54-40 or Fight By: Emerson Hough (1857-1923)
Emerson Hough's book, "54-40 or Fight," delves deep into the history and political complexities surrounding the Oregon boundary dispute. Published in 1909, this historical novel skillfully captures the tensions existing between the United States and Great Britain during the mid-19th century. Hough's narrative follows the life of Ned Trent, a young American settler who finds himself caught in the midst of the heated debate over the Oregon Territory. Through the perspective of his protagonist, the author provides a vivid account of the various perspectives, ambitions, and struggles that shaped this contentious period in North American history. One of the most commendable aspects of Hough's writing is his ability to bring historical events to life. The readers are transported to the untamed wilderness of the Pacific Northwest, witnessing the challenges faced by both American and British pioneers. Hough seamlessly weaves political intrigue and personal narratives, creating a compelling storyline that captivates readers from beginning to end. Moreover, Hough's attention to detail and meticulous research are evident throughout the novel. His portrayal of the different factions involved in the boundary dispute is well-balanced, shedding light on the motivations and perspectives of each side. This impartial approach allows readers to develop a comprehensive understanding of the complex struggle for control over the Oregon Territory. Despite its historical context, "54-40 or Fight" also successfully explores larger themes such as the pioneer spirit, friendship, loyalty, and the pursuit of dreams. Ned Trent's character arc, as he navigates the challenges of love, adversity, and conflicting loyalties, adds depth and emotional resonance to the story. However, some readers might find that the novel's pacing occasionally slows down, particularly during sections that focus heavily on political debates and negotiations. While these sections highlight the meticulous historical research carried out by Hough, they may hinder the overall flow of the narrative and test the patience of certain readers. In conclusion, "54-40 or Fight" is a captivating historical novel that vividly portrays the tumultuous era of the Oregon boundary dispute. Emerson Hough's attention to detail, comprehensive research, and compelling storytelling make this a worthwhile read for anyone interested in American history, political struggles, and the spirit of exploration that shaped the emergence of the United States as a nation. First Page: 54 40 OR FIGHT by EMERSON HOUGH Author of The Mississippi Bubble , The Way of the Man , etc. With Four Illustrations by Arthur I. Keller A. L. Burt Company Publishers New York 1909 [Illustration: "Madam," said I, "let me, at least, alone." Page 49] TO Theodore Roosevelt PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES AND FIRM BELIEVER IN THE RULE OF THE PEOPLE THIS BOOK IS DEDICATED WITH THE LOYALTY AND ADMIRATION OF THE AUTHOR CONTENTS CHAPTER I THE MAKERS OF MAPS II BY SPECIAL DESPATCH III IN ARGUMENT IV THE BARONESS HELENA V ONE OF THE WOMEN IN THE CASE VI THE BOUDOIR OF THE BARONESS VII REGARDING ELISABETH VIII MR. CALHOUN ACCEPTS IX A KETTLE OF FISH X MIXED DUTIES XI WHO GIVETH THIS WOMAN XII THE MARATHON XIII ON SECRET SERVICE XIV THE OTHER WOMAN XV WITH MADAM THE BARONESS XVI DÉJEÛNER A LA FOURCHETTE XVII A HUNTER OF BUTTERFLIES XVIII THE MISSING SLIPPER XIX THE GENTLEMAN FROM TENNESSEE XX THE LADY FROM MEXICO XXI POLITICS UNDER COVER XXII BUT YET A WOMAN XXIII SUCCESS IN SILK XXIV THE WHOA HAW TRAIL XXV OREGON XXVI THE DEBATED COUNTRY XXVII IN THE CABIN OF MADAM XXVIII WHEN A WOMAN WOULD XXIX IN EXCHANGE XXX COUNTER CURRENTS XXXI THE PAYMENT XXXII PAKENHAM'S PRICE XXXIII THE STORY OF HELENA VON RITZ XXXIV THE VICTORY XXXV THE PROXY OF PAKENHAM XXXVI THE PALO ALTO BALL EPILOGUE CHAPTER I THE MAKERS OF MAPS There is scarcely a single cause in which a woman is not engaged in some way fomenting the suit... Continue reading book >>

54-40 or Fight By: Emerson Hough (1857-1923)

Emerson Hough's book, "54-40 or Fight," delves deep into the history and political complexities surrounding the Oregon boundary dispute. Published in 1909, this historical novel skillfully captures the tensions existing between the United States and Great Britain during the mid-19th century.

Hough's narrative follows the life of Ned Trent, a young American settler who finds himself caught in the midst of the heated debate over the Oregon Territory. Through the perspective of his protagonist, the author provides a vivid account of the various perspectives, ambitions, and struggles that shaped this contentious period in North American history.

One of the most commendable aspects of Hough's writing is his ability to bring historical events to life. The readers are transported to the untamed wilderness of the Pacific Northwest, witnessing the challenges faced by both American and British pioneers. Hough seamlessly weaves political intrigue and personal narratives, creating a compelling storyline that captivates readers from beginning to end.

Moreover, Hough's attention to detail and meticulous research are evident throughout the novel. His portrayal of the different factions involved in the boundary dispute is well-balanced, shedding light on the motivations and perspectives of each side. This impartial approach allows readers to develop a comprehensive understanding of the complex struggle for control over the Oregon Territory.

Despite its historical context, "54-40 or Fight" also successfully explores larger themes such as the pioneer spirit, friendship, loyalty, and the pursuit of dreams. Ned Trent's character arc, as he navigates the challenges of love, adversity, and conflicting loyalties, adds depth and emotional resonance to the story.

However, some readers might find that the novel's pacing occasionally slows down, particularly during sections that focus heavily on political debates and negotiations. While these sections highlight the meticulous historical research carried out by Hough, they may hinder the overall flow of the narrative and test the patience of certain readers.

In conclusion, "54-40 or Fight" is a captivating historical novel that vividly portrays the tumultuous era of the Oregon boundary dispute. Emerson Hough's attention to detail, comprehensive research, and compelling storytelling make this a worthwhile read for anyone interested in American history, political struggles, and the spirit of exploration that shaped the emergence of the United States as a nation.

First Page:

54 40 OR FIGHT

EMERSON HOUGH

Author of The Mississippi Bubble , The Way of the Man , etc.

With Four Illustrations by Arthur I. Keller

A. L. Burt Company Publishers New York

1909

[Illustration: "Madam," said I, "let me, at least, alone." Page 49]

TO Theodore Roosevelt

PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES AND FIRM BELIEVER IN THE RULE OF THE PEOPLE

THIS BOOK IS DEDICATED WITH THE LOYALTY AND ADMIRATION OF THE AUTHOR

CONTENTS

CHAPTER

I THE MAKERS OF MAPS II BY SPECIAL DESPATCH III IN ARGUMENT IV THE BARONESS HELENA V ONE OF THE WOMEN IN THE CASE VI THE BOUDOIR OF THE BARONESS VII REGARDING ELISABETH VIII MR. CALHOUN ACCEPTS IX A KETTLE OF FISH X MIXED DUTIES XI WHO GIVETH THIS WOMAN XII THE MARATHON XIII ON SECRET SERVICE XIV THE OTHER WOMAN XV WITH MADAM THE BARONESS XVI DÉJEÛNER A LA FOURCHETTE XVII A HUNTER OF BUTTERFLIES XVIII THE MISSING SLIPPER XIX THE GENTLEMAN FROM TENNESSEE XX THE LADY FROM MEXICO XXI POLITICS UNDER COVER XXII BUT YET A WOMAN XXIII SUCCESS IN SILK XXIV THE WHOA HAW TRAIL XXV OREGON XXVI THE DEBATED COUNTRY XXVII IN THE CABIN OF MADAM XXVIII WHEN A WOMAN WOULD XXIX IN EXCHANGE XXX COUNTER CURRENTS XXXI THE PAYMENT XXXII PAKENHAM'S PRICE XXXIII THE STORY OF HELENA VON RITZ XXXIV THE VICTORY XXXV THE PROXY OF PAKENHAM XXXVI THE PALO ALTO BALL EPILOGUE

CHAPTER I

THE MAKERS OF MAPS

There is scarcely a single cause in which a woman is not engaged in some way fomenting the suit... Continue reading book >>

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