Round the Block: An American Novel: Classic Book Guide and Free Edition
Round the Block: An American Novel: author and translator credits, catalogue synopsis, subjects and links to the Gutenberg reading formats.

Round the Block: An American Novel is catalogued by Project Gutenberg with author credits for Bouton, John Bell (1830–1902).
Catalogue synopsis
Project Gutenberg supplies this automated synopsis of the opening text:
"Round the Block: An American Novel" by John Bell Bouton is a fictional work likely written in the mid-19th century. The narrative begins by vividly depicting a neighborhood characterized by contrasting settings—posh, seemingly empty brownstone houses on one side and lively, bustling shops and homes for working-class families on the opposite. The story primarily revolves around three bachelors, Marcus Wilkeson, Fayette Overtop, and Matthew Maltboy, who embark on a series of social interactions within their block, exploring themes of neighborliness and community amidst their varied daily lives. The opening of the novel introduces readers to the ornate yet lifeless dwellings on the east side of the block and the contrasting vibrancy on the west side. As the three bachelors settle into their shared home, Overtop proposes an experiment in socializing, advocating for engaging with their neighbors to better understand their community. This leads to humorous exchanges and the deepening relationships between the protagonists as they navigate social calls, interactions with their eccentric neighbors, and the pursuit of companionship, all while their personal quirks and backgrounds unfold. The narrative sets a lively tone that promises both comedic moments and reflections on human interaction in a densely populated urban setting.
Book and edition facts
- Title: Round the Block: An American Novel
- Author credits: Bouton, John Bell (1830–1902)
- Catalogue language: English
Catalogue subjects
- City and town life -- Fiction
- Male friendship -- Fiction
- New York (N.Y.) -- Social life and customs -- Fiction
Gutenberg collections
- Category: American Literature
- Category: Humour
- 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.



