DigiCat Publishing presents to you this special edition of "David Harum" (A Story of American Life) by Edward Noyes Westcott. DigiCat Publishing considers every written word to be a legacy of humankind. Every DigiCat book has been carefully reproduced for republishing in a new modern format. The books are available in print, as well as ebooks. DigiCat hopes you will treat this work with the acknowledgment and passion it deserves as a classic of world literature.
Joseph Epstein takes on that most enchanting (and, alas, increasingly rare) of human gifts, charm. “Almost everyone will recognize when he or she is in the presence of charm,” he writes. “Charm is magic of a kind; it casts a spell. In the presence of charm the world seems lighter and lovelier. A charming person can cause you to forget your problems, at least temporarily, to hold the world’s dreariness at bay. Charm is a reminder that the world is filled with jolly prospects and delightful possibilities. Watching Fred Astaire dance, or listening to Blossom Dearie sing, or reading the poems of C.P. Cavafy, or merely looking at Rita Hayworth or Ava Gardner, one recalls that the world can be a pretty damn fine place.”
Edward Frederic Benson (1867-1940) was an English novelist, biographer, memoirist, archaeologist and short story writer, known professionally as E.F. Benson. He started his novel writing career in 1893 with the fashionably controversial Dodo, which was an instant success, and followed it with a variety of satire and romantic and supernatural melodrama. He repeated the success of Dodo, with sequels to this novel, but the greatest success came relatively late in his career with The Mapp and Lucia series consisting of six novels and two short stories. The novels feature humorous incidents in the lives of (mainly) upper-middle-class British people in the 1920s and 1930s, vying for social prestige and one-upmanship in an atmosphere of extreme cultural snobbery. Benson was also known as a writer of atmospheric, oblique, and at times humorous or satirical ghost stories. This edition includes: Make Way For Lucia: Queen Lucia Miss Mapp Dodo Trilogy: Dodo: A Detail of the Day Dodo's Daughter or Dodo the Second Dodo Wonders David Blaize Series: David Blaize David Blaize and the Blue Door Other Novels: The Rubicon The Judgement Books The Vintage Mammon and Co. Scarlet and Hyssop The Relentless City The Valkyries The Angel of Pain The House of Defence The Blotting Book Daisy's Aunt Mrs. Ames Thorley Weir Arundel Michael Up and Down Across the Stream Short Story Collections: The Room in the Tower, and Other Stories The Countess of Lowndes Square, and Other Stories Historical Work: Crescent and Iron Cross
This is a one-act comedy set in Victorian England. It is essentially a comedy of manners. The characters spend much time deriding gossip as an evil thing, but in actual fact do pretty much nothing else but gossip throughout the play. The Victorian sensibilities make it very funny.
"Wickedly entertaining! Light, witty, and original, Wickedly Charming is also a wry insider's view of publishing and the heady delights of being a booklover." -Mary Jo Putney, New York Times bestselling author of Never Less Than A Lady He's given up on happily-ever-after... Cinderella's Prince Charming is divorced and at a dead end. The new owner of a bookstore, Charming has given up on women, royalty, and anything that smacks of a future. That is, until he meets up with Mellie... But she may be the key to happily-right-now... Mellie is sick and tired of stepmothers being misunderstood. Vampires have redeemed their reputation, why shouldn't stepmothers do the same? Then she runs into the handsomest, most charming man she's ever met and discovers she's going about her mission all wrong... It's only natural that sparks fly and magic ensues when these two fairy tale refugees put their heads-and vulnerable hearts-together... Praise for Simply Irresistible "A sweet romance...Grayson's clever, humor-tinged writing is absolutely delightful." -Booklist "Danger, humor, and passion are all here and in full force." -RT Bookclub Top Pick
John Lenox meets an old acquaintance, Mary Blake, aboard a ship bound for New York from Europe, and a romance begins to blossom. The love interest continues to grow until Mary must move away for warmer climes in order to help her sister care for her ailing husband. Not long after this loss, John experiences an even greater one; he then stumbles upon, and accepts, an opportunity to move to a small village in upstate New York to work for a country banker. His new boss, David Harum, is not only a banker, but also partakes in horse-trading. David turns out to be a uniquely quaint, humorous, and original character who shares with John his many wise views on life. The lighthearted nature and humor of the novel are in contrast with the circumstances in which it was written; Edward Noyes Westcott completed the work on his deathbed, and it was not published until six months after his death. It was an immediate success, selling over half a million copies in its first two years. David Harum was later adapted as a play, a silent film, a talking film, and a radio serial program. Many similarities have been noted between the novel’s character David Harum of Homeville, NY and the real-life David Hannum of Homer, NY, who was also a banker and horse-trader. Hannum is best remembered for his role in the Cardiff Giant hoax, in which he claimed to have found the petrified remains of a ten foot tall man buried in Cardiff, NY. This book is part of the Standard Ebooks project, which produces free public domain ebooks.
E. M. Delafield (1890-1943) was a prolific English author. She is best known for her largely autobiographical works like Zella Sees Herself, The Provincial Lady Series etc. which look at the lives of upper-middle class Englishwomen. TABLE OF CONTENTS PROVINCIAL LADY SERIES The Diary of a Provincial Lady The Provincial Lady Goes Further The Provincial Lady in America The Provincial Lady in Russia The Provincial Lady in Wartime NOVELS Zella Sees Herself The War-Workers Consequences Tension The Heel of Achilles Humbug: A Study in Education Messalina of the Suburbs Gay Life General Impressions Late and Soon SHORT STORIES The Bond of Union Lost in Transmission Time Work Wonders The Hotel Child The Gallant Little Lady Impasse The Appeal The Philistine PLAYS The First Stone To See Ourselves. A Domestic Comedy in Three Acts
"Blanche: A Story for Girls" by Mrs. Molesworth is a heartwarming and inspiring tale that follows the journey of its young protagonist, Blanche, as she navigates the challenges and triumphs of growing up and finding her place in the world. Set against a backdrop of Victorian England, the story captures the essence of girlhood, friendship, and self-discovery. Blanche, the central character, is a relatable and endearing young girl who embarks on a coming-of-age adventure filled with lessons and experiences that resonate with readers of all ages. As Blanche navigates the complexities of her family, friendships, and personal aspirations, readers witness her growth and transformation into a confident and independent individual. The novel beautifully captures the spirit of the time, offering a glimpse into the social norms, values, and expectations of Victorian society. Through Blanche's interactions with her family, friends, and the people she encounters, readers gain insights into the challenges and opportunities faced by young women during this era. Mrs. Molesworth's writing style is characterized by its evocative descriptions, rich character development, and thoughtful exploration of universal themes. The author's ability to depict the emotional landscape of her characters allows readers to connect deeply with Blanche's journey and the challenges she encounters. At its core, "Blanche: A Story for Girls" emphasizes the importance of perseverance, friendship, and staying true to oneself. As Blanche overcomes obstacles and discovers her own strengths, readers are reminded of the power of resilience and the value of embracing one's unique qualities. The story's timeless appeal lies in its ability to resonate with modern readers, as the themes of self-discovery, identity, and the pursuit of dreams remain relevant across generations. "Blanche" serves as a heartening reminder that the journey of growing up is filled with both challenges and moments of joy, and that every individual has the capacity to shape their own destiny. In conclusion, "Blanche: A Story for Girls" by Mrs. Molesworth is a captivating and insightful novel that captures the essence of girlhood and personal growth. Through the engaging narrative of Blanche's journey, readers are invited to explore themes of identity, friendship, and the pursuit of one's dreams, making this book a timeless and cherished read for generations to come.
