Field and Forest; Or, The Fortunes of a Farmer

"Field and Forest; Or, The Fortunes of a Farmer" by Oliver Optic is a novel written in the late 19th century. This book centers on the adventures of a young boy, Phil Farringford, who is coming of age in the American wilderness, specifically set against the backdrop of the upper Missouri area. As he navigates life in a cabin, he deals with the realities of survival, danger from Native Americans, and the challenges of managing a farm. The opening of the story introduces Phil as a thirteen-year-old boy returning home from a successful fishing trip, only to learn that two Indians have stolen his horses. He interacts with old Matt Rockwood, his guardian, who urges Phil to take action to recover their horses. As events unfold, Phil successfully devises a plan to deal with the drunken Indians and brings the horses back, demonstrating both his courage and the hardship of life on the frontier. The narrative hints at deeper themes as Phil processes his circumstances, including his connection to Matt, who has been a father figure in his life and prepares the reader for the challenges Phil will face as he transitions into adulthood in a tumultuous environment. (This is an automatically generated summary.)

William Taylor Adams, pseudonym Oliver Optic, was an academic, author, and a member of the Massachusetts House of Representatives.