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Edward Frederic Benson (1867-1940) was an English novelist, biographer, memoirist, archaeologist and short story writer. He achieved the big success with his first novel, the fashionably controversial Dodo, and also with its sequels, but the greatest success came relatively late in his career with The Mapp and Lucia series. Benson was also known as a writer of atmospheric, oblique, and at times humorous or satirical ghost stories. Table of contents: The Male Impersonator Desirable Residences The Room in the Tower Gavon's Eve The Dust-Cloud The Confession of Charles Linkworth At Abdul Ali's Grave The Shootings of Achnaleish How Fear Departed from the Long Gallery Caterpillars The Cat The Bus-...
A brilliant and subtle comedy on the social rivalries of a small village between the wars. Lucia is probably the greatest creation of E. F. Benson, a social climbing socialite from the small village of Riseholme. A beautifully written and sharply observed comedy, exploring the social life of Edwardian high society. This novel, originally published fourth in the series in 1931, is being republished here together with a new introductory biography of the author.
'Miss Mapp' is the second novel from the 'Mapp and Lucia' series, following the life of a progressive woman who spends her days gossiping and scheming. One must tread carefully in society, or at least so Miss Mapp thinks. In a hilarious display of snobbish one-upmanship, Miss Mapp considers her every move and its possible outcome with the deftness and skill of a master chess player. God forbid she lose an ounce of social standing! But the village of Tilling becomes a battleground where romances and rumours have ensnared its inhabitants in a ruthless battle for domination. The idyllic setting, delicate daily routines and witty escapades make 'Miss Mapp' a compelling and intriguing read. It ha...
Chapter ONE Though the sun was hot on this July morning Mrs Lucas preferred to cover the half-mile that lay between the station and her house on her own brisk feet, and sent on her maid and her luggage in the fly that her husband had ordered to meet her. After those four hours in the train a short walk would be pleasant, but, though she veiled it from her conscious mind, another motive, sub-consciously engineered, prompted her action. It would, of course, be universally known to all her friends in Riseholme that she was arriving today by the 12.26, and at that hour the village street would be sure to be full of them. They would see the fly with luggage draw up at the door of The Hurst, and n...
E. F. Benson's 'The Complete Works of E. F. Benson' is a literary treasure trove comprising a collection of the author's novels, short stories, biographies, and essays. The book showcases Benson's signature satirical wit and keen observations on Edwardian society, with themes ranging from social class and family dynamics to the supernatural. Benson's writing style is characterized by its elegant prose and subtle humor, making his works both engaging and thought-provoking. His ability to blend comedy with social commentary places him among the foremost writers of his time. Each piece in this comprehensive collection serves as a testament to Benson's versatility as a writer, offering readers a glimpse into the complexities of the human experience in the early 20th century. E. F. Benson's deep understanding of human nature and his ability to craft compelling narratives make 'The Complete Works of E. F. Benson' a must-read for fans of classic literature and social satire.
Miss Mapp and Lucia return in the fifth instalment of E. F. Benson's classic series. Here we find Lucia battling here way to the top of the social ladder in the small village of Tilling, Miss Mapp here nemesis will not let that happen with out a very polite and gentile fight. This novel, originally published in 1935, is being republished here together with a new introductory biography of the author.
An extraordinary collection of 31 short stories of the supernatural and the weird from E. F. Benson, one of the greatest horror and fantasy writers.
The Complete Works of E. F. Benson (Illustrated) is a comprehensive collection of the acclaimed author's literary masterpieces. Benson's writing style is characterized by its wit, humor, and keen observations of society, making his works both entertaining and thought-provoking. The book encompasses a wide range of genres including satirical novels, ghost stories, and biographies, showcasing Benson's versatility as a writer. Each story is brought to life with captivating illustrations, adding another layer of depth to the reading experience. The collection not only serves as a testament to Benson's literary talent but also provides valuable insights into the social norms and values of the tim...