The Fairy Godmother-in-law E-Book

Oliver Herford

• Herausgeber: Booksell-Verlag
• Kategorie: Fantasy und Science-Fiction
• Sprache: Englisch

Veröffentlichungsjahr: 2019

Beschreibung

In "The Fairy Godmother-in-law," Oliver Herford crafts a whimsical narrative that deftly intertwines humor with the complexities of familial relationships. Herford's signature style, characterized by playful language and vivid imagery, conjures a world where the fairy-tale archetype meets the nuanced dilemmas of everyday life. The book explores themes of love, obligation, and the unexpected trials posed by in-laws, all within a richly metaphorical framework that appeals to both the fanciful and the pragmatic reader. The narrative unfolds in a delightful prose that echoes the charm of classic fairy tales while addressing contemporary issues, making it a unique contribution to the literary canon of early 20th-century fantasy literature. Oliver Herford, often referred to as the "dean of American humorists," was deeply influenced by his artistic background and extensive travels. His experiences and observations of familial dynamics, coupled with his keen wit, led him to create this enchanting tale. Herford's work often mirrored the societal norms of his time, and in this story, he tackles the intricacies of modern relationships, reflecting both his personal insights and societal observations in an approachable manner. For readers seeking a light-hearted yet thoughtful exploration of family and fantasy, "The Fairy Godmother-in-law" is an exquisite choice. Herford's playful narrative invites laughter while simultaneously provoking reflection on the nature of love and relationships. This book is a must-read for anyone looking to blend humor with meaningful discussion, making it a delightful addition to any literary collection.

Leseprobe

Oliver Herford

The Fairy Godmother-in-law

Published by Good Press, 2022

[email protected]

EAN 4057664647627

Table of Contents

PREFACE

I THE WEDDING

II THE LETTER

III THE VISIT

IV THE BALL

V MIDNIGHT

THE CHARM THAT FAILED

THE SILVER QUESTION

HOW THE LION BECAME KING

THE WAKEFUL PRINCESS

A MODERN DIALOGUE

THE HEART OF ICE

THE JUDGMENT OF BISHOP VALENTINE

THE BACHELOR GIRL

MEPHISTO

A CORNER IN CURLS

THE HYDRANT- HEADED MONSTER

TO MY TOY CANARY

THE HAND OF TIME

ENVOI

PREFACE

Table of Contents

It is not always well to place

Unbounded Faith in Fairy Lore,

Believing that in every case

They all lived Happy evermore.

Stranger than Fiction though we deem

The Truth, it does not follow, too,

That Fairy Tales, because they seem

Still Stranger, must be still more True.

Far be it from me to assail

The Truthfulness of Fairy Writ,

But let us take a Well-Known Tale

And see what really came of it.

I THE WEDDING

Table of Contents

When Cinderella wed the Prince

She thought him all her Fancy Painted,

And this was not surprising since

They were not very Well Acquainted.

While he, not dreaming where she got

Glass slippers, counted on a Dot.

The Prince was Brave, Industrious, Wise:

Brave in bright Silks and Satins gay,

Wise in the Lore of Ladies’ Eyes,

And most Industrious—at Play;

A Leader, too—in Fashion’s Set;

And Deep—that is to say, in Debt.

Who was the Somebody of Note?

(I never could remember names)

Was it Mark Twain or Mr. Choate

Or Mrs. Ward or Henry James

That penn’d those words of Wise Import,

“Who weds in haste repents—in court”?

But let us not Anticipate.

The Princess wore a Plain Gold Frock;

No Fairy Dress to spoil the fête

By vanishing at Twelve o’clock.

This time no Spell her pleasure blighted—

Her god-mamma was not invited.

Not that she really meant to flout

Her Benefactress; but you see

She had not told the Prince about

Her Fairy Godmother, lest he

Might change his mind if he foresaw

A Fairy God-mamma-in-law.

A Fairy may be Good or Ill,

A Godmother Morose or Gay;

A Mother-in-law, say what you will,

Is not immortal any way.

But wouldn’t it a Bridegroom stun

To think of all three rolled in one?

II THE LETTER

Table of Contents

All day the envelope she scann’d.

But though her royal name it bore,

’Twas in an Unfamiliar Hand.

The Postmark puzzled her still more.

The Princess could not understand

Who’d write to her from——

She turned it Left, she turned it Right,

She pinched it, shook it to and fro,

She held it up against the Light,

And topsy-turvy wise—but no,

It still continued to preserve

Its air of Self-contained Reserve.

One day the Princess in a Pet,

It was her Last, her only hope,

Summoned her Trusty Cabinet,

To Sit upon the Envelope,

And at no matter what expense,

To end her Terrible Suspense.

But all their Learnéd Consultations

Ended in Nought, for what avail

Mere Man’s Unerring Calculations