According to Wikipedia: "John Kendrick Bangs (May 27, 1862 - January 21, 1922) was an American author and satirist, and the creator of modern Bangsian fantasy, the school of fantasy writing that sets the plot wholly or partially in the afterlife."

The Idiot is anything but, yet that is how his fellow boarders at Mrs. Smithers Pedagog's home for single gentlemen see him. His brand of creative thought is dismissed as foolishness. And yet, it starts to get under their skin, because when you are beneath contempt, you can say what you please. Funny, clever, poignant and as relevant today as it was a hundred years ago, this is the first of John Kendrick Bangs' "Idiot" books.

What lessons can we learn from the relationship between policy-makers and schools over the life of the ‘New’ Labour and its predecessor Conservative government? What happened to ‘Education, Education, Education’ as it travelled from political vision to classroom practice? What are the lasting legacies of 13 years of a reforming Labour government? And what are the key messages for a coalition government?These are the questions addressed to the architects of educational reform, their...

By the American author and satirist, and the creator of modern Bangsian fantasy, the school of fantasy writing that sets the plot wholly or partially in the afterlife. A fascinating, pulse-pounding, terrifying classic of ghost story lore, surely not to be missed!

If we could only get used to the idea that ghosts are perfectly harmless creatures, who are powerless to affect our well-being unless we assist them by giving way to our fears, we should enjoy the supernatural exceedingly, it seems to me. Coleridge, I think it was, was once asked by a lady if he believed in ghosts, and he replied, "No, madame; I have seen too many of them." Which is my case exactly. I have seen so many horrid visitants from other worlds that they hardly affect me at all, s...

Mrs. Raffles is the story of how a pair of thieves weasel themselves into American high society and begin gleefully ripping off everyone around them. Warrington Bunny is our protagonist, a professional henchman who is hopelessly in love with the scheming and ingenious wife of his previous (and deceased) partner in crime, Raffles.

In "Alice in Blunderland: An Iridescent Dream," John Kendrick Bangs masterfully intertwines satire and whimsy, crafting a parody that reignites the essence of Lewis Carroll'Äôs beloved "Alice in Wonderland" while artfully critiquing societal conventions of his time. Through the lens of surreal encounters and comedic dialogue, Bangs explores themes of absurdity, identity, and the folly of human nature, all encapsulated in a rich tapestry of vibrant imagery and clever wordplay. His unique st...

The book begins with the ferryman Charon being startled & annoyed by the arrival of a houseboat on the Styx. At first afraid that the boat will put him out of business, he later finds out that he is actually to be appointed its janitor. What follows are 11 more stories which are set on the houseboat.

I. THE CULINARY GUILDII. A SUGGESTION FOR THE CABLE-CARSIII. THE TRANSATLANTIC TROLLEY COMPANYIV. THE INCORPORATION OF THE IDIOTV. UNIVERSITY EXTENSIONVI. SOCIAL EXPANSIONVII. A BEGGAR'S HAND-BOOKVIII. PROGRESSIVE WAFFLESIX. A CLEARING-HOUSE FOR POETSX. SOME ELECTRICAL SUGGESTIONSXI. CONCERNING CHILDRENXII. DREAMALINE

Alice in Blunderland by John Kendrick Bangs is a witty and imaginative satirical fantasy that playfully reimagines the familiar world of wonder through a humorous and ironic lens. With his signature blend of clever dialogue, literary parody, and whimsical invention, Bangs crafts a story that both entertains and gently mocks the absurdities of logic, society, and human behavior. In this inventive narrative, a curious journey leads into a fantastical realm where expectations are inverted and...

The essays and sketches in "Coffee and Repartee" cover a wide range of topics, including contemporary society, politics, literature, and everyday life. Bangs' writing style is characterized by its clever wordplay, satire, and keen observations of human behavior.The title "Coffee and Repartee" suggests a setting where individuals gather to engage in witty conversation and banter, often over cups of coffee. Bangs' work often revolves around dialogue and the exchange of ideas, showcasing his ...

"Olympian Nights" by John Kendrick Bangs is a whimsical exploration of the afterlife, where the author creatively imagines a gathering of famous figures from mythology and history. The narrative unfolds in a celestial setting, where characters such as Socrates, Homer, and other legendary personalities engage in lively discussions and debates. Bangs' unique blend of humor and philosophical inquiry invites readers to ponder the nature of existence and the afterlife, all while enjoying the pl...