Subject
Typewriters -- Fiction Books
Best books
John Kendrick Bangs
The Enchanted Typewriter
"The Enchanted Typewriter" by John Kendrick Bangs is a novel written during the late 19th century, blending elements of fantasy and humor. The narrative centers on an unnamed narrator who discovers an enchanted typewriter that operates autonomously, producing works dictated by the spirits of notable figures, particularly one Jim Boswell, an editor from Hades. The book's premise revolves around the whimsical interactions between the narrator and the supernatural, exploring themes of creativity and the blurred lines between reality and fiction. At the start of the novel, the narrator describes his serendipitous discovery of a typewriting machine in his attic, which ends up being a conduit for musings from Jim Boswell, who claims to be using it from the underworld. The excitement of encountering a sentient machine unfolds as Boswell reveals its magical properties, allowing him not only to type but to share news and stories from Hades. The opening portion features a humorous dialogue between the narrator and the typewriter, capturing the narrator's wonder and trepidation at the strange occurrences during the witching hour, culminating in the revelation that Boswell seeks to publish various literary works, including tales of noteworthy historical figures and current events in Hades, all while addressing the ridiculousness of everyday bureaucratic challenges in the afterlife.
Arthur T. Harris
True to type
"True to Type" by Arthur T. Harris is a short story that explores the themes of creativity, originality, and betrayal through a supernatural lens. Written in the mid-20th century, it features a unique narrative structure, focusing on the relationship between a struggling writer and his typewriter. The story delves into the idea of artistic integrity and what happens when the lines between inspiration and imitation blur. The narrative follows Pascal Halmer, a writer whose superficial talent leads him to plagiarize plots from older publications. As he becomes increasingly dependent on his typewriter, he begins to neglect it, which causes a rift in their relationship. After a drunken night of writing, Halmer inadvertently allows the typewriter to type a title he did not create, leading to a shocking revelation when he submits the work, which turns out to be a direct copy of a previously published story. The plot culminates in Halmer's furious outburst as he realizes he has been caught, believing his typewriter had betrayed him. This story serves as both a critique of artistic dishonesty and a cautionary tale about the consequences of seeking success without originality.
Evan Hunter
The Plagiarist From Rigel IV
"The Plagiarist From Rigel IV" by Evan Hunter is a science fiction short story written in the early 1950s. The narrative explores themes of creativity, originality, and the bizarre consequences of technological advancement through the lens of a struggling writer. The plot revolves around a typewriter that mysteriously types out stories predominantly attributed to Edgar Allan Poe, leading to a humorous yet tense exploration of authorship and inspiration. The story follows Fred, a down-and-out writer who discovers a peculiar typewriter in a pawn shop for only five dollars. This seemingly ordinary machine begins to type famous works by Poe on its own, revealing a sentient connection to the writer's plight. Fred grapples with the implications of this anomaly, as he desires to create his own original works but finds himself continuously confronted by the works of Poe. As he communicates with the typewriter, he learns that it comes from Rigel IV, a planet with an advanced civilization, and the two strike a deal to trade stories. The quirky collaboration opens up unexpected possibilities for Fred, ultimately leading to his newfound success as a writer, though he remains acutely aware of the thin line between inspiration and plagiarism.
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