Risultati di "Arnold Bennett" in Tutte le categorie

Step into the world of Arnold Bennetts The Grim Smile of the Five Towns, a captivating collection of stories published in 1907. This is Bennetts second major anthology, following the acclaimed Tales Of The Five Towns from 1905 (available at Librivox). Set against the backdrop of Stoke-on-Trent, where much of Bennetts finest work unfolds, these stories reveal the authors signature dry wit that belies the grim in the title. Critics have come to appreciate the collections standout tale, Simon Fuge, with Margaret Drabble hailing it as one of the greatest short stories in the English language. John...

Dive into Bennetts thought-provoking essays that effortlessly blend wit and wisdom. Human nature remains remarkably consistent throughout history, and Bennett’s insights continue to resonate, even today. This eclectic collection, penned during the tumultuous times of the First World War and the womens suffrage movement, invites readers to reflect on the enduring complexities of existence. (Summary by Ruth Golding)

Dive into Elsie And The Child, a captivating collection of thirteen short stories from 1924 by a master storyteller of the early twentieth century. Renowned for his engaging fiction and nonfiction, the author won the hearts of many. Following his contributions to the WWI war effort, he graciously declined the Order of the British Empire (OBE). Enjoy a rich tapestry of narratives that reflect the eras spirit, beautifully narrated by David Wales.

Dive into a charming collection of short stories that gently satirize and humorously reflect on the everyday life of small-town England at the close of the nineteenth century. Set in the six towns of Staffordshire, famously known as the Potteries, Arnold Bennett artfully fictionalizes these locales, opting for the more melodious Five Towns by omitting Fenton. The narrative cleverly intertwines the real towns of Hanley, Longton, Burslem, and Tunstall, with Stoke transformed into the fictional Knype. Born in Hanley in 1867, Arnold Bennetts journey from a solicitors clerk to a celebrated writer ...

Immerse yourself in The Old Wives Tale, a timeless novel by Arnold Bennett, first published in 1908. This captivating story follows the contrasting lives of two sisters, Constance and Sophia Baines, as they navigate their journey from youth spent in their mother’s drapers shop to the complexities of old age. Spanning approximately 70 years from 1840 to 1905, the narrative unfolds against the backdrop of Burslem and Paris, showcasing Bennetts masterful storytelling. Regarded as one of his finest works, this tale beautifully explores themes of family, resilience, and the passage of time. (...

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

Discover a captivating collection of twenty-two short stories by Arnold Bennett, set primarily in the enchanting Five Towns—his affectionate term for the pottery manufacturing heartland of the English midlands. With rich characterizations and vivid storytelling, these tales paint a portrait of life in this unique region. (Summary by Andy Minter)

Dive into Clayhanger, the first book in a captivating trilogy that tells the coming-of-age tale of Edwin Clayhanger in the heart of Victorian Englands Midlands. As Edwin navigates the transition from schoolboy to businessman, he grapples with the weight of familial expectations, societal norms, and the complexities of first love. Set against the backdrop of Bennetts fictional 5 Towns, inspired by the real-life Potteries, this story explores the resilience required to forge ones identity amidst the constraints of a rigid society. Edwins journey is not just about survival; its a poignant ...

In the second installment of Bennetts captivating series set in the Five Towns—reflecting the real-life Potteries of Staffordshire—Hilda Lessways delves into the life of Hilda before her marriage to Edwin Clayhanger, a character introduced in the first book. This richly woven narrative follows Hildas journey as she strives for independence and navigates her professional life as a shorthand clerk and a lodging house keeper in bustling London and vibrant Brighton. As her relationship with the enigmatic George Cannon deepens, Hilda faces the tumultuous consequences of a bigamous marriage and ...

Meet Edward Henry Machin, affectionately known as ‘Denry’—the charming protagonist of this delightful tale. Set in the bustling pottery towns of the English Midlands during the late 19th century, Denry rises from the humble beginnings of a washerwoman and seamstresss son to become a wealthy figure, celebrated for his vibrant spirit and determination. With his quick wit and unshakeable nerve, he not only finds love and prosperity but also makes history as the youngest mayor of his hometown. As one councillor quips, He’s identified with the great cause of cheering us all up. Join us in ...

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

This captivating 1926 collection features sixteen thought-provoking essays on religion by prominent figures of the early 20th century, primarily authors. Originally published in The London Daily Express, the anthology includes the insights of notable writers such as Arnold Bennett, Hugh Walpole, and Rebecca West, alongside esteemed personalities like Sir Arthur Conan Doyle and Israel Zangwill. Join us on a reflective journey through their diverse perspectives on faith and spirituality, as compiled by David Wales.

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.

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)

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.

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)

Meet Mr. Priam Farll, a gifted painter whose shyness is so profound that when his valet, Henry Leek, unexpectedly passes away, the doctor mistakenly identifies the dead man as Priam and the living artist as his servant. Rather than correct the error, Priam allows the ruse to continue. Following the lavish funeral in Westminster Abbey, he unexpectedly marries a widow and enjoys a blissful life—until financial troubles force him back to his easel. As a savvy art connoisseur begins to recognize Priam’s distinctive style, he believes the works to be those of a fraud and profits handsomely by ...

In Regent, we follow the further adventures of Denry Machin, the beloved protagonist from The Card. Now at forty-three, Denry grapples with the unsettling feeling of growing old, realizing that financial success and a stable home life no longer fulfill him. Yearning for change and excitement, he reflects, What I want is change - and a lot of it too! A serendipitous encounter at a local theatre sets him on a journey to London, where his quest for renewal truly begins. (Summary by A.J.M.)

In the charming town of Bursley, James Ollerenshaw, a wealthy middle-aged bachelor, finds his life turned upside down after a chance encounter with his spirited great step-niece, Helen. This determined young woman, in her twenties, enters his world and leads both of them on a humorous journey of self-discovery and unexpected adventures. Join Simon Evers as he narrates this delightful tale filled with wit and warmth.