
Set in the whimsical hamlet of Little Arcady, the story follows Solon Denney, the sharp‑tongued editor of the local Argus, whose daily columns blend gossip, humor, and a touch of civic pride. When a light‑hearted rumor about the beloved local figure “Upright” Potts threatens to stir the town, Solon’s pen becomes both a weapon and a lifeline for the community. The narrative captures the quirky rhythms of small‑town life, where a single printed line can ripple through every household.
As the townsfolk react to the printed jest, Solon finds himself unexpectedly thrust into the role of the “Boss of Little Arcady,” a title that begins as a joke but soon carries real weight. Through witty dialogue and vivid illustrations, the book explores how reputation, responsibility, and a sense of humor intersect in a place where everyone knows each other’s business. Listeners are invited to linger over the charm and subtle commentary that reveal the delicate balance between authority and affection in this early‑20th‑century portrait.
Language
en
Duration
~8 hours (485K characters)
Publisher of text edition
Project Gutenberg
Credits
Produced by Suzanne Shell, Steven desJardins and the Online Distributed Proofreading Team
Release date
2003-12-01
Rights
Public domain in the USA.

1867–1939
Known for sharp, funny novels about small-town America and social ambition, this early 20th-century writer helped shape popular American satire. His best-known books include Ruggles of Red Gap and Bunker Bean, stories remembered for their wit and lively characters.
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