Prairie Bride; Or, the Squatter's Triumph: A Reprint of the Classic Beadle Dime Novel

by Chris Enss, Mrs. Henry J. Thomas, Mrs Henry J. Thomas

Book Overview

A fight breaks out over a claim in this action-filled homesteading story. The hardships of covered wagon life, the danger of the prairie fire, and the romance of the young bride's new home made this a best-seller in 1869.

One of the things that made dime novels so popular was the lurid cover art. These scandalous imaged caught the attention of readers and, indeed, the ellicit nature of the stories was most appealing. Publishers capitalized...

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0762740833
• ISBN13: 9780762740833
• Release Date: July 2006
• Publisher: Two Dot Books
• Length: 112 Pages
• Weight: 0.35 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.3" x 5.2" x 7.4"

Customer Reviews

A glimpse into old west survival

Reviewed by Ellen Hogan for Reader Views (7/06) This book is a reprint of an old classic dime novel. It's the story of Annie Howard and the Hosmar family. Annie is a headstrong heiress that lives with her stepfather Mr. Norris and his daughter. She does not like the restrictions that Mr. Norris puts on her, wanting to know where she is going and who she will be with. He has it in his head that Annie and his son Charles would make a good pair. Annie, of course wants no part of it. Rachel Hosmar was Annie's mother's best friend. Annie grew up calling her Aunt Rachel. The Hosmar's had decided to go west, so Andrew went ahead and made a claim to some land and built a cabin for his family. When Annie found out that they were leaving she knew this was her only chance to get away from Mr. Norris. When they arrived at the cabin, someone had jumped their claim and was living in the house. Mr. Hosmar confronted Mr. Larkins who said he would not leave. He shot at the Hosmars and spooked the horses. Squire Boker and his young friend Mr. Clark helped the family quiet the horses. He invited them to his home for a meal. The Hosmar's told Boker and his wife about Mr. Larkins jumping their claim. So, Mr. Boker got together a bunch of settlers to go and take back the claim. Mr. Larkins runs away and his wife says she will vacate that night. Before she leaves though, she sets fire to the cabin. Having no place to live, the Hosmar's move in with the Boker's until their new cabin can be built. When their new home is finished, the Hosmar's and Annie move right in. They enjoy visiting back and forth with the Boker's. Mr. Clark takes a fancy to Annie and after while she returns his favor. He tells her that he is going to leave, he is an attorney and needs to go and take care of some business. He asks if she will marry him when he returns. Annie gets word that her stepfather is in very bad health. She decides that she needs to go and see him for herself. While she is there Mr. Norris' son arrives and to Annie's surprise it is Mr. Clark. Mr. Norris was pleased that his son and Annie were taken with each other. In this book there are themes of friendship, love, bravery, and spirit. It is a glimpse into the old west and how people reacted to situations they found themselves in. One can wonder how people of today would react in those same situations. History buffs will enjoy this book, along with anyone who loves a good story.