Better Dead: Classic Book Guide and Free Edition
Better Dead: author and translator credits, catalogue synopsis, subjects and links to the Gutenberg reading formats.

Better Dead is catalogued by Project Gutenberg with author credits for Barrie, J. M. (James Matthew) (1860–1937).
Catalogue synopsis
Project Gutenberg supplies this automated synopsis of the opening text:
"Better Dead" by J. M. Barrie is a novel written in the late 19th century. The story revolves around Andrew Riach, a young Scotchman who moves to London with aspirations of becoming a private secretary and a writer. The narrative touches upon themes of love, ambition, existential dread, and the absurdities of societal expectations, particularly as Riach grapples with his feelings for Clarrie and his place in the bustling city. The beginning of "Better Dead" introduces Andrew Riach on the cusp of a significant transition, having just left his home in a small Scottish village for the vastness of London. His internal conflict about his relationship with Clarrie, coupled with his uncertainty about love and ambition, sets the stage for the novel. Through interactions with the minister and reflections on his past, Andrew reveals his complex character—an idealistic yet troubled man. As he navigates rejection in his job search and contemplates deeper societal issues, the opening establishes the foundation for his journey, hinting at future encounters that will challenge his values and aspirations in the big city.
Book and edition facts
- Title: Better Dead
- Author credits: Barrie, J. M. (James Matthew) (1860–1937)
- Catalogue language: English
Catalogue subjects
- Courtship -- Fiction
- Great Britain -- Fiction
- Young men -- Fiction
Gutenberg collections
- Category: British Literature
- Category: Novels
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.


