The Pursuit of the House-Boat

by John Kendrick Bangs

"The Pursuit of the House-Boat" by John Kendrick Bangs is a humorous literary work written in the early 20th century. This book serves as a satirical sequel to Bangs' earlier story, "A House-Boat on the Styx," and features the comedic adventures of a club of literary and historical figures who are now shades in the afterlife. The central crisis revolves around the theft of their beloved house-boat by the infamous pirate Captain Kidd, leading to a quest to rescue both their floating clubhouse and the women who have also been taken. The opening of the narrative introduces the members of the Associated Shades—such figures as Sir Walter Raleigh, Socrates, and Cleopatra—gathered to discuss the alarming abduction of their house-boat and its inhabitants. As panic sets in, the characters exhibit their distinct personalities and engage in witty banter while deciding on actions to retrieve what is rightfully theirs. The arrival of a mysterious stranger, later revealed to be Sherlock Holmes, adds intrigue to their deliberations as he proposes a well-reasoned approach to track down Kidd and recover their property. The tone is lighthearted, filled with clever dialogue and comedic misunderstandings, setting the stage for an entertaining tale of pursuit and adventure.