Author
Henry Farrell
1920-2006
Henry Farrell (1920-2006) is a public-domain author available on Rivro. Read free books, explore subjects, and discover related classics.
WikipediaSubjects
Books by Henry Farrell
The shades of Toffee
"The Shades of Toffee" by Charles F. Myers is a science fiction novel written in the mid-20th century. The story revolves around Marc Pillsworth, a scientist who grapples with the unintended consequences of his experiments, particularly when a catastrophic explosion brings a mysterious and alluring character named Toffee into his life, challenging his perceptions of reality and relationships. The opening of the novel introduces us to Marc Pillsworth in his basement laboratory as he prepares for a crucial experiment. When his attempt to manipulate the laws of gravity goes awry, it leads to chaos and darkness, from which he emerges into a fantastical world alongside Toffee, a girl seemingly conjured from his subconscious. Their interactions begin playfully and flirtatiously, revealing Marc's charm and insecurities as he confronts both his creation and the reality of his marriage to Julie. As they navigate this new dynamic, the consequences of Marc's experiments and the nature of his relationships become central themes, hinting at a blend of humor, imagination, and introspection that fuels the narrative.
You can't scare me!
"You can't scare me!" by Charles F. Myers is a humorous and fantastical short story written during the mid-20th century, likely in the post-World War II era. The narrative revolves around Marc Pillsworth, an advertising executive who finds himself in bizarre and comedic escapades involving his subconscious and a character named Toffee. The story explores themes of jealousy, adventure, and the absurdities of life through the lens of exaggerated characters and situations. The plot begins with Marc Pillsworth dealing with his jealous wife, Julie, and his obnoxious secretary, Miss Quirtt. After a dramatic encounter involving a car, a scream, and a mysterious hole, Marc is transported into his subconscious realm where he meets Toffee, a whimsical character who complicates his life as much as she aids him. Their escapades lead to a series of comedic misunderstandings, including Marc's struggle to recover a stolen briefcase, confront jealousies, and navigate a bizarre world filled with colorful characters. Ultimately, the story culminates in Marc realizing that the fantastical elements of his life, represented by Toffee, are intertwined with the challenges of his reality, leaving him to reflect on the nature of his relationships and escapades.
Blessed Event
"Blessed Event" by Henry Farrell is a satirical novel written in the early 1950s. The story revolves around the highly unusual circumstances surrounding the birth of an extraordinary baby, the million quadrillionth child born on Earth, who possesses an unprecedented level of intelligence. The book explores themes of parenthood, societal expectations, and the consequences of exceptional talent, all wrapped in a comedic narrative. The plot centers on Lester and Ginny Holmes, a typical couple overwhelmed by the birth of their son, referred to as A.P. (Anstruther Pierpont Holmes), who begins to display a startling ability to communicate and manipulate situations from the time he is born. As A.P. grows, he quickly demands attention from the press and the public, leading to chaos in the Holmes family's lives. Lester and Ginny struggle to adapt to their son's extraordinary nature while trying to maintain normalcy. The story culminates in a series of comedic misunderstandings and critiques of societal norms, ultimately leading to a heartwarming conclusion that highlights the importance of family above intellect.
The vengeance of Toffee
"The Vengeance of Toffee" by Charles F. Myers is a novel written in the early 1950s, set against the backdrop of a world teetering on the brink of atomic war. The story introduces Marc Pillsworth, a man grappling with his own domestic crises amidst the external chaos, including his peculiar relationship with a character named Toffee, who seems to embody both trouble and playful mischief. This juxtaposition of personal and global turmoil hints at themes of love, madness, and the absurdities of human behavior in dire times. At the start of the narrative, readers are immersed in the panic and terror of impending doom as broadcasted messages recount the rise of totalitarian regimes and the looming threat of destruction. Amidst this anxiety, Marc Pillsworth is introduced as he clashes with his wife, Julie, over his obsession with news of their precarious world. Their domestic quarrel grows increasingly absurd, culminating in a comical physical confrontation that leaves Marc injured. As Marc recuperates, he begins to imagine Toffee, who symbolizes the whimsical escape from reality, hinting she might possess some magical ability to alter circumstances. The opening sets the stage for a comedic exploration of existential dread intertwined with charm and surrealism, inviting readers to ponder how ordinary life continues in the face of extraordinary threats.
No time for Toffee!
"No Time for Toffee!" by Charles F. Myers is a science fiction novel likely written in the early 1950s. The story revolves around Marc Pillsworth, who finds himself facing life-threatening challenges, including being shot amidst a conspiracy involving subversive government propaganda. As he grapples with his precarious existence, the character of Toffee—a seemingly imaginary yet vivid presence—complicates his situation with her spirited and unpredictable nature. The opening of the story introduces a dramatic scene where Marc is about to broadcast concerning a government scheme when he is shot, leading to his apparent death or critical injury. Following this, the narrative shifts to a spectral perspective with the High Council discussing Marc's fate and the need to intervene, as well as the chaotic antics of George, Marc's ghostly counterpart, who wishes to inhabit the Earth permanently. As the story unfolds, Toffee, Marc's mental projection, emerges prominently, and together with George, they find themselves caught in a web of threats from government agents plotting their demise while simultaneously navigating their surreal and often humorous circumstances.
The laughter of Toffee
"The Laughter of Toffee" by Charles F. Myers is a comedic novel likely written in the mid-20th century. The story follows Marc Pillsworth, a businessman whose day takes a surreal turn after he inadvertently ingests a miracle elixir, leading him into a whirlwind of chaos involving jealousy, misunderstandings, and encounters with eccentric characters. The chaotic spring day turns into a madcap journey that finds Marc grappling with an unexpected and troublesome predicament involving his wife and a portrait artist. At the start of the novel, Marc is depicted as a downcast businessman, burdened by feelings of jealousy toward his wife's outing with the charismatic artist, Mario. As he navigates the city, Marc's situation takes a bizarre twist when he interacts with a series of quirky characters, including a bumbling druggist and an illicit postcard salesman. The introduction hints at the unfolding absurdities as Marc finds himself unable to escape the chaos sparked by Toffee, a manifestation of his subconscious desires. As he grapples with increasing complications, including his newfound "X-ray eyes," the stage is set for a zany and unpredictable adventure, blending elements of fantasy with humor.
Double Identity
"Double Identity" by Charles F. Myers is a science fiction story written in the early 1950s. This creative narrative explores themes of identity and the relationship between fiction and reality as it follows Fleetwood Cassidy, a fictional private detective, who realizes that he is an invention of a writer named Grant Dermitt. As Fleetwood navigates a world that blends his noir detective experiences with the absurdity of being a character written into existence, the story delves into the implications of autonomy and purpose for characters within fiction. In the story, Fleetwood Cassidy grapples with his experiences as a private investigator, facing off against villains while reflecting on the nature of his existence. He encounters Mario, a henchman, and Evelyn, a femme fatale, amidst various dangerous situations. As his awareness of being merely a product of Dermitt's imagination grows, Fleetwood confronts the absurdity of his situation and ultimately strives to break free from the constraints of his narrative, even as Dermitt, the writer, tries to impose his will upon him. The storyline pivots on Fleetwood’s struggle between embracing or rejecting his role within the story, leading to an exploration of free will and destiny that resonates well beyond the fictional framework. As Fleetwood seeks to regain control over his life, the narrative playfully interrogates the boundaries between creator and creation, ultimately showcasing the joys of self-discovery and the search for authenticity.
I'll dream of you
"I'll Dream of You" by Charles F. Myers is a fantasy novel that was likely written in the mid-20th century. The story revolves around the protagonist, Marc Pillsworth, who finds his dream girl, Toffee, materializing in his waking life after he dreams her into existence. The novel explores themes of love, reality versus fantasy, and the complexities of human relationships. In the narrative, Marc, who is immersed in his work running an advertising agency, experiences a vivid dream involving Toffee, a carefree and vivacious girl. Upon awakening, he is shocked to discover that Toffee has come to life and is determined to assist him in breaking free from his mundane existence. Their adventures lead to humorous and chaotic situations, revealing Marc's struggles with his feelings for his secretary, Julie. Although Toffee proves to be a source of excitement, she ultimately teaches Marc important life lessons about love and personal fulfillment, leading to an emotional farewell as she returns to the realm of dreams, allowing Marc to embrace reality and pursue a genuine connection with Julie.
The spirit of Toffee
"The Spirit of Toffee" by Charles F. Myers is a comedic novel written in the mid-20th century. The story follows Marc Pillsworth, a beleaguered advertising executive, whose life spirals into chaos when he is haunted by George, an unruly ghost that brings further turmoil to his already complicated existence. As Marc grapples with both supernatural disturbances and his financial troubles, the mischievous spirit George has a mission to make amends, complicating matters with his antics. The opening portion of the narrative introduces readers to Marc Pillsworth, who is confronted by both a ghostly presence and mounting personal issues, including his wife's theatrical ambitions that threaten their financial stability. As George’s haunting disrupts Marc's already precarious life, the confusion escalates with the introduction of Toffee, an enigmatic spirit from Marc's subconscious. The humor arises from exchanging quips between Marc and George, with spectral mishaps culminating in escalating chaos, setting the stage for a wild adventure filled with surreal occurrences, misunderstandings, and comedic mischief that threatens to consume Marc’s life entirely.
Toffee haunts a ghost
"Toffee Haunts A Ghost" by Charles F. Myers is a humorous novel likely written in the mid-20th century. The story revolves around Marc Pillsworth, who finds his life turned upside down after a series of bizarre comedic mishaps on a fateful morning, which includes encounters with a ghost named George and the enigmatic figure of Toffee, his subconscious creation who materializes in the real world. The narrative blends elements of fantasy and slapstick comedy, focusing on Marc's chaotic attempts to navigate a day filled with absurdity and supernatural elements while dealing with his various adversities. The opening of the novel introduces Marc as he survives a series of precarious situations, starting with a falling safe and several near-misses that suggest an ill fate, all while he is grappling with the sudden appearance of Toffee, his "dream-girl," and the comedic chaos that unfolds. As the morning progresses, Marc quickly becomes embroiled in increasingly ludicrous scenarios involving miscommunication with co-workers, accidental encounters with a ghost, and the outrageous antics of Toffee, who is both alluring and infuriating. The vivid character interactions and the surreal hijinks promise a lighthearted exploration of a man's struggle against the unpredictable forces of fate and his own subconscious.
Toffee takes a trip
"Toffee Takes a Trip" by Charles F. Myers is a humorous fiction work written in the mid-20th century. The story follows Marc Pillsworth, a frustrated husband seeking a vacation from his wife, Julie, who has suggested separate holidays. However, a whimsical character named Toffee, who springs from Marc's imagination, adds chaos and unexpected twists to his adventure, leading to a series of bizarre and comedic events. At the start of the novel, Marc finds himself in a beach setting overwhelmed by boredom and sunburn, longing for the company of his wife but instead haunted by his vivid imagination of Toffee, a teasing and playful presence. As Marc grapples with his feelings, he witnesses two unusual newcomers who seem to spark some action, followed by a sudden explosion that turns his mundane vacation into a chaotic escapade involving a dead body, gunfire, and police interference. Amidst this comical turmoil, Marc must navigate his fantastical dilemmas with the unpredictable Toffee by his side, setting the stage for a wild ride filled with adventure and wit.
Toffee turns the trick
"Toffee Turns The Trick" by Charles F. Myers is a science fiction novel written in the late 1940s. The story revolves around Marc Pillsworth, a man who inadvertently ages backward after taking mysterious pills called Fixage. The narrative blends elements of fantasy and humor, featuring the enchanting character Toffee, who embodies Marc's subconscious desires and engages with the world he inhabits. At the start of the book, we encounter a vivid dreamlike valley where Toffee resides, eagerly awaiting to possibly materialize into reality as Marc deals with the pressures of his life. Meanwhile, Marc is immersed in a conversation with a rather eccentric character, Mr. Culpepper, who is trying to convince him about the virtues of the Fixage pills. As Marc's condition deteriorates due to stress at work, he unintentionally consumes some of the pills and begins to regress in age, leading to comedic and chaotic events involving Toffee and themselves as childlike figures. This sets the stage for an adventure highlighting themes of identity, imagination, and the absurdities of adulthood.