Author
Beverley Baxter
1891-1964
Beverley Baxter (1891-1964) is a public-domain author available on Rivro. Read free books, explore subjects, and discover related classics.
WikipediaSubjects
Books by Beverley Baxter
The Parts Men Play
"The Parts Men Play" by Arthur Beverley Baxter is a novel written in the early 20th century. Set in the midst of a vibrant London society, the story centers around Lady Durwent, an unusual hostess who meticulously curates her dinner parties to gather "unusual people," including her guests H. Stackton Dunckley, the author, and the American writer Austin Selwyn, showcasing the interactions and dynamics between British and American sensibilities. At the start of the narrative, Lady Durwent prepares to host a dinner party, inviting six select guests with a specific purpose. The story introduces various characters, including Dunckley, who grapples with his identity as a struggling author, and Madame Carlotti, an outspoken Italian diplomat's wife. The opening chapters set an engaging scene with the arrival of each character, revealing their quirks and the social tensions present in early 20th-century London. Themes of class, identity, and the contrast between American and British cultures are hinted at as the characters navigate their relationships amid the backdrop of a foggy November morning in the city.
The Blower of Bubbles
"The Blower of Bubbles" by Arthur Beverley Baxter is a collection of short stories written in the early 20th century. The volume features various narratives exploring the lives of individuals affected by the aftermath of war, particularly focusing on English society. The opening story introduces the main character, a young man named Basil Norman, known as the "Blower of Bubbles," who navigates the melancholic atmosphere of post-war London while reflecting on themes of love, loss, and artistic expression. At the start of the book, the protagonist finds himself in a gloomy mood on Christmas Eve in Sloane Square, surrounded by the contrasting cheer of the holiday season. Through a series of encounters, he engages in conversations that reveal his cynical and introspective nature. The arrival of Basil Norman, a friend from his past, brings a shift in the narrative, as their interactions juxtapose Norman's optimism and vivacity against the protagonist's brooding melancholy. The opening sets a tone of exploration into the depths of human emotion, love, and the complexities of life that emerge against the backdrop of a changed world shaped by war.