The Fortunes of Oliver Horn By: Francis Hopkinson Smith (1838-1915)
The Fortunes of Oliver Horn by Francis Hopkinson Smith is a captivating and thought-provoking novel that takes readers on a remarkable journey through the life of its titular character. Set against the backdrop of Gilded Age America, the story unfolds with rich historical detail and impeccable storytelling. The book immerses readers in the world of Oliver Horn, a young and ambitious man who embarks on a quest to build his fortune in the budding steel industry. From the very beginning, Smith skillfully develops the character of Horn, allowing us to witness his transformation from a determined yet naive individual into a shrewd and influential business tycoon. What sets The Fortunes of Oliver Horn apart is its impeccable attention to detail and its ability to transport readers back in time. Smith's vivid descriptions of the landscape and settings make it easy to envision the bustling streets of New York City or the grandeur of Horn's lavish mansion. Additionally, the author's extensive knowledge of the historical context shines through, providing a plethora of fascinating insights into societal norms, technological advancements, and the intricacies of the business world during that era. Furthermore, the plot of the novel is filled with unpredictable twists and turns, ensuring that readers are kept on the edge of their seats throughout the story. Smith masterfully weaves together various subplots, romantic entanglements, and moral dilemmas, all of which contribute to a compelling narrative that explores the complex nature of ambition, love, and the pursuit of happiness. However, while the book excels in many aspects, there are moments when the pacing slows down, making it feel slightly stretched out. Some readers may find themselves yearning for a quicker progression of events, particularly during certain parts of the narrative. Nevertheless, The Fortunes of Oliver Horn remains an enthralling and insightful read. Smith's elegant prose, well-drawn characters, and meticulous attention to historical details make it a book that stays with you long after you have turned the final page. It is a tale that reminds us of the power of determination, the consequences of our actions, and the oftentimes elusive nature of true fulfillment. Overall, The Fortunes of Oliver Horn is a must-read for fans of historical fiction and anyone who appreciates a compelling story with well-developed characters. Smith's ability to transport readers to a bygone era, alongside his skillful storytelling, make this novel an engaging and unforgettable experience. First Page: THE FORTUNES OF OLIVER HORN by F. Hopkinson Smith I DEDICATE THIS BOOK TO THE MEMORY OF "THE MAN OF ALL OTHERS ABOUT KENNEDY SQUARE MOST BELOVED, AND THE MAN OF ALL OTHERS LEAST UNDERSTOOD RICHARD HORN, THE DISTINGUISHED INVENTOR." F.H.S. THE FORTUNES OF OLIVER HORN CHAPTER I THE OLD HOUSE IN KENNEDY SQUARE Kennedy Square, in the late fifties, was a place of birds and trees and flowers; of rude stone benches, sagging arbors smothered in vines, and cool dirt paths bordered by sweet smelling box. Giant magnolias filled the air with their fragrance, and climbing roses played hide and seek among the railings of the rotting fence. Along the shaded walks laughing boys and girls romped all day, with hoop and ball, attended by old black mammies in white aprons and gayly colored bandannas; while in the more secluded corners, sheltered by protecting shrubs, happy lovers sat and talked, tired wayfarers rested with hats off, and staid old gentlemen read by the hour, their noses in their books. Outside of all this color, perfume, and old time charm, outside the grass line and the rickety wooden fence that framed them in, ran an uneven pavement splashed with cool shadows and stained with green mould. Here, in summer, the watermelon man stopped his cart; and here, in winter, upon its broken bricks, old Moses unhooked his bucket of oysters and ceased for a moment his droning call... Continue reading book >>

The Fortunes of Oliver Horn By: Francis Hopkinson Smith (1838-1915)

The Fortunes of Oliver Horn by Francis Hopkinson Smith is a captivating and thought-provoking novel that takes readers on a remarkable journey through the life of its titular character. Set against the backdrop of Gilded Age America, the story unfolds with rich historical detail and impeccable storytelling.

The book immerses readers in the world of Oliver Horn, a young and ambitious man who embarks on a quest to build his fortune in the budding steel industry. From the very beginning, Smith skillfully develops the character of Horn, allowing us to witness his transformation from a determined yet naive individual into a shrewd and influential business tycoon.

What sets The Fortunes of Oliver Horn apart is its impeccable attention to detail and its ability to transport readers back in time. Smith's vivid descriptions of the landscape and settings make it easy to envision the bustling streets of New York City or the grandeur of Horn's lavish mansion. Additionally, the author's extensive knowledge of the historical context shines through, providing a plethora of fascinating insights into societal norms, technological advancements, and the intricacies of the business world during that era.

Furthermore, the plot of the novel is filled with unpredictable twists and turns, ensuring that readers are kept on the edge of their seats throughout the story. Smith masterfully weaves together various subplots, romantic entanglements, and moral dilemmas, all of which contribute to a compelling narrative that explores the complex nature of ambition, love, and the pursuit of happiness.

However, while the book excels in many aspects, there are moments when the pacing slows down, making it feel slightly stretched out. Some readers may find themselves yearning for a quicker progression of events, particularly during certain parts of the narrative.

Nevertheless, The Fortunes of Oliver Horn remains an enthralling and insightful read. Smith's elegant prose, well-drawn characters, and meticulous attention to historical details make it a book that stays with you long after you have turned the final page. It is a tale that reminds us of the power of determination, the consequences of our actions, and the oftentimes elusive nature of true fulfillment.

Overall, The Fortunes of Oliver Horn is a must-read for fans of historical fiction and anyone who appreciates a compelling story with well-developed characters. Smith's ability to transport readers to a bygone era, alongside his skillful storytelling, make this novel an engaging and unforgettable experience.

First Page:

THE FORTUNES OF OLIVER HORN

by F. Hopkinson Smith

I DEDICATE THIS BOOK TO THE MEMORY OF

"THE MAN OF ALL OTHERS ABOUT KENNEDY SQUARE MOST BELOVED, AND THE MAN OF ALL OTHERS LEAST UNDERSTOOD RICHARD HORN, THE DISTINGUISHED INVENTOR." F.H.S.

THE FORTUNES OF OLIVER HORN

CHAPTER I

THE OLD HOUSE IN KENNEDY SQUARE

Kennedy Square, in the late fifties, was a place of birds and trees and flowers; of rude stone benches, sagging arbors smothered in vines, and cool dirt paths bordered by sweet smelling box. Giant magnolias filled the air with their fragrance, and climbing roses played hide and seek among the railings of the rotting fence. Along the shaded walks laughing boys and girls romped all day, with hoop and ball, attended by old black mammies in white aprons and gayly colored bandannas; while in the more secluded corners, sheltered by protecting shrubs, happy lovers sat and talked, tired wayfarers rested with hats off, and staid old gentlemen read by the hour, their noses in their books.

Outside of all this color, perfume, and old time charm, outside the grass line and the rickety wooden fence that framed them in, ran an uneven pavement splashed with cool shadows and stained with green mould. Here, in summer, the watermelon man stopped his cart; and here, in winter, upon its broken bricks, old Moses unhooked his bucket of oysters and ceased for a moment his droning call... Continue reading book >>

Genres for this book
Fiction
Literature

eBook links
Wikipedia – Francis Hopkinson Smith
Wikipedia – The Fortunes of Oliver Horn

eBook Downloads
ePUB eBook • iBooks for iPhone and iPad • Nook • Sony Reader	Kindle eBook • Mobi file format for Kindle
Read eBook • Load eBook in browser	Text File eBook • Computers • Windows • Mac