Ernest Bramah

Max Carrados is one of the most unusual detectives in all fiction. He is blind - and yet he has developed his other faculties to such an amazing degree that they more than compensate for his lack of sight.'Lose one sense and the others, touch, taste, smell, hearing improve...with a little dedicated training.' Carrados can read a newspaper headline with the touch of his fingers, detect a man wearing a false moustache because 'he carries a five yard aura of spirit gum' and shoot a villain by aiming at the sound of his beating heart. Assisted by his sharp-eyed manservant, Parker, Carrados is the mystery-solver par excellence. Here is a collection of the best of Max Carrados, a set of stories featuring a series of baffling puzzles to challenge the greatest of detectives. They are written by Ernest Bramah with great wit, style and panache. This is vintage crime fiction at its bes

In "Kai Lung Unrolls His Mat," Ernest Bramah artfully presents a tapestry of humorous tales woven with elements of Eastern philosophy and intricate storytelling. This collection of stories is narrated by the charmingly eccentric Kai Lung, a wandering storyteller whose ingenious wit and whimsical perspective illuminate the absurdities of life. Bramahs literary style is characterized by a playful interplay of language, employing elaborate prose and fantastical anecdotes that echo the tradition of classic Chinese storytelling, while also engaging with contemporary themes relevant to early 20th-century society. The book immerses readers into a world where both humor and wisdom coexist, enhancing the narratives richness. Ernest Bramah, an English author, was profoundly influenced by a fascination with Eastern culture and philosophy, which is evident in his evocative portrayal of Chinese lore. His background in journalism and a detailed study of Chinese tradition allowed him to craft this work, reflecting not only his literary ambitions but also his desire to bridge cultural divides. Bramahs unique perspective and love for parody shine throughout the work, marking it as a significant contribution to the genre of humor and fantasy. "Kai Lung Unrolls His Mat" is a delightful read for anyone who appreciates clever wordplay and the art of storytelling. It invites readers to engage with its playful narratives and discover the profound wisdom embedded within the humor. Perfect for lovers of literary fiction and those seeking an escape into a fantastical world, this collection is sure to entertain and enlighten readers from all walks of life.

Jorge Luis Borges escribió sobre este singular autor británico: «Sus libros son de naturaleza paródica: fingen ser traducciones del chino y su desaforada perfección logró en 1922 un elogio incondicio

IN offering a series of stories which continue the adventures of a group of characters already introduced to the reading public, a writer is inevitably at a certain disadvantage. In contriving their first appearance he has been able to select both the occasion and the moment which lend themselves most effectively to his plan. He has begun at the beginning--or, at least, at what, so far as you and he and the tale he has to tell are concerned, must be accepted as the beginning. Buttonholing you at the intersection of these three lines of destiny he has, in effect, exclaimed: My dear Reader! the very man I wished to see. I want to introduce rather a remarkable character to you--Max Carrados, whom you see approaching. You will notice that he is blind--quite blind; but so far from that crippling his interests in life or his energies, it has merely impelled him to develop those senses which in most of us lie half dormant and practically unused. Thus you will understand that while he may be at a disadvantage when you are at an advantage, he is at an advantage when you are at a disadvantage. The alert, slightly spoffish gentleman with the knowing look, who accompanies him, is his friend Carlyle. He has a private inquiry business now; formerly he was a solicitor, but... (here the voice becomes discreetly inaudible)... and having run up across Carrados again... And so on.

Parkinson, the unquenchable stickler for decorum, paused after receiving the general instructions for the day just long enough to create a sense of hesitation. Mr Carrados, merely concerned with an after-breakfast cigarette, divined the position with his usual unerring instinct.Yes, Parkinson, he remarked encouragingly; is there anything going on?A clumsily-folded newspaper enabled the punctilious attendant to salve his conscience as he returned slowly to the table. He shook out the printed sheets into a more orderly arrangement by way of covering the irregularity.I understand, sir, he replied in the perfectly controlled respectful voice that accorded with his deliberate actions I understand that this mornings foreign intelligence is of a disquieting nature.The blind mans hand went unfalteringly to an open copy of The Times lying by him and there a single deft finger touched off the headlines with easy certainty."On the Brink of War.""Threatened German Mobilization", he read aloud. "The Duty of Great Britain." Yes, I dont think that "disquieting" over-states the position.No, sir. So I gathered from what I had already heard. That is why I thought it better to speak to you about a trifling incident that has come under my notice, sir.

The Life and Legacy of Coleridge: Biographical Works delves deep into the multifaceted existence of the iconic English poet, philosopher, and critic, Samuel Taylor Coleridge. This anthology brings together an exquisite array of literary styles that range from introspective essays and critical analyses to vivid biographical narratives. The varied pieces not only capture the charismatic intellect and creativity that defined Coleridge but also illuminate his profound impact on literary romanticism. Noteworthy segments provide nuanced insights into his philosophical dialogues and literary accomplishments, portraying a scholar who was both a dreamer and a disciplined thinker. The collection is a testament to the breadth of contributions from diverse authors, notably edited and researched by May Byron. These voices, unified in their scholarly pursuit, offer an intimate exploration of Coleridges complex persona and his role in shaping the literary landscape of his time. The anthology aligns with historical and cultural movements of the 18th and 19th centuries, enriching our understanding of the Romantic period through the lens of Coleridges dynamic presence. With Byrons meticulous compilation, this collection presents a harmonized chorus of perspectives, celebrating the enduring legacy of Coleridges influence across different genres and ideologies. Readers are invited to immerse themselves in this unique anthology, which serves both as an educational tool and a rich source of inspiration. The collection encourages a dialogue between the reader and the text, providing a multi-dimensional view of Coleridges life and works through the lens of those who have studied and admired him. Whether one is a seasoned scholar or a curious newcomer, The Life and Legacy of Coleridge offers a compelling glimpse into the Romantic era, enhancing the contemporary appreciation of this monumental figures lasting impact.

Contents: / The Coin of Dionysius / The Knights Cross Signal Problem / The Tragedy at Brookbend Cottage / The Last Exploit of Harry the Actor

In Kai Lung Unrolls His Mat, Kai Lungs village has been pillaged by the evil Ming Shu. Not only has he had his house and garden destroyed, but Kai Lungs wife has also been taken away. It is left to the storytellers wits to think of a plan to defeat Ming Shu and reclaim his property. Excerpt: "As Kai Lung turned off the dusty earth road and took the woodland path that led to his small but seemly cottage on the higher slope, his exultant heart rose in song."

Commentator: Hilaire Belloc

Ling was the youngest of three sons, and from his youth upwards proved to be of a mild and studious disposition. Most of his time was spent in reading the sacred books, and at an early age he found the worship of apes to be repulsive to his gentle nature, and resolved to break through the venerable traditions of his family by devoting his time to literary pursuits, and presenting himself for the public examinations at Canton. In this his resolution was strengthened by a rumour that an army of bowmen was shortly to be raised from the Province in which he lived, so that if he remained he would inevitably be forced into an occupation which was even more distasteful to him than the one he was leaving.

It was eight oclock at night and raining, scarcely a time when a business so limited in its clientele as that of a coin dealer could hope to attract any customer, but a light was still showing in the small shop that bore over its window the name of Baxter, and in the even smaller office at the back the proprietor himself sat reading the latest Pall Mall. His enterprise seemed to be justified, for presently the door bell gave its announcement, and throwing down his paper Mr Baxter went forward.As a matter of fact the dealer had been expecting someone and his manner as he passed into the shop was unmistakably suggestive of a caller of importance. But at the first glance towards his visitor the excess of deference melted out of his bearing, leaving the urbane, self-possessed shopman in the presence of the casual customer."Mr Baxter, I think?" said the latter. He had laid aside his dripping umbrella and was unbuttoning overcoat and coat to reach an inner pocket. "You hardly remember me, I suppose? Mr Carlyletwo years ago I took up a case for you""To be sure. Mr Carlyle, the private detective""Inquiry agent," corrected Mr Carlyle precisely."Well," smiled Mr Baxter, "for that matter I am a coin dealer and not an antiquarian or a numismatist. Is there anything in that way that I can do for you?"

The second volume of amusing Chinese fantasies. A captivating collection thats ripe for rediscovery, Kai Lungs Golden Hours stands as the very best of these beguiling books. As with other Kai Lung novels, the main plot serves primarily as a vehicle for the presentation of the gem-like, aphorism-laden stories told by the protagonist Kai Lung, an itinerant story-teller of ancient China. With the help of beautiful Hwa Mei, who has the attention of evil Ming Shu, Kai tries to regain his freedom by spinning a series of entertaining tales that intrigue his captor. In a unique defense, Kai Lung recites his beguiling tales to the Mandarin, successfully postponing his conviction time after time until he is finally set free. Laced with romance and adventure, spiced with fantasy and the supernatural, these stories will transport readers to a mandarins court in ancient China. Kai Lungs Golden Hours is a frame story or frame novel, that is, the narrative provides a frame for different stories.

The secret of the league is a dystopian novel written by Ernest Bramah in 1907. It was first published as What might have been: the story of a social war, but later was republished in 1909 as The secret of the league. The Secret of the League is kind of an underground oddity of a novel. Its a prophetic-warning novel, science fiction before that term was coined, largely sociopolitical but also with some charming technical extrapolations. The story centers around one mans daring and ingenious plan, enacted through a mysterious alliance called the Unity League, to stop the workings of the nations elected government in order to restore some measure of lost freedom and greatness, even at the risk of civil war. Its plot is developed rather patchily, and like most warning novels, was overtaken by real events and didnt come true. The Secret of the League was written, when the growth of the labour movement was beginning to terrify the middle class, who wrongly imagined that they were menaced from below rather than from above.

Delightful collection of mysteries of the first blind detective. In 1914, Ernest Bramah published his first collection of Carrados stories, Max Carrados. Max Carrados is a detective who has developed his own remaining senses to a superior level and who has enlisted the superior observations skills of his butler to fill in for any deficiency of his own. He is a cerebral detective, solving the crimes with facts, information and his advanced senses, which over-compensate for his blindness. Working with his old friend, Louis Carlyle, a private investigator, the wealthy Carrados pursues his talent for detection whenever he pleases without accepting a fee. The stories deal with the theft of an ancient coin, the odd disappearance of a little girl, a ghost fond of running the bath, a scientific approach to murdering a wife, poison mushrooms, devious disguises, an automated card-playing machine and other curious matters. As with some better known sleuths, Mr. Carrados feats amaze, entertain and satisfy.

The Kai Lung books are really short-story collections, whose disparate, rambling tales are knitted together by framing narratives featuring the eponymous travelling storyteller. The third in Bramahs Kai Lung series of fantasy novels. Kai Lung Unrolls His Mat, like the others in the series consists of thinly connected stories related by Kai Lung, concerning the adventures of the storyteller and his lady love Hwa-Mei versus the wicked but ever-smooth Mandarin Shan Tien and his despicable accomplice Ming-Shu. Kai Lungs adventures are related with humor and irony, his shrewdness and wisdom conveyed in euphemisms, paradoxes and parables. Bramahs droll writing style went a long way toward making the Kai Lung series so popular. The Kai Lung books are easily Bramahs greatest achievement; theyre as worthy of their somewhat neglected place in the pantheon of British humour as the delightful comic trivia of Wodehouse.

The Wallet of Kai Lung is a collection of fantasy stories by Ernest Bramah in which the Chinese Kai Lung tells stories often to stave off some unpleasant fate, like Scheherazade. These tales of an unlikely but marvelous China are classic works of fantasy, with each story holding a story-within-a-story. Ernest Bramahs Kai Lung is a storyteller in an imagined China, telling tales of earnest examination candidates, corrupt mandarins, beautiful maidens, alchemical potions, grasping merchants, and assorted other stereotypes from the Western imagination of China. The China which Kai Lung inhabits has numerous features of the fantasy Land of Fable, and many of the embedded tales are fantasy; all are told in an ornate manner which ironically, often hilariously, exaggerates the old Chinese tradition of understatement and politesse.