Josiah's Alarm, and Abel Perry's Funeral

Josiah's Alarm, and Abel Perry's Funeral is a satirical novel by Marietta Holley. It follows the comical exploits in the life of Josiah Allen, his wife and their neighbors as they seek to outdo each other in their possessions. When the lawyer Abel Perry's friend and client dies on a visit to his home, he is overcome by the desire to honor his friend's memory with a monument. Against Josiah and his wife's advice he proceeds with his plan. But is it really the wisest use of the late man's estate…