Author
H. C. (Henry Cuyler) Bunner
1855-1896
H. C. (Henry Cuyler) Bunner (1855-1896) is a public-domain author available on Rivro. Read free books, explore subjects, and discover related classics.
WikipediaSubjects
Books by H. C. (Henry Cuyler) Bunner
"Short Sixes": Stories to be Read While the Candle Burns
"Short Sixes: Stories to be Read While the Candle Burns" by H. C. Bunner is a collection of short stories written in the late 19th century. This collection features various characters engaged in whimsical and poignant narratives, often exploring themes of love, social class, and the everyday lives of individuals in that period. Each story has an illustrative quality that enhances the reader's experience. The opening of the first story, "The Tenor," introduces us to two girls, Louise and Esther, who share an innocent admiration for a famous French tenor, M. Hyppolite Rémy. They engage in a ritualistic worship of his photograph and music, reflecting their youthful idolatry and emotional intensity. As they plot a daring plan for Louise to serve as a maid in the tenor's household, the narrative hints at themes of aspiration and the longing for connection with art and beauty. This sets the stage for a lively exploration of human desires and social interactions that Will be further developed in the collection.
More "Short Sixes"
"More 'Short Sixes'" by H. C. Bunner is a collection of humorous short stories written in the late 19th century. The narratives reflect the ironic and whimsical side of human nature, featuring a variety of characters in amusing and relatable situations, often highlighting their foibles and misunderstandings. At the start of the work, we are introduced to Mr. Brimmington, a city man who has purchased an old farmhouse in Pennsylvania with dreams of solitude and a chance to focus on writing his long-desired "History of Prehistoric Man." However, upon arriving at his new property, he is met with unexpected disappointment; the farmhouse is not quite what he envisioned, and an uninvited and cumbersome white horse seems to have come along with the deal. This comical misunderstanding between Brimmington and the locals, such as Mrs. Sparhawk and the postmaster Mr. Skinner, sets the stage for humorous conflicts revolving around the horse's unexpected presence and Mr. Brimmington's struggle to adapt to rural life.
The Story of a New York House
"The Story of a New York House" by H. C. Bunner is a fictional narrative written in the late 19th century. The story revolves around the lives of the Dolph family amidst the backdrop of a changing New York City, addressing themes of societal status and personal ambition through the experiences of Jacob Dolph, a merchant contemplating retirement and the implications of building a new house. Central characters include Jacob Dolph, his son, and other local merchants, particularly Abram Van Riper, who embodies the city's conservative values. At the start of the tale, we observe Jacob Dolph and Abram Van Riper engaging in a conversation discussing the progress of their lives and the changing social landscape in New York. The dialogue reveals Mr. Van Riper's dissatisfaction with the emerging genteel class represented by Jacob Dolph's desire to build a country house. As they navigate their notions of identity and social standing, other characters play pivotal roles, like the women in their lives who desire recognition and social connections. The opening sets the stage for exploring personal aspirations contrasted with societal expectations in a dynamically evolving urban setting.
Jersey Street and Jersey Lane: Urban and Suburban Sketches
"Jersey Street and Jersey Lane: Urban and Suburban Sketches" by H. C. Bunner is a collection of literary sketches written in the late 19th century. This work captures the vibrancy and complexity of urban life in New York City, particularly focusing on the characters and scenes found in neighborhoods like Jersey Street and Mulberry Lane. Bunner's writing offers a keen observation of the diverse strata of society, from immigrants and the working class to the affluent, reflecting on social issues of the time. The opening of the collection introduces a letter to the editor that critiques the presence of organ grinders in the city, setting the stage for a broader commentary on urban life and class differences. The narrator insightfully characterizes the letter writer as an upper-middle-class woman, revealing her disconnect from the very people she criticizes. As the narrator observes life on Mulberry Street through the window of his office, he describes various colorful characters, such as Judge Phoenix and the children playing in the street, illuminating the rich tapestry of life that thrives in these neighborhoods, despite the struggles and challenges present. This exploration serves not only as a vignette of daily life but opens the door to deeper reflections on empathy and social justice.