Ajax, for example by W. C. Tuttle

"Ajax, for Example" by W. C. Tuttle is a humorous novella written during the early 20th century. The story revolves around a comically naive and overly educated professor named Ajax Ulysses Green, who embarks on a scientific mission in the rough-and-tumble environment of the American West. Tuttle's work blends elements of comedy and satire to explore themes of education versus practicality, illustrating the misadventures that ensue when academic knowledge meets the realities of frontier life. The narrative follows Ajax as he arrives at the cabin of Magpie Simpkins and his partner Ike Harper, seeking to study the effects of a plant called astragalas splendens on sheep—a task that proves nearly impossible due to his lack of survival skills and social awareness. His pretentious behavior and academic jargon bewilder the rugged residents of the area, resulting in a series of absurd escapades, including a humorous fight with a sheep herder and an unintended theft of a goat. As Ajax navigates through the trials of frontier life, he becomes an object of both affection and frustration for Magpie and Ike, who embody the street-smarts that Ajax sorely lacks. In the end, Ajax's efforts to contribute to science become both a farce and a poignant commentary on the disconnect between formal education and practical wisdom. (This is an automatically generated summary.)

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About this eBook

Author Tuttle, W. C. (Wilbur C.), 1883-1969
Title Ajax, for example
Original Publication United States: The Ridgway Company,1922.
Series Title Produced from the July 10, 1922 issue of Adventure magazine.
Credits Roger Frank and Sue Clark
Reading Level Reading ease score: 85.0 (6th grade). Easy to read.
Language English
LoC Class PS: Language and Literatures: American and Canadian literature
Subject Western stories
Subject Humorous stories
Subject Scientists -- Fiction
Subject Simpkins, Magpie (Fictitious character) -- Fiction
Subject Harper, Ike (Fictitious character) -- Fiction
Category Text
eBook-No. 68820
Release Date
Last Update Oct 19, 2024
Copyright Public domain in the USA.
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