Showing results by author "Arnold Bennett" in All Categories

In this captivating coming-of-age tale, we follow the journey of Edwin Clayhanger, a young man whose aspirations of becoming an architect are crushed under the weight of his domineering father, Darius. Stranded in the family printing business, Edwin navigates the complexities of familial relationships and becomes enamored with the enigmatic Hilda Lessways. As he gradually takes charge of the family enterprise, the story intricately weaves through Edwin’s struggles and triumphs, marking the beginning of an engaging four-part series that chronicles his life. - Summary by Simon Evers

Priam Farll es el más reputado pintor de Inglaterra: célebre por sus cuadros sobre policías y pingüinos, es adorado por el público y la crítica. Tímido como un cervatillo, nadie conoce su aspecto, pues lleva años viviendo en el extranjero junto con su criado Henry Leek, un granuja de...

The Matador of the Five Towns and Other Stories consists of twenty-two short stories written by Arnold Bennett, their main setting being the pottery manufacturing towns of the English midlands.

"A Great Man: a Frolic" (1904) is a humorous novel by Arnold Bennett about the beginning of the marriage of another author: Henry Shakspere Knight. Excerpt from the book: "On an evening in 1866 Mr. Henry Knight, a draper's manager, aged forty, dark, clean-shaven, short, but not stout, sat in his sitting-room on the second-floor over the shop which he managed in Oxford Street, London. He was proud of that sitting-room, which represented the achievement of an ideal.

"The Ghost: A Modern Fantasy" (1911) is a novel by Arnold Bennett. Excerpt from the book: "I see," I observed, carrying my crushed remains out into the street. Impossible to conceal the fact that I had recently arrived from Edinburgh as raw as a ploughboy! If you had seen me standing irresolute on the pavement, tapping my stick of Irish bog oak idly against the curbstone, you would have seen a slim youth, rather nattily dressed (I think), with a shadow of brown on his upper lip.

When Alice joins her husband, whom due to the war she has barely seen since their marriage two years earlier, on his yacht for a belated honeymoon, she discovers that a boat is far from an ideal location to get to know one's spouse. For a start, there is no privacy anywhere. The crew can hear everything. Secondly, life about ship is run by men and operates on male terms. Alice sets out to establish herself as mistress of both her husband and his ship.

"The Regent" or "A towns story of adventure in London" is a story about London's upper class society in the Victorian era. The protagonist Edward Henry is a self-made successful entrepreneur, a "nouveau riche". He is a charming and clever man, but unfortunately with no artistic taste. Despite his wealth and accomplished political influence, he becomes bored in the small town so he heads up to London in order to get back into the competitive and exciting "game" of business.

An unsettling anthology of short stories featuring crazed characters, from the mildly eccentric to the criminally insane. 1. "The Tell-tale Heart" by Edgar Allan Poe 2. "The Green Light" by Barry Pain 3. "A Madman’s Manuscript" by Charles Dickens 4. "His Brother’s Keeper" by W. W. Jacobs 5. "The Dream" by A. J. Alan 6. "Query" by Seamark 7. "Old Fags" by Stacy Aumonier 8. "The Mad Veteran of Fort Ratonneau" by Ludwig Achim von Arnhem 9. "The Mines of Falun" by E. T. A. Hoffmann

A delightful collection of humorous classic tales by some of the world's greatest racconteurs.

A story of small-town intrigue that begins with a large sum of money being entrusted and then mysteriously disappearing. The novel was extremely popular and one of Bennett's greatest successes.

A collection of strange and often grisly tales by some of the world's greatest writers, ranging from mildly unsettling to hair-raising.

Dive into Arnold Bennetts masterful novel, a gripping exploration of a bookseller whose relentless miserliness impacts not only his life but also his deep affection for a woman. Set against the vibrant backdrop of Londons Clerkenwell district in the aftermath of the First World War, this tale weaves together themes of love, obsession, and the human spirit. - Summary by Anthony Ogus

Set in the Potteries area of Staffordshire, England, this gripping tale follows Anna Tellwright, the daughter of a wealthy yet tyrannical father whose strict control extends even to her spiritual life within the Methodist church. After marrying the charming and respectable Henry, Anna seeks to break free from her fathers oppressive grasp. However, her desire to assist Willy, the troubled son of her fathers bankrupt business partner, leads her into a web of challenges and moral dilemmas that test her resolve.

Dive into a delightful blend of humor and insight with Bennetts timeless collection of articles. He shares his reflections on mental exercise, life organization, the complexities of marriage, and various pocket philosophies. Nearly a century after its original publication, this book remains relevant and entertaining, offering a fresh perspective on enduring topics. Notably, Bennett references An Essay on the Principle of Population by Thomas Malthus in Chapter 5, which is also available as a Librivox recording. (Summary by Ruth Golding)

In this thought-provoking episode, Bennett invites us to view our brains as the most extraordinary machine we possess—one that we have the unique power to control. As he eloquently expresses, I am simply bent on calling your attention to a fact which has perhaps wholly or partially escaped you -- namely, that you are the most fascinating bit of machinery that ever was. With his signature honeyed prose and inspired insights, Bennetts timeless advice resonates just as profoundly today as it did when first penned.

Why do we write? What does it mean to be a writer? This book contains no useful tips on grammar, style, or plot. Instead, it focuses on the observation and perspective that is needed to be a good writer—on the fact that writing is an expression of the art of living. A lovely journey through a very Edwardian world.

In this series we explore the many facets of love through literary talents that span both time and country. ‘With this ring, I thee Wed’. And with these words lives enter a new chapter. Hopefully till the end of their lives but time together, with its up and downs, hurdles and obstacles, also cuts short a great many, sometimes in unusual ways.

Join Mr. Prohack, a seemingly ordinary Treasury official, as his life takes an unexpected turn when he inherits a substantial fortune. With a fortunate investment, he transforms his newfound wealth into extraordinary riches. This delightful and humorous tale chronicles the adventures of Mr. Prohack and his family—his wife, son, and daughter—each learning to navigate the quirks and challenges of their transformed lives. - Summary by Simon Evers

In Man from the North, Richard Larch, a spirited young man hailing from the north of England, ventures to London with dreams of striking it rich. By day, he diligently serves as a clerk in an office, but his true passion lies in writing. Alongside his literary aspirations, he is on a quest to find the perfect partner. This captivating tale chronicles Richard’s journey as he navigates the challenges of ambition and romance, drawing inspiration from Bennetts own life experiences in his debut novel. (Summary by Simon Evers)

Dive into the whimsical journey of Henry Shakespeare Knight, an unsuspecting author who finds himself in the spotlight after penning a surprise best-seller. Join us as we explore the delightful twists and turns of his adventure, narrated with charm by Simon Evers.