The Earth Abideth

Written in 1938, this saga of a farming family's life in Ohio in the last third of the 19th century was sent to Ohio State Press by the author's daughter-in-law. It is a found treasure, fiction extending beyond the labels regional, historical or romance. Thomas Linthorne is upright, young and strong when he marries Kate. They begin their life in Hocking County full of hope, a gritty willingness and with no blinding stars in their eyes. Children arrive and survive, the farm prospers and Linthorne becomes a respected, admired name in the community. But Thomas's pride is his downfall. He strays with a neighbor woman, and his oldest son marries a girl he deems unworthy of the Linthorne name. Bitterness develops between him and the other farmers. As technology and success bring some ease to their lives, he and Kate travel to Columbus for the Ohio Centennial. Another son goes off to college, one daughter runs away, another becomes a nun. Thomas's progression through the seasons of his life is as rhythmic as the turn of seasons that govern his farming; his story is as rich and lushly fruitful as the earth he works. (September 15)