Most Popular Books by Thorne Smith

No Description Available Jason Thorne Smith (March 27, 1892-June 21, 1934), was an American writer of humorous fantasy fiction. Best known today for his creation of Topper, Smith''s comic fantasy fiction (most of it involving sex, lots of drinking, and supernatural transformations, and aided by racy illustrations) sold millions of copies in the early 1930s. Smith drank as steadily as his characters; his appearance in James Thurber''s The Years With Ross involves an unexplained week-long disappearance. Smith was born in Annapolis, Maryland the son of a Navy commodore, attended Dartmouth College, and after hungry years in Greenwich Village working part-time as an advertising agent, Smith achieved meteoric success with the publication of Topper in 1926. He died of a heart attack while vacationing in Florida.

In "Did She Fall?", Thorne Smith crafts a whimsical yet provocative narrative that delves into the themes of desire, illusion, and the supernatural. Set against the backdrop of the 1920s, a period marked by cultural experimentation and a thirst for liberation, the novel is characterized by its lively prose, humor, and the playful interaction between the mundane and the magical. Smith''s trademark blend of fantasy and reality invites readers into a kaleidoscopic world where the boundaries of morality and dreams blur, leading to a richly textured exploration of social norms and the complexities of human relationships. Thorne Smith, an American author renowned for his contributions to early 20th-century literature, frequently tackled the absurdities of modern life with a satirical edge. His experiences as a newspaper columnist and involvement in the Roaring Twenties cultural milieu heavily influenced his writing. Smith''s inclination towards the bizarre and the enchanted is not merely for amusement; it serves as a commentary on the era''s shifting dynamics, exploring the tension between conventional restraint and newfound freedom. Readers who appreciate a blend of humor, clever storytelling, and social commentary will find "Did She Fall?" a delightful and thought-provoking read. Smith''s unique ability to merge whimsy with a critique of societal norms makes this novel a compelling addition to any literary collection, enriching the conversation about 1920s American literature.

A hilarious and ribald comedy about boring and staid bank manager, Cosmo Topper, who decided to buy a flashy car only to discover it haunted by its previous owners, George and Marion Kerby. George and Marion make it their mission to lead the respectable Topper astray.

Thorne Smith pits two thoroughly modern married people in a classic battle of the sexes. After listening to the nearly endless bickering and childish jealousy of a young man and wife (Tim and Sally Willows), an ancient Egyptian idol decides to play a trick on the two by causing them to switch bodies. Like Thorne Smith, Tim works in an advertising agency, and several scenes are set there, drawing on the author''s experience. After the wife forcefully impregnates her husband, things take a decided turn for the worse as they separately try to deal with the object of the former wife''s affections-a deplorably predictable square-jawed philanderer by the name of Carl Bently.

Thorne Smith''s rapid-fire dialogue, brilliant sense of the absurd, and literary aplomb put him in the same category as the beloved P. G. Wodehouse. The Night Life of the Gods, the madcap story of a scientist who instigates a nocturnal spree with the Greek gods, is arguably his most sparkling comedic achievement.

Thorne Smith''s ''Topper Takes a Trip'' is a testament to the author''s continued exploration of the cosmo-comical genre, a seamless blend of humor and the supernatural that became his signature style. Smith''s narrative effervesces with wit as it follows the rollicking adventures of the protagonist, Cosmo Topper, entwined once more with ghostly high-jinks. Fueled by a mix of farcical situations and sharp, spirited dialogues, this sequel to ''Topper'' strikes a chord in the literary context of the Prohibition era, where escapism and the pursuit of merriment in literature were particularly cherished by a society seeking relief from the stern realities of the day. DigiCat Publishing''s careful reproduction propels this classic into the modern literary landscape, allowing Smith''s vintage repartee to resonate with contemporary readerships. Thorne Smith, a master of comic fantasy, possessed a peculiar ability to juxtapose the ordinary with the extraordinary, offering a satirical commentary on the American Roaring Twenties. Smith''s personal proclivity for dry wit and his fascination with the whimsical are deeply entrenched in the composition of ''Topper Takes a Trip.'' Smith''s own life experiences — a touch of rebellion against the conventional, a critique of the bourgeoisie, and an enduring affection for the quixotic — lend a palpable authenticity to the eccentricities that unfold within the pages of his creation. In recommending ''Topper Takes a Trip,'' one extends an invitation to the reader to indulge in a work that masterfully contrives laughter and levity amid life''s inevitable chaos. It is a book particularly appropriate for those enchanted by the mingling of the mundane with the magical, and for any reader who delights in skillfully penned prose that transcends eras. Smith''s eloquence and timeless humor are sure to charm a new generation, as DigiCat Publishing brings this delightful novel back into circulation for both the literary aficionado and the casual reader alike.

Thorne Smith''s ''Skin and Bones'' represents a unique fusion of fantastical plotlines with a sardonic wit that trademarks the author''s literary prowess. As a classic piece of early 20th-century humor and fantasy fiction, it captivates the reader with its quirky characters and a narrative that deftly intertwines the mundane with the supernatural. The book''s stylistic elements reflect the Jazz Age''s fascination with the absurd and the gleeful abandonment of convention - allowing Smith to craft a story that is both a product of its time and a timeless exploration of human folly and farce. DigiCat Publishing''s reproduction of this work ensures that its legacy continues to be appreciated within the rich tapestry of world literature, allowing modern audiences to experience the book''s original charm and wit in contemporary formats. A vanguard of whimsical fantasy, Thorne Smith''s oeuvre often pokes fun at societal norms and the foibles of human nature, and ''Skin and Bones'' is no exception. Smith''s own experiences and observations of prohibition-era America undoubtedly fueled his imagination, blending the real with the surreal in ways that capture the Zeitgeist of his era. His writing appeals to those who enjoy a mixture of satire, fantasy, and humor, mirroring the author''s life-long penchant for the eccentric and the outlandish. ''Skin and Bones'' is recommended for readers with a taste for the whimsical and those who wish to delve into the comedic side of fantasy. It offers a delightful respite from the harshness of reality, transporting the reader into a world where the fantastical becomes possible and the ridiculous becomes sublime. Perfect for a lover of classic literature who desires not just to read, but to be transported to the eras of flappers and speakeasies through the medium of literary magic. Indulge in this DigiCat Publishing edition and savor the legacy and passion of a writer who embraced the peculiar and gifted it to the literary world.

James Thorne Smith Jr. (1892-1934), was an American writer of humorous supernaturnal fantasy fiction. Best known today for his creation of Topper, Smith''s comic fantasy fiction (most of it involving sex, lots of drinking, and supernatural transformations, and aided by racy illustrations) sold millions of copies in the early 1930s. Smith drank as steadily as his characters; his appearance in James Thurber''s The Years With Ross involves an unexplained week-long disappearance. Smith was born in Annapolis, Maryland the son of a Navy commodore, attended Dartmouth College, and after hungry years in Greenwich Village working part-time as an advertising agent, Smith achieved meteoric success with the publication of Topper in 1926.

A hilarious string of adventures of poor, ordinary, faithful, Mr. Lamb who exchanges the mundane for the slightly insane when a chance encounter leads him to experience the world through the eyes of various animals.

In the deft hands of Thorne Smith, ''Biltmore Oswald: The Diary of a Hapless Recruit'' rises beyond mere humor to reflect the absurdities of military life through its satirical narrative. Smith employs a picaresque literary style, endowing the text with an episodic rhythm that humorously presents the ongoing misadventures of its titular character. Set against the backdrop of World War I, the novel occupies a distinguished place within the era''s literature, capturing the zeitgeist of early 20th century Americana and the everyman''s confrontation with the exigencies of military service. The diary format provides an intimate exploration of Oswald''s trials and tribulations, rendered with a blend of both slapstick and sardonic wit that has become a hallmark of Smith''s literary context. Thorne Smith''s own experiences are mirrored in the farcical elements of ''Biltmore Oswald.'' His keen observational humor likely developed during his tenure in the U.S. Naval Reserve, where the ludicrous and the mundane formed the fabric of everyday life. Smith''s penchant for the whimsical and the preposterous imbues the narrative with authenticity, illustrating the disconnect between wartime expectations and the comedic reality faced by recruits. It is this personal connection that deepens the novel''s resonance for readers who find humor in the human condition. ''Biltmore Oswald'' is a must-read for aficionados of classic American humor and satire. It appeals to readers who enjoy seeing the bumbling everyman stumble through challenges with unwitting resilience. This edition, presented by DigiCat Publishing, ensures that Smith''s effervescent prose endures, inviting modern audiences to partake in the legacy of a writer who mastered the art of laughter in literature. As DigiCat emphasizes the preservation of the written word, ''Biltmore Oswald'' stands testament to the timeless delight found in the humorous chronicles of our shared humanity.

A master of humorous supernatural fantasy fiction, Thorne Smith is best known today as the creator of the Topper novels. His works of comic fantasy involve sexual encounters, much drinking, ghosts and hilarious misadventures. This comprehensive eBook presents Smith’s complete works, with numerous illustrations, rare texts, informative introductions and the usual Delphi bonus material. (Version 1)* Beautifully illustrated with images relating to Smith’s life and works * Concise introductions to the major texts * All the novels and short stories, with individual contents tables * Images of how the books were first published, giving your eReader a taste of the original texts * Excellent formatting of the texts * Includes the rare children’s book ‘Lazy Bear Lane’ * Smith’s rare poetry * Ordering of texts into chronological order and genresPlease note: the posthumous novel ‘The Passionate Witch’ was completed by Norman H. Matson and so cannot appear due to copyright restrictions.CONTENTS:The Novels Topper (1926) Dream’s End (1927) The Stray Lamb (1929) Did She Fall? (1930) The Night Life of the Gods (1931) Turnabout (1931) Topper Takes a Trip (1932) The Bishop’s Jaegers (1932) Rain in the Doorway (1933) Skin and Bones (1933) The Glorious Pool (1934)The Shorter Fiction Biltmore Oswald (1918) Out O’ Luck (1919) Birthday Present (1934) Yonder’s Henry! (1934)The Children’s Book Lazy Bear Lane (1931)The Poetry Haunts and Bypaths (1919)Please visit www.delphiclassics.com to browse through our range of exciting titles or to purchase this eBook as a Parts Edition of individual eBooks

J. Thorne Smith (1892-1934) was the author of "Topper / The Jovial Ghosts," "Topper Takes a Trip," "The Night Life of the Gods," "The Stray Lamb," "Turnabout," "The Glorious Pool," etc. "Topper" was published in 1926. Public Domain in countries where copyright is Life]70. Thorne Smith is a master of urbane wit and sophisticated repartee. Topper, his best-known work, is the hilarious, ribald comedy on which the hit television show and movie (starring Cary Grant) were based. It all begins when Cosmo Topper, a law-abiding, mild-mannered bank manager, decides to buy a secondhand car, only to find it haunted by the ghosts of its previous owners--the reckless, feckless, frivolous couple who met their untimely demise when the car careened into an oak tree. The ghosts, George and Marion Kerby, make it their mission to rescue Topper from the drab "summer of suburban Sundays" that is his life--and they commence a series of madcap adventures that leave Topper, and anyone else who crosses their path, in a whirlwind of discomfiture and delight. As enchanting today as it was when first published in 1926, Topper has set the standard in American pop culture for such mischievous apparitions as those seen in ''The Ghost and Mrs. Muir, '' ''Heaven Can Wait, '' ''Beetlejuice, '' and ''Bewitched.''

Thorne Smith''s rapid-fire dialogue, brilliant sense of the absurd, and literary aplomb put him in the same category as the beloved P. G. Wodehouse. The Night Life of the Gods, the madcap story of a scientist who instigates a nocturnal spree with the Greek gods, is arguably his most sparkling comedic achievement. Hunter Hawk has a knack for annoying his ultra respectable relatives. He likes to experiment and he particularly likes to experiment with explosives. His garage-cum-laboratory is a veritable minefield, replete with evil-smelling clouds of vapor through which various bits of wreckage and mysteriously bubbling test tubes are occasionally visible. With the help of Megaera, a fetching nine-hundred-year-old lady leprechaun he meets one night in the woods, he masters the art (if not the timing) of transforming statues into people. And when he practices his new witchery in the stately halls of the Metropolitan Museum of Art, setting Bacchus, Mercury, Neptune, Diana, Hebe, Apollo, and Perseus loose on the unsuspecting citizenry of Prohibition-era New York, the stage is set for Thorne Smith at his most devilish and delightful.

A self-important tycoon meets his future wife when he rescues her from a hotel fire. He begins to question the wisdom of their union when he sees his new bride climbing down the trumpet vine outside their bedroom window, riding the goat through the apple orchard in the moonlight, and killing chickens. Among other things. (Includes original illustrations) (Includes original illustrations)

This vintage book contains Thorne Smith''s 1933 novel, "Rain in the Doorway". It is the story an adulteress''s husband who embarks on inebriated adventures with his various partners and a girl who works in a pornographic books department. Those who have read and enjoyed Smith''s work will love "Rain in the Doorway", an entertaining and risqué tale of forbidden love and compromising situations. Contents include: "Waiting", "In The Doorway", "Snatched Through", "The New Partner", "Pornography Preferred", "Satin", "Establishing A Line Of Credit", "The Burning Beard", "The Kiarians Continue", "From The Roof Top", "The Partners Are Helpful", "Satin Slings An Eel", "Mr. Owen''s Buff", "The Hour Grows Late", et cetera. Many vintage books such as this are increasingly scarce and expensive. We are republishing this volume now in an affordable, modern edition complete with a specially commissioned new introduction.

Peter and Mary are old and forgotten ― that is, until Lazy Bear arrives with gentle magic, poetry, and delightful repartee. Tender and understanding, charming and humorous, children and adults alike are transported to a make believe land where anything can happen.

In "The Glorious Pool," Thorne Smith masterfully intertwines fantasy and comedy, creating a narrative that reflects the whimsical spirit of the 1920s. Set against the backdrop of a languorous summer, the novel revolves around an enchanted swimming pool that serves as a portal to surreal experiences and ramblings of the human condition. Smith''Äôs jovial prose, characterized by witty dialogue and clever wordplay, evokes a playful atmosphere while exploring themes of desire, escapism, and the inevitable absurdity of life. This novel vividly embodies the literary movement of humorous fantasy that flourished during the early 20th century, inviting readers into a world where reality is but a malleable concept subjected to the whims of imagination. Thorne Smith, known for his iconoclastic wit and penchant for irreverent storytelling, drew inspiration from his own encounters with the social landscapes of his time. His background as a journalist and humorist greatly influenced his writing style, imbuing it with a blend of satirical commentary and fantastical elements. "The Glorious Pool" not only reflects Smith''s personal experiences with the hedonistic culture of the roaring twenties but also serves as a critique of the era''s morals and values, making it a rich study of its time. For readers seeking a respite from the mundanity of daily life, "The Glorious Pool" is a delightful escape into a realm where laughter reigns supreme. Smith''s vibrant characters and ingenious situations promise to captivate those with a taste for the absurd and a love for cleverly constructed prose. This novel stands as a testament to Smith''s unique ability to blend humor with profound insights, making it a must-read for fans of early 20th-century literature and modern escapades alike.

This early work by Thorne Smith was originally published in 1942 and we are now republishing it with a brand new introductory biography. ''The Passionate Witch'' was James Thorne Smith Jr.''s last novel and was left unfinished at the time of his death in 1934, it was finally finished by Norman Matson. Mr. T. Wallace Wooly is a rich, sober, upstanding member of the community who lives a calm, frugal life after the death of his wife. This comfortable existence is ruined by a meeting with Jennifer Broome, Wooly is spellbound to the mysterious women with " a great glory of lustrous dark hair....and a mouth curved in a short cat like smile" and gravity defying cloths. What follows is a whirlwind romance, a string of disastrous ''accidents'' and the uttering of a fateful curse.

The Night Life of the Gods is a fiction novel by Thorne Smith.The Night Life of the Gods, the madcap story of a scientist who instigates a nocturnal spree with the Greek gods, is arguably his most sparkling comedic achievement.Author Thorne Smith puts his seemingly boundless imagination to good work in The Night Life of the Gods, a rip-roaring novel that postulates about what would happen if ancient deities were revived and allowed to run wild in the streets of Depression-era New York City. This turn of events comes about when inventor Hunter Hawk devises a method of turning people into stone statues and vice versa.

Thorne Smith''s rapid-fire dialogue, brilliant sense of the absurd, and literary aplomb put him in the same category as the beloved P. G. Wodehouse. The Night Life of the Gods, the madcap story of a scientist who instigates a nocturnal spree with the Greek gods, is arguably his most sparkling comedic achievement.

Jason Thorne Smith (March 27, 1892-June 21, 1934), was an American writer of humorous fantasy fiction. Best known today for his creation of Topper, Smith''s comic fantasy fiction (most of it involving sex, lots of drinking, and supernatural transformations, and aided by racy illustrations) sold millions of copies in the early 1930s.

In ,,Night Life of the Gods", we meet Hunter Hawk, wealthy eccentric scientist in 1920s America, who, after numerous explosions, manages to invent an ,,atomic ray" that turns living beings into statues, and a second ray that restores them to their original state. With the help of Megaera, a fetching nine-hundred-year-old lady leprechaun he meets one night in the woods, he masters the art of transforming statues into people. Together, the two are invincible, especially when they get to New York City, where there are museums full of statues of Greek and Roman gods and goddesses, waiting to come back to life... Author Thorne Smith puts his seemingly boundless imagination to good work in ,,The Night Life of the Gods", a rip-roaring novel that postulates about what would happen if ancient deities were revived and allowed to run wild in the streets of Depression-era New York City.

The beloved characters--mortal and immortal--of Topper return in this uproarious romp through the south of France. One of Thorne Smith''s best-loved comedies, it proves once again that he is the undisputed master of urbane wit and sophisticated repartee.