Author
Vincent Starrett
1886-1974
Vincent Starrett (1886-1974) is a public-domain author available on Rivro. Read free books, explore subjects, and discover related classics.
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Books by Vincent Starrett
Arthur Machen: A Novelist of Ecstasy and Sin With Two Uncollected Poems by Arthur Machen
"Arthur Machen: A Novelist of Ecstasy and Sin" by Vincent Starrett is a critical biography written in the early 20th century, specifically during the post-World War I era. The book examines the life and works of Arthur Machen, a Welsh author renowned for his exploration of themes such as mysticism, ecstasy, and the duality of sin. Starrett seeks to shed light on Machen’s importance as a literary figure and to challenge the neglect he faced from contemporary critics who overlooked his profound contributions to fiction, especially in the realm of horror and psychological exploration. In this work, Starrett delves into Machen's literary oeuvre, highlighting key stories and novels that exemplify his unique style and philosophical inquiries. He discusses Machen's major works, such as "The House of Souls" and "The Hill of Dreams," illustrating how they navigate the nuances of ecstasy and sin through rich, evocative prose. Machen's narratives often tread the delicate line between reality and the surreal, featuring vivid imagery and a haunting atmosphere that explore the hidden depths of human experience. Starrett positions Machen as a masterful novelist who grapples with profound questions of existence, morality, and the mystical elements of life that transcend the mundane, ultimately advocating for a reevaluation of Machen's literary significance.
The escape of Alice: A Christmas fantasy
"The Escape of Alice: A Christmas Fantasy" by Vincent Starrett is a charming fantasy narrative written in the early 20th century. This book offers a whimsical continuation of the adventures of Alice, the beloved character from Lewis Carroll's "Alice's Adventures in Wonderland." Through this delightful tale, Starrett explores themes of innocence, wonder, and the beauty of imagination during the holiday season. In this story, Alice magically escapes from the confines of her storybook and ventures into a vibrant world filled with Santas, toys, and fantastical beings. As she navigates the bustling streets, she becomes aware of the commercialization of Christmas, grapples with her desire for genuine connections, and interacts with a variety of whimsical characters, including a wooden assistant to Santa Claus. Ultimately, Alice reflects on the realities of growing up and the lessons of beauty and imagination that transcend the boundaries of age. The tale concludes with her return to the book, suggesting that the joy and innocence of childhood can be preserved through storytelling and imagination.
Missing men
"Missing men by Vincent Starrett" is a detective short story written in the early 20th century. It follows the cool-headed sleuth Lavender as he probes a spate of puzzling disappearances in Chicago. The likely topic is a web of vanishing men tied to the theatre, stage identities, and a family secret that has been carefully hidden. When a picture broker named Peter Vanderdonck, a popular comedian named Charles Merritt, and finally the wealthy Cyril Minor all seem to vanish, Lavender pieces together odd clues: a nearly unused office, greasepaint traces at a washstand, a safe, and a newspaper note about actress Sidney Kane. He deduces that Merritt and Vanderdonck are the same person—and then that Minor is both of them, living a double (and triple) life to avoid publicity while secretly reunited with his former wife, Sidney Kane. A suspicious telegram signed “Father” instead of “Dad” sends Lavender and Minor’s daughter, Shirley, to Kane’s suburban home, where the truth emerges: Kane is Shirley’s mother; she and Minor have remarried, and Minor—struck ill—has been convalescing there under the cover story of an “invalid brother.” The disappearances are thus revealed as a theatrical masquerade rather than crime, ending in a family reconciliation.