The Fortunes of Oliver Horn
The Fortunes of Oliver Horn is a novel by Francis Hopkinson Smith that follows the life and adventures of its titular character. The story begins with Oliver's childhood in New York City, where he grows up as an orphan under the care of his uncle. As he gets older, Oliver becomes involved in various business ventures and eventually strikes it rich through a series of lucky investments. However, his success is not without its challenges, and Oliver must navigate a number of personal and professional obstacles along the way. Throughout the novel, Smith explores themes of ambition, loyalty, and the nature of fortune itself.
By Francis Hopkinson Smith · First published 1892 · Genre: Historical Fiction, Bildungsroman, Romance · 26 chapters · 153,174 words
First lines
Kennedy Square, in the late fifties, was a place of birds and trees and flowers; of rude stone benches, sagging arbors smothered in vines, and cool dirt-paths bordered by sweet-smelling box. Giant magnolias filled the air with their fragrance, and climbing roses played hide and seek among the railings of the rotting fence. Along the shaded walks laughing boys and girls romped all day, with hoop and ball, attended by old black mammies in white aprons and gayly colored bandannas; while in the more secluded corners, sheltered by protecting shrubs, happy lovers sat and talked, tired wayfarers rested with hats off, and staid old gentlemen read by the hour, their noses in their books.
What this Textopian page supports
The Fortunes of Oliver Horn is listed on Textopian as a novel by Francis Hopkinson Smith, dated 1892 CE.
This source record anchors work identity, reading entry points, and catalog context for checking claims about the work.
- Work type: Novel
- Author: Francis Hopkinson Smith
- Date: 1892 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Historical Fiction, Bildungsroman, Romance, Social Commentary, Adventure
- Length: 153,174 words
- Structure: 26 chapters, 2,207 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Fairly Easy (7th Grade)
Good citation fit
- Work identity for The Fortunes of Oliver Horn by Francis Hopkinson Smith
- Canonical title URL and first readable passage URL
- Genre and topic classification from the Textopian catalog
- Readability and classroom-planning context
- Passage-specific claims should cite the exact /read/ URL for the relevant chapter or paragraph
Discussion starters
- What should a reader notice first when entering The Fortunes of Oliver Horn?
- How does this novel by Francis Hopkinson Smith fit its genre, period, or classroom use?
- Where does Historical Fiction first become important in the reading?
Similar titles
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Genres
- Historical Fiction — Set in a specific historical period with detailed descriptions of the era.
- Bildungsroman — Focuses on the protagonist's development and personal growth.
- Romance — Contains significant romantic relationships and themes.
- Social Commentary — Addresses social issues and critiques societal norms of the time.
Tags
adventure · coming of age · self-discovery · friendship · romance · historical fiction · American literature · 19th century · social class · family dynamics · personal growth · life lessons
Contents
- The Old House in Kennedy Square
- Strains from Nathan's Flute
- The Open-Air Drawing-Rooms of Kennidy Square
- An Old-Fashioned Mortgage
- A Message of Importance
- Amos Cobb's Advice
- A Seat in Union Square
- An Old Song
- Miss Teetum's Long Table
- Mcfudd's Brass Band
- A Change of Wind
- Around the Milo
- Below Moose Hillock
- Under a Bark Slant
- Mrs. Taft's Front Porch
- Some Days at Brookfield Farm
- Live Coals from Miss Clendenning's Wood-Fire
- The Last Hours of a Civilization
- The Settling of the Shadow
- The Stone Mugs
- "the Woman in Black"
- "Margaret Grant -- Top Floor"
- Mr. Munson's Lost Foil
- In the Twilight
- Smouldering Coals
- The Light of a New Day