Showing results by author "Arnold Bennett" in All Categories

This classic personal time-management book, originally published in 1908, has inspired generations of men and women to live deliberate lives. Not just another collection of timesaving tips, this book is more of a challenge to leave behind mundane everyday concerns, focus on pursuing one's true desires, and live the fullest possible life. Reflection, concentration, and study techniques make it easier to accomplish more truly rewarding undertakings than anyone ever dreamed possible.

Meet Edward Henry Machin, affectionately known as ‘Denry’—the charming protagonist of this delightful tale. Set in the bustling pottery towns of the English Midlands during the late 19th century, Denry rises from the humble beginnings of a washerwoman and seamstresss son to become a wealthy figure, celebrated for his vibrant spirit and determination. With his quick wit and unshakeable nerve, he not only finds love and prosperity but also makes history as the youngest mayor of his hometown. As one councillor quips, He’s identified with the great cause of cheering us all up. Join us in ...

In this thought-provoking episode, Bennett invites us to view our brains as the most extraordinary machine we possess—one that we have the unique power to control. As he eloquently expresses, I am simply bent on calling your attention to a fact which has perhaps wholly or partially escaped you -- namely, that you are the most fascinating bit of machinery that ever was. With his signature honeyed prose and inspired insights, Bennetts timeless advice resonates just as profoundly today as it did when first penned.

Dive into a delightful blend of humor and insight with Bennetts timeless collection of articles. He shares his reflections on mental exercise, life organization, the complexities of marriage, and various pocket philosophies. Nearly a century after its original publication, this book remains relevant and entertaining, offering a fresh perspective on enduring topics. Notably, Bennett references An Essay on the Principle of Population by Thomas Malthus in Chapter 5, which is also available as a Librivox recording. (Summary by Ruth Golding)

How to Live on 24 Hours a Day by Arnold Bennett is a timeless classic on time management and personal development. The audiobook presents practical advice for making the most of every day and living a fulfilling life, providing insights on how to maximize productivity and find balance. Bennett’s guidance is ideal for anyone seeking to improve their efficiency, achieve goals, and lead a more purposeful life.

When American millionaire Theodore Racksole and his 23-year-old daughter Nella stumble upon The Grand Babylon Hotel, an exclusive London establishment, they are so struck by the fascinating building that Theodore decides to purchase it. But soon a criminal conspiracy arises that endangers that purchase, and Theodore and Nella must turn detective to protect it.

Learn to use your most precious commodity—time—to truly live. Arnold Bennett’s classic book, How to Live on 24 Hours a Day, has been changing the way people use and consider their time since it was first published in 1910. In the intervening century surprisingly little has changed—we...

Arnold Bennett's... splendidly comic portrayal of Edward Henry Machin, known as Denry to his mother to save time, is set in Bursley, one of the author's Five Towns of Staffordshire. Starting in 1897, when Denry first saw the smoke of the potbanks, the tale chronicles his rise to fame and wealth including such events as improving his exam results to guarantee success, adjusting the guest list of the municipal ball to include himself and then daring to ask the Countess of Chell to dance!

Are you really "living", or just existing? Do you want to improve yourself or just continue to muddle through? Do you use the time given you each day, or just throw most of it away? These questions Bennett asks each of us, and for those who want to really live and learn, offers very valuable advice.

In the industrial heart of Victorian England–now Stoke-on-Trent–lonely Anna Tellwright is dominated by her miserly, bullying father and the strict Methodist community of Bursley. Inheriting a fortune does not free her from subjugation: every direction has an obstacle and Anna must choose between the ambitious Henry Mynors (duty) and the sensitive Willie Price (desire). Will she break free from society’s expectations or succumb to the life laid out for her? Bennett’s depiction of the Potteries brings to life a world of social pressures, moral dilemmas, and the struggle for personal freedom.

Written at the height of the early twentieth century, How to Live on 24 Hours a Day remains one of the clearest and most quietly demanding books ever written about time, attention, and personal responsibility. Arnold Bennett begins with a simple, unavoidable truth: every person—regardless of status, wealth, or circumstance—is granted the same 24 hours each day. What distinguishes a fulfilled life from a diminished one, he argues, is not how we work, but how we use the hours that remain once work is done.

Set in the Potteries area of Staffordshire, England, this gripping tale follows Anna Tellwright, the daughter of a wealthy yet tyrannical father whose strict control extends even to her spiritual life within the Methodist church. After marrying the charming and respectable Henry, Anna seeks to break free from her fathers oppressive grasp. However, her desire to assist Willy, the troubled son of her fathers bankrupt business partner, leads her into a web of challenges and moral dilemmas that test her resolve.

Join Mr. Prohack, a seemingly ordinary Treasury official, as his life takes an unexpected turn when he inherits a substantial fortune. With a fortunate investment, he transforms his newfound wealth into extraordinary riches. This delightful and humorous tale chronicles the adventures of Mr. Prohack and his family—his wife, son, and daughter—each learning to navigate the quirks and challenges of their transformed lives. - Summary by Simon Evers

Meet Leonora Stanway, a 40-year-old woman trapped in a comfortable yet unexciting middle-class existence with her unremarkable husband, John. As her three daughters begin to forge their own paths, Leonora grapples with feelings of stagnation and unfulfilled dreams. Everything changes when Arthur Twemlow, the charismatic son of Johns former business partner, bursts into their lives, stirring up emotions and secrets. Meanwhile, the enigmatic Uncle Meshach has unexpectedly rewritten his will, adding further intrigue to Leonoras already complicated life. - Summary by Simon Evers

Dive into the whimsical journey of Henry Shakespeare Knight, an unsuspecting author who finds himself in the spotlight after penning a surprise best-seller. Join us as we explore the delightful twists and turns of his adventure, narrated with charm by Simon Evers.

In Man from the North, Richard Larch, a spirited young man hailing from the north of England, ventures to London with dreams of striking it rich. By day, he diligently serves as a clerk in an office, but his true passion lies in writing. Alongside his literary aspirations, he is on a quest to find the perfect partner. This captivating tale chronicles Richard’s journey as he navigates the challenges of ambition and romance, drawing inspiration from Bennetts own life experiences in his debut novel. (Summary by Simon Evers)

Arnold Bennett was an English novelist and author. Among his most popular novels are The Grand Babylon Hotel and Anna of the Five Towns. However, none of his novels approached the popularity of his little book, "How to Live on Twenty-Four Hours a Day." It caused a sensation when first printed and continues to be printed and widely read today. In it, he offers practical advice on how one might live (as opposed to just existing ) within the confines of 24 hours a day.

Mental Efficiency & Other Hints to Men & Women is a sharp, practical, and surprisingly modern work by English novelist and social commentator Arnold Bennett, who turns his attention to a question that still resonates today: why people devote such care to their physical bodies while neglecting the disciplined training of their minds.

In Ghost - A Modern Fantasy, we follow Carl Foster, a newly qualified doctor, as he arrives in London with dreams of success. His life takes a dramatic turn when he encounters the renowned tenor, Signor Alresca, who suffers a horrific backstage injury. As Carl tends to Alresca, he becomes captivated by the lead soprano, Rosetta Rosa, igniting a passionate love affair. Under Alrescas mentorship, Carl travels to Bruges, where he uncovers the tenors unsettling obsessions and is shadowed by a mysterious stranger. The atmosphere darkens further when Alrescas sudden death leaves Carl entangled in a ...

You will learn how to make the time you need to acquire what you want out of life and what you want to achieve. There is no magic formula, just an explanation of how most people use and waste their time, and Bennett shows you another way of using time to your best advantage.