Showing results by author "John Kendrick Bangs" in All Categories

In this captivating sequel to Bangs A House-Boat on the Styx, the imaginative journey continues as a unique blend of historical and fictional figures come together for a thrilling escapade. Follow the adventures of the ladies of Hades, who find themselves kidnapped by pirates, and join the valiant efforts of the Associated Shades, led by none other than Sherlock Holmes, as they embark on a daring mission to reclaim their beloved house-boat. (Introduction by unfamiliar memory)

In this delightful volume, the author invites us to rediscover the whimsical adventures of the legendary raconteur, Baron Munchausen, as brought to life by the talented Mr. Bangs. With a dozen captivating tales, this collection showcases the Barons escapades, which are as entertaining in the afterlife as they were on Earth. Mr. Bangs expertly curates these humorous stories, ensuring that the spirit of this charming old storyteller resonates with contemporary audiences. Prepare for a journey filled with laughter and imagination as you dive into the world of Munchausen once again!

Imagine a world where every soul that has ever passed away finds themselves on the Styx—a realm that is less about punishment and more of a cosmic gathering place. In this intriguing book, we meet Charon, the iconic ferryman, who is taken aback by the unexpected arrival of a houseboat on his river. Initially worried it might threaten his livelihood, he soon learns that he has been assigned the role of the boats janitor. What unfolds next is a series of twelve captivating stories, each one a delightful thought experiment that places famous figures from history and mythology in unexpected ...

"Mr. Bangs has caught the spirit of the 'Christmas Carols,' and phrased it in his own style, so well liked in America. Not in a long time have we had Christmas stories so good.... Mr. Bangs' sense of humor never fails, his diction is well liked, and in these tales he has woven a strain of pathos which is not unfitting." (Journal of Education, 1912)

Set before the Idiots marriage, this delightful tale unfolds in Mrs. Smithers-Pedagogs High-class Home for Single Gentlemen, where our protagonist, deemed to have an alleged mind by the Schoolmaster, embarks on a whimsical quest to uplift the civilized world through his ingenious inventions. While missionaries and other do-gooders already attend to the needs of barbarian man, the Idiot is determined to improve the lives of those who consider themselves civilized. Join us for a humorous journey filled with eccentric characters and clever ideas, brought to life by the editor of Puck magazine. (...

Embark on a whimsical journey through the eyes of a fictional narrator as they recount amusing encounters with some of historys most illustrious figures. Starting from an office in London, our narrator is on a delightful quest to uncover the home lives of those who have shaped art, science, literature, and history. This full-cast dramatic reading brings to life the charming anecdotes and vibrant personalities that define an era, promising laughter and insight for readers and listeners alike.

Dive into a whimsical world where the spirits of the past meet the joy of the season! Over The Plum Pudding features a delightful collection of twelve stories—each weaving together elements of ghostly intrigue, festive cheer, and humor—crafted by a master storyteller and humorist from the late nineteenth and early twentieth centuries. Join us for a literary journey that promises to entertain and enchant! (Summary by David Wales)

Step into the intriguing world of Raffles Holmes, the son of the legendary Sherlock Holmes and the grandson of the notorious gentleman thief A.J. Raffles. This unique family legacy sets the stage for Raffles entertaining and whimsical escapades, filled with humor and excitement. Join him as he navigates the complexities of his heritage while embarking on colorful adventures that will keep you captivated. (Summary by lubee930)

Join Mr. Idiot as he returns with his quirky takes on a variety of topics, from women and taxation to the complexities of international diplomacy. Expect his trademark blend of absurdity and sharp wit as he delivers silly soliloquies that are sure to entertain and provoke thought. Whats your favorite moment? (Kim)

Step into the whimsical world of John Kendrick Bangs, a New York native who charmed readers as an associate editor and later editor at Life and Harper magazines. Renowned for his sharp wit, Bangs ventured into the realm of satire and humor, crafting a delightful collection titled Ghosts I Have Met and Some Others. In this enchanting assortment of short tales, he recounts his amusing encounters with ghosts, blending humor with the supernatural in a way that will leave you both entertained and intrigued. (Summary by Cathy Barratt)

Join Bangs as he masterfully brings to life a delightful collection of timeless fairy tales. Even if titles like Jack and the Check Book, Puss, the Promoter, and the Golden Fleece dont ring a bell just yet, youre in for a treat as their captivating stories unfold. - Summary by Cate Barratt

In Idiot, the protagonist may seem foolish to his fellow residents at Mrs. Smithers-Pedagog’s home for single gentlemen, but his unconventional creativity proves to be anything but trivial. While they dismiss his insights as nonsense, his unique perspective manages to get under their skin, revealing that sometimes, the most disregarded voices can share the most profound truths. This captivating tale is the first of John Kendrick Bangs Idiot series, originally published by Harper and Brothers in 1895. (Summary by Gregg Margarite)

Join John Kendrick Bangs on yet another delightful adventure with the charmingly self-assured yet often exasperating Mr. Idiot. This journey, narrated by Michele Eaton, promises to entertain and amuse as we explore the quirks of our beloved protagonist.

Join the Idiot and Ms. Idiot as they embark on the adventure of homeownership in suburbia with their two children, Mollie and Tommy. As they settle into their new surroundings, they encounter old friends from the boarding house—Coffee and Repartee—as well as a cast of quirky new neighbors. With the unique logic of the Idiot and Mrs. Idiot, they tackle the everyday dilemmas of suburban life, starting with the surprising assertion that knowing how to use an egg beater is far more crucial than understanding Wagner. What’s your favorite story from their escapades? (Introduction by Kim)

Step into the whimsical world of John Kendrick Bangs, an American author and satirist known for pioneering modern Bangasian Fantasy, where narratives unfold in the afterlife. In this captivating tale, Alice, the beloved character from Lewis Carrolls Alice in Wonderland, embarks on a not-so-ordinary adventure with the Mad Hatter, the March Hare, the Cheshire Cat, and other familiar faces. Journey with her to Blunderland, a land where absurdity reigns supreme, and city politics collide with humor and wit. This delightful satire promises an engaging exploration of a world turned upside down, ...

Dive into the enchanting world of Andiron Tales, a captivating story that follows the remarkable adventures of a boy blessed with a vivid imagination. Experience the thrill of his escapades as summarized by the talented John Kendrick Bangs.

First released in 1893, Coffee and Repartee invites you into the lively breakfast conversations at a gentlemens boarding house run by the formidable Mrs. Smithers. Here, a group of residents engage in spirited debates, often fueled by the provocative inquiries of a character they affectionately refer to as The Idiot. Beneath the veneer of camaraderie lies a battleground of sharp wit and clever charm, interspersed with jarring remarks that reflect a bygone era of supposed refinement. As The Idiot holds his own, will the other residents manage to outsmart him? (Summary by Morlock)

History's oldest man spills his beans in this tell-all autobiography, written originally on stone tablets. Methuselah shares his recollections of Adam (his great-great-great-great grandfather) and Eve, a woman he refers to as Madame Eve. He tells of his concerns that his son Noah is building a giant boat 25 miles from the nearest ocean and his fear that people will believe rumors Noah is involved in a massive investment scandal.

New York-born John Kendrick Bangs was associate editor and then editor of Life and Harper magazines, eventually finding his way into the Humour department. Here, he began to write his own satire and humour. Ghosts I Have Met and Some Others is a delightful humorous collection of short tales relating encounters with ghosts, including "The Mystery of My Grandmother's Hair Sofa", "The Exorcism That Failed", and more.

No matter how hard they try, the men of Mrs. Smithers-Pedagog's boarding house cannot seem to get the better of the man they (rather impolitely) call "the Idiot." Whether the subject is religion, history, or economics, the Idiot always ties their arguments into knots. The second installment of John Kendrick Bangs "Idiot" series is sure to delight and entertain.