Cap'n Eri

by Joseph Crosby Lincoln

This is a pre-1923 historical reproduction that was curated for quality. Quality assurance was conducted on each of these books in an attempt to remove books with imperfections introduced by the digitization process. Though we have made best efforts - the books may have occasional errors that do not impede the reading experience. We believe this work is culturally important and have elected to bring the book back into print as part of our continuing commitment to the preservation of printed works worldwide. This text refers to the Bibliobazaar edition.

Genres: Fiction, Classics

250 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1904

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

[Trish Boese · Rating 3 out of 5]

3* A fun old novel about 3 retired sea captains keeping house together. Finally they draw straws that one of them should get a wife because the housekeeping is not working. All manner of awkward situations ensue. A pleasant read.

[Joanna Mendelsohn · Rating 4 out of 5]

Picked it up on a lark and ended up getting pulled into the story.
Most interesting is the colorful picture of life on Cape Cod in the early 20th century. Its an easy read with some charming characters.

[Susan Krich · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is another interesting novel by Joseph C. Lincoln.
It is a romance with funny misunderstandings and just enough action to keep you wanting to read more.

[Jennifer Booth · Rating 5 out of 5]

A fun book

A fun and light read. Likeable charters and fast chapters. It was long enough for the crazy days in early spring

[Janice · Rating 4 out of 5]

The film, "Chatham" is based upon this 1904 book. I found a copy of the old book through an antique dealer. It's the story of three older sea captains who are in desperate need of a housekeeper. They place an ad in a newspaper. Shortly thereafter, a widow from another town answers it. She becomes more than a housekeeper.

Because I live in a town by the sea, I enjoyed reading about the characters in this book. It's a throwback to another era.

[Jean · Rating 3 out of 5]

The book was published in 1904 so the language is difficult to read; meaning this book is FAR from politicaly correct by today's standards. It is a really good story with interesting characters and a good, solid ending. I wanted to read more about these characters, but all of his books have different characters. I enjoyed the book, but be forewarned, it has a bit of a slow start. However, once into it, very enjoyable.

[Natalie · Rating 3 out of 5]

My parents collect Joseph Lincoln books - fun retro read. Kind of "Bobbsey Twins" meets grumpy old fishermen. Michael Mailer (Norman's son) did an independent film of this book, has two titles: "Chatham" & something like "The Golden Boys".

[Barbara · Rating 4 out of 5]

I have a complete hard cover collection of all of Joseph Lincoln's books but have decided to re-read them in electronic versions. This is the oldest. They are all Cape Cod stories and I especially like reading them when I am on or near the Cape.

[Gretchen · Rating 4 out of 5]

A gentle read from early last century based in the Cape Cod region. 3 retired sea captains living together decide they need to find a woman to take care of the house.

[Heather Oakman · Rating 3 out of 5]

A really fun read.