Before the Dawn: A Story of the Fall of Richmond: Classic Book Guide and Free Edition
Before the Dawn: A Story of the Fall of Richmond: author and translator credits, catalogue synopsis, subjects and links to the Gutenberg reading formats.
Before the Dawn: A Story of the Fall of Richmond is catalogued by Project Gutenberg with author credits for Altsheler, Joseph A. (Joseph Alexander) (1862–1919).
Catalogue synopsis
Project Gutenberg supplies this automated synopsis of the opening text:
"Before the Dawn: A Story of the Fall of Richmond" by Joseph A. Altsheler is a historical novel written in the early 20th century. This work draws readers into the tumultuous backdrop of the American Civil War, specifically focusing on the significant events surrounding the fall of Richmond, the capital of the Confederacy. The narrative follows the young soldier Prescott, who is returning from the frontlines to Richmond, highlighting themes of war, homecoming, and personal connections amidst a nation in crisis. At the start of the novel, Prescott finds himself on a train to Richmond, where he observes a varied cast of characters, including a mysterious woman in a brown cloak. His journey reflects the divided atmosphere of the city filled with both hope and despair due to the ongoing war. As Prescott arrives, he feels a mix of nostalgia and longing for a sense of normalcy, immediately seeking out familiar places and people. The bustling life of Richmond contrasts sharply with his experiences in the army, and he begins to forge new friendships, notably with the charming and spirited Helen Harley, who is navigating her own challenges as the war continues to alter the fabric of Southern society.
Book and edition facts
- Title: Before the Dawn: A Story of the Fall of Richmond
- Author credits: Altsheler, Joseph A. (Joseph Alexander) (1862–1919)
- Catalogue language: English
Catalogue subjects
- Richmond (Va.) -- History -- Civil War, 1861-1865 -- Fiction
- United States -- History -- Civil War, 1861-1865 -- Fiction
Gutenberg collections
- Category: American Literature
- Category: Historical Novels
- Category: Novels
- US Civil War
Read this edition
View the complete Gutenberg catalogue record. Project Gutenberg identifies this edition as public domain in the United States; that designation does not establish its copyright status in every country.
Source notes
Catalogue metadata is public domain and is supplied through Gutendex, which imports Gutenberg's machine-readable catalogue. The automated synopsis is source-supplied, not an independently verified review. Author dates above describe the credited people; no ebook release date is presented as the book's original publication date.
Sources
More in Books & Authors
Keep reading
