Showing results by author "Booth Tarkington" in All Categories

Dive into the world of Alice Adams, a Pulitzer Prize-winning novel that vividly captures the struggles of a lower middle-class Midwestern family at the dawn of the 20th century as they strive to ascend the social ladder. At the center of this poignant tale is Alice, a determined young woman yearning for a better life and a place in society. As noted by Gerard Previn Meyer, Alice Adams transcends its role as a social history; it resonates with readers through its depiction of a lovable girl who, despite her flaws, captures our hearts. (Summary by Jeannie)

In a lively Midwestern town, Laura and Cora Madison, along with their younger brother Hedrick, navigate the complex web of Cora’s array of discarded suitors. While Coras flirtatious antics exasperate the moody Hedrick, they intrigue the more reserved Laura. The unexpected return of a charming former resident and a chance encounter with a troubled young person spark a whirlwind of events that lead to an emotionally charged climax. Booth Tarkingtons writing shines with sensitivity and insight. A celebrated American novelist and playwright, Tarkington is best known for his Pulitzer ...

Dive into the captivating tale of two young American painters making their way in Paris. Unlike their more flamboyant contemporaries, such as the scandal-prone Larrabee Harman—whose wild escapades include a remarkable incident involving one of the painters’ cousins—these artists lead a moderate life. One fateful evening, they observe Harman on the Boulevard, accompanied by a renowned dancer. The following day, tragedy strikes as he becomes a victim of a car accident and is rushed to the hospital, his survival uncertain. Little do they know, Harman’s fate intertwines with theirs in ...

Raffaele Ansolinis life in Paris isnt as glamorous as it seems, especially when funds are running low. In a desperate bid to make ends meet, he shaves his head and transforms it into a quirky advertising space for a local theatre. But this unusual choice isnt exactly the ideal way to meet the most beautiful woman in the city. Will he manage to reconnect with her against all odds? - Summary by Carolin

"The Magnificent Ambersons" is the 1918 novel by Booth Tarkington which won the 1919 Pulitzer Prize. It is the second novel in "The Growth Trilogy," which includes "The Turmoil"(1915) and "The Midlander" (1923). In 1942, Orson Welles directed a film version of it, also titled "The Magnificent Ambersons" and starring Joseph Cotten, Dolores Costello, and Anne Baxter. The novel and trilogy traces the growth of the United States through the declining fortunes of three generations of the aristocratic Amberson family.

In this American classic, 17-year-old William is in the throes of first love. Lola Pratt, the object of his affection, is visiting her cousin in William's town for the summer. William finds obstacles at every turn in winning her affections, in the form of other suitors, a pesky little sister, and the necessity of the "perfect outfit". With the pomposity of Frasier Crane and the soul of a poet, William attempts to win Miss Pratt's heart and to be the sole recipient of her charming "baby talk".

Penrod, Booth Tarkington's classic and hilarious tale of one 11-year-old boy's unceasing series of misadventures in an early 20th-century Midwestern town, has fallen into disrepute in some quarters for ethnic descriptions and dialogue that many today find offensive. Lasso Books has taken the bold step of abridging the original text and removing questionable passages and rewriting select portions so that children and adults may now read this delightful novel without the insensitivities of the past that many found objectionable.

A young man disguised as a barber forces a noble whom he has caught cheating at cards to introduce him to the lovely Lady Mary Carlisle. Love flourishes, tempers flare, and swords clash in the ensuing results!

This Pulitzer Prize-winning novel focuses on materialism and the fortunes of a Midwestern family in the early 20th century. Horseless carriages were just appearing on the scene, the strata of society was in a constant state of flux, and the inherent values of the Amberson family were fast becoming a thing of the past.

Dive into Seventeen A Tale of Youth and Summer Time and the Baxter Family, Especially William, a witty exploration of first love through the eyes of the charmingly naïve 17-year-old, William Sylvanus Baxter. Set in a quaint Midwestern town just before the onset of World War I, this delightful novel by Booth Tarkington masterfully blends humor with a nostalgic look at youth. Originally published as a series of sketches in the Metropolitan Magazine in 1914 and later compiled into a bestselling novel in 1916, Seventeen remains a timeless reflection on the follies and joys of young romance. (...

Join the uproarious adventures of Penrod Schofield and his band of friends—Sam Williams, Herman, Verman, Georgie, Maurice, and the enchanting Marjorie Jones. Experience the laughter and mischief that define their youthful escapades! (Summary by Jonathan)

Join Penrod Schofield and his lovable dog Duke on a delightful and humorous adventure through turn-of-the-century Indianapolis. Follow Penrod as he navigates life, love, and the endless mischief that seems to find him at every turn. (Summary by Jonathan)

Meet Penrod Schofield—eleven years old, endlessly curious, and a magnet for scrapes. Set in a Midwestern town at the turn of the twentieth century, Penrod follows a boy whose imagination routinely collides with adult rules: backyard “shows” that spiral into chaos, school pageants gone spectacularly wrong, neighborhood rivalries, and the fierce loyalty between a boy and his dog, Duke. Booth Tarkington’s classic is laugh-out-loud funny and surprisingly tender, a snapshot of American childhood that still feels true.

Step into the charming world of early 20th Century Indiana with Gentle Julia, a delightful romantic comedy featuring the spirited Florence, the mischievous younger cousin of the enchanting Julia Atwater. This lively tale, reminiscent of Penrod, captures the essence of youth, family dynamics, and the whimsical adventures of growing up. (Summary by BellonaTimes)

Step into a heartwarming yet poignant tale reminiscent of Dickens, where a melodramatic folksy Christmas story unfolds. With echoes of Tiny Tim, this narrative weaves together themes of compassion and romance, all set against the backdrop of early 1900s American culture. While we are drawn to sympathize with the disabled child, the subtle oversights towards the black servants serve as a reflection of the era. Tarkingtons writing champions kindness and employs a gentler humor, distinguishing it from many contemporary authors. (Arnold Banner)

Alice Adams follows the day-to-day life of a young woman who dreams of climbing the social ladder and escaping from her middle-class background. She struggles with the constant tension between her parents and her older brother. When a wealthy young man becomes interested in her, she weaves a fictional life during their discussions; it is eventually exposed.

The American literary tradition has, in a far shorter span of time than others throughout history, achieved a glowing and glittering reputation. From its transatlantic roots it has absorbed the sons and daughters of other cultures, other lands and made them part of her own. Within this melting pot of styles, genres and wordplay one fact stands out: In the American short story, literary tradition has a strong, vibrant and almost inclusive history, if you know where to look.

The American Classics Collection - Volume Two includes some of the most iconic and influential works of American literature, read by a talented team of narrators including Adam Sims, Nathan Osgood, Jonathan Keeble, Robert G. Slade, Ian Porter, Chirstopher Ragland, Katherine Fenton, and Peter Noble. From satirical masterpieces to grand tales of love, war, and The Roaring Twenties, in this collection you will discover award-winning writing that effortlessly spans genre and style.

Short stories have always been a sort of instant access into an author’s brain, their soul and heart. They can lift our lives into locations, people and experiences with a sweep of landscape, narration, feelings and emotions that is difficult to achieve elsewhere. A new century dawns, one in which America would become pre-eminent as its industrial might and military power rose above all others. In literature too its authors tackled new forms and new ideas, they shied away from little, immersing themselves and their readers in the promise of a new Century.

Monsieur Beaucaire is a charming and witty historical romance about a disguised French nobleman who outmaneuvers an arrogant English duke for the heart of a lady. With duels, intrigue, and secret identities, this novel is a delightful blend of humor and adventure.