Classic Book Reader
Cover of Lady Bountiful

Lady Bountiful

by George A. Birmingham (1865–1950)

  • Free to read
  • 3 hours to read
  • 15 chapters
  • Reading level: 6th grade

"Lady Bountiful" by George A. Birmingham is a novel written in the early 20th century. The book explores the social dynamics of a village in the west of Ireland, showcasing the life of Lady Corless, formerly Bridie Malone, a cook who unexpectedly marries an older baronet, Sir Tony Corless. Despite her humble beginnings, she navigates her new role with pragmatism and a fresh approach to traditional hierarchical norms, leading to significant changes in her community. At the start of the story, readers are introduced to the unique social attitudes of Irish society, particularly focusing on the marriage of Sir Tony to Bridie, which caused much gossip and shifted social standings. Through their domestic life at Castle Affey, we see Lady Corless taking charge not only of the household but also of the local economy by employing her relatives who then receive unemployment pay, leading to unexpected prosperity in the village. This innovative use of a government scheme indicates her practical nature and transforms her into a pivotal character within her community, while her husband enjoys a carefree life thanks to her management. The stage is set for a humorous examination of class, gender, and society in Ireland during a time of change.

Read free now No app, no sign-up. Your place is saved automatically. Or download for your e-reader ↓
  • Short stories, Irish

Read the opening

I. Lady Bountiful

Society in the west of Ireland is beautifully tolerant. A man may do many things there, things frowned on elsewhere, without losing caste. He may, for instance, drink heavily, appearing in public when plainly intoxicated, and no one thinks much the worse of him. He may be in debt up to the verge of bankruptcy and yet retain his position in society. But he may not marry his cook. When old Sir Tony Corless did that, he lost caste. He was a baronet of long descent, being, in fact, the fifth Corless who held the title.

Castle Affey was a fine old place, one of the best houses in the county, but people stopped going there and stopped asking Sir Tony to dinner. They could not stand the cook.

Bridie Malone was her name before she became Lady Corless. She was the daughter of the blacksmith in the village at the gates of Castle Affey, and she was at least forty years younger than Sir Tony. People shook their heads when they heard of the marriage and said that the old gentleman must be doting.

Keep reading Lady Bountiful →

Contents

  1. Part One
  2. I. Lady Bountiful
  3. II. The Strike Breaker
  4. III. The Faculty of Medicine
  5. IV. A Lunatic at Large
  6. V. The Bands of Ballyguttery
  7. VI. Starting the Train
  8. VII. Unlawful Possession
  9. VIII. A Soul for a Life
  10. Part Two
  11. IX. A Bird in Hand
  12. X. The Emerald Pendant
  13. XI. Settled Out of Court
  14. XII. A Competent Mechanic
  15. XIII. My Niece Kitty
  16. XIV. A Royal Marriage
  17. XV. Aunt Nell

Download for your e-reader

Files are provided by Project Gutenberg. On a Kindle, the simplest route is to send the EPUB with Amazon’s Send to Kindle. Downloaded copies don’t sync with your place on Classic Book Reader.

About this edition

This free edition of Lady Bountiful by George A. Birmingham comes from Project Gutenberg eBook #24155, released 2008-01-23. It is in the public domain in the United States, so you can read it here in full at no cost, on any phone, tablet or computer. Genre: Humour, Novels, British Literature.

Summary provided by Project Gutenberg (automatically generated).

More by George A. Birmingham