Billy Baxter's Letters

audiobook

Billy Baxter's Letters

by William J. Kountz

EN·~1 hours

Chapters

Description

A lively collection of short, cheeky letters from the late 19th‑century, this work captures the everyday absurdities of a bygone America. The author’s sharp wit turns ordinary moments—hunting trips, city outings, and romantic mishaps—into quick, laugh‑inducing sketches that feel both nostalgic and surprisingly fresh.

The opening piece, “Out Hunting,” follows a well‑meaning but hapless correspondent as he joins a shooting party in the Minnesota woods. He describes bungled gun handling, an endless swarm of ducks, and the colorful guide Sarpo and his family, all narrated with self‑deprecating humor that makes his misadventures feel endearingly human.

The remaining letters wander through society gatherings, love letters, and a brief jaunt in New York, each offering a snapshot of the author’s playful perspective. Listeners will enjoy a brisk tour of humor that celebrates the quirks of everyday life while preserving the charm of a short‑lived literary talent.

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Details

Language

en

Duration

~1 hours (60K characters)

Publisher of text edition

Project Gutenberg

Release date

1999-10-01

Rights

Public domain in the USA.

About the author

William J. Kountz

William J. Kountz

d. 1899

A sharp, funny voice from the 1890s, he became known for the slangy "Billy Baxter" letters that turned everyday misadventures into lively comic sketches. His writing career was brief, but the humor and energy of those stories kept his name in print long after his death in 1899.

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