The Vision Splendid By: William MacLeod Raine (1871-1954)
The Vision Splendid by William MacLeod Raine is a captivating tale that seamlessly combines elements of adventure, romance, and the Wild West. Set against the backdrop of the early 1900s, the novel transports readers to a time when America was still untamed and promises of wealth and untouched land drew countless individuals to the frontier. In this engrossing narrative, the author introduces us to Jessamine Pollock, a headstrong and determined young woman with a unique skill for artistry. Jessamine's unwavering passion for painting serves as the driving force behind her journey, as she embarks on a quest to prove herself as a true artist in a society that often dismisses women's artistic abilities. Raine's thorough research is evident throughout the book; his vivid descriptions transport readers into the heart of the American landscape, as characters traverse the rugged terrains of the West. Through his skilled wordsmithing, Raine vividly captures both the beauty and the danger of the frontier, painting a rich and evocative picture that effortlessly pulls readers deeper into the story. One aspect that particularly stands out is the author's ability to craft well-rounded and relatable characters. Each individual in The Vision Splendid possesses a distinct personality, from the fiercely independent Jessamine to the charismatic and enigmatic Dermot Ramsey, who becomes a crucial figure in Jessamine's journey. Raine skillfully weaves their individual stories together, creating a complex and compelling web of relationships that keep readers invested, wondering how their paths will intersect. Furthermore, Raine expertly explores the nuances of gender roles and societal expectations during this time period. Through Jessamine's struggles as a female artist in a predominantly male industry, the author sheds light on the challenges faced by women who dared to defy societal norms. This underlying theme adds depth and relevancy to the novel, elevating it beyond a mere Wild West adventure and imparting poignant social commentary. Despite its strengths, The Vision Splendid does suffer from occasional pacing issues. While the author excels at building tension, there are moments where the story seems to lose its momentum, temporarily veering off into tangents that detract from the overall narrative. However, these moments are few and far between, and the captivating story quickly regains its stride. In conclusion, The Vision Splendid is a captivating novel that skillfully combines elements of adventure, romance, and social commentary. William MacLeod Raine's meticulous attention to detail and compelling characters breathe life into the story, making it an enthralling read for fans of historical fiction and the Wild West. Despite its minor flaws, this novel stands as a testament to the indomitable spirit of those who dared to pursue their passion against all odds. First Page: THE VISION SPLENDID By William MacLeod Raine CHAPTER 1 Of all the remote streams of influence that pour both before and after birth into the channel of our being, what an insignificant few and these only the more obvious are traceable at all. We swim in a sea of environment and heredity, are tossed hither and thither by we know not what cross currents of Fate, are tugged at by a thousand eddies of which we never dream. The sum of it all makes Life, of which we know so little and guess so much, into which we dive so surely in those buoyant days before time and tide have shaken confidence in our power to snatch success and happiness from its mysterious depths. From the Note Book of a Dreamer. A REBEL IN THE MAKING Part 1 The air was mellow with the warmth of the young spring sun. Locusts whirred in rhapsody. Bluebirds throbbed their love songs joyously. The drone of insects, the shimmer of hear, were in the atmosphere. One could almost see green things grow. To confine youth within four walls on such a day was an outrage against human nature. A lean, wiry boy, hatchet faced, stared with dreamy eyes out of the window of his prison. By raising himself in his seat while the teacher was not looking he could catch a silvery gleam of the river through the great firs. His thoughts were far afield... Continue reading book >>

The Vision Splendid By: William MacLeod Raine (1871-1954)

The Vision Splendid by William MacLeod Raine is a captivating tale that seamlessly combines elements of adventure, romance, and the Wild West. Set against the backdrop of the early 1900s, the novel transports readers to a time when America was still untamed and promises of wealth and untouched land drew countless individuals to the frontier.

In this engrossing narrative, the author introduces us to Jessamine Pollock, a headstrong and determined young woman with a unique skill for artistry. Jessamine's unwavering passion for painting serves as the driving force behind her journey, as she embarks on a quest to prove herself as a true artist in a society that often dismisses women's artistic abilities.

Raine's thorough research is evident throughout the book; his vivid descriptions transport readers into the heart of the American landscape, as characters traverse the rugged terrains of the West. Through his skilled wordsmithing, Raine vividly captures both the beauty and the danger of the frontier, painting a rich and evocative picture that effortlessly pulls readers deeper into the story.

One aspect that particularly stands out is the author's ability to craft well-rounded and relatable characters. Each individual in The Vision Splendid possesses a distinct personality, from the fiercely independent Jessamine to the charismatic and enigmatic Dermot Ramsey, who becomes a crucial figure in Jessamine's journey. Raine skillfully weaves their individual stories together, creating a complex and compelling web of relationships that keep readers invested, wondering how their paths will intersect.

Furthermore, Raine expertly explores the nuances of gender roles and societal expectations during this time period. Through Jessamine's struggles as a female artist in a predominantly male industry, the author sheds light on the challenges faced by women who dared to defy societal norms. This underlying theme adds depth and relevancy to the novel, elevating it beyond a mere Wild West adventure and imparting poignant social commentary.

Despite its strengths, The Vision Splendid does suffer from occasional pacing issues. While the author excels at building tension, there are moments where the story seems to lose its momentum, temporarily veering off into tangents that detract from the overall narrative. However, these moments are few and far between, and the captivating story quickly regains its stride.

In conclusion, The Vision Splendid is a captivating novel that skillfully combines elements of adventure, romance, and social commentary. William MacLeod Raine's meticulous attention to detail and compelling characters breathe life into the story, making it an enthralling read for fans of historical fiction and the Wild West. Despite its minor flaws, this novel stands as a testament to the indomitable spirit of those who dared to pursue their passion against all odds.

First Page:

THE VISION SPLENDID

By William MacLeod Raine

CHAPTER 1

Of all the remote streams of influence that pour both before and after birth into the channel of our being, what an insignificant few and these only the more obvious are traceable at all. We swim in a sea of environment and heredity, are tossed hither and thither by we know not what cross currents of Fate, are tugged at by a thousand eddies of which we never dream. The sum of it all makes Life, of which we know so little and guess so much, into which we dive so surely in those buoyant days before time and tide have shaken confidence in our power to snatch success and happiness from its mysterious depths. From the Note Book of a Dreamer.

A REBEL IN THE MAKING

Part 1

The air was mellow with the warmth of the young spring sun. Locusts whirred in rhapsody. Bluebirds throbbed their love songs joyously. The drone of insects, the shimmer of hear, were in the atmosphere. One could almost see green things grow. To confine youth within four walls on such a day was an outrage against human nature.

A lean, wiry boy, hatchet faced, stared with dreamy eyes out of the window of his prison. By raising himself in his seat while the teacher was not looking he could catch a silvery gleam of the river through the great firs. His thoughts were far afield... Continue reading book >>

Genres for this book
Fiction
Literature
Westerns

eBook links
Wikipedia – William MacLeod Raine
Wikipedia – The Vision Splendid

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