Wise Saws and Modern Instances, Volume 1 (of 2)

Format:

Book

Author/Creator:

Cooper, Thomas, 1805-1892

Language:

English

Physical Description:

1 online resource : multiple file formats

Place of Publication:

Salt Lake City, UT : Project Gutenberg,

Summary:

"Wise Saws and Modern Instances, Volume 1 (of 2)" by Thomas Cooper is a collection of narratives written in the mid-19th century. The book features a range of characters, primarily from rural England, as they navigate the complexities of societal changes, common morality, and personal struggles against the backdrop of themes like equality and class distinction. Through a series of vignettes, Cooper aims to illustrate both the wisdom inherent in everyday life and the modern instances that challenge traditional values. The opening of the work introduces the character of Kucky Sarson, a barber in North Lincolnshire, who fervently discusses the principles of equality with a stranger while tending to his customers. Sarson's commitment to his ideals is challenged by the skepticism of his traditional clientele, leading to various humorous and insightful exchanges. The barber's character is revealed through his earnestness and contradictions, particularly when faced with the social prejudices of his time. This setup effectively illustrates Cooper's exploration of human nature and societal norms, providing a foundation for the tales that follow in this multifaceted collection. (This is an automatically generated summary.)

Contents:

Kucky Sarson, the barber; or, the disciple of equality

Raven Dick, the poacher; or, "Who scratched the bull?"

Tim Swallow-whistle, the tailor; or, "Every dog has his day"

Davy Lidgitt, the carrier; or, the man who brought his ninepence to nought

The fisherman and the fiddler; or, "Don't say so till you are sure"

Master Zerubbabel, the antiquary; and how he found out the "noose larning"

The beggared gentleman, and his crooked stick

The nurture of a young sailor; or, the history of Cockle Tom

The last days of an old sailor; or, "Butter your shirt! Sing tantara-bobus, make shift!"

Dorothy Pyecroft's preaching; or, "Charity begins at home"

The minister of mercy

"Merrie England"-no more!

Seth Thompson, the stockinger; or, "When things are at the worst, they begin to mend"

Sam Simkins, the run-away; or, villainy as a refuge from the tortures of sour-godliness.

Credits:

Produced by Larry B. Harrison, Bryan Ness, and the Online Distributed Proofreading Team at http://www.pgdp.net (This file was produced from images generously made available by The Internet Archive/American Libraries.)

Notes:

Reading ease score: 67.1 (8th & 9th grade). Neither easy nor difficult to read.

Release date is 2017-11-12