The Crucial Moment / 1911

Name: The Crucial Moment / 1911
Author: Charles Egbert Craddock

By Charles Egbert Craddock

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American Literature

About This Book

The narrative follows a levee contractor who confronts a sudden, decisive threat when high waters put his workmanship and livelihood at risk. As the river rises, he recalls technical decisions made to avoid building in water and faces an accusation from a wealthy landowner who claims the cross-levee was shortened for gain. Their tense exchange exposes differences in authority, class, and judgment while the community braces for possible overflow and economic loss, and the protagonist struggles to defend his professional integrity against misunderstanding and contempt.

About the Author

Charles Egbert Craddock

Charles Egbert Craddock was the pen name of Mary Noailles Murfree, an American author known for her vivid depictions of life in the Southern Appalachian region. Active in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, she contributed significantly to the literary heritage of the American South through her short stories and novels. Her works often explore themes of nature, local culture, and the complexities of rural life. Notable titles include 'way down in Lonesome Cove, which showcases her skill in capturing the essence of the Tennessee mountains, and A Chilhowee Lily, reflecting her deep connection to the landscape and its people.