
audiobook
by W. H. (William Henry) Rhodes
1\. Minor punctuation and spelling errors have been corrected. A list of these corrections together with other notations is located at the end of this e-text.
CAXTON'S BOOK:
Essays, Poems, Tales and Sketches.
PREFACE.
IN MEMORIAM.
CAXTON'S BOOK.
I. THE CASE OF SUMMERFIELD.
II. THE MERCHANT'S EXCHANGE.
III. THE DESERTED SCHOOLHOUSE.
IV. FOR AN ALBUM.
A lively assortment of essays, poems, and short tales offers a window into the mind of a 19th‑century writer who balanced a demanding legal career with a love of verse and humor. Gathered from newspapers and the Bohemian Club’s gatherings, the pieces showcase his sharp wit, gentle satire, and a penchant for turning absurd situations into moments of quiet pathos. The collection includes the much‑praised “Case of Summerfield,” a cleverly plotted story that demonstrates his skill at blending originality with a light‑hearted touch.
Beyond the entertaining anecdotes, the volume reflects the author’s broad interests—from political commentary informed by his deep knowledge of American history to reflective verses that capture personal loss and hope. Though he never lived to arrange his work for publication, the editor has preserved the original order, allowing listeners to experience the breadth of his literary talent as he intended. This compilation invites a modern audience to enjoy the same sparkling conversation that once filled the walls of San Francisco’s literary circles.
Language
en
Duration
~8 hours (478K characters)
Publisher of text edition
Project Gutenberg
Credits
David Edwards, Christine Aldridge and the Online Distributed Proofreading Team
Release date
2010-06-10
Rights
Public domain in the USA.
Subjects

1822–1876
A lawyer, judge, poet, and early California newspaperman, he is best remembered for imaginative tales published under the pen name “Caxton.” His work now draws interest as a very early example of American science fiction from the West.
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