The Lion and the Mouse; a Story of an American Life

** "The Lion and the Mouse; a Story of an American Life" by Charles Klein, is a tale set amid the economic and social uncertainties of early 20th-century America, following the tumultuous life of John Burkett Ryder, a railroad tycoon. His relentless pursuit of wealth through corrupt means clashes with the unshakeable morality of Judge Rossmore. The story starts in the tense atmosphere of the Southern and Transcontinental Railroad Company, where directors fear an injunction resulting from Ryder's actions and the judge's integrity. Key characters, including Ryder and his son Jefferson, highlight a generational conflict. Jefferson chooses a different path from his father, questioning the ethics behind his business practices and illustrating the personal costs tied to wealth. **