A Deal in Wheat and Other Stories of the New and Old West

"A Deal in Wheat and Other Stories of the New and Old West" by Frank Norris is a collection of short stories written in the early 20th century. This anthology explores the struggles and triumphs of characters in the American West, depicting both the old and new conflicts that arise in a rapidly changing landscape, particularly revolving around themes of agriculture, commerce, and human resilience. The stories delve into the lives of farmers and traders, such as Sam Lewiston, who face the harsh realities of market fluctuations and the manipulations of ruthless economic players. At the start of the narrative, the opening portion introduces us to Sam Lewiston and his wife, Emma, who are grappling with the devastating drop in wheat prices that threatens their livelihood on their Kansas ranch. As Lewiston prepares to head into town to sell their wheat, the couple reflects on their difficult situation and their possible future. After discovering that the wheat market is controlled by powerful players like Truslow, a bear broker, Lewiston realizes their financial ruin is imminent. The opening serves to establish the dire circumstances of the rural American farmer at the turn of the century and hints at the broader societal implications of such economic struggles, setting the stage for the interconnected tales to follow in this collection.