Original Penny Readings: A Series of Short Sketches

Original Penny Readings: A Series of Short Sketches

Captivating Literary Sketches from Victorian EnglandBy George Manville Fenn
Michael Caine
Listen with Sir Michael Caine™ and 1,000+ voices
Length8h 47m

About this audiobook

George Manville Fenn's "Original Penny Readings: A Series of Short Sketches" is a remarkable collection that exemplifies the Victorian fascination with accessible literature. Through a series of vivid sketches, Fenn artfully captures the everyday lives and struggles of the common people, blending realism with a touch of sentimentality. His prose is characterized by a lively and engaging style, rich descriptions, and an undercurrent of social commentary, making this collection a poignant reflection of 19th-century England. The sketches invite readers to empathize with the characters, drawing them into varied social contexts ranging from urban poverty to rural existence. Fenn, a prolific author and advocate for social reform, was influenced by the changing landscapes of his time. His early experiences as a teacher and his commitment to improving literacy among the working class led him to produce engaging yet instructive narratives. Fenn'Äôs awareness of social inequities fueled his storytelling, embedding a sense of urgency within his writing that aims not only to entertain but also to enlighten. "Original Penny Readings" is highly recommended for readers interested in Victorian literature, social history, and the power of short form writing. Fenn's ability to craft relatable characters and evoke emotional responses makes this collection a timeless exploration of humanity's trials and triumphs.

Audiobook details

GenreGeneral Fiction, Historical Fiction
Length8 hrs 47 mins
Narrated byListen with 1,000+ voices
FormateBook with Audio
Publish dateApr 25, 2021
LanguageEnglish

Table of contents

1Introduction
2"A Series of Short Sketches"
3Chapter One.: Paying the Footing.
4Chapter Two.: Aboard a Light-Ship.
5Chapter Three.: K9—A Queer Dog.
Show all chapters
6Chapter Four.: Waiting for ’Arry.
7Chapter Five.: A Rogue in Grain.
8Chapter Six.: A Cabman’s Story.
9Chapter Seven.: J. Weltus.
10Chapter Eight.: My Fare.
11Chapter Nine.: Spots on Life’s Sun.
12Chapter Ten.: Dining with Cabby.
13Chapter Eleven.: K9’s Adventure.
14Chapter Twelve.: A Vulgar Tongue.
15Chapter Thirteen.: From Real Life.
16Chapter Fourteen.: A Wheel of Misfortune.
17Chapter Fifteen.: A Sea Breeze.
18Chapter Sixteen.: Told in the Dusk.
19Chapter Seventeen.: Mephitic Fumes.
20Chapter Eighteen.: On the Great Deep.
21Chapter Nineteen.: Martha Jinks’s Egsperiences.
22Chapter Twenty.: A Struggle for Life.
23Chapter Twenty One.: The Evils of a Wig.
24Chapter Twenty Two.: To be Sold by Auction.
25Chapter Twenty Three.: A Placard.
26Chapter Twenty Four.: Cast Ashore.
27Chapter Twenty Five.: The First Stray Hair.
28Chapter Twenty Six.: A Piece of Assurance.
29Chapter Twenty Seven.: The Decline of the Drama.
30Chapter Twenty Eight.: In the Hooghly.
31Chapter Twenty Nine.: A Tale of the Great Passion.
32Chapter Thirty.: Found in the Street.
33Chapter Thirty One.: A Weird Place.
34Chapter Thirty Two.: A Common Object.
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