
In the crowded sanctuary of a New York church, a towering preacher whose sermons stir both heart and mind draws throngs of believers night after night. When a young woman collapses during his fiery address, her fierce determination to recover catches the eyes of everyone present, especially the minister’s own resolve. Their brief encounter hints at a partnership that might shape a larger vision for society.
Beyond the pulpit, the story follows Ruth Gordon, the enigmatic “one woman,” as she navigates the ambitions of her husband Rev. Frank Gordon, a charismatic social dreamer, and the competing attentions of other figures—banker Mark Overman, former sweetheart Morris King, and the poised Kate Ransom. Set against the relentless hum of a modern metropolis, the novel explores how idealism, love, and personal sacrifice intertwine in the pursuit of a new, hopeful utopia. The early chapters lay the groundwork for a tense clash between private longing and public aspiration, inviting listeners to wonder how far each character will go to realize their dreams.
Language
en
Duration
~7 hours (422K characters)
Publisher of text edition
Project Gutenberg
Release date
2004-07-01
Rights
Public domain in the USA.

1864–1946
A fiery novelist, preacher, and lecturer, he became one of the most controversial American writers of his era. Best known for The Clansman, he used fiction and public speaking to argue fiercely about race, politics, and the legacy of the Civil War.
View all books