Author
Max Beerbohm
1872-1956
Max Beerbohm (1872-1956) is a public-domain author available on Rivro. Read free books, explore subjects, and discover related classics.
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Books by Max Beerbohm
Zuleika Dobson; Or, An Oxford Love Story
"Zuleika Dobson; Or, An Oxford Love Story" by Sir Max Beerbohm is a satirical novel published in 1911. When the irresistibly captivating Zuleika Dobson arrives at Oxford to visit her grandfather, every undergraduate who sees her immediately falls hopelessly in love. Among them is the aloof Duke of Dorset, who proposes marriage—only to be rejected because she cannot love anyone susceptible to her charms. What begins as romantic comedy spirals into darker territory as the Duke makes a fatal pledge, inspiring an unprecedented wave of devotion that threatens to empty Oxford entirely.
And Even Now
"And Even Now" by Sir Max Beerbohm is a collection of essays written during the early 20th century. The essays reflect Beerbohm's observations and musings on various topics, encapsulating the wit and wisdom of his experiences and literary engagements over a decade. The opening portion of the book introduces a reflective essay titled "A Relic," where the narrator discovers an old portmanteau that triggers memories and evokes a sense of nostalgia. He recounts the contents of the trunk, particularly a fragment of a fan belonging to a woman named Angélique, which leads him to reminisce about a dramatic encounter he witnessed on a terrace in Normandy. The narrative explores themes of memory, longing, and the creative impulse, as the narrator contemplates the woman’s emotional turmoil and how it inspires him to pursue writing, despite his fears of inadequacy. This initial essay sets the tone for the collection, revealing Beerbohm’s keen insights into human nature and the subtleties of everyday life.
Yet Again
"Yet Again" by Max Beerbohm is a collection of essays written during the early 20th century. The book features a series of reflections on various aspects of life and culture, blending humor and philosophical insight, while capturing the essence of Beerbohm's wit. It explores multiple themes, including the nature of modern civilization, the significance of fire, and the peculiarities of human behavior, reflected through contemplative narratives and sharp observations. The opening portion of "Yet Again" introduces the reader to Beerbohm's stylistic eloquence and keen observations about fire. He begins by reminiscing on the wonder and respect inherent in the presence of fire, contrasting it with the mundane and lifeless objects that populate his room. This meditation on the elemental forces of fire not only serves as a metaphor for deeper human instincts and the primal aspects of existence, but it also sets a tone of nostalgia and yearning for the vibrancy of life. Following this reflective piece, he transitions to a humorous examination of the awkwardness experienced during farewells at a railway station, showcasing his ability to blend personal anecdote with broader reflections on social interactions. The early chapters lay the groundwork for a satirical yet thoughtful exploration of various facets of life in the modern world.
The Works of Max Beerbohm
"The Works of Max Beerbohm" by Sir Max Beerbohm is a collection of essays published in 1896. Written while Beerbohm was still a student at Oxford, these pieces originally appeared in notable 1890s periodicals like The Yellow Book and The Savoy. The collection showcases his satirical style through essays on dandies, royalty, and cosmetics, all designed to deflate pretentiousness with mock-scholarly wit. The 24-year-old author cheekily announced his retirement from writing upon publication—a promise he notably did not keep.
Seven Men [Excerpts]
"Seven Men [Excerpts]" by Sir Max Beerbohm is a collection of short stories published in 1919. Beerbohm crafts persuasive biographies of six fictional characters from the 1890s literary world, positioning himself as the seventh man. Through circumstantial detail and gentle realism, he blurs the lines between fact and fiction, leading readers into accepting fantastic events. The collection includes supernatural comedies, tales of literary rivalry, and character studies that explore gambling, palmistry, and the consequences of ambition in the fin-de-siècle era.
Enoch Soames: A Memory of the Eighteen-Nineties
"Enoch Soames: A Memory of the Eighteen-Nineties" by Sir Max Beerbohm is a short story published in 1916. This comic tragedy blends fantasy and time travel as Beerbohm narrates his supposed memories of an obscure poet from the 1890s. The fictional Enoch Soames, desperate to know his literary legacy, makes a fateful bargain with the Devil to visit the future and discover posterity's judgment of his work. What he finds there proves both ironic and devastating, leading to an unexpected revelation about his very existence.
A Christmas Garland
"A Christmas Garland" by Sir Max Beerbohm is a collection of seventeen parodies published in 1912. Beerbohm masterfully mimics the distinctive styles of popular Edwardian writers, including Henry James, George Bernard Shaw, Thomas Hardy, and Joseph Conrad, weaving their voices together with a Christmas theme. His parodies go beyond surface imitation, capturing the complete personality and inner workings of each author. Henry James himself praised the book with "wonder and delight," calling it "the most intelligent" produced in England in years.
A. V. Laider
"A. V. Laider" by Sir Max Beerbohm is a novella written in the early 20th century. It explores existential themes and the nature of human decisions through the lens of two convalescents who meet in a quaint seaside hostel. The book centers around the protagonist's reflections on fellow guest A. V. Laider, who harbors a dark secret regarding a past tragedy connected to his beliefs in palmistry and fate. The narrative unfolds predominantly through the eyes of the unnamed narrator, who recounts encounters with Laider and delves into a philosophical discussion about free will, destiny, and the impact of past choices on current lives. As Laider reveals a haunting story of his history, including a tragic railway accident that he feels responsible for due to his inaction, the tension between belief and doubt in both palmistry and personal agency becomes palpable. The interaction between the two men serves as a catalyst for exploring deeper notions of guilt and moral responsibility, leading to a poignant and introspective conclusion that questions the nature of truth and self-perception.
James Pethel
"James Pethel" by Sir Max Beerbohm is a reflective narrative written during the early 20th century. This work can be categorized as a character sketch or brief memoir that explores the themes of luck, mortality, and human relationships through the life of the titular character, James Pethel. The story poses an intricate examination of Pethel's personality and his intriguing presence as a wealthy, adventurous gambler renowned for his good fortune, while offering insights into how such a character resonates with others, particularly the author. The narrative unfolds through the eyes of the unnamed narrator, who recalls his first encounter with Pethel in Dieppe during a baccarat game, captivated by his seemingly ordinary yet stable demeanor amidst gamblers characterized by excess. As their acquaintance deepens, the narrator learns more about Pethel's life — his wealth, marriage to a barmaid, and passion for adventure and risk-taking. The bond between Pethel and his family, especially his daughter, highlights contrasting dynamics, particularly the narrator's observations about Pethel’s relationship with his wife, who seems disconnected from the excitement of his life. Ultimately, the sketch reveals underlying tensions and the fragility of Pethel’s luck, culminating in his sudden demise from a heart condition, which serves as a poignant reminder of the inevitable outcomes of a life lived on the edge.
The Happy Hypocrite: A Fairy Tale for Tired Men
"The Happy Hypocrite: A Fairy Tale for Tired Men" by Sir Max Beerbohm is a short story first published in 1896. A lighter, more humorous response to Oscar Wilde's "The Picture of Dorian Gray," it follows Lord George Hell, a worldly dandy who falls desperately in love with an innocent dancer. When she refuses to marry anyone without a saint's face, he makes a bold decision involving deception and disguise. What follows is an unexpected journey of transformation that questions whether true love can change a person from the inside out.
A Peep Into the Past
"A Peep Into the Past" by Sir Max Beerbohm is an essay written in 1893-1894 and privately printed in 1923. This satirical piece imagines Oscar Wilde—then at the height of his fame—as a staid, elderly recluse living quietly in Chelsea with a suspicious parade of page-boys. Beerbohm's cutting commentary lampoons Wilde's social aspirations and club life, creating a darkly prophetic portrait. Originally intended for The Yellow Book, the essay was withheld, possibly due to the impending Wilde scandal that would soon consume Victorian society.
The dreadful dragon of Hay Hill
"The Dreadful Dragon of Hay Hill" by Max Beerbohm is a fictional tale set in a prehistoric era, likely written in the early 20th century. The story begins with the discovery of a smoke column from Hay Hill, indicating the presence of a dragon, which sends shockwaves through a primitive community. The narrative introduces characters like the brave young girl Thia, who possesses a strong spirit and curiosity, and Thol, a timid boy destined to confront the dragon. At the start of this captivating story, we meet the curious Thia, who, upon seeing smoke rising from a cave, discovers the danger posed by a dragon that has awakened. The community's initial reactions range from skepticism to panic as the news spreads about the dragon's presence. The young Thol, filled with a desire to prove himself, struggles with his self-image while grappling with feelings of cowardice. The opening sets the stage for a charmingly whimsical exploration of bravery, community dynamics, and the challenges of confronting fear in both mythical and relatable ways.