The Great Valley

The Great Valley by Edgar Lee Masters is a novel set in the rural Midwest during the late 19th century. The story follows the lives of several families who live in a small farming community in the Great Valley, a fertile region nestled between two mountain ranges. The novel explores themes of love, family, and the struggles of rural life during a time of great change in America.The main characters include the Brinker family, who are struggling to hold onto their farm in the face of economic hardship and changing farming practices. There is also the wealthy and influential Harkness family, who own much of the land in the valley and are determined to maintain their power and influence. Other characters include the town doctor, a schoolteacher, and a group of itinerant workers who travel through the valley each year.As the story unfolds, the lives of these characters become intertwined in unexpected ways. The Brinkers' daughter falls in love with the Harknesses' son, leading to a clash between the two families. Meanwhile, the doctor and the schoolteacher find themselves drawn to each other, but struggle to overcome the social barriers that separate them.Throughout the novel, Masters paints a vivid portrait of life in the Great Valley, with its rolling hills, fertile fields, and close-knit community. He also explores the challenges faced by farmers during this time, including the rise of industrial agriculture and the decline of small family farms. Ultimately, The Great Valley is a moving and insightful look at a bygone era, and a powerful reminder of the enduring power of love and family.1916. A collection of verse from the American poet and novelist who practiced law for nearly thirty years and is best remembered for Spoon River Anthology, a series of poems about his boyhood experiences in western Illinois, and the book that would make his reputation and become one of the most popular and widely known works in all of American literature. See other titles by this author available from Kessinger Publishing.This scarce antiquarian book is a facsimile reprint of the old original and may contain some imperfections such as library marks and notations. Because we believe this work is culturally important, we have made it available as part of our commitment for protecting, preserving, and promoting the world's literature in affordable, high quality, modern editions, that are true to their original work.