

• Short Stories
• Fiction