02472cam a22003253u 4500 12243 UtSlPG 20260610133307.0 m cr n 260607r2004||||utu|||||o|||||||||||||| d UtSlPG en iso639-1 PS Bouton, John Bell, 1830-1902 Round the Block: An American Novel 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 2004-05-01 E-text prepared by Curtis Weyant, Charlie Kirschner, and the Project Gutenberg Online Distributed Proofreading Team "Round the Block: An American Novel" by John Bell Bouton is a fictional work likely written in the mid-19th century. The narrative begins by vividly depicting a neighborhood characterized by contrasting settings—posh, seemingly empty brownstone houses on one side and lively, bustling shops and homes for working-class families on the opposite. The story primarily revolves around three bachelors, Marcus Wilkeson, Fayette Overtop, and Matthew Maltboy, who embark on a series of social interactions within their block, exploring themes of neighborliness and community amidst their varied daily lives. The opening of the novel introduces readers to the ornate yet lifeless dwellings on the east side of the block and the contrasting vibrancy on the west side. As the three bachelors settle into their shared home, Overtop proposes an experiment in socializing, advocating for engaging with their neighbors to better understand their community. This leads to humorous exchanges and the deepening relationships between the protagonists as they navigate social calls, interactions with their eccentric neighbors, and the pursuit of companionship, all while their personal quirks and backgrounds unfold. The narrative sets a lively tone that promises both comedic moments and reflections on human interaction in a densely populated urban setting. (This is an automatically generated summary.) Original publication data not identified New York (N.Y.) -- Social life and customs -- Fiction City and town life -- Fiction Male friendship -- Fiction https://www.gutenberg.org/ebooks/12243 53661 53661