Short Stories

ebook: Short Stories

Sprache - Englisch

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About the eBook

Arnold Bennett's 'Short Stories' is an anthology that embodies the spirit of early 20th-century English literature, showcasing his deftness in capturing the everyday lives of people in the Staffordshire Potteries – an area famously dubbed the Five Towns. Bennett's prose is marked by its meticulous detail, wit, and a penchant for exploring the interplay between character and environment. Woven into these narratives is a keen social observation, as Bennett brings to life a range of characters from different strata of society through a series of vignettes that reveal the human condition in all its forms – from the mundane to the dramatic. Literary critics have long admired Bennett's ability to blend naturalism with humor, and this collection is no exception, sitting comfortably within the tradition of Victorian and Edwardian storytelling, yet offering a timeless commentary on human vulnerabilities and strengths.

Bennett, a pivotal figure in the transition from 19th to 20th-century literature, drew inspiration from his own experiences growing up in the Potteries. His intimate knowledge of the region is reflected in the authenticity of his settings and dialogues. The textured descriptions and complex character portrayals found in these short stories are testament to Bennett's status as a master realist, with a talent for dissecting the foibles and follies of English provincial life. This corpus of work reaffirms his role as a chronicler of English society, capturing the nuances and paradoxes of a bygone era with a clarity that resonates with contemporary readers.

'Recommended for enthusiasts of classic English literature and readers interested in social history, 'Short Stories' by Arnold Bennett offers a rich tapestry of narratives that both entertain and enlighten. Bennett's prose invites readers into a world where the extraordinary coexists with the ordinary, and where each story serves as a window into the souls of its characters. Engaging and provocative, Bennett's stories stand as a testament to the enduring power of good storytelling – examining life's contrasts and complexities with a subtlety and depth that continue to engage and challenge readers century after century.


About the Author

Enoch Arnold Bennett, an illustrious English writer, was born on May 27, 1867, in Hanley, Stoke-on-Trent, Staffordshire. A prolific author, journalist, and dramatist, Bennett's literary career flourished in the early 20th century. His work encompasses a myriad of short stories, novels, non-fiction, and plays, reflecting the Victorian society's transition into the modern age. Bennett is perhaps best known for his insightful portrayal of life in the Potteries, the industrial towns of his youth, particularly in his celebrated 'Clayhanger' series and 'The Old Wives' Tale' (1908). His acute observations of middle-class life and its complexities are masterfully demonstrated in his short story collections such as 'Tales of the Five Towns' (1905). Although sometimes scrutinized for his straightforward, realist tendencies in a period rife with literary experimentation, Bennett's writing captures the nuances of ordinary life with a meticulousness that many have lauded. His works have earned a permanent position in the annals of British literature; they continue to be studied for their narrative depth and sociological insights, offering a window into the everyday lives and moral challenges of the period. Bennett's legacy lies not only in his expansive oeuvre but also in his influence on the development of the English novel, making him a significant figure in the literary canon.

Product Details

Publisher: DigiCat

Genre: Sprache - Englisch

Language: English

Size: 922 Pages

Filesize: 1.0 MB

ISBN: 8596547399032

Published: