The Idiot

· Otbebookpublishing
Ebook
63
Pages
Eligible
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About this ebook

Excerpt: "For some weeks after the happy event which transformed the popular Mrs. Smithers into the charming Mrs. John Pedagog all went well at that lady's select home for single gentlemen. It was only proper that during the honey-moon, at least, of the happy couple hostilities between the Idiot and his fellow-boarders should cease. It was expecting too much of mankind, however, to look for a continued armistice, and the morning arrived when Nature once more reasserted herself, and trouble began. Just what it was that prompted the remark no one knows, but it happened that the Idiot did say that he thought that, after all, life on a canal-boat had its advantages. Mr. Pedagog, who had come into the dining-room in a slightly irritable frame of mind, induced perhaps by Mrs. Pedagog's insistence that as he was now part proprietor of the house he should be a little more prompt in making his contributions towards its maintenance, chose to take the remark as implying a reflection upon the way things were managed in the household. "Humph!" he said. "I had hoped that your habit of airing your idiotic views had been put aside for once and for all." "Very absurd hope, my dear sir," observed the Idiot. "Views that are not aired become musty. Why shouldn't I give them an atmospheric opportunity once in a while?""

About the author

John Kendrick Bangs (1862-1922) was an American author and satirist whose wit and humor left an indelible mark on the literary landscape of the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Born in Yonkers, New York, Bangs was a prolific writer who contributed to the development of the "Bangsian fantasy" genre, a sub-genre of fantasy literature involving famous historical figures in the afterlife. His imaginative narratives and clever satire captivated readers and influenced contemporary writers, including P.G. Wodehouse and Mark Twain.Bangs began his career as an editor for various magazines, including *Life* and *Harper's Weekly*, where his sharp editorial eye and humorous style gained him a loyal readership. His work often parodied the social and political issues of his time, using humor to critique and reflect on the human condition. This approach resonated with readers who were navigating the complexities of the Gilded Age and the Progressive Era.Despite his popularity, Bangs was not without controversy. His satirical take on revered figures and institutions sometimes drew the ire of critics who felt he was too irreverent. Nevertheless, his fearless approach to writing and his ability to blend humor with social commentary earned him a lasting place in American literary history.Bangs was also a pioneer in the use of serialized storytelling, a technique that kept readers eagerly anticipating the next installment of his works. His innovative style and willingness to push the boundaries of conventional literature paved the way for future generations of writers who sought to blend humor with deeper societal insights.John Kendrick Bangs remains a fascinating figure for modern readers, not only for his literary contributions but also for his ability to use humor as a lens through which to view and critique the world. His legacy endures as a testament to the power of satire and the enduring appeal of a well-told story.

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