Justice in the By-Ways, a Tale of Life: Classic Book Guide and Free Edition
Justice in the By-Ways, a Tale of Life: author and translator credits, catalogue synopsis, subjects and links to the Gutenberg reading formats.

Justice in the By-Ways, a Tale of Life is catalogued by Project Gutenberg with author credits for Adams, F. Colburn (Francis Colburn) (1850–1891).
Catalogue synopsis
Project Gutenberg supplies this automated synopsis of the opening text:
"Justice in the By-Ways, a Tale of Life" by F. Colburn Adams is a novel written in the mid-19th century. The book explores the themes of moral reform, social justice, and the inherent struggles within society, particularly focusing on Southern culture and the individual within it. The narrative is centered around the character of Tom Swiggs, a man battling alcoholism and societal judgment, as he traverses the harsh realities of life and seeks redemption. The opening of the novel introduces us to Tom Swiggs as he returns to a Charleston jail for the seventh time, a victim of his own vices and the expectations of his family. The tone is both tragic and humorous, as Tom grapples with his identity as a once-respectable man now reduced to a mere shadow due to his addiction. We meet other prison characters who vary in their motivations and societal roles, showcasing a range of human experiences and moral dilemmas. An old jailer reflects on the futility of reform through punishment, hinting at deeper societal critiques that will unfold throughout the tale. The chapter sets the stage for a raw exploration of life's darker facets, drawing the reader into a world where hope and despair coexist.
Book and edition facts
- Title: Justice in the By-Ways, a Tale of Life
- Author credits: Adams, F. Colburn (Francis Colburn) (1850–1891)
- Catalogue language: English
Catalogue subjects
- Charleston (S.C.) -- History -- 1775-1865 -- Fiction
- Slavery -- Fiction
Gutenberg collections
- Category: American Literature
- Category: Novels
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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.


