Richard Hurdis: A Tale of Alabama

by William Gilmore Simms, John Caldwell Guilds

Originally published in 1838, Richard Hurdis portrays the "wild and savage" southwest frontier of the new Republic in the 1820s and 30s. When the narrator/protagonist Richard Hurdis daringly infiltrates the criminal network in an effort the stem the corruption and to avenge the brutal murder of his best friend, the scene is set for a powerful story. In Richard Hurdis, Simms the historian, the realist, and the novelist merge to create a memorable book.

Paperback

First published April 1, 1995

About the author

William Gilmore Simms (April 17, 1806 – June 11, 1870) was a poet, novelist and historian from the American South whose novels achieved great prominence during the 19th century, with Edgar Allan Poe pronouncing him the best novelist America had ever produced. In recent decades, though, Simms' novels have fallen out of favor, although he is still known among literary scholars as a major force in antebellum Southern literature. He is also remembered for his strong support of slavery and for his opposition to Uncle Tom's Cabin, in response to which he wrote reviews and a novel.

Reviews

[Christopher Robinson · Rating 2 out of 5]

Wordy,