The Man Who Stole A Meeting-House 1878, From "Coupon Bonds" By: John T. Trowbridge (1827-1916)
Authored by John T. Trowbridge, "The Man Who Stole A Meeting-House 1878" is a gripping tale set in a small New England town. The story revolves around an audacious act committed by a mysterious individual, shrouded in secrecy and intrigue. Trowbridge's storytelling prowess shines as he weaves together a suspenseful narrative, capturing the imagination of readers from the very first page. The author's vivid descriptions transport us back to a bygone era, immersing us in the rustic scenery of 19th-century America. At the heart of the story is the charismatic antagonist, whose motivations remain clouded throughout. Trowbridge skillfully develops this character, making readers question their own perceptions and sympathies. The thief's daring heist, centered around a meeting-house, is depicted with such precision and detail that it becomes impossible not to be captivated by the unfolding events. What truly sets this book apart is its exploration of the wider consequences of the theft. Trowbridge delves into matters of spirituality, morality, and community, deftly intertwining these themes into a thought-provoking narrative. Through a diverse cast of supporting characters, each with their own personal struggles and triumphs, the author offers a masterclass in portraying the human condition. One aspect that might be off-putting to some readers is the occasional slow pace of the story. Trowbridge takes the time to meticulously build the world and its characters, which can sometimes hinder the overall momentum. However, patient readers will find that this attention to detail pays off, as the plot gathers speed in unexpected and exciting ways. "The Man Who Stole A Meeting-House 1878" is a testament to Trowbridge's skill as a historical fiction writer. He effortlessly transports his readers to a different time and place, leaving them yearning for more. Though the title itself is rather inciting, the true value of this novel lies within its pages—a captivating tale of mystery, larceny, and the power of community. First Page: THE MAN WHO STOLE A MEETING HOUSE By J. T. Trowbridge From "Coupon Bonds." Copyright 1878, by James R. Osgood & Co On a recent journey to the Pennsylvania oil regions, I stopped one evening with a fellow traveler at a village which had just been thrown into a turmoil of excitement by the exploits of a horse thief. As we sat around the tavern hearth, after supper, we heard the particulars of the rogue's capture and escape fully discussed; then followed many another tale of theft and robbery, told amid curling puffs of tobacco smoke; until, at the close of an exciting story, one of the natives turned to my traveling acquaintance, and, with a broad laugh, said, "Kin ye beat that, stranger?" "Well, I don't know maybe I could if I should try. I never happened to fall in with any such tall horse stealing as you tell of, but I knew a man who stole a meeting house once." "Stole a meetin' house! That goes a little beyant anything yit," remarked another of the honest villagers. "Ye don't mean he stole it and carried it away?" "Stole it and carried it away," repeated my traveling companion, seriously, crossing his legs, and resting his arm on the hack of his chair. "And, more than all that, I helped him." "How happened that? for you don't look much like a thief yourself." All eyes were now turned upon my friend, a plain New England farmer, whose honest homespun appearance and candid speech commanded respect... Continue reading book >>

The Man Who Stole A Meeting-House 1878, From "Coupon Bonds" By: John T. Trowbridge (1827-1916)

Authored by John T. Trowbridge, "The Man Who Stole A Meeting-House 1878" is a gripping tale set in a small New England town. The story revolves around an audacious act committed by a mysterious individual, shrouded in secrecy and intrigue.

Trowbridge's storytelling prowess shines as he weaves together a suspenseful narrative, capturing the imagination of readers from the very first page. The author's vivid descriptions transport us back to a bygone era, immersing us in the rustic scenery of 19th-century America.

At the heart of the story is the charismatic antagonist, whose motivations remain clouded throughout. Trowbridge skillfully develops this character, making readers question their own perceptions and sympathies. The thief's daring heist, centered around a meeting-house, is depicted with such precision and detail that it becomes impossible not to be captivated by the unfolding events.

What truly sets this book apart is its exploration of the wider consequences of the theft. Trowbridge delves into matters of spirituality, morality, and community, deftly intertwining these themes into a thought-provoking narrative. Through a diverse cast of supporting characters, each with their own personal struggles and triumphs, the author offers a masterclass in portraying the human condition.

One aspect that might be off-putting to some readers is the occasional slow pace of the story. Trowbridge takes the time to meticulously build the world and its characters, which can sometimes hinder the overall momentum. However, patient readers will find that this attention to detail pays off, as the plot gathers speed in unexpected and exciting ways.

"The Man Who Stole A Meeting-House 1878" is a testament to Trowbridge's skill as a historical fiction writer. He effortlessly transports his readers to a different time and place, leaving them yearning for more. Though the title itself is rather inciting, the true value of this novel lies within its pages—a captivating tale of mystery, larceny, and the power of community.

First Page:

THE MAN WHO STOLE A MEETING HOUSE

By J. T. Trowbridge

From "Coupon Bonds."

On a recent journey to the Pennsylvania oil regions, I stopped one evening with a fellow traveler at a village which had just been thrown into a turmoil of excitement by the exploits of a horse thief. As we sat around the tavern hearth, after supper, we heard the particulars of the rogue's capture and escape fully discussed; then followed many another tale of theft and robbery, told amid curling puffs of tobacco smoke; until, at the close of an exciting story, one of the natives turned to my traveling acquaintance, and, with a broad laugh, said, "Kin ye beat that, stranger?"

"Well, I don't know maybe I could if I should try. I never happened to fall in with any such tall horse stealing as you tell of, but I knew a man who stole a meeting house once."

"Stole a meetin' house! That goes a little beyant anything yit," remarked another of the honest villagers. "Ye don't mean he stole it and carried it away?"

"Stole it and carried it away," repeated my traveling companion, seriously, crossing his legs, and resting his arm on the hack of his chair. "And, more than all that, I helped him."

"How happened that? for you don't look much like a thief yourself." All eyes were now turned upon my friend, a plain New England farmer, whose honest homespun appearance and candid speech commanded respect... Continue reading book >>

Genres for this book
Literature
Short stories

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Wikipedia – John T. Trowbridge
Wikipedia – The Man Who Stole A Meeting-House 1878, From "Coupon Bonds"

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