The Unbearable Bassington (Twentieth Century Classics) - Softcover

Saki

Softcover

ISBN 10: 0192813714 ISBN 13: 9780192813718

Publisher: Oxford University Press, 1984

Synopsis

Alone among Saki's works in being almost entirely located in London, this novel focuses on the Mayfair scene of bridge afternoons, dinner parties, and concerts. At the center of a group of brilliantly depicted bores and savage wits is Comus Bassington, "the beatiful wayward laughing boy."

About this title

About the Author

Hector Hugh Munro, better known by the pen name Saki, was born in Akyab, Burma (now known as Sittwe, Myanmar), was a British writer, whose witty and sometimes macabre stories satirized Edwardian society and culture. He is considered a master of the short story and is often compared to O. Henry and Dorothy Parker. His tales feature delicately drawn characters and finely judged narratives. "The Open Window" may be his most famous, with a closing line ("Romance at short notice was her speciality") that has entered the lexicon.

From AudioFile

Comus Bassington is the irresponsible and ungrateful focus of his corner of British society. Circa 1900, what can be done with him--besides ship him to the Colonies, where he can no longer embarrass his mother or break the hearts of girls who ought to marry sensibly? Saki's social chaffing is gentle, revealing kernels of sympathy for all his superficial and misguided characters. As narrator, Joyce gives the right touch of class and has, besides, a gift for sketching a complete vocal characterization in a single sentence. This period piece is slow-paced, almost a ramble at times. But its subtle delights should please lovers of British social satirists from Austen to Wodehouse. S.P. (c) AudioFile, Portland, Maine

Edition details

• Publisher: Oxford University Press
• Publication date: 1984
• Language: English
• ISBN 10: 0192813714
• ISBN 13: 9780192813718
• Binding: Paperback
• Number of pages: 148