Peculiar: A Tale of the Great Transition: Classic Book Guide and Free Edition
Peculiar: A Tale of the Great Transition: author and translator credits, catalogue synopsis, subjects and links to the Gutenberg reading formats.

Peculiar: A Tale of the Great Transition is catalogued by Project Gutenberg with author credits for Sargent, Epes (1813–1880).
Catalogue synopsis
Project Gutenberg supplies this automated synopsis of the opening text:
"Peculiar: A Tale of the Great Transition" by Epes Sargent is a novel written in the mid-19th century. This work explores themes of love, social class, and individuality through the experiences of the main character, Emily Bute Charlton, as she navigates complex relationships and societal expectations in a rapidly changing America. At the start of the novel, we are introduced to Emily, who reflects on her past and current struggles, particularly her relationships with men and the disappointments stemming from her marital choices. In a small, dimly lit room, Emily is joined by Toussaint, an old family friend, who brings her grapes and expresses concern for her health and happiness. Emily's narrative unfolds to reveal her family history and her marriage to Ralph Charlton, which was driven more by social necessity than love, leading to regret and a sense of entrapment. The opening chapters set the stage for Emily’s introspection and the challenges she faces in her life, hinting at the larger themes of identity and societal roles that will be further explored throughout the novel.
Book and edition facts
- Title: Peculiar: A Tale of the Great Transition
- Author credits: Sargent, Epes (1813–1880)
- Catalogue language: English
Catalogue subjects
- African Americans -- Fiction
- United States -- History -- Civil War, 1861-1865 -- Fiction
Gutenberg collections
- Category: American 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.


