Paste Jewels By: John Kendrick Bangs (1862-1922)
In Paste Jewels, John Kendrick Bangs takes readers on a whimsical and amusing journey through a world of intrigue and mistaken identities. The novel revolves around the peculiar adventures of Mortimer Bayne, a charming and quick-witted character who finds himself caught up in an unexpected treasure hunt. What sets Paste Jewels apart from other detective novels of its time is Bangs' unique blend of humor and suspense. The author skillfully weaves together a narrative that keeps readers guessing until the very end, while also injecting moments of lighthearted comedy that bring a certain levity to the story. Bangs' wit is evident throughout the book, as he cleverly plays with conventions and subverts readers' expectations. The plot of Paste Jewels is intricately crafted, with twists and turns at every corner. From the moment Mortimer inherits a mysterious paste jewel from his eccentric great-aunt, readers are plunged into a world of intrigue and deception. As Mortimer navigates a web of mistaken identities and hidden agendas, the story moves at a brisk pace, making it difficult to put the book down. The characters in this novel are one of its strongest aspects. Mortimer Bayne, with his intelligence, wit, and penchant for taking risks, is a protagonist who effortlessly draws readers in. His interactions with a colorful cast of supporting characters, such as the enigmatic Miss Joslyn, the bumbling Inspector Blunt, and the nefarious Count Casimir, add depth and complexity to the story. Each character brings something unique to the table, contributing to the overall charm and entertainment factor of the book. In terms of writing style, Bangs exhibits a mastery of language that makes every page a joy to read. His prose is elegant and lyrical, evoking a vivid sense of time and place. The author's attention to detail paints a rich picture of the settings, allowing readers to immerse themselves fully in the world he has created. While Paste Jewels is undoubtedly a delightful read, it does have its flaws. At certain points, the plot becomes slightly convoluted, with multiple threads intertwining in a way that may confuse some readers. Additionally, the humor employed by Bangs may not resonate with everyone, as humor is subjective and can vary greatly from person to person. Overall, Paste Jewels is a delightful and engrossing novel that combines mystery, humor, and adventure. John Kendrick Bangs' clever storytelling and memorable characters make this book a must-read for those who enjoy lighthearted detective stories with a touch of whimsy. Although it may not be for everyone, those willing to embark on Mortimer Bayne's journey will undoubtedly find themselves captivated by the laughter and suspense that lie within these pages. First Page: Transcribed by David Price, email ccx074@coventry.ac.uk, from the 1897 Harper and Brothers edition. PASTE JEWELS PREFACE It may interest the readers of this collection of tales, if there should be any such, to know that the incidents upon which the stories are based are unfortunately wholly truthful. They have one and all come under the author's observation during the past ten years, and with the exception of "Mr. Bradley's Jewel," concerning whom it is expressly stated that she was employed through lack of other available material, not one of the servants herein made famous or infamous, as the case may be, was employed except upon presentation of references written by responsible persons that could properly have been given only to domestics of the most sterling character. It is this last fact that points the moral of the tales here presented, if it does not adorn them. J. K. B. THE EMANCIPATION OF THADDEUS They were very young, and possibly too amiable. Thaddeus was but twenty four and Bessie twenty two when they twain, made one, walked down the middle aisle of St. Peter's together. Everybody remarked how amiable she looked even then; not that a bride on her way out of church should look unamiable, of course, but we all know how brides do look, as a rule, on such occasions looks difficult of analysis, but strangely suggestive of determined timidity, if there can be such a quality expressed in the human face... Continue reading book >>

Paste Jewels By: John Kendrick Bangs (1862-1922)

In Paste Jewels, John Kendrick Bangs takes readers on a whimsical and amusing journey through a world of intrigue and mistaken identities. The novel revolves around the peculiar adventures of Mortimer Bayne, a charming and quick-witted character who finds himself caught up in an unexpected treasure hunt.

What sets Paste Jewels apart from other detective novels of its time is Bangs' unique blend of humor and suspense. The author skillfully weaves together a narrative that keeps readers guessing until the very end, while also injecting moments of lighthearted comedy that bring a certain levity to the story. Bangs' wit is evident throughout the book, as he cleverly plays with conventions and subverts readers' expectations.

The plot of Paste Jewels is intricately crafted, with twists and turns at every corner. From the moment Mortimer inherits a mysterious paste jewel from his eccentric great-aunt, readers are plunged into a world of intrigue and deception. As Mortimer navigates a web of mistaken identities and hidden agendas, the story moves at a brisk pace, making it difficult to put the book down.

The characters in this novel are one of its strongest aspects. Mortimer Bayne, with his intelligence, wit, and penchant for taking risks, is a protagonist who effortlessly draws readers in. His interactions with a colorful cast of supporting characters, such as the enigmatic Miss Joslyn, the bumbling Inspector Blunt, and the nefarious Count Casimir, add depth and complexity to the story. Each character brings something unique to the table, contributing to the overall charm and entertainment factor of the book.

In terms of writing style, Bangs exhibits a mastery of language that makes every page a joy to read. His prose is elegant and lyrical, evoking a vivid sense of time and place. The author's attention to detail paints a rich picture of the settings, allowing readers to immerse themselves fully in the world he has created.

While Paste Jewels is undoubtedly a delightful read, it does have its flaws. At certain points, the plot becomes slightly convoluted, with multiple threads intertwining in a way that may confuse some readers. Additionally, the humor employed by Bangs may not resonate with everyone, as humor is subjective and can vary greatly from person to person.

Overall, Paste Jewels is a delightful and engrossing novel that combines mystery, humor, and adventure. John Kendrick Bangs' clever storytelling and memorable characters make this book a must-read for those who enjoy lighthearted detective stories with a touch of whimsy. Although it may not be for everyone, those willing to embark on Mortimer Bayne's journey will undoubtedly find themselves captivated by the laughter and suspense that lie within these pages.

First Page:

Transcribed by David Price, email ccx074@coventry.ac.uk, from the 1897 Harper and Brothers edition.

PASTE JEWELS

PREFACE

It may interest the readers of this collection of tales, if there should be any such, to know that the incidents upon which the stories are based are unfortunately wholly truthful. They have one and all come under the author's observation during the past ten years, and with the exception of "Mr. Bradley's Jewel," concerning whom it is expressly stated that she was employed through lack of other available material, not one of the servants herein made famous or infamous, as the case may be, was employed except upon presentation of references written by responsible persons that could properly have been given only to domestics of the most sterling character. It is this last fact that points the moral of the tales here presented, if it does not adorn them.

J. K. B.

THE EMANCIPATION OF THADDEUS

They were very young, and possibly too amiable. Thaddeus was but twenty four and Bessie twenty two when they twain, made one, walked down the middle aisle of St. Peter's together.

Everybody remarked how amiable she looked even then; not that a bride on her way out of church should look unamiable, of course, but we all know how brides do look, as a rule, on such occasions looks difficult of analysis, but strangely suggestive of determined timidity, if there can be such a quality expressed in the human face... Continue reading book >>

Genres for this book
Fiction
Literature

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