Mortal Coils

by Aldous Huxley

"Mortal Coils" by Aldous Huxley is a collection of five short fictional pieces published in 1921. Taking its title from Hamlet's famous soliloquy, the collection includes three short stories, a novelette, and a play. Each piece explores different forms of human trouble, particularly romantic entanglements that lead to disappointment. The works range from social satire blended with murder mystery to tales of boredom, disillusionment, and amorous complications, showcasing Huxley's sharp observations of human nature and relationships.