The Complete Saki


Book Description

The complete works of one of England's greatest Edwardian writers Saki is perhaps the most graceful spokesman for England's 'Golden Afternoon' - the slow and peaceful years before the First World War. Although, like so many of his generation, he died tragically young, in action on the Western Front, his reputation as a writer continued to grow long after his death. His work is humorous, satiric, supernatural, and macabre, highly individual, full of eccentric wit and unconventional situations. With his great gift as a social satirist of his contemporary upper-class Edwardian world, Saki is one of the few undisputed English masters of the short story and one of the great writers of a bygone era. For more than seventy years, Penguin has been the leading publisher of classic literature in the English-speaking world. With more than 1,700 titles, Penguin Classics represents a global bookshelf of the best works throughout history and across genres and disciplines. Readers trust the series to provide authoritative texts enhanced by introductions and notes by distinguished scholars and contemporary authors, as well as up-to-date translations by award-winning translators.




The Complete Works of Saki


Book Description

The Complete Works of Saki encompasses the exquisite repertoire of H. H. Munro, known by his pen name Saki, presenting a rich tableau of Edwardian society through sharp wit and a masterful blending of cynicism with the absurd. This collection showcases the broad spectrum of Munro's literary prowess, from the intricate satire of upper-class pretensions to the whimsically dark tales that unveil human nature's complexities. Each piece stands as a testament to the depth and diversity of Saki's storytelling, with standout works that exemplify his unparalleled ability to merge comedic brilliance with insightful social commentary. Munros background as a journalist and observer of the social mores of his time significantly influences the thematic and stylistic nuances of his stories. Embedded in the historical and cultural framework of the early 20th century, his writings reflect the tensions and transformations of Edwardian England, capturing the zeitgeist with both levity and precision. The collections coherence lies not just in its thematic unity but in its reflection of Munro's singular visiona vision shaped by his life experiences and literary skill, offering readers a comprehensive view of his oeuvre. This anthology is an indispensable resource for those wishing to explore the intricacies of early 20th-century English literature through the lens of one of its most incisive commentators. Readers are invited to delve into the vibrant world of Saki, where the absurdities of the human condition are laid bare with unparalleled wit and intelligence. The Complete Works of Saki is more than a literary collection; it's a journey through a landscape of satire and surprise, making it a must-read for aficionados and novices alike, eager to explore the multifaceted brilliance of Munros contributions to English literature.




The Collected Short Stories


Book Description

International bestselling author Jeffrey Archer has enthralled readers with his riveting suspense, surprise denouements, and unforgettable storylines. Now Archer's three acclaimed collections of short fiction are brought together in one irresistible volume. THE COLLECTED SHORT STORIES A Quiver Full of Arrows takes readers on a journey of encounters that befall an assortment of kindly strangers, wary old friends, and long-lost loves. Sly reflections on human nature are at the center of A Twist in the Tale in which blindly adventurous game-players compete for stakes higher than they dreamed. Expect the unexpected and you'll still be surprised in Twelve Red Herrings, a dozen tales of betrayal, love, murder and revenge capped with a startling twist. Thirty-six stories in all, each poised to astonish and inspire, revealing "master entertainer" (Time) Jeffrey Archer at his artfully entertaining best.







WHEN WILLIAM CAME


Book Description

This eBook has been formatted to the highest digital standards and adjusted for readability on all devices. Set several years the future, after a war between Germany and Great Britain in which the Germans won, "When William Came" chronicles life in London under German occupation and the changes that come with a foreign army's invasion and triumph. The "William" is actually Kaiser Wilhelm II of the House of Hohenzollern.




Saki, a Life of Hector Hugh Munro


Book Description




The Unrest-Cure


Book Description

Hector Hugh Munro (18 December 1870 – 14 November 1916), better known by the pen name Saki and also frequently as H. H. Munro, was a British writer whose witty, mischievous and sometimes macabre stories satirize Edwardian society and culture. He is considered a master of the short story, and often compared to O. Henry and Dorothy Parker. Influenced by Oscar Wilde, Lewis Carroll and Rudyard Kipling, he himself influenced A. A. Milne, Noël Coward and P. G. Wodehouse. Besides his short stories (which were first published in newspapers, as was customary at the time, and then collected into several volumes), he wrote a full-length play, The Watched Pot, in collaboration with Charles Maude; two one-act plays; a historical study, The Rise of the Russian Empire (the only book published under his own name); a short novel, The Unbearable Bassington; the episodic The Westminster Alice (a parliamentary parody of Alice in Wonderland); and When William Came, subtitled A Story of London Under the Hohenzollerns, a fantasy about a future German invasion and occupation of Britain. "The Unrest-Cure" - Saki's recurring hero Clovis Sangrail, a clever, mischievous young man, overhears the complacent middle-aged Huddle complaining of his own addiction to routine and aversion to change. Huddle's friend makes the wry suggestion that he needs an "unrest-cure" (the opposite of a rest cure), to be performed, if possible, in the home. Clovis takes it upon himself to "help" the man and his sister by involving them in an invented outrage that will be a "blot on the twentieth century". Famous works of the author Saki: "The Interlopers", "Gabriel-Ernest", "The Schartz-Metterklume Method", "The Toys of Peace", "The Storyteller", "The Open Window", "The Unrest-Cure", "Esmé", "Sredni Vashtar", "Tobermory", "The Bull", "The East Wing".







The Chronicles of Clovis


Book Description

This early work by H. H. Munro was originally published in 1911 and we are now republishing it with a brand new introductory biography. 'The Chronicles of Clovis' is a collection of short stories, including 'The Great Weep', 'Tobermory', 'Adrian', and many more. Hector Hugh Munro was born in Akyab, Burma in 1870. He was raised by aunts in North Devon, England, before returning to Burma in his early twenties to join the Colonial Burmese Military Police. Later, Munro returned once more to England, where he embarked on his career as a journalist, becoming well-known for his satirical 'Alice in Westminster' political sketches, which appeared in the Westminster Gazette. Arguably better-remembered by his pen name, 'Saki', Munro is now considered a master of the short story, with tales such as 'The Open Window' regarded as examples of the form at its finest.




The Chronicles of Clovis


Book Description

Dive into the whimsical and satirical world of Saki with "The Chronicles of Clovis." This collection of short stories introduces readers to the charmingly mischievous Clovis, whose adventures are filled with wit, humor, and a touch of the absurd. As you journey through Saki's delightful narratives, you'll encounter a cast of eccentric characters and clever plots that critique societal norms and human folly. Each story showcases Saki's sharp observational skills and his knack for crafting memorable moments that provoke both laughter and reflection. But here's a question that might pique your curiosity: What happens when a simple act of mischief reveals the absurdities of social conventions? Can a little chaos lead to greater truths? In "The Chronicles of Clovis," Saki invites you to embrace the playful side of life while challenging the status quo. This collection is a refreshing reminder of the joys of mischief and the importance of not taking ourselves too seriously. Are you ready to join Clovis on his delightful escapades? Discover the charm and cleverness of "The Chronicles of Clovis" today! As you read, you'll find yourself chuckling at the clever twists and unexpected turns of each story. This is a collection that not only entertains but also invites you to reflect on the quirks of human nature. Will you embark on a journey filled with wit and whimsy? Grab your copy of "The Chronicles of Clovis" now and indulge in the delightful absurdity of Saki's world!