Subject
Publishers and publishing -- Fiction Books
Best books
P. G. (Pelham Grenville) Wodehouse
Sam in the Suburbs
"Sam in the Suburbs" by P. G. Wodehouse is a novel published in 1925. Sam Shotter arrives in England disheveled and penniless, only to discover that the woman from a mysterious photograph he's fallen in love with lives next door to his new house. As Sam pursues romance while working for the demanding Lord Tilbury, a trio of criminals scheme to recover a fortune hidden somewhere in his home—stolen bonds from a notorious bank robbery.
William Dean Howells
The World of Chance
"The World of Chance" by William Dean Howells is a novel written in the late 19th century. The story follows Ray, a young man who has just left Midland behind to seek his fortune in New York City, filled with aspirations of becoming a successful author. As he navigates the challenges of the bustling metropolis, Ray grapples with his past and the uncertainty of his future, placing a heavy reliance on the success of the novel he is carrying with him. The beginning of the novel introduces Ray after a farewell dinner in Midland, where he reflects on his life, recent changes, and the support he has received from friends and colleagues. While on his journey to New York, he becomes invested in the lives of two young women he observes on the train, demonstrating his capacity for empathy and kindness. The narrative shifts from his inner thoughts to his interactions with the bustling city, where he contemplates his literary ambitions and the social landscape that awaits him. As he settles into the life of a hopeful author, Ray's experiences highlight both the excitement of new beginnings and the realities of pursuing a career in literature amidst the vibrant chaos of urban life.
Christopher Morley
Tales from a Rolltop Desk
"Tales from a Rolltop Desk" by Christopher Morley is a collection of short stories written in the early 20th century. The narratives are set within the realm of publishing in New York, focusing on the lives and experiences of those involved in the literary world, particularly young men aspiring to make their mark, alongside their relationships and the often humorous tribulations they face. The main character introduced in the opening story is Lester Valiant, a recent Oxford graduate navigating his entry into the publishing industry while dealing with personal ambitions and romantic interests. At the start of the collection, the dedication and acknowledgment sections provide a glimpse into Morley's admiration for the formative experiences of writers and publishers. The first story, "The Prize Package," introduces Lester Valiant as he arrives in New York, full of dreams but quickly realizing that reality does not align with his romanticized expectations of the literary field. Despite his literary pretensions, Lester finds himself working in a mundane press office, grappling with his socioeconomic status, and becoming infatuated with his colleague, Pearl Denver. This tension between aspiration and reality, along with the humorous depiction of his experiences, sets the tone for Morley's witty exploration of the struggles of young literary enthusiasts.
William Alexander Gerhardie
Eva's apples : $b A story of jazz and jasper
First published in 1928, in London under title: Jazz and jasper, and in New York under title: Eva's apples. Republished in 1947 under title: My sinful earth, and in 1974 under title: Doom.
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