The Reporter who Made himself King
The narrative follows young Albert Gordon, a reporter who has quickly risen through the ranks of journalism, as he embarks on a new chapter in his life. After the death of his last relative, he leaves Yale and takes a position as secretary to the American consul on the remote island of Opeki. The consul, Captain Leonard T. Travis, is more interested in escaping his rheumatism than in fulfilling his diplomatic duties. Upon arrival, Gordon discovers that the island is sparsely populated and largely unknown, with little communication with the outside world. As Gordon settles into his role, he learns that the consul has abandoned him, leaving him in charge. This unexpected turn of events thrusts Gordon into a position of authority, where he must navigate the complexities of local politics and the interests of foreign powers. The island's king, Ollypybus, and a rival leader, Messenwah, are caught in a power struggle exacerbated by the arrival of a German warship, which seeks to annex Opeki. Gordon, now self-proclaimed "King Tellaman" or "the Peacemaker," attempts to broker peace between the two factions while also asserting American influence. He raises the American flag in defiance of the German presence, leading to a tense standoff. The German captain misinterprets the situation, firing upon the island, which escalates tensions further. As the narrative unfolds, Gordon grapples with the responsibilities of leadership and the consequences of his actions. He sends exaggerated reports back to the United States, claiming massacres and destruction to garner attention and support. However, the situation spirals out of control when the German government responds to his reports, leading to a potential international crisis. In a twist of fate, Gordon's fabrications catch up with him when the German ship returns, and he must confront the reality of his situation. The arrival of multiple warships from various nations signals impending conflict, and Gordon realizes the gravity of his actions. Ultimately, he and his secretary, Stedman, find themselves in a precarious position, caught between the ambitions of foreign powers and the local leaders they sought to assist. The story culminates in a dramatic scene where Gordon and Stedman escape the chaos, witnessing the might of the warships as they approach Opeki. The narrative explores themes of ambition, the consequences of deception, and the complexities of power dynamics in a colonial context, ultimately leaving the characters to reflect on their roles in a world far larger than themselves.
By Richard Harding Davis · First published 1901 · Genre: Historical Fiction, Adventure, Political Fiction · 20,833 words
First lines
The Old Time Journalist will tell you that the best reporter is the one who works his way up. He holds that the only way to start is as a printer's devil or as an office boy, to learn in time to set type, to graduate from a compositor into a stenographer, and as a stenographer take down speeches at public meetings, and so finally grow into a real reporter, with a fire badge on your left suspender, and a speaking acquaintance with all the greatest men in the city, not even excepting Police Captains.
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The Reporter who Made himself King is listed on Textopian as a novel by Richard Harding Davis, dated 1901 CE.
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- Work type: Novel
- Author: Richard Harding Davis
- Date: 1901 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Historical Fiction, Adventure, Political Fiction, Satire, Biography
- Length: 20,833 words
- Structure: 1 section, 313 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Fairly Easy (7th Grade)
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Genres
- Historical Fiction — The narrative explores historical events and figures, blending fact with fiction.
- Adventure — The protagonist embarks on a journey filled with challenges and excitement.
- Political Fiction — The story delves into themes of power, governance, and the role of media in politics.
- Satire — The book critiques societal norms and political structures through humor and irony.
Tags
Biography · Non-Fiction · Historical · Autobiographical · Memoir · Adventure · Travel · Journalism · Politics · Power · Leadership · Self-Made