John Kendrick Bangs
The Autobiography of Methuselah
"The Autobiography of Methuselah" by John Kendrick Bangs is a satirical novel written in the early 20th century. The story is narrated by Methuselah, the biblical character known for his legendary longevity, sharing humorous and whimsical reflections on his life from his birth until his later years. With a comedic twist, the narrative explores themes of time, family dynamics, and the contrasts between ancient and modern life through Methuselah's eyes. At the start of the novel, we are introduced to Methuselah as he embarks on the task of writing his autobiography at the advanced age of nine hundred sixty-five. He reflects on his birth, noting that he was born into a storm and that both the weather and his father's humorous remarks shaped his early impressions of life. Methuselah describes his childhood experiences, family interactions, and the peculiarities of his relatives, particularly touching on the traits of his famous ancestors, Adam and Eve. The opening sets a comical tone as Methuselah recounts not only his personal anecdotes but also the absurdities and characteristics of prehistoric life and his own family's history, promising a whimsical journey through the ages.