The Four-Masted Cat-Boat, and Other Truthful Tales

"The Four-Masted Cat-Boat and Other Truthful Tales" by Charles Battell Loomis is a compilation of humorous short stories penned in the late 1800s. The book presents a series of amusing snapshots of life, displaying the author's sharp humor and talent for portraying peculiar characters and funny scenarios. The stories explore diverse topics, often mirroring the social standards and traditions of the era, without following one big storyline. The collection starts with the title story, "The Four-Masted Cat-Boat," where readers meet Captain Bliffton and his crew as they get ready for a coming storm at sea; what begins calmly quickly turns chaotic, with lively descriptions of the raging sea and the sailors' wild attempts to control their ship. Other stories feature a range of comical characters and situations, setting the stage for Loomis's playful yet perceptive observations on people and society.