Ranson's Folly : Kessinger Publishing : 9781162646053 : 1162646055 : 10 Sep 2010 : Ranson's Folly is a novel written by Richard Harding Davis. The story revolves around the wealthy and reckless Jack Ranson, who decides to build a luxurious mansion on a small island in the Hudson River. Despite warnings from his friends and family, Ranson is determined to see his vision through, and hires a team of architects and builders to construct his dream home. However, as construction progresses, Ranson begins to realize the true cost of his folly. He must navigate through the challenges of building on an island, including harsh weather conditions and a lack of resources. Additionally, he must deal with the consequences of his actions, including strained relationships with his loved ones and financial ruin. Throughout the novel, Davis explores themes of ambition, recklessness, and the pursuit of wealth and status. The book is a classic tale of the American Dream gone awry and serves as a cautiona