Best Selling Books by Henry Van Dyke

A lost midcentury classic—the farcical misadventures of a queer Black teen sharing a house with two adoptive mothers, a lascivious cook, and a reticent ghost. In a small Michigan town, in the late 1950s, the widow Etta Klein—wealthy and Jewish—has for more than thirty years relied for aid, comfort, and companionship on her Black housekeeper Harriet Gibbs. Between “Aunt Harry” and Etta, a relationship has developed that is closer than a friendship, yet not quite a marriage. They are inseparable, at once absurdly unequal and defined by a comic codependence. Forever mourning the early death of her favorite son, Sargent, Etta has all but adopted Aunt Harry’s nephew, the precocious, gay seventeen-year-old Oliver, who has been raised by both women. Oliver is facing down his departure to college—and fending off the advances of Etta’s cook, Nella Mae—when the household is disrupted by the arrival of a self-proclaimed “warlock,” one Maurice LeFleur, who has convinced Etta and Harry that he might be able to contact Sargent in the afterlife . . . Ladies of the Rachmaninoff Eyes was the debut of the extraordinary Henry Van Dyke, whose witty and outrageous novels look back to the sparkling, elaborate comedies of Ronald Firbank and forward to postmodern burlesques like Fran Ross’s Oreo. There is nothing else quite like them in American fiction.

This Is A New Release Of The Original 1920 Edition.

Henry Jackson van Dyke (November 10, 1852 - April 10, 1933) was an American author, educator, and clergyman. Henry van Dyke was born on November 10, 1852, in Germantown, Pennsylvania. He graduated from Poly Prep Country Day School in 1869, Princeton University, in 1873 and from Princeton Theological Seminary, 1877. He served as a professor of English literature at Princeton between 1899 and 1923. Among the many students whom he influenced was, notably, future celebrity travel writer Richard Halliburton (1900-1939), Editor-in-Chief, at the time, of the Princeton Pictorial. Van Dyke chaired the committee that wrote the first Presbyterian printed liturgy, The Book of Common Worship of 1906. In 1908-09 Dr. van Dyke was a lecturer at the University of Paris. By appointment of President Woodrow Wilson, a friend and former classmate of van Dyke, he became Minister to the Netherlands and Luxembourg in 1913. Shortly after his appointment, World War I threw Europe into dismay. Americans all around Europe rushed to Holland as a place of refuge. Although inexperienced as an ambassador, van Dyke conducted himself with the skill of a trained diplomat, maintaining the rights of Americans in Europe and organizing work for their relief. He later related his experiences and perceptions in the book Pro Patria (1921). Van Dyke resigned as ambassador at the beginning of December 1916 and returned to the United States. He was subsequently elected to the American Academy of Arts and Letters and received many other honors. Van Dyke was a friend of Helen Keller. Keller wrote: "Dr. van Dyke is the kind of a friend to have when one is up against a difficult problem. He will take trouble, days and nights of trouble, if it is for somebody else or for some cause he is interested in. ''I''m not an optimist, '' says Dr. van Dyke, ''there''s too much evil in the world and in me. Nor am I a pessimist; there is too much good in the world and in God. So I am just a meliorist, believing that He wills to make the world better, and trying to do my bit to help and wishing that it were more.''" He died on April 10, 1933. He is buried in Princeton Cemetery.A biography of Van Dyke, titled Henry Van Dyke: A Biography, was written by his son Tertius van Dyke and published in 1935. Robert Venables (ca. 1613-1687), was a soldier during the English Civil War and noted angler. Venables was a lieutenant-colonel in the parliamentary army and was wounded at the siege of Chester in 1645. He was appointed governor of Liverpool in 1648 and then served with success in Ireland from 1649 until 1654. Venables was sent as joint commander with Admiral William Penn on the Caribbean expedition against the Spanish in the West Indies in 1654. The English forces were routed at the Siege of Santo Domingo in 1655, but managed to successfully take the Spanish colony of Jamaica for England later in the same year. On his return to England he was sent to the Tower of London for failing to wrest the larger prize of Hispaniola from Spanish control, and cashiered in October the same year. Venables was briefly appointed governor of Chester in 1660. After the Restoration he bought the estate of Wincham, retired from public life, and remained a nonconformist. He published a treatise on fishing, The Experienced Angler, in 1662

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This work has been selected by scholars as being culturally important, and is part of the knowledge base of civilization as we know it. This work was reproduced from the original artifact, and remains as true to the original work as possible. Therefore, you will see the original copyright references, library stamps (as most of these works have been housed in our most important libraries around the world), and other notations in the work. This work is in the public domain in the United States of America, and possibly other nations. Within the United States, you may freely copy and distribute this work, as no entity (individual or corporate) has a copyright on the body of the work.As a reproduction of a historical artifact, this work may contain missing or blurred pages, poor pictures, errant marks, etc. Scholars believe, and we concur, that this work is important enough to be preserved, reproduced, and made generally available to the public. We appreciate your support of the preservation process, and thank you for being an important part of keeping this knowledge alive and relevant.

"The Story of the Other Wise Man" captures the true spirit of Christmas. While three wise men reached their destination to meet and offer gifts to the new baby Jesus, the other wise man did something more important; he stopped to help others who were poor and less fortunate. This is a large print edition, with easy-to-read text of Van Dyke''s classic work (with the original illustrations). During the time of the birth of Jesus, a fourth Wise Man, Artaban, sells all his possessions to buy three precious jewels which he hopes to present to the newborn Christ Child. Although he planned to journey with the other three Magi to Bethlehem, he is delayed and fails to rendezvous with them. Artaban spends his whole life searching for the Christ, and in his search he gives away one, then two, and finally all three of his jewels to help others, but in the end his quest is fulfilled in unexpected ways. Although written more than a century ago, this is still a topical Christmas story for young and old that captures the true spirit of Christmas.

"Fisherman''s Luck and Some Other Uncertain Things" is an ancient nature essay story book written by Henry Van Dyke. In this wonderful book, Van Dyke comments on the thrill and mysteries of outside sports activities, in particular fishing, in addition to delving into huge troubles of nature, spirituality, and the human enjoy. With his literary phrases and insightful insights, Van Dyke invites readers to accompany him on journeys to fish in lovely settings, wherein the quiet of nature affords peace and concept. Every piece is complete of awe and affection for the herbal international, as Van Dyke examines the splendor of landscapes, the rhythm of seasons, and the enticement of the angler''s craft. "Fisherman''s Luck and Some Other Uncertain Things" ought to probably be classified as contemplative nature writing. Van Dyke''s describing descriptions and philosophical musings capture the essence of outdoor life, helping web page site visitors to interrupt out modernity''s trouble and reconnect with the straightforwardness and calm of nature. Through the book, Van Dyke''s fishing observations are blended with deeper insights into the human state of affairs, protective problems that encompass patience, resilience, and the pursuit of inner peace.

Written almost a century ago, these daily selections from the works of Henry van Dyke have fresh appeal for readers of today. Featured here are choice excerpts from his sermons, short stories, and literary essays. Van Dyke''s unique historical perspective and experiences as an author, minister, and outdoorsman enabled him to address a wide range of issues and offer thoughtful observations on faith and life.

Reproduction of the original.

Reproduction of the original.

Spanning a rich tapestry of narrative styles and emotional depths, ''The Whole Family'' collaboratively weaves stories that explore the complex dynamics of familial relationships. This anthology, composed by a diverse group of esteemed authors, delves into the multifaceted nature of family life, capturing the tensions and bonds that define kinship. With each narrative thread, readers are treated to profound insights, whether through the introspective monologues of resilience or the nuanced dialogues of interpersonal conflict. The collection transcends a single genre, incorporating elements of realism, wit, and pathos, reminiscent of the evolving literary landscapes of the turn of the 20th century. Contributing to this intricate mosaic are twelve distinguished authors, each bringing their unique perspective and literary expertise to the table. Their collective body of work reflects a convergence of historical, cultural, and literary movements that defined their era. From the psychological depth characteristic of Henry James to the social commentary of Mary Eleanor Wilkins Freeman, the anthology stands as a testament to the period''s dynamic literary exchange. Each author''s voice resonates collectively to illuminate the theme, showcasing the diversity and richness of perspectives inherent in exploring the concept of family. ''Resign yourself to the hearty embrace, or embrace the tense disquiet, of ''The Whole Family,'' where a myriad of viewpoints and stylistic approaches await. This collection offers a wealth of insights and prompts reflection on the enduring complexities of familial bonds. Whether you are drawn to the psychological intricacies of human relationships or the cultural narratives of a bygone era, this anthology provides both an educational journey and an expansive dialogue, making it an indispensable addition to any literary exploration of family dynamics."

Reproduction of the original.