The Apple of Discord

Metadata

Gutenberg ID

52180

Title

The Apple of Discord

Language

en

Book source

Project Gutenberg

Description max 80 words

In 1870s San Francisco, fledgling attorney Hampden is hired by millionaire Wharton Kendrick to investigate his bitter rival, Peter Bolton. As Hampden uncovers a web of corruption, secret societies, and a plot to seize the city, he must navigate a volatile political landscape where the line between law and vigilante justice blurs.

Summary up to 500 words

Set against the volatile backdrop of post-Civil War San Francisco, Earle Ashley Walcott's *The Apple of Discord* weaves a tale of class conflict, vigilantism, and the thin line between order and revolution. The narrative follows Hampden, a young lawyer, who becomes entangled in the legendary feud between wealthy rivals Wharton Kendrick and Peter Bolton. While the animosity between the two men appears rooted in deep-seated hatred and past violence, the story reveals a surprisingly trivial origin: a childish rivalry over a caricature drawn at school in their Ohio village days. This petty dispute escalated over years, eventually consuming the city's resources and lives. Kendrick hires Hampden to spy on Bolton, suspecting him of plotting a takeover of the city's resources. Hampden's investigation uncovers a sinister alliance between Bolton and the 'Council of Nine,' a radical group of anarchists and socialists planning to seize government buildings and overthrow the Committee of Safety. The novel explores the moral complexities of vigilantism as the Committee of Safety organizes a 'Pick-Handle Brigade' to defend the city, while the Council prepares to arm rifle clubs to seize the Mint, City Hall, and other key institutions. As Hampden delves deeper, he is drawn into the personal lives of the characters, including Kendrick's niece, Laura, and the mysterious Moon Ying. The tension culminates in a dramatic confrontation at midnight, where the Council's plan to overthrow the government is thwarted. The resolution brings unexpected alliances and personal transformations, resolving the long-standing conflict. The story concludes with the reconciliation of the feuding families, the marriage of Laura to Hampden, and Moon Ying's union with a Chinese merchant, Big Sam. Through its dramatic climax and quiet resolutions, the novel serves as a reflection on the fragility of social order and the enduring power of human connection.

LLM editorial rating

4.2/5

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Categories

• Fiction
• Travel