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

The thin match is catalogued by Project Gutenberg with author credits for Whitehead, Henry S. (Henry St. Clair) (1882–1932).
Catalogue synopsis
Project Gutenberg supplies this automated synopsis of the opening text:
"The Thin Match" by Henry S. Whitehead is a short story written during the early 20th century. The narrative unfolds the journey of an unassuming match, highlighting themes of individuality and destiny against the mundane backdrop of its life and the lives of others around it. The story illustrates the existential journey of an entity perceived as inferior and its quest for purpose. The plot follows a thin match that struggles with feelings of inadequacy due to its unusual characteristics, such as its crooked head and brown streak. Throughout its journey, the match experiences a series of owners who unknowingly overlook it, while grappling with the very real possibility of never fulfilling its purpose of igniting a flame. The climax builds as a desperate man named Pete, snowed in and without fire, discovers the match in a moment of urgency. When Pete finally strikes the thin match, it surprisingly lights up and sets a fire, showcasing that even the most overlooked individuals can shine when given the opportunity, ultimately fulfilling their destiny in the face of great adversity.
Book and edition facts
- Title: The thin match
- Author credits: Whitehead, Henry S. (Henry St. Clair) (1882–1932)
- Catalogue language: English
Catalogue subjects
- Anthropomorphism in literature
- Matches -- Fiction
- Short stories
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.


