영어로 읽는 고전 _ 에머슨 허프의 오리건 영토분쟁사건
"54-40 or Fight"는 Emerson Hough가 1909년에 발표한 역사 소설로, 1840년대 미국과 영국 간의 오리건 영토 분쟁을 배경으로 합니다.
이 작품의 제목 "54-40"은 당시 미국이 주장했던 오리건 준주의 북방 경계선인 북위 54도 40분을 의미합니다. 소설은 실제 역사적 사건인 오리건 영토 분쟁을 중심으로, 정치적 음모와 로맨스를 결합한 이야기를 전개합니다.
Hough는 이 소설에서 역사적 사실에 충실하면서도, 당시의 정치적 긴장감과 영토 확장을 둘러싼 다양한 이해관계를 흥미진진하게 그려냅니다. 특히 'Manifest Destiny(명백한 운명)'이라는 미국의 팽창주의 이념과 그에 따른 국제적 갈등을 효과적으로 포착합니다.
작품은 역사적 사건을 배경으로 하면서도, 개인의 운명과 국가의 운명이 교차하는 드라마틱한 서사를 담아내고 있습니다. 미국의 영토 확장기를 이해하는 중요한 역사소설로 평가받고 있으며, 특히 서부 개척 시대의 정치적, 사회적 맥락을 이해하는 데 도움을 주는 작품으로 인정받고 있습니다.

Classics in English _ 54-40 or Fight by Emerson Hough
"54-40 or Fight" is a historical novel published by Emerson Hough in 1909, set in the Oregon Territory Dispute between the United States and Britain in the 1840s.
The title "54-40" refers to the northern boundary of the Oregon Territory claimed by the United States at the time, 54 degrees 40 minutes north latitude. The novel unfolds a story combining political intrigue and romance, centering on the actual historical event, the Oregon Territory Dispute.
In this novel, Hough is faithful to historical facts, while also portraying the political tensions of the time and the various interests surrounding territorial expansion in an exciting way. In particular, he effectively captures the American expansionist ideology of 'Manifest Destiny' and the international conflicts that followed.
The work is set against the backdrop of historical events, but contains a dramatic narrative in which the fate of an individual and the fate of a nation intersect. It is considered an important historical novel for understanding the period of American territorial expansion, and is especially recognized as a work that helps understand the political and social context of the Western frontier.

Summary
"54-40 or Fight" by Emerson Hough is a historical novel written in the early 20th century. The story is set against the backdrop of American expansionism during the mid-19th century, particularly focusing on the contentious debate over the acquisition of Texas and Oregon. The narrative appears to revolve around the character John Calhoun, an influential Southern politician deeply engaged in the political maneuvering regarding territorial expansion and national identity, as well as his interactions with key figures, including the enigmatic Baroness Helena von Ritz. The opening of the novel introduces John Calhoun, who is embroiled in a complex web of political intrigue and personal ambition. As Calhoun converses with his old friend, Dr. Samuel Ward, they discuss the challenges and risks associated with the annexation of Texas, including the potential conflict with England. From the outset, Calhoun’s determination to expand American territory is palpable, suggesting a personal battle interwoven with the national interests at stake. The narrative hints at Calhoun's use of intriguing methods, including the involvement of women in political schemes. The introduction of Nicholas Trist, Calhoun's aide, adds depth as he is tasked with delivering a critical message to the Baroness von Ritz, setting the stage for a significant encounter that intertwines both personal and national destinies. This mix of political drama and personal intrigue serves to engage the reader in the broader themes of ambition, power, and territorial conflict inherent in America's formative years.

Contents
I. THE MAKERS OF MAPS
II. BY SPECIAL DESPATCH
III. IN ARGUMENT
IV. THE BARONESS HELENA
V. ONE OF THE WOMEN IN THE CASE
VI. THE BOUDOIR OF THE BARONESS
VII. REGARDING ELISABETH
VIII. MR. CALHOUN ACCEPTS
IX. A KETTLE OF FISH
X. MIXED DUTIES
XI. WHO GIVETH THIS WOMAN
XII. THE MARATHON
XIII. ON SECRET SERVICE
XIV. THE OTHER WOMAN
XV. WITH MADAM THE BARONESS
XVI. DEJEUNER A LA FOURCHETTE
XVII. A HUNTER OF BUTTERFLIES
XVIII. THE MISSING SLIPPER
XIX. THE GENTLEMAN FROM TENNESSEE
XX. THE LADY FROM MEXICO
XXI. POLITICS UNDER COVER
XXII. BUT YET A WOMAN
XXIII. SUCCESS IN SILK
XXIV. THE WHOA-HAW TRAIL
XXV. OREGON
XXVI. THE DEBATED COUNTRY
XXVII. IN THE CABIN OF MADAM
XXVIII. WHEN A WOMAN WOULD
XXIX. IN EXCHANGE
XXX. COUNTER CURRENTS
XXXI. THE PAYMENT
XXXII. PAKENHAM'S PRICE
XXXIII. THE STORY OF HELENA VON RITZ
XXXIV.THE VICTORY
XXXV. THE PROXY OF PAKENHAM
XXXVI. THE PALO ALTO BALL
EPILOGUE