The Bridge of the Hundred Spans

Name: The Bridge of the Hundred Spans
Author: Gilbert Parker

The Bridge of the Hundred Spans is a novel by Gilbert Parker that tells the story of a young man named John Dane who travels to China in search of adventure and fortune. Along the way, he encounters various obstacles and challenges, including political intrigue, romance, and danger. The book explores themes such as cultural differences, personal growth, and the nature of power.

By Gilbert Parker · First published 1904 · Genre: Adventure, Drama, Romance · 1,176 words

First lines

It was the time that the Long Divide Blooms and glows like an hour-old bride; It was the days when the cattle come Back from their winter wand'rings home; Time when the Kicking Horse shows its teeth, Snarls and foams with a demon's breath; When the sun with a million levers lifts Abodes of snow from the rocky rifts; When the line-man's eyes, like the lynx's, scans The lofty Bridge of the Hundred Spans.

Round a curve, down a sharp incline, If the red-eyed lantern made no sign, Swept the train, and upon the bridge That binds a canon from ridge to ridge.

What this Textopian page supports

The Bridge of the Hundred Spans is listed on Textopian as a short story by Gilbert Parker, dated 1904 CE.

This source record anchors work identity, reading entry points, and catalog context for checking claims about the work.

Work type: Short story
Author: Gilbert Parker
Date: 1904 CE
Language: English
Genres: Adventure, Drama, Romance, Poetry, Western
Length: 1,176 words
Structure: 1 section, 23 paragraphs
Reading fit: Easy (6th Grade)

Good citation fit

Work identity for The Bridge of the Hundred Spans by Gilbert Parker
Canonical title URL and first readable passage URL
Genre and topic classification from the Textopian catalog
Readability and classroom-planning context
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Discussion starters

What should a reader notice first when entering The Bridge of the Hundred Spans?
How does this short story by Gilbert Parker fit its genre, period, or classroom use?
Where does Adventure first become important in the reading?

Similar titles

Genres

Adventure — The narrative centers around a daring rescue mission involving a bridge and an avalanche, highlighting themes of bravery and survival.
Drama — The story involves intense emotional situations, including the tragic death of a watchman and the heroic actions of a young girl.
Romance — The plot includes a romantic subplot where the engineer marries the girl who saved the train.
Poetry — The writing style is poetic, with rhythmic and vivid descriptions of the landscape and events.