H.H. Munro Livres

Hector Hugh Munro is perhaps the most graceful spokesman for England's "golden afternoon''--those slow and peaceful years prior to the outbreak of World War I. The good wit of bad manners, elegantly spiced with irony and deftly controlled malice, has made Saki stories small, perfect gems of the English language. Here for the first time, are the collected writings of Saki--including all of his short stories ("Reginald", "Reginald in Russia", "The Chronicles of Clovis", "Beasts and Super-Beasts" "The Toys of Peace", and "The Square Egg"), his three novels (THE UNBEARABLE BASSINGTON, WHEN WILLIAM CAME and THE WESTMINSTER ALICE), and three plays (THE DEATHTRAP, KARL-LUDWIG'S WINDOW and THE WATCHED POT. You are invited to meet once again Clovis, Reginald, the Unbearable Bassington, and the other memorable characters etched so superbly by the pen of H.H. Munro. "In all literature, he was the first to employ successfully a wildly outrageous premise in order to make a serious point. I love that. And today the best of his stories are still better than the best of just about every other writer around."--Roald Dahl. Introduction by Noel Coward.

Francesca grapples with the challenges of raising her unruly son, Comus, who embodies the reckless spirit of British high society. While she appreciates her supportive brother Henry, Comus's irresponsible behavior leads her to consider drastic measures, such as sending him to the colonies. The story explores themes of familial duty, societal expectations, and the struggle between parental love and frustration in the face of a child's misbehavior.

These 37 stories have been chosen from the complete omnibus volume of Saki's short stories published between 1904 and 1923. The stories are taken from: Reginald (1904), Reginald in Russia (1910), The Chronicles of Clovis (1911), Beasts and Super Beasts (1914) and The Toys of Peace (1923).

The story introduces a confident fifteen-year-old girl who engages Mr. Nuttel while they await her aunt's arrival. Her demeanor sets the stage for an intriguing encounter, hinting at a blend of youthful charm and potential mischief. The dynamic between the characters suggests themes of communication and the unexpected nature of social interactions. The setting promises to unfold a narrative that explores relationships and perhaps the complexities of truth and storytelling.

Featuring a masterful blend of wit and satire, this collection showcases Saki's sharp critique of Edwardian society through intricate characters and rich political commentary. Beginning with the "Reginald" stories, readers are introduced to the cynical young protagonist navigating societal norms. The anthology also includes Saki's acclaimed works such as "Reginald in Russia," "The Chronicles of Clovis," "Beasts and Super-Beasts," "The Toys of Peace," and "The Square Egg," each highlighting the often brutal clash between civilization and nature.

Featuring a collection of satirical stories, this book showcases the wit and humor of a master storyteller. Each tale presents a unique twist, inviting readers to explore the clever narratives that challenge societal norms and human behavior. Newly designed and typeset in a contemporary format, it offers a fresh presentation of classic satire, making it an engaging read for both new and longtime fans.

Featuring a collection of satirical stories, this book showcases the wit and humor of a renowned British author. Each tale offers a unique twist, reflecting sharp observations on society and human nature. The modern 6-by-9-inch format enhances the reading experience, making it accessible for contemporary audiences.

The TREDITION CLASSICS series is dedicated to reviving public domain literature, ensuring that timeless works remain accessible in print. Driven by a passion for literature, the creators aim to preserve great books that never lose their relevance. By purchasing these titles, readers contribute to various non-profit literature projects, with a portion of proceeds supporting efforts to save significant literary works from being forgotten.

H.H. Munro, known as Saki, is celebrated for his distinctive short stories that blend wit with sharp social commentary. His narratives traverse a spectrum from fanciful to horrific, showcasing a unique ability to juxtapose urban sophistication with raw, uncivilized elements. This combination creates a memorable reading experience, as noted by The Encyclopedia of Fantasy, highlighting his skill in crafting epigrammatic tales that resonate with readers.

In two brilliant collections of stories, Reginald (1904) and Reginald in Russia (1910), which spanned the Edwardian period, Saki made his name as the predominant wit of the emergent twentieth century. As the new Georgian age dawned, his star was at its height: .."Sylvia, notwithstanding her name, was accustomed to nothing much more sylvan than "leafy Kensington." She looked on the country as something excellent and wholesome in its way, which was apt to become troublesome if you encouraged it overmuch..." ..".I love Americans, but not when they try to talk French. What a blessing it is that they never try to talk English..." ..".You needn't tell me that a man who doesn't love oysters and asparagus and good wines has got a soul, or a stomach either. He's simply got the instinct for being unhappy highly developed." In this volume, first published in 1911, he introduced a new titular character, albeit with a huge resemblance to both Reginald and himself. Clovis Sangrail is unsurprisable, louche in conversation, thoroughly determined to avoid the banal. In this magnificent collection, he observes the ludicrous with an unswerving eye, and undermines it with rapier-like skill, while gleefully and covertly turning all to his advantage. Saki had announced himself as the brief Edwardian flame burnt itself out; with the brilliance of this volume he made it plain that he had no intention of fading away.