Need Suggestions for Historical Material- 1820-1910

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Servo - 31 Dec 2003 00:01 GMT

Suggestions for Historical Material- 1820-1910

Doing research for novel, and looking for material
which illuminates life from the early 19th century
through the early 20th. Say 1820 to 1910.

In particular, I'm interested in how a person with
roots in country life- with its idyllic beauty and
brutal harshness- is transformed by technical and
business opportunities later in the century.

Anything come to mind? (I'll have another look at
Twain, certainly.)

Servo

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Hubbard C. Goodrich - 31 Dec 2003 18:52 GMT

> Suggestions for Historical Material- 1820-1910
>
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>
> Servo

Dear Servo,
Much of the literature of the period deals with just such
conversion. Also you might find biographies helpful. I recall how
harsh the life was especially for women. (I might mention D. Dix, A.O
Jewett, W. Cather, & E. Wharton.) Your also have the story of country
women employed in the cotton mills. You might find the problems of
immigrants from rural communities (Irish, Italian, Eastern Europe etc)
forced to find work in the rising industrial world of the US. You
have rural/urban change but also religious conflicts, the growth of
labor and its confrontation with big business, life in the slums,
1st/2nd generation, and politics. You also have the intro of 'labor
saving divices' like the sewing machine, typewriter, & wire
communication. You also have war in the middle of period and westward
expansion, railroads, mining, big industry - a lot of material to work
with.

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History Forum / General / General Topics / December 2003

Need Suggestions for Historical Material- 1820-1910