The Bellman Book of Fiction, 1906-1919 by William C. Edgar
"The Bellman Book of Fiction, 1906-1919" by William C. Edgar is a collection of short stories published in the early 20th century. It features a selection of narratives originally printed in The Bellman magazine, showcasing various styles and themes from the period. The book aims to celebrate tales that the editor deemed especially deserving of preservation, offering readers a glimpse into the literary landscape of its time. At the start of the
collection, the opening story, "The Mute" by Robert W. Sneddon, introduces us to Le Muet, a deaf-mute peasant who faces the looming threat of war and the invasion by Bavarian soldiers. Through a blend of innocence and a struggle for survival, Le Muet's experiences capture the brutal realities of wartime danger as he is torn between seeking safety for himself and the love for his faithful dog. The narrative unfolds around his attempts to warn others about the approaching soldiers, revealing themes of courage and sacrifice amid chaos. The poignant opening sets a solemn tone and immerses the reader in a world where the struggle for connection resonates deeply, even in silence. (This is an automatically generated summary.)
The mute / Robert W. Sneddon -- The laughing duchess / Virginia Woodward Cloud -- Long, long ago / Frederick Orin Bartlett -- The right whales flukes / Ben Ames Williams -- When Breathitt went to battle / Lewis H. Kilpatrick -- The forgiver / Marjorie L. C. Pickthall -- Told to parson / Eden Phillpotts -- Iron / Randolph Edgar -- The perfect interval / Margaret Adelaide Wilson -- The archbishop of Rheims / Emily W. Scott -- The Trawnbeighs / Charles Macomb Flandrau -- The life belt / J. J. Bell -- Amina / Edward Lucas White -- The silver ring / Frank Swinnerton -- The surgeon / B. W. Mitchell -- The 'dopters / Aileen Cleveland Higgins -- Prem Singh / John Amid -- Even so / Charles Boardman Hawes -- The cask ashore / Sir Arthur Quiller-Couch.
Credits
This etext was transcribed by Les Bowler
Reading Level
Reading ease score: 81.2 (6th grade). Easy to read.
