Duffels

Eggleston, Edward, 1837-1902Project Gutenberg · United StatesDec 2019

2.8

Word count: 353K words
Chapters: 36

Summary

Project Gutenberg was the first provider of free electronic books, or eBooks. Michael Hart, founder of Project Gutenberg, invented eBooks in 1971 and his memory continues to inspire the creation of eBooks and related technologies today. Duffels by Edward Eggleston. Author: Eggleston, Edward, 1837-1902. Language: English. Class: PS: Language and Literatures: American and Canadian literature. Release Date: May 31, 2008

Editor's review

Duffels is a novel by Edward Eggleston, released as an electronic text by Project Gutenberg and classified under American and Canadian literature. Eggleston is known for his depictions of local life and ensemble characters, and this book likewise fits within the tradition of nineteenth-century American fiction, where its narrative interest and linguistic texture can be observed. As a public-domain ebook, it is easy to access and suitable as supplementary reading for classes or reading groups, as well as for researchers comparing editions and texts. Note that the electronic edition lacks a modern introduction and detailed notes, so readers must supply their own background on the author and period context; those expecting a tightly plotted or modern-paced novel may find the reading experience less smooth. It is best approached out of an interest in literary history, reading slowly for character and local detail.

Who it's for

A good fit for

Readers interested in nineteenth-century American fiction and local narrative
Teachers and students needing a public-domain electronic text for class reading
Literary readers who enjoy slow reading of ensemble characters and local customs
Researchers comparing editions and studying the text of American literature

Not a good fit for

Readers of popular fiction seeking strong plot and fast-paced narrative
Readers who need a modern introduction and detailed notes to enter the text
Beginners unfamiliar with nineteenth-century English expression and background

Reading tips

First learn about Eggleston's life and literary background, then begin the text.
Make a simple character chart by chapter to avoid confusion in the ensemble narrative.
Read selected passages on local customs alongside other American fiction of the period.
For classroom use, pair it with an introductory study of the author.

About the publisher

Project Gutenberg United States · Founded in 1971

Project Gutenberg is a digital publishing project focused on public-domain ebooks. Its publishing direction centers on classic literary works whose copyright has expired, covering genres such as poetry, drama, fiction, and epic. Representative books include Lyrical Ballads by Wordsworth and Coleridge, Proust's Du côté de chez Swann, Shakespeare's Macbeth and The Complete Works of William Shakespeare, Homer's The Iliad, Dante's La Divina Comèdia: Purgatòri, Cervantes's The History of Don Quixote, Volume 2, and Grahame's The Wind in the Willows. Its author resources consist mainly of classic Western writers such as Wordsworth, Proust, Shakespeare, Homer, Dante, Cervantes, Grahame, and Tolstoy. Its publishing feature is the provision of freely accessible ebooks in EPUB and Kindle formats; it is not a traditional publisher, and publicly available information is limited.

FAQ

Is this book suitable as an introduction to American literature?

It can serve as supplementary reading, but not as the sole introductory text. It lacks modern notes, and the language and background require some preparation. It is advisable to read a general introduction to American literature with an introduction first, then try a moderately long chapter from this book.

Does the electronic edition have notes and an introduction?

According to the available information, this is a public-domain electronic text released by Project Gutenberg, with no mention of a modern introduction or detailed notes. Readers must supply their own background on the author, period context, and difficult vocabulary, consulting scholarly materials as needed.

How should I handle the ensemble characters while reading?

Keep a simple character chart as you read, noting identities and key events by chapter. When threads scatter, focus on the main characters first, then return to the function of secondary characters; this reduces confusion.

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About the author

Eggleston, Edward, 1837-1902 Author

Eggleston, Edward, 1837-1902, was an American author; public information about him is limited, and the dates of his birth and death and his nationality are not detailed in the library records. The library holds 12 of his works, most of which draw on American regional life and history. His early representative work, The Hoosier Schoolmaster: A Story of Backwoods Life in Indiana, is set in the backwoods of Indiana and portrays local characters and customs; The Faith Doctor: A Story of New York turns to urban themes, while The Graysons: A Story of Illinois tells a story of local life in Illinois. He also wrote novels such as The End of the World: A Love Story and The Mystery of Metropolisville, as well as historical popular works including The Beginners of a Nation and Stories of Great Americans for Little Americans. His writing is plain and attentive to local color and historical interest, and his works have had some influence on nineteenth-century American regional literature and historical popularization.