The Ramrodders: A Novel

A political fiction work written in the early 20th century. The narrative is set in the fictional small town of Fort Canibas, where an old politician named Thelismer Thornton, known as the ''Duke of Fort Canibas,'' faces a revolt against his long-standing control as reform movements gain momentum in the state. As he navigates the threats from ambitious reformers and his own constituency, the book delves into themes of power, loyalty, and the generational clash over political ideals. The opening of the novel introduces the Duke in a position of apparent strength and confidence as he prepares for a caucus, despite troubling signs of unrest among the villagers. He receives word of a brewing political plot against him, led by the reformist Ivus Niles. While Thornton initially dismisses the noise from the reformers, he soon finds himself confronted with the reality of growing opposition as the townspeople question his authority. As tensions escalate, the Duke’s indifference towards the sentiments of his constituents evolves into a palpable sense of betrayal, revealing cracks in his long-held dominion. The fragmented relationship between the Duke, his loyal political allies, and the younger generation, particularly his grandson, begins to hint at a deeper familial and ideological conflict that will unfold as the story progresses.