The Old Blood

"The Old Blood" by Frederick Palmer is a story about a young man, Philip Sanford, coming back to his New England hometown after making a name for himself out West. As Phil reconnects with his family and prepares for a trip to Europe, the novel explores what it means to know your roots and make your own way in the world, all while hinting at how the threat of war will change everything for Phil and the people around him, including distant cousins, Henriette and Helen Ribot. The novel begins with Phil's warm homecoming and reunions with his parents, hinting at upcoming changes and challenges he will face as the story moves forward.