Aladdin & Co.: A Romance of Yankee Magic

Metadata

Gutenberg ID

23745

Title

Aladdin & Co.: A Romance of Yankee Magic

Language

en

Book source

Project Gutenberg

Description max 80 words

Set in the booming Western town of Lattimore, this romance follows Jim Elkins and his partner Albert Barslow as they navigate the dizzying heights of wealth, industrial expansion, and complex social maneuvering. Blending satire with sentimental drama, the novel explores the corrosive effects of money on personal relationships and the moral compromises required to maintain success in a rapidly changing America.

Summary up to 500 words

The narrative opens with Albert Barslow reflecting on a national political convention in Chicago, where his youthful enthusiasm is dampened by the overwhelming reality of his recent romantic engagement to Alice. Seeking solitude, he finds solace in an art gallery, where he observes a young artist and her companion, a scene that mirrors the romantic and artistic themes permeating the story. The plot quickly shifts to the vibrant, often chaotic life in Lattimore, a town built on the vision of General Lattimore and fueled by the speculative energies of figures like Jim Elkins, William Trescott, and the ambitious J. Bedford Cornish. The story is told primarily through the eyes of Barslow, who acts as a confidant and chronicler for his friend Jim. Together, they manage the town's development, dealing with railroad magnates, bankers, and the intricate web of social obligations that define their new status. A central thread involves the romantic entanglements of the town's elite, particularly the love triangle involving Josie Trescott, her suitor Clifford Giddings, and the interference of other suitors like Cecil Barr-Smith. Giddings, a cynical editor suffering from love-sickness, provides a voice of dark humor and philosophical reflection on the nature of ambition and happiness. As the town's fortunes rise, so do the tensions between the characters. The narrative delves into the 'affairs of the heart' considered strictly in relation to dollars and cents, questioning whether material success can coexist with genuine emotional fulfillment. The plot thickens with the arrival of various characters, including the English brothers Barr-Smith and the mysterious Antonia, whose presence disrupts the established order. The story captures the essence of the Gilded Age, portraying the opulence of new mansions in Lynhurst Park against the backdrop of underlying social anxieties and the fear of losing one's soul to the pursuit of wealth. The climax involves a series of dramatic confrontations and reconciliations, testing the loyalties of friends and the fidelity of lovers. Jim Elkins, initially portrayed as a capable organizer and leader, faces personal crises that challenge his worldview. The resolution brings a sense of closure to the romantic arcs while leaving the characters with a renewed understanding of their place in the world. Ultimately, the novel serves as both a celebration of American optimism and a cautionary tale about the costs of unchecked ambition, concluding with a reflection on the enduring nature of true love and friendship amidst the shifting sands of fortune.

LLM editorial rating

4.2/5

Download URL

https://www.gutenberg.org/ebooks/23745.epub.noimages

Local file path

data/epubs/pg23745.epub

Download EPUB

Downloaded at

2026-06-30 21:26 UTC

Categories

• Fiction