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Cover of All-Wool Morrison: Time -- Today, Place -- the United States, Period of Action -- Twenty-four Hours

All-Wool Morrison: Time -- Today, Place -- the United States, Period of Action -- Twenty-four Hours

Written by Holman Day

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Political corruptionPoliticians

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About this book

"All-Wool Morrison" by Holman Day is a novel likely written in the early 20th century. The story is set in contemporary American life, focusing on the character of Stewart Morrison, the mayor of Marion, a city punctuated by political tension and a rapidly changing social landscape. The narrative unveils Morrison's struggles with the expectations placed upon him as a public figure, the pressures of his business heritage, and his complex feelings towards local politics and personal relationships. The beginning of the novel introduces the crucial day when the new legislative session commences, capturing the bustling atmosphere at St. Ronan's mill where Morrison works. We meet various characters who surround Morrison, including the steadfast Mac Tavish, his paymaster, and the ambitious Colonel Shaw, who calls for Morrison against the mill's traditional rule of only allowing visitors once he has come from work. The story sets up a brewing conflict as Morrison, known for his adherence to business principles, navigates the politically charged environment while grappling with his burgeoning feelings for Lana Corson, who has returned to Marion amidst this turmoil. The stage is set for a dramatic exploration of duty, ambition, and personal connection in an evolving society.

Reading guide

Themes, characters and key ideas in All-Wool Morrison: Time -- Today, Place -- the United States, Period of Action -- Twenty-four Hours, written by Chaptra AI.

  • about 8 hours
  • intermediate
  • Political
  • Dramatic
  • Intriguing

Holman Day's "All-Wool Morrison" plunges into the tumultuous life of Stewart Morrison, the principled mayor of Marion, as he navigates a politically charged landscape during a pivotal legislative session. Set in an early 20th-century American city grappling with rapid social and industrial change, the novel chronicles Morrison's struggle to uphold his business ethics against the pressures of local politics and the expectations tied to his family's legacy. His personal integrity is tested as he confronts ambitious political figures and grapples with burgeoning feelings for Lana Corson, whose return to Marion adds another layer of complexity to his already strained public and private life. The narrative unfolds over a single crucial day, setting the stage for a dramatic exploration of duty, ambition, and personal connection amidst societal upheaval.

“"An 'all-wool' man, Mac, knows no half-measures, whether in cloth or in civic duty."”

Key themes

Political Integrity vs. Corruption
This theme is central to the novel, exploring the challenges faced by an ethical individual, Stewart Morrison, when confronted with the often-corrupt and compromising nature of local politics. It delves into the tension between upholding personal and professional principles and the pressures to conform to political expediency or succumb to illicit influence.
Duty and Personal Ambition
The novel explores the complex interplay between an individual's sense of duty—to their community, their profession, and their personal code—and their own ambitions or desires. Morrison's role as mayor and businessman places him at the nexus of these forces, forcing him to make choices that impact both his public standing and his private happiness.
Social and Industrial Change
Set in the early 20th century, the novel implicitly or explicitly addresses the rapid social and industrial transformations occurring in American society. The mill setting, the bustling city, and the new legislative session all point to an era of progress, urbanization, and evolving power structures, creating a dynamic backdrop for the characters' struggles.

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How does Morrison's 'all-wool' business principle translate, or fail to translate, into the realm of politics?

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