Twenty years a fakir

"Twenty Years a Fakir" by S. James Weldon is an autobiographical narrative written in the late 19th century. This work explores the life of a self-proclaimed fakir, who shares his experiences of hustling and selling various products across America over two decades. The tale focuses on the protagonist’s relentless ambition to succeed despite numerous setbacks and illustrates the diverse and often comedic schemes he employs to make a living as a traveling salesman. At the start of the narrative, the author introduces himself, reflecting on his humble beginnings as a farmer's son in Illinois and his yearning for a life beyond the farm. Driven by a desire for wealth and adventure, he leaves home, encountering a series of jobs, including working as a hotel porter and selling calling cards. He shares humorous anecdotes about his misadventures and failures in various sales endeavors, setting the stage for his journey into the world of fakirdom. The opening portion paints a vivid picture of a young man stepping out into the world, filled with optimism and an eagerness to learn the ropes of street sales and entertainment, leading to a life characterized by clever schemes and survival tactics in an often unforgiving landscape.