Woodcliff: Classic Book Guide and Free Edition
Woodcliff: author and translator credits, catalogue synopsis, subjects and links to the Gutenberg reading formats.
Woodcliff is catalogued by Project Gutenberg with author credits for McKeever, Harriet B. (Harriet Burn) (1807–1886).
Catalogue synopsis
Project Gutenberg supplies this automated synopsis of the opening text:
"Woodcliff" by Harriet B. McKeever is a novel written in the mid-19th century. It follows Madeline Hamilton, a spirited young heiress whose pride and impulses are challenged by the quiet strength and integrity of Roland Bruce, a poor boy of Scottish stock. Through seaside adventures, schoolroom trials, and domestic clashes, the story contrasts social rank with true nobility, emphasizing self-discipline, compassion, and Christian character. The opening of the novel introduces Madeline on the beach, where she defends poor children and befriends Roland after he stands up to two fashionable bullies, then later risks himself to stop her runaway horse and refuses payment. At home, her indulgent father and status-conscious aunt foster her willfulness until a strict governess briefly steadies her, only to be undone by Madeline’s spoiled cousin and finally resign. Sent to a local day school, Madeline bristles under firm discipline, but—prodded by Roland—humbles herself, applies to her studies, and publicly exposes a classmate who stole Roland’s exam, leading to his merited promotion. A vivid storm scene frames Roland’s tale of martyred Scottish ancestors, deepening the book’s moral and religious tone. Madeline then visits the modest Bruce cottage, offers practical help, and secures sewing work for Roland’s widowed mother, while her own French governess and pampered lap-dog provide comic contrast. These chapters set the arc of Madeline’s gradual moral schooling—away from vanity and toward courage, kindness, and true refinement.
Book and edition facts
- Title: Woodcliff
- Author credits: McKeever, Harriet B. (Harriet Burn) (1807–1886)
- Catalogue language: English
Catalogue subjects
- Bildungsromans
- Christian life -- Fiction
- Conduct of life -- Fiction
- Love stories
- New England -- Fiction
Gutenberg collections
- Category: American Literature
- Category: Children & Young Adult Reading
- 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.
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