Ironical Tales
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Authors
Housman, Laurence
Issue Date
1927
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Type
Book, Whole
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Abstract
Irony is the central concept here. Just when a reader thinks that she or he has found the right vantage point, there can be an ironic shift. This book starts with seven short stories and ends with ten similar pieces. In between there are thirteen Philosophical Romances that sometimes come close to fables. Of the early short stories, I recommend most highly The Real Temptation of St. Anthony and The Turn of the Worm. I find in Housman's work a steady clash of body and soul, of belief and unbelief. The latter of these two pieces is about getting the head and body of a missionary together in a literal way. It is typical of Housman's satire that the head ends up being made into a god and leading local Christians into many battles against other tribes, including many that were Christian (58). The shorter pieces at the center sometimes approach Bierce for their sardonic quick shifts. Try the first, The Merchant and the Robber (59) for a taste of human ingratitude and ingenuity. The Poet and his Mistress (74) shifts perspective several times--deftly and pointedly. Among the best for humor is The Prince and His Two Mistresses (92).
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Publisher
George H. Doran Company
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Identifier
4104 (Access ID)