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

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 ...

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.

In Alice in Blunderland, prepare for a whimsical journey where political satire meets the fantastical. John Kendrick Bangs reimagines Lewis Carrolls beloved tale, introducing a world where characters grapple with the absurdity of vote-selling at astonishing prices. As Alice exclaims in disbelief, Mercy! That is—terrible! the March Hare laments the state of affairs, holding out for a higher price while his companions settle for a bargain that threatens to undermine their cause. With humor that remains sharp and relevant even after a century, this adaptation is a delightful exploration of ...

"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)

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)

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 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)

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.

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.

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!

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. (...

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.