The Early Bird
The Early Bird is a novel written by George Randolph Chester and published in 1907. The story follows the life of a young man named John D. Rockefeller, who rises from poverty to become one of the wealthiest men in America through his shrewd business dealings. Along the way, he faces numerous challenges and obstacles, including competition from rival oil companies and personal tragedies that test his resolve. The novel is a classic tale of ambition, perseverance, and success against all odds.
By George Randolph Chester · First published 1908 · Genre: Comedy, Romance, Satire · 18 chapters · 52,994 words
First lines
The youngish-looking man who so vigorously swung off the train at Restview, wore a pair of intensely dark blue eyes which immediately photographed everything within their range of vision -- flat green country, shaded farm-houses, encircling wooded hills and all -- weighed it and sorted it and filed it away for future reference; and his clothes clung on him with almost that enviable fit found only in advertisements. Immediately he threw his luggage into the tonneau of the dingy automobile drawn up at the side of the lonely platform, and promptly climbed in after it. Spurred into purely mechanical action by this silent decisiveness, the driver, a grizzled graduate from a hay wagon, and a born grump, as promptly and as silently started his machine. The crisp and perfect start, however, was given check by a peremptory voice from the platform.
What this Textopian page supports
The Early Bird is listed on Textopian as a novel by George Randolph Chester, dated 1908 CE.
This source record anchors work identity, reading entry points, and catalog context for checking claims about the work.
- Work type: Novel
- Author: George Randolph Chester
- Date: 1908 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Comedy, Romance, Satire, Adventure, Drama
- Length: 52,994 words
- Structure: 18 chapters, 1,082 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Easy (6th Grade)
Good citation fit
- Work identity for The Early Bird by George Randolph Chester
- 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 Early Bird?
- How does this novel by George Randolph Chester fit its genre, period, or classroom use?
- Where does Comedy first become important in the reading?
Similar titles
- Five Thousand An Hour by George Randolph Chester
- Two Business Women by Gouverneur Morris
- Aspiration by Gilbert Parker
- Perseverance by Gelett Burgess
- The Race by David Cory
- Pattys Success by Carolyn Wells
Genres
- Comedy — The book primarily focuses on humorous situations and witty dialogue.
- Romance — The plot revolves around romantic relationships and their development.
- Satire — The narrative includes satirical elements that critique societal norms.
- Adventure — The story involves adventurous undertakings and dynamic events.
Tags
opportunism · ambition · success · competition · business · entrepreneurship · motivation · determination · strategy · life lessons · personal growth · challenges
Contents
- Wherein a very Busy Young Man Starts on an Absolute Rest
- Wherein Mr. Turner Plunges into the Business of Resting
- Mr. Turner Applies Business Promptness to a Matter of Delicacy
- A Little Vacation Pastime in which Greek Meets Greek
- Miss Josephine's Father Agrees that Sam Turner is all Business
- In which the Summer Loafer Orders some Maraschino Chocolates
- Which Exhibits the Importance of Remembering a Dance Number
- Not Sam's Fault this Time
- Wherein Sam Turner Proves himself to be a Violent Flirt
- The Value of a Pianola Training
- The Westlakes Decide to Invest
- Another Missed Appointment
- A Pleasure Ride with Miss Stevens
- A Dual Question of Matrimonial Eligibility and Stock Subscription
- The Hero of the Hour
- An Interrupted but Properly Finished Proposal of Marriage
- She Calls him Sam!
- Sam Turner Acquires a Business Partner