Justice in the By-Ways, a Tale of Life by F. Colburn Adams
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"Justice in the By-Ways, a Tale of Life" by F. Colburn Adams is a novel written in the mid-19th century. The book explores the themes of moral reform, social justice, and the inherent struggles within society, particularly focusing on Southern culture and the individual within it. The narrative is centered around the character of Tom Swiggs, a man battling alcoholism and societal judgment, as he traverses the harsh realities of life and
seeks redemption. The opening of the novel introduces us to Tom Swiggs as he returns to a Charleston jail for the seventh time, a victim of his own vices and the expectations of his family. The tone is both tragic and humorous, as Tom grapples with his identity as a once-respectable man now reduced to a mere shadow due to his addiction. We meet other prison characters who vary in their motivations and societal roles, showcasing a range of human experiences and moral dilemmas. An old jailer reflects on the futility of reform through punishment, hinting at deeper societal critiques that will unfold throughout the tale. The chapter sets the stage for a raw exploration of life's darker facets, drawing the reader into a world where hope and despair coexist. (This is an automatically generated summary.)
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About this eBook
| Author | Adams, F. Colburn (Francis Colburn), 1850-1891 |
|---|---|
| Title | Justice in the By-Ways, a Tale of Life |
| Credits | Charles Aldarondo |
| Reading Level | Reading ease score: 67.8 (8th & 9th grade). Neither easy nor difficult to read. |
| Language | English |
| LoC Class | PS: Language and Literatures: American and Canadian literature |
| Subject | Slavery -- Fiction |
| Subject | Charleston (S.C.) -- History -- 1775-1865 -- Fiction |
| Category | Text |
| eBook-No. | 4958 |
| Release Date | Jan 1, 2004 |
| Last Update | Jan 11, 2026 |
| Copyright | Public domain in the USA. |
| Downloads | 392 downloads in the last 30 days. |
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