The Light in the Forest

Conrad Richter

Published by Alfred A. Knopf, 1953

About this Item

The Light in the Forest by Conrad Richter was published by Alfred A. Knopf in 1953. Not an ex-library copy, this 179-page, 58-year-old offering is in VG/VG- condition. The book is like new in all aspects but for some very slight yellowing of its endpapers, front and back, as well as its pages. The dust jacket, too, is quite well-preserved, but for some modest shelf wear at top and bottom edges of jacket's spine, and the need for clear taping in 3-4 random spots to repair/shore up beginnings of small tears. From front inside jacket flap, " In this new novel, Conrad Richter bases his theme on a little known and tragic aspect of early Colonial life. John Butler, the son of a well-to-do family, has been captured by Delaware Indians at the age of four, adopted by Cuyloga, one of the leaders of the tribe. .After eleven years among the Delaware people, he knows only their way of life and the freedom and delights of the boundless forests. He has come to hate the white way of life as only an Indian can. Suddenly True Son[John's given Delaware name] is forcibly returned to his original home and parents by the Bouquet military expedition of 1765. True Son's position in his real home, his deep love for and loyalty to his Indian parents and his cousin, Half Arrow, his reasoned rejection of the white man's civilization, and his part in family conflicts that arise are all inevitable in the situation. .This then is the story which holds the reader from the first page. Underneath there is much more, a probing of sensitive Indian-white relationships which have their counter-part over the world of today, but principally the developing study of a boy's mind. The novel is an allegory of youth, of youth's innate wildness and freedom and its final and inescapable submission to the restrictions of society and the civilized world." Further, it is symbolic of the author's boundless love and affection for the wild, wonderful, albeit sometimes raw and seemingly cruel, aspects of the natural, undisturbed wilderness/open country, that existed in so much more abundant glory during the time in which this engrossing tale is set. This is, Reader, a rather beautiful, however ultimately sad, story of the coming of age of one young boy. Thank you!!. Seller Inventory # 004879

Bibliographic Details

Title: The Light in the Forest

Publisher: Alfred A. Knopf

Publication Date: 1953

Binding: Decorative Cloth

Condition: Very Good

Dust Jacket Condition: Very Good -

Edition: First Edition