"The Dartmoor House That Jack Built" is John Trevena's supreme comedy of rural folk in the West Country of England and the various games they play on each other. Originally published in 1909, the novel follows several people in the tiny village of Lew as they investigate the mystery of who wrote an unflattering, but generally true, "buke" about them. It is a game of hide and seek that pits the local milkmaid/butter-maker Ann Cobbledick and her loafer, adult son Willum against two foreigners who take up residence in their ...
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"The Dartmoor House That Jack Built" is John Trevena's supreme comedy of rural folk in the West Country of England and the various games they play on each other. Originally published in 1909, the novel follows several people in the tiny village of Lew as they investigate the mystery of who wrote an unflattering, but generally true, "buke" about them. It is a game of hide and seek that pits the local milkmaid/butter-maker Ann Cobbledick and her loafer, adult son Willum against two foreigners who take up residence in their parish. First is John (Jack) Tregenna, a 22-year old poet from St. Ives who rents a room in Ann's home. Second is the Man, a repulsive gentleman who edits London newspapers. He is aptly labeled the villain of the story. The Man purchases land in the parish and builds an unconventional house that is the object of much scorn by the local workers. There are numerous amusing characters who interact in the story. Among them is the parish vicar, Thomas Garland, who has a peculiar obsession with parlor and lawn games. His Christian Science wife, Joane, communes with spirits of English nobility and her boring, untalented daughter, Margery, becomes attracted to the outsider Jack. In stark contrast to Margery is the free-spirited Beatrice Pentreath of Cornwall. She is an outsider and lover of the wild moor and folk tales. Jack is infatuated with her, but feels obligated to continue his romance with Margery. What will become of the love triangle swirling around the village? Can Ann and Willum Cobbledick track down the author of the buke and get restitution from him? Will justice be served on the Man for his despicable antics? And who will occupy the house on Dartmoor that Jack built? This edition includes detailed notes relating to the many historical, literary, Biblical and geographic references in the book.
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