Showing results by author "Arnold Bennett" in All Categories

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.

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.

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

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 ...

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 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 ...

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 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

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 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

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.

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.

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)