Bellamy Partridge (1877–1960)

My father was a lawyer in a small town, isolated much more than the subject of this book. My grandfather was a lawyer there before that. This book was a treasured gift to me last Christmas from my eldest brother. He found it among my grandfather's books. It bears a hand written inscription from my grandfather to my great grandfather. It must have been returned to my grandfather's library upon his father's death.

So, it was a special read for me. Anyone who grew up as a child of a general show more practice lawyer will love this book. Having been such a creature (general practice lawyer) now for 34 years it evoked nostalgia, chuckles, regrets, warm memories and a soul searching review of my life. The writing is concise, with a pleasant and genteel tone. The small town life and stories rang true for me though two generations removed.

The Disneyland dream existence of such life is based on the actual life experiences of many Americans though quite distant now. Perhaps technology today could be a catalyst to reviving the better parts of those times and avoidance of the downsides. I recommend it to anyone as fuel for such ideas and a glimpse at what once was.

The realism of the human condition revealed in the book is a realism lived by a small time general practice lawyer, even today. Some of the stories are likely exaggerated or compilations for effect, but worthy of consideration as the underbelly of how human we all are. show less

I never thought I would read a whole book on the development of the automobile, but this was a gentle story of an era, as well as a place and a machine. Well told with humor and nice pace. Bellamy uses the characters in a small northwestern town and their peccadillos to tell about the trials and triumphs of the early motor-driven vehicles.

5 Stars. The Gages fell in love with an old Colonial house but there was a problem with the deed, they bought the place anyway. The old folks who had a lifetime deed on the house come back home after being away for five years and claim the house. The conflict between the two families is the main part of the story.
5 Stars

An interesting book on the origins of the Automobile.