02398cam a22003253u 4500 11418 UtSlPG 20260610133255.0 m cr n 260607r2004||||utu|||||o|||||||||||||| d UtSlPG en iso639-1 PS Lynde, Francis, 1856-1930 The Grafters Salt Lake City, UT : Project Gutenberg, 2004 1 online resource : multiple file formats text txt rdacontent computer c rdamedia online resource cr rdacarrier Release date is 2004-03-01 Produced by Jonathan Ingram, Andrea Ball and the Online Distributed Proofreading Team. "The Grafters" by Francis Lynde is a novel likely written during the late 19th century, exploring themes of ambition, economic hardship, and the complexities of human nature in a growing Western city. The story begins in Gaston, a once-promising town that experienced a boom thanks to its railroads but soon faces an economic collapse. Central to the narrative is David Kent, an attorney who embarks on a turbulent journey as he navigates financial ruin, social upheaval, and the intricacies of political power during this tumultuous period. At the start of the novel, we are introduced to the historical backdrop of Gaston, illustrating its rapid rise and subsequent fall. The opening section lays out the origins of the town, the influential figures that shaped its destiny, and the coming financial crash that serves as a catalyst for the unfolding story. David Kent, arriving from New Hampshire to seek fortune, finds himself caught up in the ensuing chaos. Through Kent's perspective, we witness the panic that ensues as the town's residents confront their new reality, as well as his own strategic maneuvers to retain his professional and personal integrity amid the encroaching desperation. This opening not only sets the stage for the interwoven lives of its characters but also hints at deeper explorations of ethics and governance in the West. (This is an automatically generated summary.) Original publication data not identified Railroads -- Fiction Love stories Political corruption -- West (U.S.) -- Fiction https://www.gutenberg.org/ebooks/11418 52864 52864