Catalogue

by George Milburn

Oklahoma author's novel of the department catalog trade (Sears, Ward) invasion of the Indian Territory at Coweta, Oklahoma, and its effects on the lives of the people there. "Regarded as one of the most finished masters of his craft in the field of the short story."

Genres: Fiction, Historical Fiction, British Literature

8 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1936

Reviews

[Nancy Ellis · Rating 3 out of 5]

Nat Hearn is just out of the RAF at the end of WW2 and has returned home, trying to determine if he wants to return to his job as a reporter on the small town newspaper. It's a good story, not very long. I believe, although I am not positive, that this was Delderfield's first book, and it shows promise of the better ones to come.

[Oklee · Rating 4 out of 5]

What a great book! Almost every chapter read like a short story. That made for easy reading and the ability to carry the book with you to read a chapter here and there. The characters and dialogue made you feel like you were there. I have never heard the manner of dialogue personally though I have met many people in small Oklahoma towns and some who actually lived during the time frame of this book. I was actually a little offended by the impression of illiteracy for many of the characters based on their poor grammar. I grew to love some of the characters and to hate some. I never really thought about how people managed without indoor plumbing or sewer systems. I laughed through much of the book and still chuckle while thinking of some of the antics described in the book. One chapter did shock me and made me sad because I know some of the people during that time frame were treated worse than domestic animals.
This was a selection for an Oklahoma book discussion group and I appreciate the opportunity to read it.

[Gilda Felt · Rating 4 out of 5]

The book starts show, as we are introduced to Nat and his fellow workers at the local newspaper. Time seems to go along, not much happening, to the point that Nat seriously thinks of leaving town. But then there’s a dramatic turn of events, and everything changes.

It’s at this point where the story shines. Circumstances force Nat, as well as his fellow town members, to take a good hard look at what exactly is going on in their town and to pick sides.

Written in 1947, it’s amazing how little has changed over the last eighty year. Those who crave money and power are still trying to hide what they’re doing; those whose lives will be altered by it still often remain ignorant as to what’s going on. But one person can make a difference. It’s often sheer luck that that person is there to do so.

A good solid book that I found well worth reading.