Saki's Cats

Author: Saki
Publisher: Renard Press Ltd
ISBN: 1804470155
Category : Fiction
Languages : en
Pages : 43

Book Description
Saki’s Cats rounds up the tales about cats, big and small, by the undisputed master of the short story. ‘Tobermory’, one of Saki’s most famous pieces, demonstrates the danger that would ensue from granting cats the power of speech – animals have long lurked unseen, eavesdropping, in the background. The tom in ‘The Philanthropist and the Happy Cat’ is the only one to enjoy his meal, as is the leopard in ‘The Guests’. In ‘The Penance’ and ‘Mrs Packletide’s Tiger’, hunters who put cats in their sights are humiliated and blackmailed. ‘The Achievement of the Cat’ considers how cats have come to be served by the human race. In addition to the short stories about cats, Saki’s Cats also collects Saki’s juvenile letters to his sister Ethel about the tiger cub he adopted while living in Burma. The feisty felines of these tales are the only clear winners, and, with a characteristic smirk and dash of his pen, it is Edwardian Society that Saki sends slinking off, tail between its legs.

Reading Saki

Author: Brian Gibson
Publisher: McFarland
ISBN: 1476615322
Category : Literary Criticism
Languages : en
Pages : 539

Book Description
Here is a thorough critical re-examination of the Edwardian master of the darkly humorous short story, Saki (the pen name of Hector Hugh Munro, 1870-1916). Saki the satirist constantly rebelled against but depended upon the world of H.H. Munro, the gentleman bachelor. In reassessing the importance of post-Wilde sexuality, anti-suffragist feelings, and attitudes towards Jews and Slavs in Saki's oeuvre, it becomes clear that the fiction of Saki reflects a fervid imperial masculinity in Britain as World War I approached. The tension between rebellious sexual politics and pro-patriarchy, nationalist views in Saki's fiction reflects a time when the old, manly, bourgeois traditions of coming home from work to "the angel of the hearth" and defending King and Country abroad increasingly clashed with new sexual identities, women's agitation for the vote, and the growing presence of non-British Others in the public imagination.

The Complete Saki

Author: Saki
Publisher: Penguin
ISBN: 9780141180786
Category : Fiction
Languages : en
Pages : 964

Book Description
The complete works of one of England's greatest Edwardian writers Saki is perhaps the most graceful spokesman for England's 'Golden Afternoon' - the slow and peaceful years before the First World War. Although, like so many of his generation, he died tragically young, in action on the Western Front, his reputation as a writer continued to grow long after his death. His work is humorous, satiric, supernatural, and macabre, highly individual, full of eccentric wit and unconventional situations. With his great gift as a social satirist of his contemporary upper-class Edwardian world, Saki is one of the few undisputed English masters of the short story and one of the great writers of a bygone era. For more than seventy years, Penguin has been the leading publisher of classic literature in the English-speaking world. With more than 1,700 titles, Penguin Classics represents a global bookshelf of the best works throughout history and across genres and disciplines. Readers trust the series to provide authoritative texts enhanced by introductions and notes by distinguished scholars and contemporary authors, as well as up-to-date translations by award-winning translators.

The Unbearable Saki

Author: Sandie Byrne
Publisher: OUP Oxford
ISBN: 0191527572
Category : Literary Criticism
Languages : en
Pages : 328

Book Description
Saki is the acknowledged master of the short story. His writing is elegant, economical, and witty, its tone worldly, flippant irreverence delivered in astringent exchanges and epigrams more neat, pointed, and poised even than Wilde's. The deadpan narrative voice allows for the unsentimental recitation of horrors and the comically grotesque, and the generation of guilty laughter at some very un-pc statements. Saki's short stories have been much reprinted as well as adapted for radio, stage, and television, but his novels, The Unbearable Bassington and When William Came, are almost unknown, his journalism and travel writing forgotten, and his plays rarely performed. Sandie Byrne argues that his reputation has been unfairly overshadowed by his predecessor Oscar Wilde, contemporary George Bernard Shaw, and successors P.G. Wodehouse and Evelyn Waugh. In a well-meaning introduction to the Penguin Complete Saki, Noël Coward reinforced the received image of Saki's work as celebrating an Edwardian or even Victorian milieu of privilege, luxury, and affectation; comedies of manners and light satire. Byrne shows that Saki's writing was no nostalgic evocation of a lost golden age, and that he was rarely concerned with the charm and delight Coward describes. His preoccupations were with England, the values of Empire, and the dangerous beauty of the feral ephebe. The threat to the first two of these triggered his alleged metamorphosis from cosmopolitan cynic and dandy-about-town to patriotic, even jingoistic, NCO, in a manner worthy of his blackest humour.

Masters of Prose - Saki

Author: Saki
Publisher: Tacet Books
ISBN:
Category : Fiction
Languages : en
Pages : 979

Book Description
Welcome to the Masters of Prose book series, a selection of the best works by noteworthy authors. Literary critic August Nemo selects the most important writings of each author. A selection based on the author's novels, short stories, letters, essays and biographical texts. Thus providing the reader with an overview of the author's life and work. This edition is dedicated to the British writer Saki, pen name of H. H. Munro. His witty, mischievous and sometimes macabre stories satirize Edwardian society and culture. He is considered by English teachers and scholars as a master of the short story, and often compared to O. Henry and Dorothy Parker. Influenced by Oscar Wilde, Lewis Carroll and Rudyard Kipling, he himself influenced A. A. Milne, Noël Coward and P. G. Wodehouse. This book contains the following writings: Short Stories and Collections: The Chronicles of Clovis; Beasts and Super-Beasts; The Toys of Peace, and Other Papers; The Unbearable Bassington; When William Came; Reginald. Biographical: Saki, by Rothay Reynolds. If you appreciate good literature, be sure to check out the other Tacet Books titles!

The Complete Works of Saki

Author: Saki
Publisher: Good Press
ISBN:
Category : Fiction
Languages : en
Pages : 1333

Book Description
The Complete Works of Saki encompasses the exquisite repertoire of H. H. Munro, known by his pen name Saki, presenting a rich tableau of Edwardian society through sharp wit and a masterful blending of cynicism with the absurd. This collection showcases the broad spectrum of Munro's literary prowess, from the intricate satire of upper-class pretensions to the whimsically dark tales that unveil human nature's complexities. Each piece stands as a testament to the depth and diversity of Saki's storytelling, with standout works that exemplify his unparalleled ability to merge comedic brilliance with insightful social commentary. Munros background as a journalist and observer of the social mores of his time significantly influences the thematic and stylistic nuances of his stories. Embedded in the historical and cultural framework of the early 20th century, his writings reflect the tensions and transformations of Edwardian England, capturing the zeitgeist with both levity and precision. The collections coherence lies not just in its thematic unity but in its reflection of Munro's singular visiona vision shaped by his life experiences and literary skill, offering readers a comprehensive view of his oeuvre. This anthology is an indispensable resource for those wishing to explore the intricacies of early 20th-century English literature through the lens of one of its most incisive commentators. Readers are invited to delve into the vibrant world of Saki, where the absurdities of the human condition are laid bare with unparalleled wit and intelligence. The Complete Works of Saki is more than a literary collection; it's a journey through a landscape of satire and surprise, making it a must-read for aficionados and novices alike, eager to explore the multifaceted brilliance of Munros contributions to English literature.

The Complete Short Stories of Saki

Author: Saki
Publisher: Good Press
ISBN:
Category : Fiction
Languages : en
Pages : 702

Book Description
The Complete Short Stories of Saki encompasses the intricate tapestry of Edwardian society through the incisive and satirical lens of H. H. Munro, known by his pen name Saki. This collection showcases a remarkable diversity in literary style, deploying irony, whimsy, and a biting critique of social pretenses. Each story, from the widely celebrated 'The Open Window' to the less known but equally poignant 'The Interlopers,' serves as a testament to Saki's mastery over the short story form and his unique place in English literature. The anthology stands as a pivotal exploration of human nature, societal norms, and the subtle complexities of the human condition. The backgrounds of Saki, a singular entity in this context, pivot around his experience as a satirist and a commentator on the quirks and darker undercurrents of Edwardian England. His work aligns with the movements of literary modernism and the early twentieth-century critique of societal norms, offering a critique as sharp now as it was a century ago. The melding of his personal history, from his upbringing to his experiences in Burma and as a soldier, informs his work, providing depth and a nuanced understanding of human psychology and social dynamics. This collection presents a unique opportunity to delve into the world of a singular author who has influenced the course of English literature significantly. Readers are invited to explore the multifaceted range of Saki's storytelling, which offers not only entertainment but also a profound educational journey through the contradictions and complexities of early 20th-century British society. The Complete Short Stories of Saki is an indispensable anthology for those who appreciate the wit, wisdom, and piercing insight of one of literatures most enduring voices.

Selected Stories of Saki

Author: Saki
Publisher: Everyman's Library
ISBN: 1101907940
Category : Fiction
Languages : en
Pages : 354

Book Description
A beautifully jacketed hardcover selection of 53 darkly witty, whimsical, and macabre short stories by an acknowledged master of the form. Saki's dazzling tales manage the remarkable feat of being anarchic and urbane at the same time. Studded with Wildean epigrams and featuring well-contrived plots and surprise endings, his stories gleefully skewer the pompous hypocrisies of upper class Edwardian society. But they go beyond mere satire, raising dark humor to extremes of entertaining outrageousness that have rarely since been matched. Saki's elegantly mischievous young heroes sow chaos in their wake without breaking a sweat, and are occasionally joined by werewolves, tigers, eavesdropping house pets, and casually murderous children. This selection includes such famous stories as "Tobermory," "The Open Window," "Sredni Vashtar," "Mrs. Packletide's Tiger," "The Schartz-Metterklume Method," and many more.

The Complete Works of Saki (Illustrated)

Author: Saki
Publisher: Good Press
ISBN:
Category : Fiction
Languages : en
Pages : 1334

Book Description
Saki's 'The Complete Works of Saki (Illustrated)' is a collection of satirical and witty short stories that encapsulate the world of Edwardian England. Known for his dark humor and clever wordplay, Saki's stories often poke fun at the pretensions and absurdities of the upper class. Each tale is rich in irony and sarcasm, making for a humorous yet thought-provoking read. The illustrations included in this edition enhance the whimsical and fantastical elements of Saki's writing. These stories provide a glimpse into the social dynamics and values of the time, making them a valuable source for understanding the cultural context of the period. Saki, the pen name of Hector Hugh Munro, was a British writer known for his unique blend of humor and social commentary. With a background in journalism and firsthand experience of the social elite, Saki's observations of Edwardian society are both incisive and entertaining. His tragic death during World War I cut short a promising literary career, but his legacy lives on in the timeless wit of his stories. I highly recommend 'The Complete Works of Saki (Illustrated)' to readers who appreciate sharp wit, clever storytelling, and an exploration of the quirks of human nature. Saki's satirical tales will delight and challenge anyone looking for a witty and engaging read.

The Complete Stories of Saki

Author: Saki
Publisher: Wordsworth Editions
ISBN: 9781853260711
Category : Fiction
Languages : en
Pages : 516

Book Description
The extraordinary stories of 'Saki' are a mixture of humorous satire, irony and the macabre, in which the stupidities and hypocrisy of conventional society are viciously pilloried.