The Angel and the Author, and others By: Jerome K. Jerome (1859-1927)
Jerome K. Jerome's collection of short stories, The Angel and the Author, and others, is a delightful and whimsical journey into the realm of the supernatural. With his signature wit and humor, Jerome invites readers to explore the inexplicable encounters between mortals and celestial beings, offering a refreshing and unique take on the genre. The collection begins with the titular story, "The Angel and the Author," where Jerome deftly weaves together elements of fantasy, romance, and humor. Through the tale of a struggling author meeting his own creation, an angel named Seraphina, Jerome raises thought-provoking questions about the nature of creativity, inspiration, and the limits of the imagination. The dialogue between the author and the angel is filled with charming banter and witty exchanges, adding an engaging and enjoyable layer to the narrative. One of the standout stories in the collection is "The Philosopher's Joke." Jerome takes an unexpected turn by introducing a philosophical element into the supernatural realm. In this story, humor and satire merge seamlessly, as the protagonist, a skeptical philosopher, encounters a mischievous imp. The narrative unfolds with Jerome's characteristic misdirection and clever wordplay, leaving readers both amused and contemplating the deeper themes underlying the comical situations. Throughout the collection, Jerome showcases his keen understanding of human nature, revealing the flaws and idiosyncrasies that make us who we are. In "The Attempted Restoration of Daddy's Portrait," he explores the theme of family dynamics, painting a vivid picture of generational conflicts through the lens of a haunted portrait. The story's juxtaposition of the supernatural with the mundane highlights Jerome's ability to create relatable and engaging characters, drawing readers into their emotional struggles. One of the highlights of this collection is Jerome's ability to infuse his lighthearted storytelling with profound insights. In "The Man of Science," he cleverly challenges the notion of rationality and the superiority of scientific knowledge. By presenting a skeptical scientist confronted with a ghostly manifestation, Jerome reminds us of the limits of empirical thinking and the importance of embracing the unknown. As the story unfolds, a subtle exploration of faith and the human quest for certainty emerges, leaving readers pondering the complexities of belief systems. Overall, The Angel and the Author, and others serves as a testament to Jerome K. Jerome's talent in blending genres, evoking laughter, and prompting introspection. His ability to infuse supernatural elements with relatable human experiences is a true delight. Whether exploring the tensions between art and reality or challenging the boundaries of rational thought, Jerome's stories are imbued with his unique style and offer a refreshing take on the supernatural genre. These enchanting tales will captivate readers' hearts and minds, leaving them eagerly awaiting the next unexpected twist in Jerome's imaginative storytelling. First Page: OTHERS Transcribed from the 1908 Hurst and Blackett edition by David Price, email ccx074@pglaf.org THE ANGEL AND THE AUTHOR AND OTHERS BY JEROME K. JEROME Author of "Paul Kelver," "Idle Thoughts of an Idle Fellow," "The Passing of the Third Floor Back," and others. LONDON: HURST AND BLACKETT, LIMITED 182, HIGH HOLBORN, W.C. 1908 CHAPTER I I had a vexing dream one night, not long ago: it was about a fortnight after Christmas. I dreamt I flew out of the window in my nightshirt. I went up and up. I was glad that I was going up. "They have been noticing me," I thought to myself. "If anything, I have been a bit too good. A little less virtue and I might have lived longer. But one cannot have everything." The world grew smaller and smaller. The last I saw of London was the long line of electric lamps bordering the Embankment; later nothing remained but a faint luminosity buried beneath darkness. It was at this point of my journey that I heard behind me the slow, throbbing sound of wings. I turned my head. It was the Recording Angel. He had a weary look; I judged him to be tired. "Yes," he acknowledged, "it is a trying period for me, your Christmas time." "I am sure it must be," I returned; "the wonder to me is how you get through it all... Continue reading book >>

The Angel and the Author, and others By: Jerome K. Jerome (1859-1927)

Jerome K. Jerome's collection of short stories, The Angel and the Author, and others, is a delightful and whimsical journey into the realm of the supernatural. With his signature wit and humor, Jerome invites readers to explore the inexplicable encounters between mortals and celestial beings, offering a refreshing and unique take on the genre.

The collection begins with the titular story, "The Angel and the Author," where Jerome deftly weaves together elements of fantasy, romance, and humor. Through the tale of a struggling author meeting his own creation, an angel named Seraphina, Jerome raises thought-provoking questions about the nature of creativity, inspiration, and the limits of the imagination. The dialogue between the author and the angel is filled with charming banter and witty exchanges, adding an engaging and enjoyable layer to the narrative.

One of the standout stories in the collection is "The Philosopher's Joke." Jerome takes an unexpected turn by introducing a philosophical element into the supernatural realm. In this story, humor and satire merge seamlessly, as the protagonist, a skeptical philosopher, encounters a mischievous imp. The narrative unfolds with Jerome's characteristic misdirection and clever wordplay, leaving readers both amused and contemplating the deeper themes underlying the comical situations.

Throughout the collection, Jerome showcases his keen understanding of human nature, revealing the flaws and idiosyncrasies that make us who we are. In "The Attempted Restoration of Daddy's Portrait," he explores the theme of family dynamics, painting a vivid picture of generational conflicts through the lens of a haunted portrait. The story's juxtaposition of the supernatural with the mundane highlights Jerome's ability to create relatable and engaging characters, drawing readers into their emotional struggles.

One of the highlights of this collection is Jerome's ability to infuse his lighthearted storytelling with profound insights. In "The Man of Science," he cleverly challenges the notion of rationality and the superiority of scientific knowledge. By presenting a skeptical scientist confronted with a ghostly manifestation, Jerome reminds us of the limits of empirical thinking and the importance of embracing the unknown. As the story unfolds, a subtle exploration of faith and the human quest for certainty emerges, leaving readers pondering the complexities of belief systems.

Overall, The Angel and the Author, and others serves as a testament to Jerome K. Jerome's talent in blending genres, evoking laughter, and prompting introspection. His ability to infuse supernatural elements with relatable human experiences is a true delight. Whether exploring the tensions between art and reality or challenging the boundaries of rational thought, Jerome's stories are imbued with his unique style and offer a refreshing take on the supernatural genre. These enchanting tales will captivate readers' hearts and minds, leaving them eagerly awaiting the next unexpected twist in Jerome's imaginative storytelling.

First Page:

OTHERS

Transcribed from the 1908 Hurst and Blackett edition by David Price, email ccx074@pglaf.org

THE ANGEL AND THE AUTHOR AND OTHERS

BY JEROME K. JEROME

Author of "Paul Kelver," "Idle Thoughts of an Idle Fellow," "The Passing of the Third Floor Back," and others.

LONDON: HURST AND BLACKETT, LIMITED 182, HIGH HOLBORN, W.C. 1908

CHAPTER I

I had a vexing dream one night, not long ago: it was about a fortnight after Christmas. I dreamt I flew out of the window in my nightshirt. I went up and up. I was glad that I was going up. "They have been noticing me," I thought to myself. "If anything, I have been a bit too good. A little less virtue and I might have lived longer. But one cannot have everything." The world grew smaller and smaller. The last I saw of London was the long line of electric lamps bordering the Embankment; later nothing remained but a faint luminosity buried beneath darkness. It was at this point of my journey that I heard behind me the slow, throbbing sound of wings.

I turned my head. It was the Recording Angel. He had a weary look; I judged him to be tired.

"Yes," he acknowledged, "it is a trying period for me, your Christmas time."

"I am sure it must be," I returned; "the wonder to me is how you get through it all... Continue reading book >>

Genres for this book
Essay/Short nonfiction
Literature

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