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

"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....

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. (...

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)

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)

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)

Dive into a captivating collection of eight ghost stories from a master storyteller and humorist of the late nineteenth and early twentieth centuries. These tales, narrated by David Wales, blend humor with the supernatural, offering a unique and entertaining experience for fans of the eerie and the amusing.

Step into the whimsical world of The Enchanted Typewriter, a captivating collection of short stories penned by the imaginative American author John Kendrick Bangs in 1899. In this unique blend of fantasy known as Bangsian fantasy, Bangs channels the spirit of the late (and charmingly invisible) James Boswell, who takes on the role of an editor for a newspaper in Hades. With the help of an old typewriter, Boswell communicates his otherworldly tales to the author. Immerse yourself in this enchanting series set in Hades, where the boundaries of reality and imagination blur. (Summary by Wikipedia)

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)

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.

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, ...

Delve into a satirical exploration of early biblical events as narrated by the oldest man in recorded history. This unique perspective, filled with humor and wit, brings a whole new light to age-old tales. (Introduction by Matthew Reece)

In Toppleton’s Client, young Hopkins Toppleton Jr. is sent to London to run a law office—one that was never meant to have actual clients. But when an unexpected case lands on his desk, his ambition and eccentricity lead him into a series of absurd, comedic misadventures. Filled with dry wit, satirical humor, and a touch of the supernatural, this lesser-known gem from John Kendrick Bangs is a delightful legal farce that keeps readers entertained from start to finish.

Alice in Blunderland: An Iridescent Dream is a novel by John Kendrick Bangs, first published in 1907 by Doubleday, Page & Co. of New York. Illustrated by Albert Levering, this work serves as a political parody of Lewis Carroll's famous Alice books: Alice's Adventures in Wonderland (1865) and Through the Looking-Glass (1871). In this whimsical tale, Alice finds herself in "Blunderland", also humorously referred to as "Municipal Ownership Country". Here, she encounters familiar characters from Wonderland, including the dormouse, the Mad Hatter, and the Cheshire Cat.