Author
Artemus Ward
1834-1867
Artemus Ward (1834-1867) is a public-domain author available on Rivro. Read free books, explore subjects, and discover related classics.
WikipediaSubjects
Books by Artemus Ward
The Complete Works of Artemus Ward (HTML edition)
"The Complete Works of Artemus Ward" by Artemus Ward is a collection of humorous writings written during the mid-19th century. The book features a variety of essays, sketches, and letters that reflect the comedic and satirical observations of Charles Farrar Browne, the man behind the pseudonym Artemis Ward, who became known for his wit and unique style. The writings delve into various topics, including social issues, personal anecdotes from his life as a showman, and commentary on contemporary events, with an emphasis on the absurdities of human nature. At the start of the work, we are introduced to the author through a biographical sketch that recounts his upbringing and his path to becoming a celebrated humorist. The opening chapters present a rich tapestry of his encounters within the entertainment world, showcasing his interactions with both audience and celebrities, including notable historical figures. Noteworthy pieces such as his "business letters" humorously detail his showman's perspective, using a distinct speech style that underscores the comical content. Additionally, Ward's satirical views on religion, politics, and societal norms provide insight into the culture of his time, all delivered with a sharp humor that reflects both charm and social critique.
The Complete Works of Artemus Ward — Part 1: Essays, Sketches, and Letters
"The Complete Works of Artemus Ward — Part 1: Essays, Sketches, and Letters" by Ward is a collection of humorous writings, likely penned during the mid-19th century. This compilation showcases the wit and satire of Charles Farrar Browne, who wrote under the pseudonym Artemus Ward, embodying the character of a comical showman engaging with various social and cultural themes, including politics, entertainment, and more personal reflections. The opening of the volume introduces readers to the unique style and humor of Artemus Ward through a business letter. In this letter, he humorously requests a local editor to promote his traveling show that features moral bears, a kangaroo, and wax figures of famous historical figures. This sets the tone for the framework of absurdity and satire that characterizes Ward's writing. Ward's tone is engagingly casual, with a playful mix of humor and social commentary that reflects his views on the entertainment industry and the eccentricities of contemporary society. The text captures his perspective and penchant for playful exaggeration, preparing readers for the eclectic mix of essays and sketches that follow.
The Complete Works of Artemus Ward — Part 2: War
"The Complete Works of Artemus Ward — Part 2: War" by Artemus Ward is a collection of humorous essays written during the mid-19th century, primarily during the American Civil War. The book features the wit of Artemus Ward, a comedic persona created by Charles Farrar Browne, who uses satire to address issues of war, politics, and societal norms of his time. Through the narrative, the author shares entertaining anecdotes about his experiences and observations during the war, often highlighting the absurdities of both sides of the conflict. The opening of the collection introduces the protagonist, Artemus Ward, as he recounts his travels in the South, where he encounters Southern sympathizers and local customs. He describes a comical scenario in which his wax show is confiscated by Confederate soldiers, leading to an unexpected series of misadventures and hilarity. This sets the tone for the book, revealing Ward's irreverent take on the seriousness of war, using humor to explore the stark contrasts between the varying views of patriotism in different regions. His unique voice and rich characterizations promise readers an entertaining perspective on historical events, coupled with sharp social commentary.
The Complete Works of Artemus Ward — Part 7: Miscellaneous
"The Complete Works of Artemus Ward — Part 7: Miscellaneous" by Artemus Ward is a humorous collection of essays and anecdotes written in the mid-19th century. Artemus Ward, the pen name of the American humorist Charles Farrar Browne, showcases his distinctive brand of satirical humor and social commentary through various short pieces, including travel logs, autobiographical sketches, and theatrical critiques. The book captures a whimsical portrayal of Ward's experiences, notably during his travels and his observations on society and culture. The opening of this collection introduces a series of amusing writings, starting with "The Cruise of the Polly Ann," where Ward recounts humorous anecdotes from a canal boat journey, including his interactions with eccentric passengers and the peculiar behavior of the boat's captain. The narrative is delivered in a playful, mock-phonetic style that enhances its comedic effect. Following this, subsequent sections present Ward's autobiographical reflections, skits centered around his theatrical life, and amusing commentaries on topics ranging from personal experiences to contemporary events, all rendered in his signature blend of wit and absurdity. The beginning sets the stage for the light-hearted and satirical tone that characterizes the entirety of the work, inviting readers into the entertaining world of Artemus Ward.
The Complete Works of Artemus Ward — Part 5: The London Punch Letters
"The Complete Works of Artemus Ward — Part 5: The London Punch Letters" by Charles Farrar Browne is a satirical collection of humorous letters written in the mid-19th century, during a time when humor was evolving in American literature. The letters feature Browne's alter ego, Artemus Ward, as he navigates his experiences in London, cleverly weaving observations about British culture, politics, and society with witticism and jest. The book serves as a reflection of an American's perspective on England, filled with satire and social commentary. In these letters, Artemus Ward recounts his arrival in London, his encounters with locals, and his visits to iconic places such as the Tower of London and the British Museum. Through his unique style, he shares amusing anecdotes and critiques the customs and philosophies he observes, including his reflections on the British character and their historical figures. These writings not only entertain but also embody Browne's keen intelligence and ability to critique society lightly. The overall tone remains playful, using humor as a vehicle for commentary on serious subjects while still engaging readers with the charm and eccentricities of the author’s persona.
The Complete Works of Artemus Ward — Part 4: To California and Return
"The Complete Works of Artemus Ward — Part 4: To California and Return" by Charles Farrar Browne is a satirical travelogue written during the late 19th century. The book chronicles Browne's humorous adventures as he journeys from New York to California and back, narrated through the lens of his comedic alter ego, Artemus Ward. Throughout the tale, he captures the quirks of fellow travelers, the chaos of traveling by steamer, and the oddities of various locales, offering a blend of social commentary and wit. The opening of this installment introduces readers to the chaotic scene aboard the steamer Ariel as it embarks for California. As passengers clamored to board, Browne humorously depicts his frantic search for his belongings amidst the bustling crowd. He shares amusing anecdotes about his interactions with fellow travelers, including a sweet young lady who accidentally confuses him for someone named George, and comically critiques the awful conditions aboard the still crowded and poorly managed vessel. These relatable experiences set the tone for Browne's comedic observations that will follow in his exploration of various regions, from the Isthmus of Panama to California, highlighting the absurdities of travel and the eclectic people he encounters along the way.
The Complete Works of Artemus Ward — Part 6: Artemus Ward's Panorama
"The Complete Works of Artemus Ward — Part 6: Artemus Ward's Panorama" by Ward is a humorous collection written during the mid-19th century, specifically in a period characterized by literary revival and social satire. This book is a compilation of lectures that showcase the wit and observations of the author, Charles Farrar Browne, as he performs his unique brand of comedy. The likely topic of the book revolves around the life and culture of Mormons in the American West as seen through the eyes of a humorist, providing a blend of comedic narrative and social commentary. In this part of his complete works, Artemus Ward presents a series of lectures known as "Artemus Ward's Panorama," where he humorously recounts his travels and experiences among the Mormons in Utah. The content centers on his observations of Mormon society, including their customs, personalities, and the larger-than-life figure of Brigham Young, all interspersed with comedic anecdotes, clever irony, and social critique. Ward engages the audience with his witty remarks on the peculiarities of life in Utah, the challenges of his travels, and the often absurd aspects of the Mormon lifestyle, all while using the backdrop of a panorama to illustrate his points in an entertaining and engaging manner. The lectures paint a rich picture of the era's cultural landscape, emphasizing both the humor and human interest in the lives of the people he encountered.
The Complete Works of Artemus Ward — Part 3: Stories and Romances
"The Complete Works of Artemus Ward — Part 3: Stories and Romances" by Artemus Ward (the pen name of Charles Farrar Browne) is a collection of humorous short stories and romances that reflect the comedic style prevalent during the mid-19th century, particularly in the United States. Written in a satirical and often irreverent tone, the book captures various societal themes and characters, showcasing the quirks of love, fate, and human nature in a light-hearted manner. The stories draw on elements of romance and farce, blending different literary techniques and narrative forms typical of the time. The collection features a variety of stories, including "Moses the Sassy," where a fireman grapples with his noble lineage, and "Marion," which delves into the complexities of love amidst societal constraints. Through characters like William Barker, who must prove his worth for love, and Reginald Gloverson, whose unfortunate demise leaves his many wives in turmoil, Ward crafts narratives that elicit both laughter and reflection. Each tale is imbued with absurdity, wit, and a keen observation of human folly, making it a delightful read for those interested in classic American humor and storytelling.