With Hoops of Steel By: Florence Finch Kelly (1858-1939)
With Hoops of Steel by Florence Finch Kelly is an enthralling historical fiction novel that takes us on an unforgettable journey through the tumultuous years leading up to the American Civil War. Set in the mid-19th century, this thought-provoking tale explores themes of family, love, and the resilience of the human spirit in the face of adversity. The story follows the life of young Mark Kingston as he navigates the challenging world of a divided nation. Born into a family deeply rooted in the abolitionist movement, Mark is raised with strong moral values and a burning desire to fight for justice and equality. As tensions rise between the North and South, Mark finds himself caught in the whirlwind of political intrigue and personal conflicts. From the opening pages, Kelly's writing captivates the reader with vivid descriptions and meticulous attention to historical detail. Through her eloquent prose, she effortlessly transports us to a bygone era, immersing us in the sights, sounds, and smells of a country on the brink of war. The author's extensive research shines through, bringing to life the various political factions, social customs, and cultural nuances of the time. What sets this novel apart is the well-drawn and relatable characters that populate its pages. Mark Kingston, in particular, evolves from an idealistic young man into a complex and introspective protagonist, torn between his convictions and his duty to his family. His relationships with his father, the influential newspaper editor Jonathan Kingston, and his love interest, the strong-willed June Ransome, add a layer of emotional depth to the narrative. Kelly expertly weaves together multiple storylines, deftly tackling the sensitive topics of slavery, class struggle, and the often overlooked role of women during this period. Her nuanced portrayal of the multifaceted issues facing the nation adds a layer of authenticity to the narrative, forcing readers to confront the moral complexities that defined the era. With Hoops of Steel is a beautifully written and thoroughly researched novel that offers a poignant and timely examination of a seminal period in American history. Florence Finch Kelly's masterful storytelling transports us back in time, allowing us to witness the triumphs and tragedies that shaped a nation. This compelling tale will surely leave a lasting impression on anyone with an interest in the Civil War era and the enduring struggle for freedom and equality. First Page: WITH HOOPS OF STEEL BY FLORENCE FINCH KELLY ILLUSTRATED BY DAN SMITH " The friends thou hast, and their adoption tried, Grapple them to thy soul with hoops of steel. " NEW YORK GROSSET & DUNLAP PUBLISHERS Made in the United States of America COPYRIGHT 1900 THE BOWEN MERRILL COMPANY ALL RIGHTS RESERVED [Illustration: "ON AND ON THROUGH THE NIGHT THEY GALLOPED, NECK TO NECK AND HEEL TO HEEL." p. 63 ] PUBLISHERS' NOTE Owen Wister's THE VIRGINIAN and Florence Finch Kelly's WITH HOOPS OF STEEL were the first of the modern cow boy novels. Twenty five years have passed since Mrs. Kelly's enthralling story first appeared September, 1900. Most of the novels published then and since, are dead and forgotten. Not so WITH HOOPS OF STEEL. It was in continuous demand from its first friendly welcome by the critics until the World War turned public attention to Europe. Even so its vitality persisted, justified this new edition, and seems to warrant the belief that the present generation will find its story interest as vivid and as exciting as did the past, and its value even greater, for it presents an authentic portrait of the old southwestern cattlemen and a fascinating picture of a phase of national development now passed into history. THE PUBLISHERS... Continue reading book >>

With Hoops of Steel By: Florence Finch Kelly (1858-1939)

With Hoops of Steel by Florence Finch Kelly is an enthralling historical fiction novel that takes us on an unforgettable journey through the tumultuous years leading up to the American Civil War. Set in the mid-19th century, this thought-provoking tale explores themes of family, love, and the resilience of the human spirit in the face of adversity.

The story follows the life of young Mark Kingston as he navigates the challenging world of a divided nation. Born into a family deeply rooted in the abolitionist movement, Mark is raised with strong moral values and a burning desire to fight for justice and equality. As tensions rise between the North and South, Mark finds himself caught in the whirlwind of political intrigue and personal conflicts.

From the opening pages, Kelly's writing captivates the reader with vivid descriptions and meticulous attention to historical detail. Through her eloquent prose, she effortlessly transports us to a bygone era, immersing us in the sights, sounds, and smells of a country on the brink of war. The author's extensive research shines through, bringing to life the various political factions, social customs, and cultural nuances of the time.

What sets this novel apart is the well-drawn and relatable characters that populate its pages. Mark Kingston, in particular, evolves from an idealistic young man into a complex and introspective protagonist, torn between his convictions and his duty to his family. His relationships with his father, the influential newspaper editor Jonathan Kingston, and his love interest, the strong-willed June Ransome, add a layer of emotional depth to the narrative.

Kelly expertly weaves together multiple storylines, deftly tackling the sensitive topics of slavery, class struggle, and the often overlooked role of women during this period. Her nuanced portrayal of the multifaceted issues facing the nation adds a layer of authenticity to the narrative, forcing readers to confront the moral complexities that defined the era.

With Hoops of Steel is a beautifully written and thoroughly researched novel that offers a poignant and timely examination of a seminal period in American history. Florence Finch Kelly's masterful storytelling transports us back in time, allowing us to witness the triumphs and tragedies that shaped a nation. This compelling tale will surely leave a lasting impression on anyone with an interest in the Civil War era and the enduring struggle for freedom and equality.

First Page:

WITH HOOPS OF STEEL

BY FLORENCE FINCH KELLY

ILLUSTRATED BY DAN SMITH

" The friends thou hast, and their adoption tried, Grapple them to thy soul with hoops of steel. "

NEW YORK GROSSET & DUNLAP PUBLISHERS

Made in the United States of America

THE BOWEN MERRILL COMPANY

[Illustration: "ON AND ON THROUGH THE NIGHT THEY GALLOPED, NECK TO NECK AND HEEL TO HEEL." p. 63 ]

PUBLISHERS' NOTE

Owen Wister's THE VIRGINIAN and Florence Finch Kelly's WITH HOOPS OF STEEL were the first of the modern cow boy novels. Twenty five years have passed since Mrs. Kelly's enthralling story first appeared September, 1900. Most of the novels published then and since, are dead and forgotten. Not so WITH HOOPS OF STEEL. It was in continuous demand from its first friendly welcome by the critics until the World War turned public attention to Europe. Even so its vitality persisted, justified this new edition, and seems to warrant the belief that the present generation will find its story interest as vivid and as exciting as did the past, and its value even greater, for it presents an authentic portrait of the old southwestern cattlemen and a fascinating picture of a phase of national development now passed into history.

THE PUBLISHERS... Continue reading book >>

Genres for this book
Literature
Westerns

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Wikipedia – Florence Finch Kelly
Wikipedia – With Hoops of Steel

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