Showing results by author "Arnold Bennett" in All Categories

Dive into Arnold Bennetts masterful novel, a gripping exploration of a bookseller whose relentless miserliness impacts not only his life but also his deep affection for a woman. Set against the vibrant backdrop of Londons Clerkenwell district in the aftermath of the First World War, this tale weaves together themes of love, obsession, and the human spirit. - Summary by Anthony Ogus

Meet Edward Henry Machin, affectionately known as ‘Denry’—the charming protagonist of this delightful tale. Set in the bustling pottery towns of the English Midlands during the late 19th century, Denry rises from the humble beginnings of a washerwoman and seamstresss son to become a wealthy figure, celebrated for his vibrant spirit and determination. With his quick wit and unshakeable nerve, he not only finds love and prosperity but also makes history as the youngest mayor of his hometown. As one councillor quips, He’s identified with the great cause of cheering us all up. Join us in ...

Dive into a delightful blend of humor and insight with Bennetts timeless collection of articles. He shares his reflections on mental exercise, life organization, the complexities of marriage, and various pocket philosophies. Nearly a century after its original publication, this book remains relevant and entertaining, offering a fresh perspective on enduring topics. Notably, Bennett references An Essay on the Principle of Population by Thomas Malthus in Chapter 5, which is also available as a Librivox recording. (Summary by Ruth Golding)

Set in the Potteries area of Staffordshire, England, this gripping tale follows Anna Tellwright, the daughter of a wealthy yet tyrannical father whose strict control extends even to her spiritual life within the Methodist church. After marrying the charming and respectable Henry, Anna seeks to break free from her fathers oppressive grasp. However, her desire to assist Willy, the troubled son of her fathers bankrupt business partner, leads her into a web of challenges and moral dilemmas that test her resolve.

Join Mr. Prohack, a seemingly ordinary Treasury official, as his life takes an unexpected turn when he inherits a substantial fortune. With a fortunate investment, he transforms his newfound wealth into extraordinary riches. This delightful and humorous tale chronicles the adventures of Mr. Prohack and his family—his wife, son, and daughter—each learning to navigate the quirks and challenges of their transformed lives. - Summary by Simon Evers

Meet Leonora Stanway, a 40-year-old woman trapped in a comfortable yet unexciting middle-class existence with her unremarkable husband, John. As her three daughters begin to forge their own paths, Leonora grapples with feelings of stagnation and unfulfilled dreams. Everything changes when Arthur Twemlow, the charismatic son of Johns former business partner, bursts into their lives, stirring up emotions and secrets. Meanwhile, the enigmatic Uncle Meshach has unexpectedly rewritten his will, adding further intrigue to Leonoras already complicated life. - Summary by Simon Evers

Dive into the whimsical journey of Henry Shakespeare Knight, an unsuspecting author who finds himself in the spotlight after penning a surprise best-seller. Join us as we explore the delightful twists and turns of his adventure, narrated with charm by Simon Evers.

Written at the height of the early twentieth century, How to Live on 24 Hours a Day remains one of the clearest and most quietly demanding books ever written about time, attention, and personal responsibility. Arnold Bennett begins with a simple, unavoidable truth: every person—regardless of status, wealth, or circumstance—is granted the same 24 hours each day. What distinguishes a fulfilled life from a diminished one, he argues, is not how we work, but how we use the hours that remain once work is done.

Mental Efficiency & Other Hints to Men & Women is a sharp, practical, and surprisingly modern work by English novelist and social commentator Arnold Bennett, who turns his attention to a question that still resonates today: why people devote such care to their physical bodies while neglecting the disciplined training of their minds.

In Ghost - A Modern Fantasy, we follow Carl Foster, a newly qualified doctor, as he arrives in London with dreams of success. His life takes a dramatic turn when he encounters the renowned tenor, Signor Alresca, who suffers a horrific backstage injury. As Carl tends to Alresca, he becomes captivated by the lead soprano, Rosetta Rosa, igniting a passionate love affair. Under Alrescas mentorship, Carl travels to Bruges, where he uncovers the tenors unsettling obsessions and is shadowed by a mysterious stranger. The atmosphere darkens further when Alrescas sudden death leaves Carl entangled in a ...

With the advent of the modern corporate workplace in the twenty-first century, more and more people are toiling away behind desks, wearily clocking the standard forty-hour week. By 1910, author Arnold Bennett had observed a worrying trend of exhausted wage earners whose waking hours revolved around their jobs and who had little time to spend on the business of actually living. Self-improvement was Bennett's prescription for a speedy escape from the woes of the rat race.

Published in 1930, the year before Bennett's death, this novel follows the daily workings of a hotel modelled on the Savoy Hotel in London. The central character, Evelyn Orcham, is the director of the hotel. Also included is a recording of James Hilton talking about Arnold Bennett.

Bennett served in various roles during the WWI effort, and his firsthand experiences on the Western Front inspired this poignant collection of essays written in 1915. In these reflections, he captures the essence of war and the profound impact it had on him. Notably, he declined the honor of an OBE (Order of the British Empire) at the wars conclusion, emphasizing his humility and dedication. - Summary by David Wales

¿Sientes que el día no te alcanza? Cómo vivir 24 horas al día es tu guía para descubrir cómo aprovechar cada hora y transformar tu vida.

In Regent, we follow the further adventures of Denry Machin, the beloved protagonist from The Card. Now at forty-three, Denry grapples with the unsettling feeling of growing old, realizing that financial success and a stable home life no longer fulfill him. Yearning for change and excitement, he reflects, What I want is change - and a lot of it too! A serendipitous encounter at a local theatre sets him on a journey to London, where his quest for renewal truly begins. (Summary by A.J.M.)

In the charming town of Bursley, James Ollerenshaw, a wealthy middle-aged bachelor, finds his life turned upside down after a chance encounter with his spirited great step-niece, Helen. This determined young woman, in her twenties, enters his world and leads both of them on a humorous journey of self-discovery and unexpected adventures. Join Simon Evers as he narrates this delightful tale filled with wit and warmth.

Priam Farll es el más reputado pintor de Inglaterra: célebre por sus cuadros sobre policías y pingüinos, es adorado por el público y la crítica. Tímido como un cervatillo, nadie conoce su aspecto, pues lleva años viviendo en el extranjero junto con su criado Henry Leek, un granuja de...

Arnold Bennett was born in 1867 in Hanley one of the six towns that formed the Potteries that later joined together to become Stoke on Trent; the area in which most of his works are located. At the turn of the century he turned full time to writing and shortly thereafter in 1903 he moved to Paris and in 1908 published to great acclaim The Old Wives Tale. With this his reputation was set. Clayhanger and The Old Wives Tale are perhaps his greatest and most lauded novels.

Arnold Bennett was born in 1867 in Hanley one of the six towns that formed the Potteries that later joined together to become Stoke on Trent; the area in which most of his works are located. At the turn of the century he turned full time to writing and shortly thereafter in 1903 he moved to Paris and in 1908 published to great acclaim The Old Wives Tale. With this his reputation was set. Clayhanger and The Old Wives Tale are perhaps his greatest and most lauded novels.

Arnold Bennett was born in 1867 in Hanley one of the six towns that formed the Potteries that later joined together to become Stoke on Trent; the area in which most of his works are located. At the turn of the century he turned full time to writing and shortly thereafter in 1903 he moved to Paris and in 1908 published to great acclaim The Old Wives Tale. With this his reputation was set. Clayhanger and The Old Wives Tale are perhaps his greatest and most lauded novels.