Best Selling Books by Christopher Morley

Christopher Morley''s ''Parnassus on Wheels'' is a delightful novel that combines elements of comedy, romance, and adventure. The book follows the story of Helen McGill, a middle-aged woman who embarks on a journey with a traveling bookshop called Parnassus. Through witty dialogue and charming characters, Morley captures the essence of early 20th century America while exploring themes of independence and the transformative power of literature. Written in a light and humorous tone, ''Parnassus on Wheels'' is a classic literary work that appeals to readers of all ages. Christopher Morley, a prolific writer and editor, was known for his wit and love of literature. His experience as a book reviewer and commentator on literary matters provided him with the inspiration to write ''Parnassus on Wheels''. Morley''s passion for books and storytelling shines through in this novel, making it a timeless piece of literature that continues to captivate readers today. I highly recommend ''Parnassus on Wheels'' to anyone seeking a charming and heartwarming read. Morley''s enchanting storytelling and witty prose make this novel a must-read for book lovers and adventure-seekers alike.

Christopher Morley was one of the most celebrated American authors of the 1920s and 1930s. Best known as the author of Parnassus on Wheels and Kitty Foyle, Morley wrote for a popular audience that keenly appreciated his style, his wit, and his exuberant championing of the written word. Morley wrote most of the pieces collected in this volume from 1918 to 1920, while a columnist for the Philadelphia Evening Ledger. His assignment: to "saunter" around town and the Philadelphia suburbs, and then - usually after a leisurely lunch - report back. The result was a series of lively essays that, read now, not only reveals a city''s colorful past, but sheds light on its present: much of the Philadelphia Morley explored remains intact for the native or visitor with the eye and patience to discover it. Morley''s best Philadelphia work, scattered among 12 volumes published during his lifetime, have been collected in this handsome new book, which includes period illustrations by Walter Jack Duncan and Frank Taylor, and a critical introduction by Ken Kalfus. Published on May 5, 1990, on the 100th anniversary of Morley''s birth, Christopher Morley''s Philadelphia brings together numerous essays that have been out of print for 50 years or longer. The book joins Fordham University Press''s 1988 collection, Christopher Morley''s New York, as a lasting contribution to the Morley oeuvre.

A rich selection of essays, bringing together for the first time Morley''s writings about New York. Provides a vivid picture of the city, and of city life, in the 1920s through the eyes of a pre-eminent American man of letters. Evocative period illustrations by Walter Jack Duncan, who illustrated so many Morley first editions, embellish the book. Annotation copyrighted by Book News, Inc., Portland, OR

"Thunder On the Left" by Christopher Morley is a captivating anthology that invites readers into a world where childhood curiosity meets the complexities of adulthood. The title story, "Thunder on the Left", is a masterful tale set against the delightful backdrop of a child''s birthday party. Martin, a young boy teetering on the edge of adolescence, becomes intrigued by the mysterious world of grown-ups. As the familiar nursery morphs into a guest room, marking the end of an era, Martin and his friends embark on imaginative games that mirror adult life. Their innocent attempts to understand the adults around them lead to a playful yet insightful espionage into their parents'' lives. Exploring themes such as innocence, the enigma of maturity, and the inevitable passage of time, this story provides a reflective look at the process of growing up. Through Martin''s eyes, readers experience the joys and anxieties of transitioning from the simplicity of childhood to the complexity of adulthood. This enchanting fantasy fiction offers a thought-provoking journey for anyone who has ever pondered the secretive world of adults and the bittersweet nature of aging. With its insightful portrayal of youthful curiosity and the challenges of maturity, "Thunder On the Left" is a must-read anthology for fans of coming-of-age stories.

In "The Haunted Bookshop," Christopher Morley presents a delightful blend of mystery and literary critique, set in the bustling atmosphere of a quaint bookshop in Brooklyn. Morley''s prose is rich and engaging, weaving together sharp wit and charm, while interspersing philosophical musings on the power of literature and the art of bookselling. The narrative explores themes of intellectual camaraderie, integrity, and the unsettling presence of war, all underscored by a sense of supernatural mystery that captivates the reader''s imagination and invites reflection on deeper societal issues. Christopher Morley, a novelist, poet, and essayist, was deeply influenced by his love for literature and his experiences in the early 20th century. A notable member of the literary scene, he founded the long-running literary journal "The Bookman" and was an avid book lover himself. These facets of his life shaped his creation of a vibrant, character-rich environment in "The Haunted Bookshop," merging his passion for books with a keen understanding of cultural tensions of the time, particularly post-World War I sentiments. Readers who relish a blend of literary exploration and engaging storytelling will find themselves enchanted by "The Haunted Bookshop." Morley''s work is not just a tale of intrigue but a poignant homage to the written word and the profound connections it fosters. This book is an essential read for anyone who appreciates the intersection of narrative and philosophy in literature.

The cult of Sherlock Holmes and its organizational centerpiece, The Baker Street Irregulars, were products of the fertile mind of Christopher Morley (1890-1957), one of the most versatile and prolific writers of the first half of the twentieth century. Novelist, essayist, columnist, Book-of-the-Month Club judge, poet, panelist, and promoter, Morley was an avid exponent of the literature he loved. Few writers were closer to his heart than Arthur Conan Doyle, whose tales of Sherlock Holmes and Dr. Watson were still being penned during Morley''s boyhood. This collection is a virtual anthology of Morley''s many styles. In addition to old favorites like "In Memoriam Sherlock Holmes," the preface to the Doubleday edition of The Complete Sherlock Holmes published in 1930 and probably the most widely read Sherlockian essay of them all, here are previously unpublished or never-before-collected essays, poems, short stories, and even a play. Excerpts from the fifteen years of Morley''s columns in the Saturday Review of Literature and a decade of his "Clinical Notes by a Resident Patient" in the Baker Street Journal (currently published by Fordham University Press) cover ever aspect of Holmes''s world - from dressing gowns to Turkish baths, from beekeeping to the "B" in 221B Baker Street. As Morley put it in his little-known reader for high-school students, Sherlock Holmes and Dr. Watson, "A Textbook of Friendship, "The beginning reader of Sherlock Holmes concerns himself with little more than attentive enjoyment, but there is a post-graduate school as well. There is a special and superior pleasure in reading anything so much more carefully than its author ever did." The Standard Doyle Company - Morley''s punning title for the Baker Street Irregulars - is an advanced syllabus for the lover of Sherlockian literature and lore.

In "Plum Pudding: Of Divers Ingredients, Discreetly Blended & Seasoned," Christopher Morley crafts a delightful culinary and literary feast, melding essay, humor, and memoir into a rich tapestry. Morley''s prose is whimsical yet introspective, reflecting the style of early 20th-century American literature, where the personal often intertwines with broader cultural commentary. In this work, he explores not just the act of cooking but the deeper connections food creates among people, revealing how communal meals serve as a proxy for societal interactions and values of the time. The book unfolds through a series of vignettes infused with wit and nostalgia, providing a unique lens on the culinary landscape of the era. Christopher Morley, an influential writer and journalist, was deeply engaged with the literary and social currents of his time. His experiences in New York''s vibrant culture, alongside his personal passion for gastronomy, informed his writing. A co-founder of the "The Bookman," Morley was immersed in a milieu that celebrated storytelling, making him a perfect conduit for exploring the intersections of food, literature, and human experience. "Plum Pudding" is a charming odyssey that will resonate with food enthusiasts, literary lovers, and anyone interested in the intimate connection between cooking and culture. Morley''s engaging narrative not only captivates but also invites readers to reflect on their own culinary adventures and the stories they carry.

Parnassus on Wheels traces a middle-aged woman''s winsome adventures as a traveling bookseller. Its sequel, The Haunted Bookshop, unfolds in a Brooklyn store that attracts a nefarious plot as well as a budding romance.

Christopher Morley was a prominent American novelist, journalist, and poet. Morley was a prolific writer and is now best remembered for the novels Parnassus on Wheels and The Haunted Bookshop. Parnassus on Wheels, published in 1917, is Morley''s first novel. The book tells the story of Roger Mifflin and his travelling book-selling business. The Haunted Bookshop is the sequel to Parnassus on Wheels. The action is set in Brooklyn near the end of World War I and continues to tell the story of Roger Mifflin as well as a mysterious bookshop.

DigiCat Publishing presents to you this special edition of "Mince Pie" by Christopher Morley. DigiCat Publishing considers every written word to be a legacy of humankind. Every DigiCat book has been carefully reproduced for republishing in a new modern format. The books are available in print, as well as ebooks. DigiCat hopes you will treat this work with the acknowledgment and passion it deserves as a classic of world literature.

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Written just before Prohibition, "In the Sweet and Dry" tries to entail the possible troubles that might happen in the future. It takes both sides of the argument, and sketches out the various methods that could be used, some of them being rather over-the-top, like legislating most fruits and vegetables as unsafe, or intoxicating large groups with breathable alcohol. Christopher Morley (1890–1957) was an American author, poet and journalist from Pennsylvania. His father was a mathematics professor and his mother a violinist. The family moved to Baltimore, Maryland, in 1900 and he later studied modern history at Oxford. After getting his degree, he moved back to America and married Helen Booth Fairchild, with whom he had four children. Morley was a prolific writer and is remembered for novels such as "Parnassus on Wheels" (1917), "The Haunted Bookshop" (1918), "Thunder on the Left" (1925), and "Kitty Foyle" (1939).

In "Pipefuls," Christopher Morley artfully weaves a tapestry of essays that celebrate the joys of everyday life through the lens of a pipe smoker. Using a colloquial and often humorous style, Morley invites readers into the comforting embrace of his musings, exploring themes such as friendship, leisure, and the simple pleasures of pipe smoking. His prose is characterized by a blend of nostalgia and wit, and the book serves as both a social commentary and a personal reflection, embodying the spirit of the early 20th century American literary context where contemplative leisure was increasingly seen as an antidote to modern anxieties. Christopher Morley, a noted author, journalist, and poet, often infused his writing with his own experiences and preferences, particularly his love of literature and pipe smoking. His diverse background, which includes working as a newspaper columnist and editing literary magazines, contributed to the insightful and relatable nature of "Pipefuls." Morley was deeply connected to the literary scene of his time, which undoubtedly influenced his contemplative approach to writing about the quotidian. This book is a delightful read for anyone looking to reflect on the small pleasures in life. Morley''Äôs keen observations and gentle humor will resonate not only with enthusiasts of pipe smoking but with anyone who appreciates the art of thoughtful reflection and the beauty of human connection.

I wonder if there isn''t a lot of bunkum in higher education? I never found that people who were learned in logarithms and other kinds of poetry were any quicker in washing dishes or darning socks. I''ve done a good deal of reading when I could, and I don''t want to "admit impediments" to the love of books, but I''ve also seen lots of good, practical folk spoiled by too much fine print. Reading sonnets always gives me hiccups, too.I never expected to be an author! But I do think there are some amusing things about the story of Andrew and myself and how books broke up our placid life. When John Gutenberg, whose real name (so the Professor says) was John Gooseflesh, borrowed that money to set up his printing press he launched a lot of troubles on the world.Andrew and I were wonderfully happy on the farm until he became an author. If I could have foreseen all the bother his writings were to cause us, I would certainly have burnt the first manuscript in the kitchen stove.Andrew McGill, the author of those books every one reads, is my brother. In other words, I am his sister, ten years younger. Years ago Andrew was a business man, but his health failed and, like so many people in the story books, he fled to the country, or, as he called it, to the bosom of Nature. He and I were the only ones left in an unsuccessful family. I was slowly perishing as a conscientious governess in the brownstone region of New York. He rescued me from that and we bought a farm with our combined savings. We became real farmers, up with the sun and to bed with the same. Andrew wore overalls and a soft shirt and grew brown and tough. My hands got red and blue with soapsuds and frost; I never saw a Redfern advertisement from one year''s end to another, and my kitchen was a battlefield where I set my teeth and learned to love hard work. Our literature was government agriculture reports, patent medicine almanacs, seedsmen''s booklets, and Sears Roebuck catalogues. We subscribed to Farm and Fireside and read the serials aloud. Every now and then, for real excitement, we read something stirring in the Old Testament--that cheery book Jeremiah, for instance, of which Andrew was very fond. The farm did actually prosper, after a while; and Andrew used to hang over the pasture bars at sunset, and tell, from the way his pipe burned, just what the weather would be the next day.As I have said, we were tremendously happy until Andrew got the fatal idea of telling the world how happy we were. I am sorry to have to admit he had always been rather a bookish man. In his college days he had edited the students'' magazine, and sometimes he would get discontented with the Farm and Fireside serials and pull down his bound volumes of the college paper. He would read me some of his youthful poems and stories and mutter vaguely about writing something himself some day. I was more concerned with sitting hens than with sonnets and I''m bound to say I never took these threats very seriously. I should have been more severe.Then great-uncle Philip died, and his carload of books came to us. He had been a college professor, and years ago when Andrew was a boy Uncle Philip had been very fond of him--had, in fact, put him through college. We were the only near relatives, and all those books turned up one fine day. That was the beginning of the end, if I had only known it.