Hair Breadth Escapes (ePub)

Timothy Shay Arthur, commonly known as T. S. Arthur, was a prominent American author in the 19th century, known for his temperance novels and stories that blend moral lessons with entertainment. Born on June 6, 1809, in Newburgh, New York, Arthur embarked on a literary career that would span several decades, greatly influencing the didactic writing style of his time. His works embraced a moralistic tone which was consistent with the prevailing values of the period. 'Hair Breadth Escapes', while possibly lesser-known among his extensive bibliography, is another demonstration of Arthur's commitment to embedding moral education within his narratives. He is perhaps best acknowledged for the novel 'Ten Nights in a Bar-Room and What I Saw There,' which was published in 1854 and became a significant piece in the temperance movement. Arthur's literary style often incorporates elements of sentimentality and realism, aiming to resonate with the middle-class Americans of his era. His characters frequently find themselves in situational dilemmas that offer broader social commentaries, particularly on the repercussions of intemperance. His writings, which also include 'The Trials of a Needlewoman' and 'The Angel and the Demon', among others, were published in various journals and in book form to widespread readership. Arthur passed away on March 6, 1885, but his works endure, reflecting the social consciousness and reformist sentiments of 19th-century America. His contributions to American literature are noteworthy for their didacticism and for laying a foundation for socially conscious writing in subsequent generations.