Wolf's Head 1911 By: Mary Noailles Murfree (1850-1922)
Wolf's Head 1911 by Mary Noailles Murfree is a riveting historical fiction novel that transports readers to the early 1900s, immersing them in the fascinating era of the American South. Murfree weaves a compelling tale of love, loss, and redemption against the backdrop of a changing society. The story follows the life of young protagonist, Boyd Beverly, who becomes a renowned outlaw known as "Wolf's Head". Set in the picturesque Appalachian region, the author's vivid descriptions paint a vivid picture of the rugged wilderness and provide readers with a deep appreciation for the untamed beauty of the surroundings. One of the strengths of this novel lies in Murfree's ability to create rich and multifaceted characters. From the morally ambiguous Boyd Beverly to the enigmatic Nora Neville, each character is given depth and complexity, making them relatable and emotionally engaging. The range of personalities depicted allows readers to explore the various human motives and the consequences of their choices, leading to a thought-provoking read. Furthermore, the narrative is driven by a captivating plot that is both thrilling and suspenseful. As Wolf's Head eludes capture by law enforcement, readers are catapulted into a world of intrigue and danger. The author's masterful pacing keeps the tension high throughout, ensuring that readers are constantly on the edge of their seats, eagerly turning the pages to discover what happens next. In addition, Wolf's Head 1911 also serves as a poignant commentary on the social and economic challenges faced by communities during this time period. Murfree delves into issues such as poverty, discrimination, and the struggle for survival, shedding light on the harsh realities of life in the South. This carefully crafted social commentary offers readers a deeper understanding of the historical context and adds layers of complexity to the narrative. However, one of the minor drawbacks of the book is the occasional pacing issues. Some sections of the story may feel slower compared to the more action-packed moments, potentially causing readers to lose momentum at times. Nevertheless, this is a minor concern in comparison to the numerous strengths of the novel. Overall, Wolf's Head 1911 is an enthralling work of historical fiction that combines a captivating plot, well-developed characters, and thought-provoking social commentary. Murfree's skillful storytelling transports readers to an era marked by turmoil and transformation, leaving them spellbound until the very last page. This novel is a must-read for fans of historical fiction and anyone seeking a compelling tale that echoes the resilience of the human spirit. First Page: WOLF'S HEAD By Charles Egbert Craddock 1911 It might well be called the country of the outlaw, this vast tract of dense mountain forests and craggy ravines, this congeries of swirling torrents and cataracts and rapids. Here wild beasts lurked out their savage lives, subsisting by fang and prey, the panther, the bear, the catamount, the wolf, and like unto them, ferocious and fugitive, both fearsome and afraid, the man with a "wolf's head," on which was set a price, even as the State's bounty for the scalps of the ravening brutes. One gloomy October afternoon, the zest of a group of sportsmen, who had pitched their camp in this sequestered wilderness, suffered an abatement on the discovery of the repute of the region and the possibility of being summoned to serve on a sheriff's posse in the discharge of the grimmest of duties. "But he is no outlaw in the proper sense of the term. The phrase has survived, but the fact is obsolete," said Seymour, who was both a prig and a purist, a man of leisure, and bookish, but a good shot, and vain of his sylvan accomplishments. "Our law places no man beyond the pale of its protection. He has a constitutional right to plead his case in court." "What is the reward offered to hale him forth and force him to enjoy that privilege five hundred dollars?" asked Bygrave, who was a newspaper man and had a habit of easy satire... Continue reading book >>

Wolf's Head 1911 By: Mary Noailles Murfree (1850-1922)

Wolf's Head 1911 by Mary Noailles Murfree is a riveting historical fiction novel that transports readers to the early 1900s, immersing them in the fascinating era of the American South. Murfree weaves a compelling tale of love, loss, and redemption against the backdrop of a changing society.

The story follows the life of young protagonist, Boyd Beverly, who becomes a renowned outlaw known as "Wolf's Head". Set in the picturesque Appalachian region, the author's vivid descriptions paint a vivid picture of the rugged wilderness and provide readers with a deep appreciation for the untamed beauty of the surroundings.

One of the strengths of this novel lies in Murfree's ability to create rich and multifaceted characters. From the morally ambiguous Boyd Beverly to the enigmatic Nora Neville, each character is given depth and complexity, making them relatable and emotionally engaging. The range of personalities depicted allows readers to explore the various human motives and the consequences of their choices, leading to a thought-provoking read.

Furthermore, the narrative is driven by a captivating plot that is both thrilling and suspenseful. As Wolf's Head eludes capture by law enforcement, readers are catapulted into a world of intrigue and danger. The author's masterful pacing keeps the tension high throughout, ensuring that readers are constantly on the edge of their seats, eagerly turning the pages to discover what happens next.

In addition, Wolf's Head 1911 also serves as a poignant commentary on the social and economic challenges faced by communities during this time period. Murfree delves into issues such as poverty, discrimination, and the struggle for survival, shedding light on the harsh realities of life in the South. This carefully crafted social commentary offers readers a deeper understanding of the historical context and adds layers of complexity to the narrative.

However, one of the minor drawbacks of the book is the occasional pacing issues. Some sections of the story may feel slower compared to the more action-packed moments, potentially causing readers to lose momentum at times. Nevertheless, this is a minor concern in comparison to the numerous strengths of the novel.

Overall, Wolf's Head 1911 is an enthralling work of historical fiction that combines a captivating plot, well-developed characters, and thought-provoking social commentary. Murfree's skillful storytelling transports readers to an era marked by turmoil and transformation, leaving them spellbound until the very last page. This novel is a must-read for fans of historical fiction and anyone seeking a compelling tale that echoes the resilience of the human spirit.

First Page:

WOLF'S HEAD

By Charles Egbert Craddock

1911

It might well be called the country of the outlaw, this vast tract of dense mountain forests and craggy ravines, this congeries of swirling torrents and cataracts and rapids. Here wild beasts lurked out their savage lives, subsisting by fang and prey, the panther, the bear, the catamount, the wolf, and like unto them, ferocious and fugitive, both fearsome and afraid, the man with a "wolf's head," on which was set a price, even as the State's bounty for the scalps of the ravening brutes.

One gloomy October afternoon, the zest of a group of sportsmen, who had pitched their camp in this sequestered wilderness, suffered an abatement on the discovery of the repute of the region and the possibility of being summoned to serve on a sheriff's posse in the discharge of the grimmest of duties.

"But he is no outlaw in the proper sense of the term. The phrase has survived, but the fact is obsolete," said Seymour, who was both a prig and a purist, a man of leisure, and bookish, but a good shot, and vain of his sylvan accomplishments. "Our law places no man beyond the pale of its protection. He has a constitutional right to plead his case in court."

"What is the reward offered to hale him forth and force him to enjoy that privilege five hundred dollars?" asked Bygrave, who was a newspaper man and had a habit of easy satire... Continue reading book >>

Genres for this book
Fiction
Literature
Short stories

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Wikipedia – Mary Noailles Murfree
Wikipedia – Wolf's Head 1911

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