The Black Poodle and Other Tales - Whimsical Satire from the Victorian Era: A Collection of Humorous Tales

F. Anstey

Summary

F. Anstey's "The Black Poodle, and Other Tales" presents a delightful collection of whimsical narratives that deftly blend humor with acute social observation. Renowned for his sharp wit, Anstey employs a playful literary style, weaving fantastical elements with the everyday dilemmas of Victorian society. The tales, including a peculiar adventure involving an enigmatic black poodle, reveal intricate character studies often steeped in irony, showcasing Anstey's ability to critique societal norms while entertaining his readers. This collection is representative of the literary context of its time, reflecting the burgeoning interest in short fiction and the exploration of the absurd within the realism genre. F. Anstey, a pseudonym for Thomas Anstey Guthrie, was a British writer and humorist whose experiences traversing the social strata of Victorian England inform his work. Born into a modest family, Anstey's keen observations and astute understanding of human behavior enabled him to craft characters that resonate with authenticity and charm. His literary career was marked by a unique blend of satire and fantasy, a hallmark that is particularly evident in this collection. "The Black Poodle, and Other Tales" is a recommended read for anyone who appreciates sharp wit and a satirical take on societal conventions. Anstey'Äôs humor serves as both an escape and a reflective commentary on human nature, making this book an engaging and thought-provoking experience for readers of all backgrounds.

Available since: 11/27/2019.

Print length: 540 pages.

Other books that might interest you

The Cowgirl's Guide to Life

Texas Bix Bender, Gladiola Montana

Straight talk from the lassoin’ lady—from knowing the best time to hold your tongue to using the right bait when you’re fishing for compliments. 
 
This sassy cowgirl and her sidekick cowboy partner capture the feminine perspective on life. This common-sense wisdom in humorous form is all about living and loving. Women will laugh about it—from the boardroom to the suburban book club. Gems include:“It is better to be a widower’s second wife than his first.”“If you’re fixin’ to get yourself a good stallion, don’t go lookin’ in the donkey corral.”“High steppers give bumpy rides.”“If you’ve done it, it ain’t braggin’.”“Always say ‘please’ when you tell somebody to shut up.”

Show book

Love Among the Chickens

P. G. Wodehouse

Love Among the Chickens is a comedic novel by British master of the genre, P. G. Wodehouse. The novel is narrated by Jeremy Garnet, an author and old friend of Ukridge. Seeing Ukridge for the first time in years, with a new wife in tow, Garnet finds himself dragged along on holiday to Ukridge's new chicken farm in Dorset. The novel intertwines Garnet's difficult wooing of a girl living nearby with the struggles of the farm, which are exacerbated by Ukridge's bizarre business ideas and methods...

Show book

The Bogganobbi Extinction #5 -...

Rep Tyler

On Saturday 22nd October 2016, the township of Bogganobbi NSW was completely destroyed in an event that saw the greatest loss of Australian life since WWI...apparently there was a kazoo concert too

Show book

In the Closed Room

Frances Hodgson Burnett

In the Closed Room (1904) is a short novel by Frances Hodgson Burnett.  Excerpt from the book:  "In the fierce airless heat of the small square room the child Judith panted as she lay on her bed. Her father and mother slept near her, drowned in the heavy slumber of workers after their day's labour. Some people in the next flat were quarrelling, irritated probably by the appalling heat and their miserable helplessness against it. All the hot emanations of the sun-baked city streets seemed to combine with their clamour and unrest, and rise to the flat in which the child lay gazing at the darkness. It was situated but a few feet from the track of the Elevated Railroad and existence seemed to pulsate to the rush and roar of the demon which swept past the windows every few minutes. No one knew that Judith held the thing in horror, but it was a truth that she did. She was only seven years old, and at that age it is not easy to explain one's self so that older people can understand."

Show book

Psmith in the City

P. G. Wodehouse

Mike’s dream of studying and playing cricket at Cambridge are thwarted as his father runs into financial difficulties. Instead, Mike takes on the job of clerk at the “New Asiatic Bank.” Luckily, school friend Psmith, with his boundless optimism and original views, soon joins his department, and together they endeavour to make the best of their new life in London.(Summary written by Gesine)

Show book

Manskills - How to Avoid...

Chris Peterson

Your prep guide to this test called life—from outdoor skills to taming the urban wild, car care to cooking, handy manning to managing a hangover. 
 
Armed with the proper set of skills, there is no beast a man cannot tame, no problem he cannot solve, no wine he cannot appraise, no meat he cannot grill, and no woman he cannot amaze. All that lies between you (or your man) and becoming uber-evolved is mastering the wisdom contained in this humble book called Manskills. 
 
But you must learn these lessons well. When that angry she-bear lunges, you won’t have time to Google “surviving animal attacks.” When your boss’s wife offers you a morsel of cave-aged Gorgonzola she’s not expecting you to wolf down that hunk of blue mold and say “Cheesy!” 
 
With instructive illustrations, the skills are organized by categories such as:Shelter Savvy—remove a stripped screw, handle a jackhammer, stop a toilet from running . . .Wild Ways—Build an igloo, stitch your own wound, catch a fish without a rod and reel . . .Social Graces—sew on a button, order wine like you know what you’re doing, ease a hangover . . .Emergency!—save someone from drowning, use a fire extinguisher, bust down a door . . .Romantic Prowess—plan the perfect romantic dinner, meet her parents, pick a diamond . . . 
 
to name just a few 
 
By developing your manskills, you’ll avoid life’s pitfalls and become a complex, sophisticated person of confidence, competence, and vigor. Good for you!

Show book