Humoristické povídky s vtipnou a překvapivou pointou, v nichž se střídá duchaplný salonní humor s prvky recese a černé grotesky. Společným rysem těchto povídek je břitká satira a humor, který si bere s jemnou ironií na mušku společenské mravy, charakterové vlastnosti a politické názory typicky britského ražení. Řada povídek čerpá z groteskních životních situací, většina je však přes veškerou ironii a humor naplněna smutkem nad komedií, kterou většina lidí celý život hraje, aby si zachovala zdání osobní důstojnosti a společenskou prestiž.... celý text
Komické a groteskní povídky britského autora oscilující mezi nezávaznou recesí a závažnou výpovědí o temných stránkách lidské existence. Soubor úsměvných i chmurně fantastických povídek anglického spisovatele, který psal pod vlivem klasické ruské literatury a básní E. A. Poea. Novely vždy nějakým způsobem odrážejí zkušenosti z autorova neradostného dětství a útočí zejména na představitele zabezpečených měšťáckých vrstev, kteří jsou mu zosobněním společenské nespravedlnosti a lži. Základní tendence, které určují celou sbírku, jsou sžíravá ironie a vtip na jedné straně a hluboký, chápavý pohled na svět dítěte na straně druhé.... celý text
I něco tak absurdního, jako je vůl požírající sousedčiny chryzantémy, může člověku zajistit úctu a obdiv široké veřejnosti (pokud je malířem dobytka). Postavy Sakiho povídek jsou pro takové uznání ochotny udělat ledacos; zaplatit za lov přestárlého tygra, proměnit svou hostitelku ve vlčici či zavést bohatou tetičku do kasina. Se svým typicky suchým, ironickým humorem Saki líčí, jak nečekaná rozuzlení takové snahy často mívají a jak směšné až groteskní bývá lidské úsilí udržet si své místo ve společnosti. „Člověk je bytost dvou tváří a cokoli, co nebere v potaz tu odvrácenou, působí uměle a mrtvě,“ říká Clovis Sangrail, cynický pozorovatel a vypravěč velké části příběhů. Vystihuje tím samu podstatu autorovy satiry – ustrnulé konvence a snobské rituály jsou jen jednou stránkou lidské povahy; ta druhá, chybující, živelná a komická si vždy znovu nalézá způsob, jak se projevit.Některé povídky vycházejí v češtině vůbec poprvé, ostatní se dočkaly nového překladu.
Výbor z povídek anglického humoristy je roztříděn do tří tematických celků. První je věnován nezbedným kouskům dospívajícího chlapce, druhý věcem nadpřirozeným a třetí panoptiku lidských postaviček.
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.
Francesca grapples with the challenges of raising her unruly son, Comus, who embodies the reckless spirit of British high society. While she appreciates her supportive brother Henry, Comus's irresponsible behavior leads her to consider drastic measures, such as sending him to the colonies. The story explores themes of familial duty, societal expectations, and the struggle between parental love and frustration in the face of a child's misbehavior.
Hector Hugh Munro is perhaps the most graceful spokesman for England's "golden afternoon''--those slow and peaceful years prior to the outbreak of World War I. The good wit of bad manners, elegantly spiced with irony and deftly controlled malice, has made Saki stories small, perfect gems of the English language. Here for the first time, are the collected writings of Saki--including all of his short stories ("Reginald", "Reginald in Russia", "The Chronicles of Clovis", "Beasts and Super-Beasts" "The Toys of Peace", and "The Square Egg"), his three novels (THE UNBEARABLE BASSINGTON, WHEN WILLIAM CAME and THE WESTMINSTER ALICE), and three plays (THE DEATHTRAP, KARL-LUDWIG'S WINDOW and THE WATCHED POT. You are invited to meet once again Clovis, Reginald, the Unbearable Bassington, and the other memorable characters etched so superbly by the pen of H.H. Munro. "In all literature, he was the first to employ successfully a wildly outrageous premise in order to make a serious point. I love that. And today the best of his stories are still better than the best of just about every other writer around."--Roald Dahl. Introduction by Noel Coward.(less)
The story introduces a confident fifteen-year-old girl who engages Mr. Nuttel while they await her aunt's arrival. Her demeanor sets the stage for an intriguing encounter, hinting at a blend of youthful charm and potential mischief. The dynamic between the characters suggests themes of communication and the unexpected nature of social interactions. The setting promises to unfold a narrative that explores relationships and perhaps the complexities of truth and storytelling.
Featuring a masterful blend of wit and satire, this collection showcases Saki's sharp critique of Edwardian society through intricate characters and rich political commentary. Beginning with the "Reginald" stories, readers are introduced to the cynical young protagonist navigating societal norms. The anthology also includes Saki's acclaimed works such as "Reginald in Russia," "The Chronicles of Clovis," "Beasts and Super-Beasts," "The Toys of Peace," and "The Square Egg," each highlighting the often brutal clash between civilization and nature.
'Tobermory' – the title story of this collection – is widely considered one of
Saki's finest pieces, in which a short-sighted dinner-party guest introduces a
talking cat to the diners, inadvertently revealing gossip and pushing fickle
characters into the limelight – in the process undermining the common
perceptions of grandiose and genteel high society. From some of his earliest
successes, such as 'Gabriel-Ernest', 'The Bag' and the Clovis stories, about a
young man with an impish sense of humour, to later tales such as 'The Boar-
Pig', which is as bizarre as it is hilarious, and 'The Toys of Peace', which
he was never able to see in print, this selection contains a wealth of well-
known tales with vastly different themes – from reincarnation to psychological
warfare – and bearing every trademark token of wit with which Saki has
enthralled generations of eager readers.
