John Herring: A West of England Romance. Volume 1 (of 3)

Published in 1883, 'John Herring: A West of England Romance' is a novel set in Devon, England, featuring the eccentric Cobbledick family, who live in primitive conditions. The story contrasts their savage lifestyle with the civilized world, exploring themes of personal property and social expectations. The narrative begins with a humorous introduction to the Cobbledicks, particularly focusing on patriarch Grizzly Cobbledick and his daughter Joyce, whose lives intertwine with that of Mirelle, a young lady from a more refined background, after a stagecoach accident. This work provides insight into late 19th-century societal norms and the complexities of rural life.