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

Written by a fictitious first-person narrator, this book puts a humorous spin on encounters with several famous people of the time. "I set forth from my office in London upon my pilgrimage to the shrines of the world's illustrious. Readers everywhere are interested in the home life of men who have made themselves factors in art, science, letters, and history, and to these people I was commissioned to go." -- Summary by TriciaG and from the book.

Join Mrs. Raffles, the intriguing widow of the infamous A. J. Raffles—the gentleman thief once chased by Sherlock Holmes—as she embarks on a thrilling new chapter of crime in America. Narrated by her loyal accomplice, Harry Bunny Manders, who was once the trusted friend and partner of A.J. Raffles, these captivating stories promise a blend of wit, charm, and daring escapades. (Summary by lubee930)

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 ...

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.

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.

Have you ever had a roommate who was a complete Idiot? The gentlemen in Mrs. Smithers' boarding house have that problem, but what really annoys them is that no matter what subject they discuss, the Idiot always seems to get the better of them! Time after time, their intellectual arguments are dismantled by this man who is a lot smarter than he seems.

"The Idiot" is anything but, yet his fellow boarders at Mrs. Smithers Pedagog's home for single gentlemen see him as such. His brand of creative thought is dismissed as foolishness yet it continues to get under their skin, because when you're beneath contempt you can say what you please. This is the first of John Kendrick Bangs' "Idiot" books and was published by Harper and Brothers in 1895.

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 delightfully humorous collection of short tales relating encounters with ghosts.

Included in this volume: "Watson!" by Captain A. E. Dingle; The Adventure of the Diamond Necklace, by G. F. Forrest; The Stolen Cigar-Case, by Bret Harte; The Adventures of Shamrock Jolnes, by O. Henry; and Mr. Raffles Holmes, by John Kendrick Bangs.

A gripping collection of outstanding American classic short stories by some of America's greatest writers: 'A Ghost Story' by Mark Twain; 'Pomegranate Seed' by Edith Wharton; 'Pigeons from Hell' by Robert E. Howard; 'Pickman's Model' by H. P. Lovecraft; 'The Adventure of the German Student' by Nathaniel Hawthorne; 'Absolute Zero' by Morgan Robertson; and many more.

John Kendrick Bangs (1862-1922) was an American author, editor and satirist. 'The Ghost Club' is a lighthearted ghost story told by a prisoner who has been found guilty of burglary and the theft of a set of ornate silver teaspoons. His improbable story of how he came to be in possession of the spoons is extraordinary and charmingly engaging.

John Kendrick Bangs (1862-1922) was a popular American author, editor and satirist. 'The Speck on the Lens' is the story of an oculist who is approached by an unusual character holding a strange tin box. He introduces himself as the inventor of a special telescopic device with very unusual properties...but it is accessible only to someone with a very unique type of eye. The oculist, he says, has this kind of eye. The doctor puts the device to his eye and is astounded by what he sees. But then he perceives a strange speck on the lens...and things take a weird turn....

"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)

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)