The Amateur by Richard Harding Davis

Name: The Amateur
Author: Richard Harding Davis

The novel follows the story of a young man, John Darrow, who is determined to make his own way in the world. He leaves his small town home and moves to New York City, where he takes a job as a reporter for a newspaper. John quickly finds himself in the middle of a political scandal involving a corrupt politician. He is determined to uncover the truth and bring the politician to justice. Along the way, he meets a variety of characters, including a beautiful young woman, a mysterious stranger, and a powerful newspaper editor. John's investigation leads him to a shocking discovery that could change the course of his life. He must decide whether to pursue justice or to protect himself and the people he loves. The Amateur is a thrilling story of ambition, courage, and the power of the press. It is a classic of American literature and a timeless tale of the power of the individual.

By Richard Harding Davis · First published 1916 · Genre: Historical Fiction, Adventure, Romance · 2 chapters · 8,012 words

First lines

It was February off the Banks, and so thick was the weather that, on the upper decks, one could have driven a sleigh. Inside the smoking-room Austin Ford, as securely sheltered from the blizzard as though he had been sitting in front of a wood fire at his club, ordered hot gin for himself and the ship's doctor. The ship's doctor had gone below on another "hurry call" from the widow. At the first luncheon on board the widow had sat on the right of Doctor Sparrow, with Austin Ford facing her. But since then, except to the doctor, she had been invisible. So, at frequent intervals, the ill health of the widow had deprived Ford of the society of the doctor. That it deprived him, also, of the society of the widow did not concern him. HER life had not been spent upon ocean liners; she could not remember when state-rooms were named after the States of the Union. She could not tell him of shipwrecks and salvage, of smugglers and of the modern pirates who found their victims in the smoking-room.

What this Textopian page supports

The Amateur is listed on Textopian as a novel by Richard Harding Davis, dated 1916 CE.

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

Work type: Novel
Author: Richard Harding Davis
Date: 1916 CE
Language: English
Genres: Historical Fiction, Adventure, Romance, Realistic Fiction, Literary Fiction
Length: 8,012 words
Structure: 2 chapters, 222 paragraphs
Reading fit: Easy (6th Grade)

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Discussion starters

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Similar titles

Genres

Historical Fiction — The Amateur is set in the late 19th century and follows the story of a young man who is determined to make his own way in the world, despite the expectations of his family and society.
Adventure — The Amateur follows the protagonist's journey as he embarks on a series of adventures, from joining the army to becoming a journalist.
Romance — The Amateur features a romantic subplot between the protagonist and a young woman he meets during his travels.
Realistic Fiction — The Amateur is a realistic portrayal of life in the late 19th century, with its characters and settings drawn from real life.