While Rome Burns
Capturing the Jazz Age: Witty Essays on Roaring Twenties Society and CultureBy Alexander Woollcott
Length10h 38m
About this audiobook
In "While Rome Burns," Alexander Woollcott presents a masterful blend of satire, commentary, and reporting that encapsulates the cultural and political milieu of 20th-century America. The book is structured as a series of essays, each infused with Woollcott's trademark wit and incisive critique. Through his engaging prose, he reflects on contemporary issues, social mores, and the theatrical world, revealing the absurdities that permeate everyday life. His literary style, characterized by sharp observations and a penchant for the dramatic, provides a unique lens through which to view the complexities of American society during a time of great change and unrest. Woollcott, a prominent member of the Algonquin Round Table and an influential critic, drew from his diverse experiences as a journalist, dramatist, and actor to craft this compelling work. His exposure to the theater and literary circles equipped him with a keen sense of irony and a deep understanding of human behavior, both of which are prevalent in his writing. His life experiences, marked by a commitment to social commentary, ultimately shaped his effortless ability to navigate complex ideas through accessible and humorous narratives. For readers seeking a blend of historical insight and literary excellence, "While Rome Burns" is a must-read. Woollcott'Äôs commentary transcends its era, resonating with contemporary readers who appreciate sharp satire and poignant reflection on the human condition. This book is not only a testament to Woollcott's literary prowess but also a thought-provoking exploration of society's multifaceted nature.
Audiobook details
Rating★★★★ 3.7 (62)
Includes Goodreads
GenreLiterary Classics
Length10 hrs 38 mins
Narrated byListen with 1,000+ voices
FormateBook with Audio
Publish dateAug 30, 2021
LanguageEnglish
Table of contents
1IN THAT STATE OF LIFE
2THE SACRED GROVE
3A PLOT FOR MR. DREISER
4REUNION IN PARIS
5HANSOM IS
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6HANDS ACROSS THE SEA
7MY FRIEND HARPO
8REUNION IN NEWARK
9FATHER DUFFY
10OBITUARY
11THE EDITOR’S EASY CHAIR
12FOR ALPHA DELTA PHI
13AUNT MARY’S DOCTOR
14THE TRUTH ABOUT JESSICA DERMOT
15LEGENDS: I ENTRANCE FEE
16LEGENDS: II MOONLIGHT SONATA
17LEGENDS: III FULL FATHOM FIVE
18LEGENDS: IV THE VANISHING LADY
19LEGENDS: V RIEN NE VA PLUS
20THE CENTURY OF PROGRESS: I THE LITTLE FOX-TERRIER
21THE CENTURY OF PROGRESS: II BELIEVE IT OR NOT
22SOME NEIGHBORS: I A PORTRAIT OF KATHLEEN NORRIS
23SOME NEIGHBORS: II COLOSSAL BRONZE
24SOME NEIGHBORS: III THE FIRST MRS. TANQUERAY
25SOME NEIGHBORS: IV OUR MRS. PARKER
26SOME NEIGHBORS: V THE MYSTERIES OF RUDOLFO
27SOME NEIGHBORS: VI THE LEGEND OF SLEEPLESS HOLLOW
28SOME NEIGHBORS: VII THE PRODIGAL FATHER
29SOME NEIGHBORS: VIII THE YOUNG MONK OF SIBERIA
30“IT MAY BE HUMAN GORE”: I BY THE RUDE BRIDGE
31“IT MAY BE HUMAN GORE”: II IN BEHALF OF AN ABSENTEE
32“IT MAY BE HUMAN GORE”: III THE MYSTERY OF THE HANSOM CAB
33“IT MAY BE HUMAN GORE”: IV LA BELLE HÉLÈNE AND MR. B.
34“IT MAY BE HUMAN GORE”: V MURDER FOR PUBLICITY
35YOUR CORRESPONDENT: I MOSCOW AN EXOTIC FIGURE IN MOSCOW
36YOUR CORRESPONDENT: I MOSCOW - THE CORPORAL OF ST.-AIGNAN
37YOUR CORRESPONDENT: I MOSCOW - COMRADE WOOLLCOTT GOES TO THE PLAY
38YOUR CORRESPONDENT: I MOSCOW - THE RETREAT FROM MOSCOW
39YOUR CORRESPONDENT: II GOING TO PIECES IN THE ORIENT
40YOUR CORRESPONDENT: III HOW TO GO TO JAPAN
41PROGRAM NOTES: I CHARLIE—AS EVER WAS
42PROGRAM NOTES: II CAMILLE AT YALE
43PROGRAM NOTES: III LEST WE FORGET
44PROGRAM NOTES: IV MOURNING BECOMES ELECTRA
45PROGRAM NOTES: V THIS THING CALLED THEY
46BOOK MARKERS: I THE GOOD LIFE
47BOOK MARKERS: II THE WIFE OF HENRY ADAMS
48BOOK MARKERS: III THE GENTLE JULIANS
49BOOK MARKERS: IV THE LAST OF FRANK HARRIS
50BOOK MARKERS: V THE NOSTRILS OF G.B.S.
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