'Sunbeams' Summary

George Wilbur Peck's "Sunbeams" presents a collection of essays that are a window into the social and political landscape of early 20th-century America. Through gentle satire, Peck skewers the foibles and inconsistencies of his time, often drawing parallels to the work of Mark Twain. The essays reflect a range of topics, from the 'bimetallic question' - the debate about using gold and silver as currency - to the anxieties surrounding questionable ingredients in food. The reader is treated to Peck's commentary on the Spanish-American War, the burgeoning American involvement in the Philippines, and the conflict between the British Empire and the Boers. Throughout the essays, Peck's humor and sharp wit illuminate the realities of the time, often prompting reflection on the social and political complexities of the period.