The Landlord at Lion's Head — Volume 1

"The Landlord at Lion's Head — Volume 1" by William Dean Howells is a story set in late 1800s New England, where Jeff Durgin, a country boy, juggles running his family's farm and dealing with city tourists who visit Lion's Head Mountain. The story starts with the author explaining how a summer vacation inspired the novel, especially the characters like busy Jeff and his hardworking mother. Jeff's encounters with people like Jere Westover, a painter, and his close ties to his family, give a clear picture of American life in a small rural town back then. The writing style mixes funny moments with thoughtful observations and social commentary as the characters navigate the challenges in thier lives.