Thankful's Inheritance

by Joseph Crosby Lincoln

This collection of literature attempts to compile many of the classic works that have stood the test of time and offer them at a reduced, affordable price, in an attractive volume so that everyone can enjoy them.

Genres: Fiction

154 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1915

About the author

Joseph Crosby Lincoln (a.k.a Joseph C. Lincoln) was an American author of novels, poems, and short stories, many set in a fictionalized Cape Cod. Lincoln's work frequently appeared in popular magazines such as the Saturday Evening Post and The Delineator.

Lincoln was aware of contemporary naturalist writers, such as Frank Norris and Theodore Dreiser, who used American literature to plumb the depths of human nature, but he rejected this literary exercise. Lincoln claimed that he was satisfied "spinning yarns" that made readers feel good about themselves and their neighbors. Two of his stories have been adapted to film.

Lincoln was born in Brewster, Massachusetts, on Cape Cod, but his mother moved the family to Chelsea, Massachusetts, a manufacturing city outside of Boston, after the death of his father. Lincoln's literary career celebrating "old Cape Cod" can partly be seen as an attempt to return to an Eden from which he had been driven by family tragedy. His literary portrayal of Cape Cod can also be understood as a pre-modern haven occupied by individuals of old Yankee stock which was offered to readers as an antidote to an America that was undergoing rapid modernization, urbanization, immigration, and industrialization. Lincoln was a Republican and a Universalist.

Upon becoming successful, Lincoln spent his winters in northern New Jersey, near the center of the publishing world in Manhattan, but summered in Chatham, Massachusetts. In Chatham, he lived in a shingle-style house named "Crosstrees" that was located on a bluff overlooking the Atlantic Ocean.

Lincoln died in 1944, at the age of 73, in Winter Park, Florida.

Reviews

[Eva Burkholder]

I thoroughly enjoyed reading this story written in 1915. My copy is a hard back owned by my grandmother (she even wrote her name on the first page) and I was delighted to read a story she probably enjoyed. Thankful's (she's the heroine) Inheritance portrays the story of a young widow who, with grit, persistence, and a little help from good friends, fulfills her dream of creating a livelihood and a home for herself and those she loves. Joseph C. Lincoln explores the themes of love, independence, and integrity that are still pertinent today.

[Bookatrin]

Here you can see how the word ‘shan’t’ is used.

“No, no!” declared Mrs. Barnes, hastily. “You shan’t do any such thing. The idea! I guess I can ’tend to borrowin’ money from my own relation without draggin’ other folks into it. Vil drive over and see him pretty soon.”

“You must go at once. I shan’t permit you to wait another week. It is almost time for me to go back to my schoolwork, and I shan’t go..."

[Chris]

Thankful Barnes has inherited a large home from her Uncle, Abner Barnes. But has she also inherited a ghost along with it? This is the story of Thankful Barnes and her struggle to turn her new home into a boarding house/inn in Cape Cod. Difficulties arise in the form of a cantankerous relative, greedy wealthy neighbor, and not the least of them is the ghost.

I enjoyed this story from start, and on through the hilarious antics of Thankful's employees, her neighbor, her borders, and the ghost. Will she be able to make a go of her little enterprise? Read and find out.

[Cynthia Moore]

Loved this as with all of his books. Light reading, very entertaining and the accents and habits are great.
I think my copy was corrupted so download again and see if I recognize anything.

Finally finished this story- delightful as always.