Company of Women

By: Doug Villhard

Narrated by: Jack Villhard

Company of Women is based on the exploits of one of America’s most entrepreneurial minds at the time of the 1904 World’s Fair in St. Louis.

By promoting a woman’s right to vote, Edward Garner Lewis built a women’s magazine empire that spanned the country until a conspiracy–all the way up to President Teddy Roosevelt–threatened to destroy it all.

We first meet Eddie as a young and charming door-to-door salesman who dreams of one day starting his own legit business and leaving his snake oil past behind. But when his beautiful new bride unexpectedly gets sick and hospitalized, Eddie has no choice but to risk the little savings they have to afford her care and go back to his cunning ways.

With a flashy new idea, an abundance of smart women in his circle, and an entrepreneurial spirit, Eddie begins a transformation from desperately hustling potions on street corners to a wealthy, high-stakes entrepreneur.

His appreciation and respect for women lead to a billion dollar idea–a precursor to today’s credit card–allowing rural women to finally enter the economy and shop securely via the mail. As his wealth, power, and success continue to grow, new temptations challenge his friendships, family, co-workers, and, most importantly, his marriage.

Soon Eddie’s expansive power and progressive views threaten men at the highest levels of the country. But, no matter how powerful a traditional workforce, government, and society may be, Eddie’s story reminds the world of one thing…never underestimate the company of women.

©2022 Doug Villhard (P)2023 Doug Villhard

A really good yarn about a fascinating character

On a quick stop in Atascadero, CA, I learned of E G Lewis and wanted to know more.
This book traces the first part of his adult life and his entrepreneurial activities in Nashville and St Louis.
What a fascinating story!
Cleverly told, with a little romance and suspense thrown in, I came away with a strong impression of St Louis around the time of the 1904 World's Fair, and of Eddie Lewis's ambitious business and real estate schemes.
Can't wait to read 'City of Women' and find out more!
Decently narrated, I would mention that the narrator voices some characters very quietly, so if you're listening in a car, you may need to turn the volume up to hear Mabel!

Immensely enjoyable!

I loved this book, the history surrounding it and the fast paced story line. I would recommend it highly. The
setting of St Louis during the Worlds Fair made it especially interesting to me. I’ve had the pleasure of seeing E.G. Lewis’ Building and many other places mentioned in the book. The author is a masterful storyteller and I look forward to his next novel. It was especially gratifying to know of the main character’s celebration of women in society and it was most humorous and informative.

Doug Villhard’s already encapsulating story is brought to life by Jack Villhard’s narration.

Doug Villhard’s entertaining and witty writing style is enhanced by Jack Villhard’s narration. This wonderful story is brought to life thanks to this fantastic duo.