Showing results by author "Arnold Bennett" in All Categories

Arnold Bennett was born in 1867 in Hanley, one of the six towns that formed the Potteries that later joined together to become Stoke-on-Trent - the area in which most of his works are located. In 1908 Bennett published The Old Wives' Tale, to great acclaim. With this, his reputation was set. Clayhanger and The Old Wives' Tale are perhaps his greatest and most lauded novels. But standing next to these are many fine short stories and it is to these that we turn our attention in this audiobook.

Learn to use your most precious commodity—time—to truly live. Arnold Bennett’s classic book, How to Live on 24 Hours a Day, has been changing the way people use and consider their time since it was first published in 1910. In the intervening century surprisingly little has changed—we...

A grisly collection of despicable crimes told by some of the world's best writers.

1. "The Mysterious Card" by Cleveland Moffett 2. "The Card Unveiled" by Cleveland Moffett 3. "The Problem of the Five Marks" by Melville Davisson Post 4. "A Terribly Strange Bed" by Wilkie Collins 5. "The Gold Bug" by Edgar Allan Poe 6. "Who Killed Charlie Winpole" by Ernest Bramah 7. "The Comedy at Fountain Cottage" by Ernest Bramah 8. "The Secret of the Smoked Spectacles" by William Le Queux 9. "The Hair" by A. J. Alan 10. "The Haunted Dolls’ House" by M. R. James, and many more....

Murder mystery by Arnold Bennett, adapted in two parts by Chris Harrald. Episode 1. American tycoon Theodore Racksole buys Europe's most exclusive hotel on a whim, but is warned by the seller that he will live to regret it. Soon, a mysterious death occurs and Theodore and his daughter Nella...

A spectacular collection of outstanding half-hour short stories...perfect for commuters or bedtime listening. 'The Whistle' by Hugh Walpole, 'The Well' by W. W. Jacobs, 'The Scrupulous Father' by George Gissing, 'The Debt' by Edith Wharton, 'The Problem of the Five Marks' by Melville Davisson Post, 'The Purple Wig' by G. K. Chesterton, 'Pickman's Model' by H. P. Lovecraft, 'Humplebee' by Geroge Gissing.

Meet Leonora Stanway, a 40-year-old woman trapped in a comfortable yet unexciting middle-class existence with her unremarkable husband, John. As her three daughters begin to forge their own paths, Leonora grapples with feelings of stagnation and unfulfilled dreams. Everything changes when Arthur Twemlow, the charismatic son of Johns former business partner, bursts into their lives, stirring up emotions and secrets. Meanwhile, the enigmatic Uncle Meshach has unexpectedly rewritten his will, adding further intrigue to Leonoras already complicated life. - Summary by Simon Evers

Set in the Potteries area of Staffordshire, England, this gripping tale follows Anna Tellwright, the daughter of a wealthy yet tyrannical father whose strict control extends even to her spiritual life within the Methodist church. After marrying the charming and respectable Henry, Anna seeks to break free from her fathers oppressive grasp. However, her desire to assist Willy, the troubled son of her fathers bankrupt business partner, leads her into a web of challenges and moral dilemmas that test her resolve.

Dive into Clayhanger, the first book in a captivating trilogy that tells the coming-of-age tale of Edwin Clayhanger in the heart of Victorian Englands Midlands. As Edwin navigates the transition from schoolboy to businessman, he grapples with the weight of familial expectations, societal norms, and the complexities of first love. Set against the backdrop of Bennetts fictional 5 Towns, inspired by the real-life Potteries, this story explores the resilience required to forge ones identity amidst the constraints of a rigid society. Edwins journey is not just about survival; its a poignant ...

A story of small-town intrigue that begins with a large sum of money being entrusted and then mysteriously disappearing. The novel was extremely popular and one of Bennett's greatest successes.

Dive into Elsie And The Child, a captivating collection of thirteen short stories from 1924 by a master storyteller of the early twentieth century. Renowned for his engaging fiction and nonfiction, the author won the hearts of many. Following his contributions to the WWI war effort, he graciously declined the Order of the British Empire (OBE). Enjoy a rich tapestry of narratives that reflect the eras spirit, beautifully narrated by David Wales.

‘The Pretty Lady’ stands as one of Bennetts most insightful yet overlooked works. It tells the compelling story of Christine, a French prostitute who has fled the chaos of wartime Ostend to forge a new life in London. Rather than seeking sympathy, Christine embodies self-sufficiency, practicality, and resilience. She is not a predatory figure lurking for vulnerable soldiers but a savvy entrepreneur making the most of her circumstances. Her primary connection is with G.J. Hoape, a wealthy man beyond the militarys reach. Through this narrative, Bennett paints a haunting portrait of a wartime...

Dive into a charming collection of short stories that gently satirize and humorously reflect on the everyday life of small-town England at the close of the nineteenth century. Set in the six towns of Staffordshire, famously known as the Potteries, Arnold Bennett artfully fictionalizes these locales, opting for the more melodious Five Towns by omitting Fenton. The narrative cleverly intertwines the real towns of Hanley, Longton, Burslem, and Tunstall, with Stoke transformed into the fictional Knype. Born in Hanley in 1867, Arnold Bennetts journey from a solicitors clerk to a celebrated writer ...

Meet Mr. Priam Farll, a gifted painter whose shyness is so profound that when his valet, Henry Leek, unexpectedly passes away, the doctor mistakenly identifies the dead man as Priam and the living artist as his servant. Rather than correct the error, Priam allows the ruse to continue. Following the lavish funeral in Westminster Abbey, he unexpectedly marries a widow and enjoys a blissful life—until financial troubles force him back to his easel. As a savvy art connoisseur begins to recognize Priam’s distinctive style, he believes the works to be those of a fraud and profits handsomely by ...

In this captivating coming-of-age tale, we follow the journey of Edwin Clayhanger, a young man whose aspirations of becoming an architect are crushed under the weight of his domineering father, Darius. Stranded in the family printing business, Edwin navigates the complexities of familial relationships and becomes enamored with the enigmatic Hilda Lessways. As he gradually takes charge of the family enterprise, the story intricately weaves through Edwin’s struggles and triumphs, marking the beginning of an engaging four-part series that chronicles his life. - Summary by Simon Evers

Dive into a delightful blend of humor and insight with Bennetts timeless collection of articles. He shares his reflections on mental exercise, life organization, the complexities of marriage, and various pocket philosophies. Nearly a century after its original publication, this book remains relevant and entertaining, offering a fresh perspective on enduring topics. Notably, Bennett references An Essay on the Principle of Population by Thomas Malthus in Chapter 5, which is also available as a Librivox recording. (Summary by Ruth Golding)

Meet Edward Henry Machin, affectionately known as ‘Denry’—the charming protagonist of this delightful tale. Set in the bustling pottery towns of the English Midlands during the late 19th century, Denry rises from the humble beginnings of a washerwoman and seamstresss son to become a wealthy figure, celebrated for his vibrant spirit and determination. With his quick wit and unshakeable nerve, he not only finds love and prosperity but also makes history as the youngest mayor of his hometown. As one councillor quips, He’s identified with the great cause of cheering us all up. Join us in ...

In Regent, we follow the further adventures of Denry Machin, the beloved protagonist from The Card. Now at forty-three, Denry grapples with the unsettling feeling of growing old, realizing that financial success and a stable home life no longer fulfill him. Yearning for change and excitement, he reflects, What I want is change - and a lot of it too! A serendipitous encounter at a local theatre sets him on a journey to London, where his quest for renewal truly begins. (Summary by A.J.M.)

Arnold Bennett was born in 1867 in Hanley one of the six towns that formed the Potteries that later joined together to become Stoke on Trent; the area in which most of his works are located. For a short time he worked for his solicitor father before realising that to advance his life he would need to become his own man. Moving to London at twenty-one he obtained work as a solicitor’s clerk and gradually moved into a career of journalism. At the turn of the century he turned full time to writing. Clayhanger and The Old Wives Tale are perhaps his greatest and most lauded novels.

Discover a captivating collection of twenty-two short stories by Arnold Bennett, set primarily in the enchanting Five Towns—his affectionate term for the pottery manufacturing heartland of the English midlands. With rich characterizations and vivid storytelling, these tales paint a portrait of life in this unique region. (Summary by Andy Minter)