The Hoosier Schoolmaster: A Story of Backwoods Life in Indiana

by Edward Eggleston, F. Opper (Illustrator), W.E.B. Starkweather (Illustrator)

A novel by the American author, historian and Methodist minister whose tales (especially the Hoosier series) were very popular in their time.

Genres: Fiction, Classics, Historical Fiction, Education, American

165 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1871

About the author

Edward Eggleston was an American historian and novelist.

Reviews

[Emily · Rating 3 out of 5]

I'm a sucker for attractive old bindings, so I plucked this 1871 novel from the shelves of a favorite used bookstore (at $3, why not?). I wasn't exactly eager to read it, but I thought I'd give it a chance, and happily this dialect-heavy tale was a little more entertaining than I'd expected. I liked the opening chapters best, in which Ralph, the titular schoolmaster, quickly learns that book learning is the least important qualification for his new job in the backwoods schoolhouse, and brawn (which he mostly lacks) would be much more useful. Ralph's quick wits save him from getting pummeled by some of his larger and more oafish students, but soon he finds himself embroiled in more sinister local goings on -- a robbery, perpetrated by a gang of thieves whose identity is never in doubt -- which I found less interesting. Still, the book winds up with a satisfying trial, and the ending was affecting.

My copy, though still quite old is a second edition, and includes copious footnotes by Eggleston, who seems to have been something of a linguist, on the derivations of some of the choicer bits of Hoosier slang. He claims that this book is the first American novel written in a dialect from a region other than New England. One thing he doesn't explain is where the word "Hoosier" comes from; google tells me that to this day no one really knows for sure.

[Keturah Hickman · Rating 5 out of 5]

I've had this book on my shelf for over ten years. Years ago I put an ad on Craigslist "young kid looking to take all your old books "

Some older guy gave me about 8 boxes of hardcover books. Many of them titles I'd been searching for. A few of them I'd never heard of and became favorites (i.e. "A Story of A Bad Boy")

But there were so many books, I couldn't keep them all. Nearly purged this book three times. Thought I had. When someone told me it was a favorite of theirs I searched my shelves sure it wasn't there anymore... now it is another favorite!

The actual book is full of so many quote worthy sections and is a good story. A young schoolmaster finds himself caught in the midst of a conspiracy. But it's really just a simple story of brotherly love, sweet romance, and how God hasn't forgot us after all.

[Manuel Alfonseca · Rating 3 out of 5]

ENGLISH: In some ways, this novel reminds me of the Laura Ingalls books, although in this case the plot is fictional, with a touch of mystery, where we know from the beginning who are the good guys and who the evil ones. But there are similarities, like the spelling tournament at school.

The author introduces new characters suddenly, as though they were well-known by the reader. A couple chapters later he explains about them. I found this style unpleasant. I got stuck after reading 10 chapters, but finally read it through and found it very nice.

ESPAÑOL: En cierto modo, esta novela me recuerda los libros de Laura Ingalls, aunque en este caso el argumento es ficticio, con cierta trama policiaca, donde sabemos desde el principio quiénes son los buenos y quiénes los malos. Pero hay cosas parecidas, como el torneo de deletreo en el colegio.

El autor presenta personajes nuevos de repente, como si el lector los conociera. Un par de capítulos después, explica quiénes son. Este estilo me resultó fastidioso. Después de leer diez capítulos me atasqué, pero al final conseguí leerlo entero y me pareció muy interesante.

[Hannah E. Griggs · Rating 4 out of 5]

I first learned about this book from the Sugar Creek Gang books, I forget which one, but one of them with Mr. Black, probably Teacher Trouble. Anyway, I was quite pleased that the e-book had the famous picture!

[Tori Tecken · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was ok. Third person omniscient in this particular case felt very jarring and broke my immersion with the characters and plot.

The "schoolmaster arrives and attempts to restore order to wild classroom" trope is swiftly broken by a new conflict when one of the citizens of this 1800s backwoods town is robbed. Fingers fly and blame quickly settles on the newcomer.

The author includes the dialect of the area with copious footnotes about his research on the linguistics. That element added an immediate level of authenticity and culture to the environment and characters.

The characters overall were average. I found myself invested only in one or two of them, and the main romantic subplot was mediocre and vague. The antagonist of the story was very intriguing and well done, a twist on the usual.

Overall, it wouldn't be added to my favorite classics list, but it is ok.

[Terris · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is an adorable story written in the dialect of country folk in the mid-1800's in southern Indiana. It's the tale of the young, local schoolmaster and the entanglement he incurs with the people of the community. It is really cute and often very funny. If you're looking for something light and entertaining, I highly recommend this one!

[Erin Cataldi · Rating 3 out of 5]

I can't NOT read a classic that's set in the state I live in and love so I figured I would finally wipe the dust off this one and read it. Set in a rural Indiana town during the 1850's this is a fictionalized story of a young man coming to be the schoolmaster for a backward yet well meaning (mostly) bunch. Written in the Hoosier dialect this humorous tale is peppered with classic ink drawings and funny asides. From the Church of Best Licks to the spelling competition to midnight thievery and peg legs. Nearly 200 years old I still thought it was amusing and pretty well written. Adventure, romance, action, and intrigue are woven throughout the story and it's definitely something unique!

[Sue · Rating 5 out of 5]

I listened to the book Read by Bridget Gage:
This is a novel of 19th-century American rural life and the use of the local dialect in Indiana.
The action never drags for the life of a rural schoolteacher and the "big-boys" that harass him at school, his "bull-dog" determination to stay as their schoolmaster. I love the last chapter in the authors words: Eggleston announces his belief that readers whose taste is not perverted always want a story to “come out well,” and the best and last line, that Shocky has given his spare time
to making outcasts feel that God has not forgot.

[Chrissy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Now this is a funny book, and quite an easy read. Ralph (the quiet, gentle main character) becomes school-master in a not-so-gentle town. Inspired by the determination of a scary dog Ralph dislikes, Ralph decides to face his challenges bull-dog style. Ralph's resolution comes in handy as he encounters misbehaving students, a band of thieves, false accusations, and other humorous adventures.

[Carolyn · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a very sweet, humorous, and sentimental quick read. It was written, I believe, in 1871. Eggleston used to be one of Indiana's claims to fame. He was a popular author known throughout the nation. I especially recommend this book to all my Hoosier friends, of course!

[Joyce T. · Rating 4 out of 5]

As a Hoosier, I loved The Hoosier School-Master. As an Anne-of-Green-Gables lover, I also loved this book. It made for a great first book of the new year!

Edward Eggleston, the author, does a great job taking into consideration the dialect and culture of the people of Indiana at the time. I learned a lot about the history of my state.

I also really appreciated how simple life was for Ralph. And before you say it was because life was just simpler back then, it wasn't. I think everything was simple for Ralph because he knew who he was living for--namely, Jesus--and knew that he had to do everything in his power to live righteously for himself and for others.

If you like Anne of Green Gables (or have read it before), know that this book has very similar vibes. The Hoosier School-Master is like an older, masculine form of the eleven-year-old Anne. This book also moves much quicker than Anne's story of 8 books does. However, that doesn't mean it doesn't have introspection! Since Ralph is a boy (obviously) and older (obviously), there's less dreamy, what-if thoughts, and more thoughts like "what could I have done better" and "what's my main motive for living", but in a way that I can completely relate to and doesn't sound preachy.

I think everyone (especially Hoosiers!) should read this book, because it addresses a lot of the questions that are still valid today, important questions about our identity in Christ and how we "put in our best licks for Him," in the words of Bud. You'll fall in love with these characters when you see that they're just like us--people trying to live in a manner worthy of the calling we've been called to.

Content: CLEAN. Mentions of normal problems like gangs, divorce, bullying, etc.

ALSO ALSO ALSO! There was one reference to Mr. Gradgrind from Hard Times by Charles Dickens. I knew what it was referencing and that made me so happy! On another note, read Hard Times!!!

[Kate · Rating 4 out of 5]

I read the Project Gutenberg version of the 21st anniversary library edition. When I saw in the front matter that it was written in dialect, I was afraid it would be hard to understand, but it wasn't. And there was the occasional footnote explaining the history/meaning of some of the words for those like me who enjoy that sort of thing.

I enjoyed this story of a young school teacher taking on his first job and all the challenges, both expected (big, older students who don't want to be there, having to board around) and unexpected (an unwanted female admirer, local thieves, various folks out for revenge...). Some good people, some people who think they're good but aren't, some bad people, and some who are just too easily led. Lots of humour, some suspense, even a little romance. A good read.

[Paul · Rating 3 out of 5]

3 and 1/2 stars out of 5 for this surprisingly entertaining and funny novel originally written in 1871. I had bought an old copy at an antique store when I was a teenager, and I remember reading it in between classes in high school. I thought it was a funny story then, and now, while still finding it funny, I notice more how accurate Eggleston was in his use of local dialects. Because over the years, I've heard many of these used by people, like when I was visiting nearby southern Ohio. For example, "ORT to do thet", "We was DOWN TO Dundas t'other day", etc. And Eggleston's satiric descriptions of various preachers shouting to crowds is hilarious.

[Geriann Albers · Rating 3 out of 5]

A plotline that now seems trite and simplistic, this story was an easy, quick read and most interesting because of the details of rural life provided. 21 year old men still attended the local one-room schoolhouse? Adults challenged children in spelling contests? Children of paupers were forced in indentured servitude? Poor houses housed the mentally ill? I had no knowledge of any of this, and it provided interesting details of a past time. And, trite it may be, I still don't mind when good triumphs over evil and my favorite characters get their happily ever after.

[Jerriel Martin · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed it, as it told of a backwoods school with a young teacher who was determined to make it work even though people thought he couldn’t since he wasn’t as strong as some of his students. I though that at least in parts it wasn’t very well written, but it was still interesting. For anyone that liked this book or this style please read The Thread That Runs So True, it has a similar focus, but is so so worth reading!

[Drkazmd65 · Rating 4 out of 5]

Honestly, a book I would never have read, except that my Dad sent me a copy that he had read. That being said - it was entertaining once I got used to the 'archaic' Hoosier slang that the author used.

BTW - I was born & raised in Indiana and am - in fact - a Hoosier and graduated from IU many years ago.

I enjoy history and I enjoy narratives based on history - this was a good one. And it had a good end that I didn't see coming.

[Mirrored14 · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a lot more enjoyable than I expected. I had to do this for a bookreport, and I regret putting it off for so long. It had a good plot, good humor, good relationships, and unique, consistent characters. My favorites were Bud and Ralph, and I loved seeing how they grew in their relationship with each other and with themselves. Overall, for a book report this wasn't too bad.

[Sharon Zink · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book is about a backwoods school teacher in a rural school in Indiana. The good characters are perfect, and the bad characters are devils. The teacher is the hero and wins over all his detractors. Boys get the girls they are after. Still, the writing is amusing.

[Matt Carpenter · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the story of an Indiana schoolmaster who begins his work in Flat Creek, Indiana. The plot is very engaging; our family was hooked from the beginning. It has strong Christian themes but is not sentimental or preachy. It is a good story with solid character development.

[Laura · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this tale of a school master in Indiana who gets in some jams in the town that he is teaching in. I loved the story and enjoyed the ending. It has some heavy dialect, so younger kids might struggle with it, but this story is fine for any age.

[Laquita Sullivan Herrin · Rating 5 out of 5]

I enjoyed reading about life in southern Indiana in the late 1800's.

Much different than my years growing up there.

[Hannah Hutchison · Rating 4 out of 5]

Mainly read it because one of the characters name is Hannah. It's a fun read. Lots of history in it.

[Heather Morris · Rating 4 out of 5]

A very quick read. The plot may be simple and straightforward, with many character archtypes throughout. However, the story is sweet and upholds many virtues that are agreed upon as noble and good.

[A. · Rating 3 out of 5]

A rollicking sort of tale, I guess. It was published in the 1870s, so this predates the era I am researching, but it gave me a few nuggets of dialect and lifestyle that will be useful.

[Steven · Rating 2 out of 5]

Sentimental and corny story of a good teacher and a bad doctor.

[Jeff Elliott · Rating 3 out of 5]

A quaint little story from the Hoosier heartland. I read it because it was referred to by a book I read a few weeks ago on Indiana history. It had some very good writing in parts (especially chapter 5 describing the walk home with the schoolmaster and Hannah) and then some that was hard to read due to Eggleston trying to transcribe the dialect (especially the preacher). I'm sure by today's standards this book would get panned but you need to keep in mind that it is nearly 150 years old and captured a moment in time. Nevertheless, I enjoyed the story. The quotes that I would list are too long to list here but trust me there is some really good writing in places and at some points has some Lemony Snicket style in addressing the reader: "You expect me to describe that walk...but I shall do no such thing."

[Humphrey · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was an enjoyable read. Don't let scholarly footnotes mislead you: it's definitely more than mere popular romance. There is a good amount of Western humor to be had (the sort that we praise in Twain), and Eggleston repeatedly pushes against romance. He also creates a different balance between East and West - there is only one Easterner and she is teased and critiqued - than the one that would develop in regionalist fiction over the next decades.

[Jamison · Rating 3 out of 5]

It was Ok but it goes quickly. Although by the end of the story, I was sick and tired of reading about "Bosting" and God forgetting people. Although I didn't love the plot, I gave it three stars because I really liked the descriptions of life in rural 19th century Indiana. Its hard to believe that a community spelling bee was once the most popular thing to do in some places.

[Noelle · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a charming, funny book about a schoolmaster, Ralph, who goes to a backwoods town to teach, and ends up learning about himself and others. He also falls in love... and the journey is one worth reading about. I really enjoyed this book. :)

[Lisa of Hopewell · Rating 4 out of 5]

This just keeps getting better! His observations on pastors, churches and religion are as accurate today as they were back in his day!

Sometimes we forget that books become classics for a reason--they are very readable and enjoyable. This one is fun.