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

The Barton Experiment is catalogued by Project Gutenberg with author credits for Habberton, John (1842–1921).
Catalogue synopsis
Project Gutenberg supplies this automated synopsis of the opening text:
"The Barton Experiment" by John Habberton is a novel written in the late 19th century. The book primarily explores themes related to temperance and social reform in a small American town called Barton, focusing on various characters who struggle with issues of alcohol addiction, community dynamics, and personal morality. Through the lens of reformers and everyday individuals, it delves into the complexities of human behavior and societal expectations. The opening of the novel sets the stage for a significant temperance meeting in Barton, organized to address the rampant alcohol consumption in the community. As the townspeople gather at the Methodist Church, they are introduced to a rich cast of characters, including the influential Major Ben Bailey who is poised to speak against alcohol, as well as Squire Tomple, who embodies the tension between business interests and moral activism. The atmosphere is charged with excitement and hope, but underlying currents of doubt about the efficacy of these reform efforts also begin to surface—particularly through the perspectives of individuals like George Doughty and the former rum-seller, Mr. Crupp. This juxtaposition highlights the struggle between idealism and realism within the movement, setting the foundation for the characters’ journeys throughout the novel.
Book and edition facts
- Title: The Barton Experiment
- Author credits: Habberton, John (1842–1921)
- Catalogue language: English
Catalogue subjects
- Alcoholism -- Fiction
- Christian life -- Fiction
- Conduct of life -- Fiction
- Evangelistic work -- Fiction
- Reformers -- 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.



