The Duke of Stockbridge

Name: The Duke of Stockbridge
Author: Edward Bellamy

The novel revolves around the life of a wealthy and influential duke who becomes disillusioned with his privileged existence. He decides to abandon his title and wealth, adopting a new identity as a commoner. As he navigates his new life, he discovers the harsh realities faced by the working class and becomes involved in the labor movement. Through his experiences, the duke undergoes a transformation from a self-centered aristocrat to a socially conscious individual who seeks to improve the lives of others.

By Edward Bellamy · First published 1879 · Genre: Historical Fiction, Romance, Political · 27 chapters · 148,062 words

First lines

The first beams of the sun of August 17, 1777, were glancing down the long valley, which opening to the East, lets in the early rays of morning, upon the village of Stockbridge. Then, as now, the Housatonic crept still and darkling around the beetling base of Fisher's Nest, and in the meadows laughed above its pebbly shoals, embracing the verdant fields with many a loving curve. Then, as now, the mountains cradled the valley in their eternal arms, all round, from the Hill of the Wolves, on the north, to the peaks that guard the Ice Glen, away to the far south-east. Then, as now, many a lake and pond gemmed the landscape, and many a brook hung like a burnished silver chain upon the verdant slopes. But save for this changeless frame of nature, there was very little, in the village, which the modern dweller in Stockbridge would recognize.

What this Textopian page supports

The Duke of Stockbridge is listed on Textopian as a novel by Edward Bellamy, dated 1879 CE.

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Work type: Novel
Author: Edward Bellamy
Date: 1879 CE
Language: English
Genres: Historical Fiction, Romance, Political, Social Commentary
Length: 148,062 words
Structure: 27 chapters, 1,675 paragraphs
Reading fit: Easy (6th Grade)

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Genres

Historical Fiction — The narrative is set in a specific historical period and includes real locations and events, but the main characters and their story are fictional.
Romance — The plot involves a love story between the main characters, which is a central theme of the narrative.
Political — The narrative involves political themes and events, including power struggles and social reform.
Social Commentary — The narrative critiques and explores societal norms and issues of its historical setting.