The Toys of Peace, and Other Papers
Saki
Sep 2022 · DigiCat
Ebook
153
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About this ebook
In 'The Toys of Peace, and Other Papers', the inimitable Saki, with his unique blend of the whimsical and the caustic, presents a series of short stories that dissect early 20th-century British society with surgical precision and an unparalleled wit. Through his acerbic prose and a mastery of the surprise ending, Saki delivers narratives that balance on the knife-edge between comedy and tragedy. His literary style is marked by a deft economy of language and the seamless weaving of satire into the fabric of commonplace scenarios, placing it firmly within the rich tradition of British satirical fiction that stretches from Jonathan Swift to P.G. Wodehouse.n The author, born Hector Hugh Munro, wrote under the pen name of Saki, perhaps finding in this pseudonym the freedom to skewer the pretensions and hypocrisies of the Edwardian era with impunity. The societal constraints and absurdities of his time were evergreen subjects for Saki, following his employment in the Burma Police Force, and his experiences during World War I undoubtedly honed his perception of human follies and the futility of conflict. This collection, then, is a testament to the keen observation and intelligence of an author who found humor in the darkness.n 'The Toys of Peace, and Other Papers' is recommended for those who appreciate literary craftsmanship and biting social commentary. Its stories resonate with the modern reader, offering a portal into the mores and manners of a bygone era with reflections that remain pertinent today. Lovers of the short story form will find in Saki an unerring guide to the quirks and quandaries of human nature, making this collection an essential addition to the canon of classic literature.
About the author
Saki is the pen name of Hector Hugh Munro (1870–1916), a British writer known for his witty, mischievous, and sometimes macabre stories. Born in Akyab, British Burma, he was raised by aunts in England after his mother's death. Saki's upbringing would shape his literary persona, often portraying a world where children and animals rebel against the constraints imposed by adult society. Saki's work is marked by a deft use of language and a masterful blending of realistic settings with surprising fantastical turns. 'The Toys of Peace, and Other Papers' (1919) offers a satirical look at pre-war and wartime society in England, highlighting his ability to critique contemporary social norms through his sharp and often darkly humorous storytelling. Saki's other notable collections include 'Reginald' (1904) and 'Reginald in Russia' (1910), featuring his well-known protagonist, Reginald. 'The Chronicles of Clovis' (1911) and 'Beasts and Super-Beasts' (1914) further establish his reputation as a master of the short story form. His tales often focus on Edwardian social circles and the human penchant for the irrational, showcasing his influences from Oscar Wilde to Rudyard Kipling. Although his career was cut short due to his death in World War I, Saki's literary legacy continues to influence the short story genre, reflecting an era's nuances with his inimitably sardonic and iconoclastic style.
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