The Splendid Idle Forties Stories of Old California

The Splendid Idle Forties is a collection of short stories by Gertrude Atherton set in the early days of California, specifically during the 1840s. The stories follow the lives of the wealthy and influential families of San Francisco during this time period, providing insight into their daily lives, their social customs, and their struggles. The book presents a vivid picture of the era, depicting the opulence and extravagance of the upper class, as well as the harsh realities of life for those who were less fortunate. Through a series of interconnected stories, Atherton explores themes of love, ambition, power, and the clash of cultures, painting a rich and complex portrait of California's early history. The Splendid Idle Forties is a classic work of American literature that offers a fascinating glimpse into a bygone era.1902. Atherton, was an American Feminist and writer of social and historical fiction, much of it set in California. Although her reputation is founded primarily on her California fiction and essays, as well as her biography of Alexander Hamilton, Atherton also produced a number of Gothic stories, some of them, such as The Bell in the Fog, were considered significant achievements in the Gothic/supernaturalist tradition. Contents: The Pearls of Loreto; The Ears of Twenty Americans; The Washtub Mail; The Conquest of Dona Jacoba; A Ramble with Eulogia; The Isle of Skulls; The Head of a Priest; La Perdida; Lukari's Story; Natalie Ivanhoff: A Memory of Fort Ross; The Vengeance of Padre Arroyo; The Bells of San Gabriel; and When the Devil was Well. 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.