Billy and the Big Stick: A Tale of American Courage and Growth in the 1900s
Richard Harding Davis
Mar 2020 · Good Press
Ebook
115
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About this ebook
In "Billy and the Big Stick," Richard Harding Davis employs a lively narrative style imbued with humor and vibrant imagery to explore themes of childhood adventure and moral growth. Set against the backdrop of early 20th-century America, the story follows the young protagonist, Billy, as he embarks on a series of escapades that reflect both the innocence of youth and the burgeoning national identity of the United States. The book is enriched by Davis's keen observations of social dynamics and the role of masculinity during this transformative period, providing a delightful contrast to the more subdued themes prevalent in contemporary children's literature. Richard Harding Davis, an influential journalist and fiction writer of his time, drew inspiration from his own experiences and the societal shifts around him. His background in covering international affairs and his keen interest in heroism and adventure undoubtedly informed his portrayal of Billy's character and his journey. The author'Äôs deep understanding of both the nuances of gender roles and the zeitgeist of his era makes this work resonate with readers, transcending generations. "Billy and the Big Stick" is a captivating read, ideal for both young readers and adults who cherish the magic and moral lessons of childhood tales. Its blend of humor, adventure, and deeper reflection invites readers to engage with the timeless themes of courage and self-discovery, making it a valuable addition to any literary collection.
About the author
Author and journalist Richard Harding Davis was born in Philadelphia on April 18, 1864. After studying at Lehigh and Johns Hopkins universities, he became a reporter and in 1890, he was the managing editor of Harper's Weekly. On assignments, he toured many areas of the world and recorded his impressions of the American West, Europe, and South America in a series of books. As a foreign correspondent, he covered every war from the Greco-Turkish to World War I and published several books recording his experiences. In 1896, he became part of William Randolph Hearst's unproven plot to start the Spanish-American War in order to boost newspaper sales when Hearst sent him and illustrator Frederick Remington to cover the Cuban rebellion against Spanish rule. In Cuba, Davis wrote several articles that sparked U.S. interest in the struggles of the Cuban people, but he resigned when Hearst changed the facts in one of his stories. Davis was aboard the New York during the bombing of Mantanzas, which gave the New York Herald a scoop on the war. As a result, the U.S. Navy prohibited reporters from being aboard any U.S. ships for the rest of the Cuban conflict. Davis was captured by the German Army in 1914 and was threatened with execution as a spy. He eventually convinced them he was a reporter and was released. He is considered one of the most influential reporters of the yellow journalist era. He died in Mount Kisco, New York on April 11, 1916.
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