The Prodigal Village: A Christmas Tale: Classic Book Guide and Free Edition
The Prodigal Village: A Christmas Tale: author and translator credits, catalogue synopsis, subjects and links to the Gutenberg reading formats.
The Prodigal Village: A Christmas Tale is catalogued by Project Gutenberg with author credits for Bacheller, Irving (1859–1950).
Catalogue synopsis
Project Gutenberg supplies this automated synopsis of the opening text:
"The Prodigal Village: A Christmas Tale" by Irving Bacheller is a novel written in the early 20th century. The story unfolds in the seemingly tranquil village of Bingville, focusing on characters like Henry Smix, a well-meaning but slow-witted individual, and young Bob Moran, affectionately referred to as the Shepherd of the Birds, who finds joy and purpose despite his physical limitations. The book addresses themes of community, innocence, and the contrasting realities of wealth and poverty during the Christmas season. At the start of the novel, we witness the chaos brought on by Henry Smix's encounter with a gasoline-powered vehicle, leading to unintended consequences for the town and establishing its whimsical tone. Bob Moran, a young boy confined to his home, finds solace in nature, painting, and caring for birds, embodying a spirit of cheer and creativity that captivates the community. As the narrative progresses, it hints at deeper societal issues, such as the disparity between wealth and the struggles of the less fortunate, with Bob's heartfelt desire to help those in need serving as a poignant contrast to the indifference of the wealthy, highlighted by Mr. J. Patterson Bing's aloof charitable acts. This opening portion sets the stage for a story rich in human connection, moral lessons, and the festive spirit of Christmas.
Book and edition facts
- Title: The Prodigal Village: A Christmas Tale
- Author credits: Bacheller, Irving (1859–1950)
- Catalogue language: English
Catalogue subjects
- Christmas stories
- Fiction
Gutenberg collections
- Category: American Literature
- Category: Novels
- Christmas
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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.
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