Dialstone Lane Complete - Twisted Tales of Victorian Society: A Humorous Collection of Suspenseful Short Stories

W. W. Jacobs

Summary

"Dialstone Lane, Complete" by W. W. Jacobs is a quintessential collection that exemplifies the author's unique blend of humor, irony, and poignant social commentary. Set against the backdrop of a London seaside community, Jacobs intricately weaves tales that capture the quirks of its residents while exploring themes of love, ambition, and the human condition. His use of colloquial language and rich characterizations imbues each story with a vibrant authenticity, while the comic elements provide a refreshing levity amidst deeper reflections on society. The book stands as a significant contribution to early 20th-century literature, occupying a critical position in the canon of British humorists who shaped the genre. W. W. Jacobs, a product of London's working-class milieu, was profoundly influenced by his upbringing along the Thames. His literary career began in the realm of short stories, where he honed his talents for creating memorable characters and incisive wit. Jacobs's experiences with sailors and working-class communities in maritime settings informed many of his narratives, providing a rich tapestry of life that resonates throughout "Dialstone Lane." I highly recommend "Dialstone Lane, Complete" to lovers of rich character-driven stories that balance humor and pathos. Jacobs's keen observations and masterful storytelling invite readers to reflect on their own lives, making this collection both entertaining and thought-provoking.

Available since: 08/12/2023.

Print length: 182 pages.

Other books that might interest you

History of England

Jane Austen

Jane Austen's existence embodies a profound juxtaposition of her illustrious literary endeavors and an ostensibly mundane public persona. Born in the quaint environs of Steventon, Hampshire, she was the product of a domestically-conducted education under the tutelage of her clerical father. Her life was marked by an unwavering familial devotion. Following a brief sojourn in the cosmopolitan city of Bath, Austen's family circumstances necessitated a return to their ancestral abode in Steventon, where she remained until her demise at the relatively young age of 41. Despite the apparent banality of her daily existence, her literary prowess burgeoned in this very setting, shrouded in secrecy. 
Austen's nascent fascination with the art of novel-writing manifested early in her life, as she penned narratives that offered a satirical commentary on both the contemporary authors and the social mores of the late 18th century. Her novels, suffused with wit and incisive observation, served as a scathing yet engaging critique of the era's literary landscape. Her corpus is replete with masterpieces such as "Pride and Prejudice" (1813), "Mansfield Park" (1814), and "Emma" (1816), which masterfully dissect the social interactions and foibles of the 19th-century middle class. Her acuity for capturing the absurdities of human conduct is particularly evident in these works, which have endured as timeless reflections of societal norms. 
In the annals of British letters, Austen stands as an adored and venerated figure, celebrated for her astute social commentary and her unparalleled contribution to the novel form. Her enduring popularity is a testament to the universal appeal of her narratives, which transcend temporal and cultural boundaries to resonate with readers across generations.

Show book

Strange Case of Dr Jekyll and Mr...

Robert Louis Stevenson

Robert Louis Stevenson's classic tale of duality, first published in 1886, Strange Case of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde is the first work to be produced by Arkbound Classics.

Show book

The Schoolboy's Story

Charles Dickens

The Schoolboy's Story is a short stories by Charles Dickens. Charles John Huffam Dickens (7 February 1812 – 9 June 1870) was an English writer and social critic. He created some of the world's most memorable fictional characters and is generally regarded as the greatest novelist of the Victorian period. During his life, his works enjoyed unprecedented fame, and by the twentieth century his literary genius was broadly acknowledged by critics and scholars. His novels and short stories continue to be widely popular. Born in Portsmouth, England, Dickens was forced to leave school to work in a factory when his father was thrown into debtors' prison.
Being rather young at present--I am getting on in years, but still I am rather young--I have no particular adventures of my own to fall back upon. It wouldn't much interest anybody here, I suppose, to know what a screw the Reverend is, or what a griffin SHE is, or how they do stick it into parents--particularly hair-cutting, and medical attendance. One of our fellows was charged in his half's account twelve and sixpence for two pills--tolerably profitable at six and threepence a-piece, I should think--and he never took them either, but put them up the sleeve of his jacket.

Show book

The Curious Republic of Gondour...

Mark Twain

"The Curious Republic of Gondour and Other Whimsical Sketches, written by Mark Twain (Samuel Clemens), is a delightful collection of fanciful and eccentric works. These whimsical sketches cover a range of topics, from political commentary to our species' desire to be remembered in some way. Let's explore this curious republic: Support Us at https://manifoldmedia.net/donate The Curious Republic of Gondour: As soon as I had learned to speak the language a little, I became greatly interested in the people and the system of government. The nation had initially tried universal suffrage, but the result was unsatisfactory. It seemed to deliver all power into the hands of the ignorant and non-tax-paying classes. A remedy was sought, and an ingenious idea emerged: not to destroy universal suffrage but to enlarge it selectively. An amendatory clause was inserted, allowing the suffrage to be enlarged in certain cases specified by statute. Property, character, and intellect wielded political influence for the first time, and the best men in the nation became candidates for parliament. Money, virtue, and intelligence united to shape the political landscape . Other Whimsical Sketches: The collection also includes various other sketches, each with its own twist of humor, satire, or imaginative exploration. From memories and reminiscences to royal compliments and wild interviews, Twain's wit shines through . The Curious Republic of Gondour and Other Whimsical Sketches invites readers to step into a world where absurdity meets astute observation. Whether you seek political commentary or flights of fancy, Twain's pen weaves a delightful tapestry of imagination and wit " Support Us at https://manifoldmedia.net/donate

Show book

The Immortal A Christmas Carol

Charles Dickens

"A Christmas Carol" follows the transformation of Ebenezer Scrooge, a miserly and cold-hearted old man, throughout one magical Christmas Eve. The narrative begins with Scrooge, a wealthy but stingy moneylender, dismissing the Christmas season with contempt and refusing to give to charity. He dislikes the idea of Christmas joy and generosity, considering them a waste of time and money. On Christmas Eve, as Scrooge is visited by the ghost of his former business partner, Jacob Marley. Marley, burdened with heavy chains as punishment for his greed and selfishness in life, warns Scrooge that he will suffer a similar fate unless he changes his ways.

Marley tells Scrooge that he will be visited by three spirits that night. The first the Ghost of Christmas Past, takes Scrooge on a journey through his childhood and early adulthood. Scrooge witnesses scenes from his past, including his lonely and neglected childhood, lost love, and moments when he chose money over relationships. The second spirit, the Ghost of Christmas Present, shows Scrooge scenes of people joyfully celebrating Christmas in the present. Scrooge is particularly moved by the Cratchit family, especially Bob Cratchit and his son Tiny Tim, who is ill. Despite their poverty, the Cratchits find happiness in each other and embody the true spirit of Christmas. The third spirit, the Ghost of Christmas Yet to Come (or the Ghost of Christmas Future), shows Scrooge a bleak future if he continues on his current path. Scrooge sees his lonely death and the lack of mourning from those around him. He also witnesses Tiny Tim's death, which is a result of the family's inability to afford proper medical care.
Frightened and remorseful, Scrooge pleads for a chance to change. He promises to embrace the Christmas spirit and become a better person. Awakening on Christmas morning, Scrooge is overjoyed to discover that he has been given a second chance

Show book

Nathaniel Hawthorne’s The...

Simon Foster

Simon Foster’s short & sweet edition cuts out the fluff from The Scarlet Letter by Nathaniel Hawthorne and gets straight to the good stuff. Savor the best literature of all time without spending years of your life treading through long traditional books. 
Simon Foster books are a suitable length for the human attention span, helping you to remember the key details of every book. By the end, you’ll be able to impress your friends, family, or even a professor with your knowledge of The Scarlet Letter without spending hours reading the original edition. 
Stop wasting hours trying to dissect complex english from old classic books. English has changed over time, and books from hundreds of years ago feel like a different language than modern English.  
Enjoy classics the modern way. Once you discover the joy of listening to classics with Simon Foster, you will never want to go back to old stuffy paperback classics. Welcome to the future of literature!

Show book