The Fascinating Stranger, and Other Stories: Classic Book Guide and Free Edition
The Fascinating Stranger, and Other Stories: author and translator credits, catalogue synopsis, subjects and links to the Gutenberg reading formats.

The Fascinating Stranger, and Other Stories is catalogued by Project Gutenberg with author credits for Tarkington, Booth (1869–1946).
Catalogue synopsis
Project Gutenberg supplies this automated synopsis of the opening text:
"The Fascinating Stranger and Other Stories" by Booth Tarkington is a collection of short stories written in the early 20th century. The opening story, "The Fascinating Stranger," introduces Mr. George Tuttle, a down-and-out character who personifies the struggles and disenchantment of modern society in the wake of industrial shifts and the prohibition era. The themes of desperation, identity, and societal critique are likely woven throughout this tale, as Tuttle navigates both his personal plight and broader societal changes. At the start of the book, Mr. Tuttle is depicted waking up in a makeshift bed—a half-assembled limousine body—reflecting his marginalized status in a world moving away from his cherished past of horse-drawn carriages. His inner dialogue reveals his disdain for modernity and automobiles, which he attributes to the ruin of his livelihood as a livery stable owner. As he sets out into the city, Tuttle engages in discussions with a friend that delve into deep societal issues, such as wealth distribution and the perceived moral decay of society, while simultaneously seeking relief from his hangover. This opening sets a tone of both humor and pathos, showcasing Tarkington's ability to depict complex characters within the fabric of early 20th-century American life.
Book and edition facts
- Title: The Fascinating Stranger, and Other Stories
- Author credits: Tarkington, Booth (1869–1946)
- Catalogue language: English
Catalogue subjects
- Short stories, American
- United States -- Social life and customs -- 20th century -- Fiction
Gutenberg collections
- Category: American Literature
- Category: Short Stories
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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.


