The Bar Sinister

This edition of The Bar Sinister - an inspiring tale of a dog's devotion and nobility overcoming a life of abuse and hardship - contains all of the original illustrations by Edmund Marion Ashe.


Told from the perspective of a young hound facing cruelty and hardship in an unforgiving world, this story offers uplifting lessons about a young and goodhearted dog rises above his birth in poverty to find a good and much-deserved owner. Physical and emotional abuse from cruel humans - the dog is made to fight by his first master - does not deter or distract our gentle and perceptive hero from his innate nobility.


Although sentimental in tone, the stories of Richard Harding Davis struck a chord with animal lovers around the world. His portrayal of dogs as intelligent, watchful and loving creatures was applauded by owners; although lacking a voice, the hero of this story is more than aware of what is going on around him and is possessed of a fine heart.


Richard Harding Davis worked as a journalist, but authored many light-hearted short stories and novellas on a variety of genres and themes. In life, he was best known as a war correspondent who reported on the Boer War, the Spanish-American War, and World War One. A staunch supporter of Theodore Roosevelt, he did much to advance the causes of that President.