Author
Laurence Housman
1865-1959
Laurence Housman (1865-1959) is a public-domain author available on Rivro. Read free books, explore subjects, and discover related classics.
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Books by Laurence Housman
Lysistrata : $b A modern paraphrase from the Greek of Aristophanes
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Stories from The Arabian Nights
"Stories from The Arabian Nights" retold by Laurence Housman is a collection of classic tales likely adapted in the early 20th century. The work features enchanting stories centered around the legendary character Scheherazade, who captivates her audience through intricate storytelling to delay her fate. Through this retelling, readers are introduced to themes of ingenuity, adventure, and the timeless appeal of folk tales from the East. At the start of the collection, Housman prepares the reader for the tales ahead by highlighting Scheherazade's unique role as a storyteller who uses her narratives to save herself from execution. The opening portion also briefly mentions the various stories included, like “The Fisherman and the Genie” and “Ali Baba and the Forty Thieves,” showcasing the magical and whimsical elements of these narratives. The story of the fisherman sets the stage for a fantastical journey filled with humor and depth, as he encounters a powerful genie, which ultimately provides a glimpse into the layered sophistication of the tales woven in this volume.
King John of Jingalo: The Story of a Monarch in Difficulties
"King John of Jingalo: The Story of a Monarch in Difficulties" by Laurence Housman is a satirical novel written in the early 20th century. The book explores the life of King John of Jingalo, a monarch portrayed as well-meaning yet ineffectual, grappling with the burdens of a constitutional crisis and the pressures of modern governance. It highlights his relationships, particularly with his wife and son, while exposing the disconnect between his royal duties and the realities faced by his subjects. The opening of the story provides a glimpse into the domestic life of King John and Queen Alicia, detailing their morning routine and the contrast between their personalities. The King is depicted as anxious and overburdened by his role, struggling to connect with the political realities of his kingdom, while the Queen is portrayed as more grounded and content in her social responsibilities. The narrative hints at a brewing constitutional crisis that challenges John's understanding of his position and governance. As he prepares for a Council meeting, he wrestles with feelings of incompetence and isolation, setting the stage for the unfolding political drama and the exploration of his character's development throughout the novel.
The Blue Moon
"The Blue Moon" by Laurence Housman is a fairy tale written in the early 20th century. The story focuses on the enchanting romance between Nillywill, a princess hiding her royal heritage, and Hands-pansy, a humble peasant boy. As their love is put to the test by fate and societal expectations, their hopes rest on the elusive promise of the blue moon, which symbolizes rare possibilities and the fulfillment of their deepest desires. The opening of the book sets a whimsical tone, introducing us to the inseparable childhood bond between Nillywill and Hands-pansy, who find love in their innocence before she is taken away to reclaim her royal identity. Heartbroken yet hopeful, Nillywill watches for the blue moon, believing it may bring them back together despite their vast separation. As she yearns for reunion, the narrative draws readers into a world filled with fantastical elements like moon-fays and enchanted realms, where love's endurance amidst adversity is beautifully illustrated. This beginning establishes the story's magical realism while engaging the audience's emotions, making it an inviting read for lovers of fairy tales and romantic quests.
Princess Badoura: A tale from the Arabian Nights
"Princess Badoura: A Tale from the Arabian Nights" by Laurence Housman is a retelling of a classic narrative that falls within the genre of fiction, likely penned in the late 19th century. This enchanting tale is spun from the rich tapestry of Arabian folklore, centering on the eponymous character, Princess Badoura, and her love interest, Prince Camaralzaman. The narrative draws upon themes of love, adventure, and the trials faced by the protagonists as they navigate their lives intertwined by fate and magical encounters. At the start of the story, we are introduced to the troubled King Shahriar, who, having been betrayed by his first wife, marries a new woman each day only to execute her the following morning. The brilliant and resourceful Scheherazade enters this grim tale as his latest bride and spins tales over a thousand nights to save herself and others from his wrath. The opening portion sets the stage for the grand love story of Badoura and Camaralzaman, revealing their intertwined fates that are challenged by obstacles such as jealousy and mistaken identities. As the narrative unfolds, we witness the ancient themes of love, resilience, and the quest for personal agency within the confines of royal expectations, all against a backdrop rich in cultural lore and moral lessons.
An Englishwoman's Love-Letters
"An Englishwoman's Love-Letters" by Laurence Housman is a collection of love letters likely written in the late 19th century. This epistolary work presents intimate correspondences from an unnamed Englishwoman to her beloved, detailing her thoughts, emotions, and experiences surrounding love and longing. The letters reveal the complexity and depth of her feelings, portraying love as both a source of joy and vulnerability. The opening of this work introduces the letters as personal reflections that were never intended for public consumption. The narrator expresses her surprise at the request to share them with the world while emphasizing that the narrative is steeped in her profound devotion. The first few letters convey her initial confessions of love, the nuances of their relationship, and the impact her feelings have had on her life. She muses on her emotional journey, hinting at an underlying tension and the challenges of love, indicating that her affection has existed long before it was reciprocated. This poignant exploration invites readers to witness the beauty and intricacies of romantic connection through the lens of the writer's heartfelt correspondence.
Ploughshare and Pruning-Hook: Ten Lectures on Social Subjects
"Ploughshare and Pruning-Hook: Ten Lectures on Social Subjects" by Laurence Housman is a collection of thought-provoking essays written in the early 20th century. The book explores various social and political issues, advocating for a deeper understanding of humanity and the need for a significant change of heart in society's institutions and governance. Housman's lectures are imbued with an idealistic perspective on social reform, emphasizing the interconnectedness of individual morality and the collective conscience. The opening of the work introduces Housman's central thesis: that both individuals and institutions must confront their moral failings to address societal issues effectively. He discusses the disparity between religious and political accountability, underlining that self-accusation and an honest acknowledgment of one's shortcomings are vital if real change is to occur. The author critiques the moral complacency of state institutions and the defensive nature of political systems, arguing that they often perpetuate societal vice rather than virtue. Housman calls for a transformation in how society values and pursues righteousness, suggesting that ignoring underlying issues only leads to systemic moral decay.
Nazareth: a morality in one act
"Nazareth: a morality in one act" by Laurence Housman is a play written in the early 20th century. This theatrical piece delves into the life and moral lessons surrounding the youth of Jesus Christ in Nazareth, providing a contemplative view of themes such as love, sacrifice, and redemption within the context of everyday life. The work presents itself as a morality play that explores the human experience and the divine presence. The narrative unfolds in a carpenter’s shop in Nazareth, where Mary, Joseph, and their young son interact with their surroundings and each other. As they work together, Mary reads from the Book of Isaiah, foreshadowing the sadness and sacrifice to come in their lives. The child, representing a young Jesus, showcases wisdom beyond his years as he contemplates life, creation, and the implications of faith. The story poignantly captures moments of innocence amidst the inevitable approach of sorrow, culminating in reflections on love, loss, and the promise of redemption tied to the child's future actions. As the play progresses, visitors to the carpenter's shop resonate with themes of penitence and the quest for peace, creating a rich atmosphere of reverence and anticipation.
Trimblerigg : $b A book of revelation
"Trimblerigg: A Book of Revelation" by Laurence Housman is a novel written in the early 20th century. The story revolves around the character Jonathan Trimblerigg, whose journey of self-discovery is intertwined with themes of belief, morality, and the complexities of familial relationships within a religious context. At the start of the novel, the narrator introduces us to Mr. Trimblerigg, a character shaped by the influences of family and faith. We learn that he possesses a clever yet complex nature, often engaging in self-serving actions that defy his supposed moral upbringing. The opening portions delve into Trimblerigg's childhood antics, including a misguided attempt to impress his family and peers that starkly sets the stage for his eventual calling to the ministry. His relationships with family members, especially with his sister Davidina and Uncle Phineas, reveal a competitive, morally ambiguous character navigating the expectations of his upbringing while grappling with his self-image and aspirations.
Echo de Paris
"Echo de Paris" by Laurence Housman is a dramatic dialogue written in the early 20th century. This work centers around a conversation among several characters, primarily focusing on the renowned figure of Oscar Wilde, exploring themes such as the nature of art, failure, and societal perception. The book captures a poignant moment of reflection and camaraderie amidst discussions of beauty and artistic integrity. The narrative unfolds outside a café in Paris, where three Englishmen are waiting for Wilde to arrive. As they converse, Wilde eventually makes his entrance, and the dialogue delves into various topics, including the meaning of success and failure in an artist's life, the absurdities of societal expectations, and personal anecdotes that reveal Wilde's multifaceted personality. The conversations are marked by witty repartees and philosophical musings, particularly Wilde’s thoughts on the true essence of art, emphasizing that failure often serves as a more profound teacher than success. Ultimately, the work encapsulates a moment in time that reflects both the brilliance and the tragic failures of artistic lives, particularly exemplified in Wilde’s own experiences.
Bird in hand : $b a play in one act
"Bird in Hand: A Play in One Act" by Laurence Housman is a theatrical work written in the early 20th century. This play features a mixture of fantasy and reality, centering around the character of Professor Braintree, a scientist grappling with his perceptions and the boundaries between what is real and what is imagined. The narrative explores themes of belief, imagination, and the intersection of science and the supernatural. The story unfolds in Professor Braintree's study, where he encounters a peculiar creature named Bird-in-Hand, which embodies his inner turmoil and challenges his scientific rationality. As the professor attempts to dismiss this hallucination that seems to disrupt his orderly world, he grapples with the existential implications of his experience, particularly as it blurs the line between reason and fantasy. The play culminates in a conversation with his granddaughter Elfrida, who believes in fairies, leading the professor to reconsider the realities of imagination and belief, even as he tries to maintain his scientific standing. Ultimately, Housman navigates the tension between the rational and the irrational through the professor's journey, leaving readers with a profound reflection on the nature of reality and faith.
Moonshine & Clover
"Moonshine & Clover" by Laurence Housman is a collection of fairy tales written in the late 19th century. This anthology brings together several stories that explore themes of magic, adventure, and the complexities of love and life through whimsical narratives featuring characters such as princes, princesses, and magical creatures. The tales playfully weave moral lessons and emotional depth into fantastical settings. The opening portion of the book introduces the first tale, "The Prince with the Nine Sorrows." It begins with a prophecy surrounding a young prince who faces impending doom related to the tragic fate of his nine foster sisters, each taken mysteriously from him, leaving him with a profound sense of sorrow. As the prince grows, he's determined to understand the mystery of his sisters' disappearances and embarks on a journey filled with emotional turmoil and existential questions. The narrative sets the tone for the enchanting yet poignant stories to come, hinting at the intertwined destinies of love, loss, and redemption.
The snow man : $b A metrical play in one act
"The Snow Man: A Metrical Play in One Act" by Laurence Housman is a poetic play written during the early 20th century. It unfolds in a modest peasant dwelling and centers around themes of love, sacrifice, and the intertwining of life and death, particularly through the symbolic figure of a snowman. This play, characterized by its metrical dialogue, is set against a winter backdrop, enhancing its emotional and thematic depth. The narrative revolves around Joan, a peasant woman, and her children, Matthew Mark and Mary Ann, who create a snowman on a bitterly cold night. As the story progresses, the snowman mysteriously comes to life and interacts with Joan, prompting her to reflect on her troubled marriage to Jaspar, who has been absent for a long time. The play explores Joan's sacrifices for her children and husband and culminates in a poignant moment when Jaspar returns home, leading to themes of reunion, warmth, and longing. The snowman's presence serves as a catalyst for Joan's emotional journey, representing both the coldness of her current life and the hope for warmth and reconnection.
Bethlehem: A Nativity Play
"Bethlehem: A Nativity Play" by Laurence Housman is a religious play written in the early 20th century. The work reimagines the Nativity story, inviting audiences to witness the birth of Jesus Christ and the surrounding events with a sense of wonder and reverence. It combines poetic dialogue with musical elements, aiming to convey the spiritual significance of the Christmas story through its characters and their interactions. The play begins with shepherds in the fields, where they encounter the angel Gabriel, who announces the birth of Christ, leading them to Bethlehem. The narrative then unfolds as shepherds and the three Kings present gifts to the newborn Jesus, engaging in a series of heartfelt exchanges with Mary and Joseph. The dialogues express themes of faith, humility, and the transformative power of love associated with Christ's birth. Through its combination of scriptural elements and poetic interpretation, Housman’s work ultimately emphasizes the enduring nature of hope and peace stemming from the Nativity.
The Field of Clover
"The Field of Clover" by Laurence Housman is a fantasy novel written in the late 19th century. The story follows a character named Noodle, a simpleton who embarks on a whimsical adventure filled with magical encounters, enchanted objects, and mystical beings as he seeks to improve his situation in life. The narrative weaves themes of wisdom, ambition, and love, providing readers with a rich and imaginative experience. The opening of the book sets the stage by introducing Noodle, a man born to wise parents yet disappointingly simple compared to their expectations. After his parents' death, he struggles for survival until a fortuitous encounter with seven little Fire-eaters changes his fortunes. They reward his hospitality with a magical firestone ring that provides him with extraordinary abilities. Noodle's journey takes him through various challenges, including mastering a powerful Galloping Plough and interacting with whimsical characters, all with the overarching goal of finding happiness and love. He becomes embroiled in a quest that leads him toward a princess under a spell and showcases a combination of earnest questing and comedic mishaps inherent in classic fairy tales.
The Chinese lantern : $b A play
"The Chinese Lantern" by Laurence Housman is a play written in the early 20th century. The story unfolds in a Chinese studio, introducing a range of characters, including Olangtsi, a Master of Arts, his son Yunglangtsi, and various apprentices and craftsmen. The play focuses on themes of artistic ambition, the quest for identity, and the complexities of social relationships, particularly through the dynamics between the students and their master. The opening of the play sets an engaging scene in the studio, where lazy students are preparing for the Feast of Lanterns, showcasing their indolent ways contrasted against Tikipu, the diligent drudge, who devotes himself to grinding colors. As the characters exchange witty banter filled with philosophical musings about art and destiny, it becomes evident that Yunglangtsi, despite his seeming apathy toward art, is at the center of familial expectations and conflicts. The dialogue reveals the frustrations surrounding artistic representation, financial struggles, and the contrasting aspirations of the individuals involved, providing a strong foundation for the unfolding drama as the Feast approach.
Angels and Ministers, and Other Victorian Plays
"Angels and Ministers, and Other Victorian Plays" by Laurence Housman is a collection of plays written during the late 19th century, specifically centering around the Victorian era. The opening portion introduces us to characters that explore themes of politics, personal relationships, and societal norms of that historical period, with particular emphasis on the interactions of notable figures like Queen Victoria and her Prime Minister, Lord Beaconsfield. The opening of the volume establishes a reflective and somewhat nostalgic tone towards the Victorian age. It begins with an intimate scene featuring Queen Victoria as she interacts with her favorite servant, John Brown, and discusses her awaiting ministerial visitor while navigating the complexities of her role as a woman within a patriarchal society. The dialogue reveals her thoughts on politics and relationships with her ministers, particularly Lord Beaconsfield. The scene finely contrasts the formality of royal life with the more personal and humorous exchanges that reveal character depth and societal critiques, setting the stage for the unfolding dramas that will further explore the Victorian landscape.
The house of joy
"The House of Joy" by Laurence Housman is a collection of fairy tales written in the late 19th century. The stories within explore themes of love, sacrifice, and transformation, set against a backdrop of magical elements and whimsical characters. The opening tale, "The Prince with the Nine Sorrows," features a prince destined to encounter profound sadness due to the mysterious disappearance of his foster-sisters, intricately entwined with his fate. The beginning of "The House of Joy" introduces readers to the life of a young prince raised far from his royal family, who bears nine sorrows linked to the loss of his foster-sisters. After a foreboding dream, his mother enlists the help of a family fairy, which ultimately leads to the mysterious vanishing of the sisters. As the prince grows, he feels the void of his lost siblings and the weight of his melancholy. Driven by an innate desire to find them, he embarks on a quest, revealing a heartfelt exploration of familial bonds and the intersection of joy and sorrow. The narrative combines elements of fantasy with deep emotional resonance, inviting readers into a rich tapestry of enchanting storytelling.
Possession: A Peep-Show in Paradise
"Possession: A Peep-Show in Paradise" by Laurence Housman is a play written in the early 20th century, around the 1920s, that explores themes of family connections, ownership, and spiritual existence. Set in a Victorian-style drawing-room, the narrative revolves around the dynamics between three sisters—Julia, Laura, and Martha—after their deaths. The play presents a unique perspective on the afterlife, questioning what it means to possess one's loved ones and to be at peace in a realm devoid of earthly concerns. The play unfolds as the sisters reunite in what they refer to as "The Everlasting Habitations," revealing their individual personalities, past grievances, and unfulfilled desires. Julia, enjoying the comfort of her new surroundings, seeks to maintain peace while Laura, recently widowed, desires to assert her ownership of her deceased husband, William. Martha navigates her role amidst the sisters' conflict, revealing her own frustration and resentment. As the story progresses, themes of jealousy, longing, and the complexities of familial love and expectation emerge, culminating in a whimsical yet poignant exploration of existence beyond death and the nature of possession itself. Through its rich characterizations and sharp dialogue, Housman critiques the notion of possession, highlighting that true belonging transcends physicality and materialism.
The return of Alcestis : $b A play in one act
"The Return of Alcestis: A Play in One Act" by Laurence Housman is a dramatic work written in the early 20th century. The play reimagines the ancient Greek myth of Alcestis, focusing on themes of love, sacrifice, and the interplay between life and death. Set in a single act, it explores the emotional and moral dilemmas faced by the characters within this mythological context. In this adaptation, Alcestis returns from the dead after sacrificing herself so that her husband, King Admetus, could live. The play opens with a sense of joy about her return, but as the story unfolds, it reveals Alcestis's melancholic state upon returning. She struggles with the realization of what death truly means, questioning the value of life after such a profound experience. Although Admetus initially rejoices at her return, the joy is overshadowed by the overall tragedy, as Alcestis is unable to fully embrace life again, leading to a heartbreaking conclusion that reflects the complexity of love and loss. The characters' dialogues reveal deep emotional insights and evoke a sense of mourning even amidst the celebration, culminating in Alcestis ultimately succumbing to death once again, leaving a powerful impact on Admetus and the audience.