Francis Hopkinson Smith

Tom Grogan is a novel published in 1896 by Francis Hopkinson Smith that was the best selling book in the United States in 1896. The novel also ran in the The Century Magazine starting in December 1895, with illustrations from Charles Stanley Reinhart. Tom Grogan, by F. Hopkinson Smith (1895.) is a spirited and most entertaining and ingenious study of laboring life in Staten Island, New York. Tom Grogan was a stevedore, who died from the effects of an injury. With a family to support, his widow conceals the fact of her husband's death, saying that he is sick in a hospital, that she may assume both his name and business. She is thenceforth known to every one as 'Tom Grogan.' A sturdy, cheery, capable Irishwomen, she carries on the business with an increasing success, which arouses the jealous opposition of some rival stevedores and walking delegates of the labor union she has refused to join.

Peter: A novel of which he is not the hero explores the quiet dignity of an ordinary life against the backdrop of a rapidly changing social and economic world. The narrative centers on the life of a modest bank clerk whose principles, humility, and devotion to his work reflect an era rooted in respect and tradition. Through vivid depictions of daily routines and thoughtful reflections, the story captures the charm of a world where personal integrity and kindness hold greater value than ambition or wealth. The setting reveals a nostalgic tension between the fading gentility of Wall Street's past and the rise of modernity that threatens its moral foundation. The protagonist's simple contentment and observant nature highlight deeper questions about character and progress, portraying a delicate balance between self-worth and societal change. The novel unfolds as a gentle study of values, friendship, and the human spirit's resilience in the face of shifting ideals.