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The History of Mr Polly

By H. G. Wells and John Sutherland
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Book Hero Magic crafted this summary to help describe this book. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! Summary
The History of Mr Polly by H. G. Wells is a charming exploration of the life of Alfred Polly, a man disenchanted with his mundane existence. Desperately seeking change, Mr Polly embarks on a journey to escape the confines of his uninspiring life as a draper. The novel delves into his quest for happiness and self-discovery, infusing humour and poignancy throughout his misadventures.
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Format: Paperback / softback
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Book Hero Magic created this recommendation. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! IS THIS YOUR NEXT READ?

You might enjoy this book if you're drawn to stories that blend humour with profound existential themes, following a quirky protagonist on his journey to find purpose beyond the monotony of everyday life. Its blend of satire and social commentary offers engaging insights into the human condition.

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The History of Mr Polly

Mr Polly is an ordinary middle-aged man who is tired of his wife's nagging and his dreary job as the owner of a regional gentleman's outfitters. Faced with the threat of bankruptcy, he concludes that the only way to escape his frustrating existence is by burning his shop to the ground, and killing himself.

Book Hero Magic formatted this description to make it easier to read. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! Description

The History of Mr Polly tells the story of Mr Polly, an ordinary middle-aged man exhausted by his wife's nagging and his monotonous job as the owner of a regional gentleman's outfitters.

Confronted with the looming threat of bankruptcy, Mr Polly decides that the only escape from his frustrating existence is to burn down his shop and take his own life. However, unexpected events intervene, leading the bewildered Mr Polly towards a bright new future.

After saving a life, faking his death, and slipping away to a more fulfilling existence, Mr Polly embarks on a journey filled with heroism, hope, and ultimate happiness.

Book Details

INFORMATION

ISBN: 9780141441078

Publisher: Penguin Books Ltd

Format: Paperback / softback

Date Published: 31 March 2005

Country: United Kingdom

Imprint: Penguin Classics

Contributors:

  • Introduction by John Sutherland
  • Edited by Professor Simon James
  • Notes by Professor Simon James
  • Introduction by John Sutherland

Audience: General / adult

DIMENSIONS

Spine width: 15.0mm

Width: 130.0mm

Height: 197.0mm

Weight: 204g

Pages: 272

Collections

Fiction General Fiction H.G. Wells John Sutherland Literary Fiction Penguin Books Penguin Classics

About the Author

H.G. Wells was a professional writer and journalist, who published more than a hundred books, including novels, histories, essays and programmes for world regeneration. Wells's prophetic imagination was first displayed in pioneering works of science fiction, but later he became an apostle of socialism, science and progress. His controversial views on sexual equality and the shape of a truly developed nation remain directly relevant to our world today. He was, in Bertrand Russell's words, 'an important liberator of thought and action'. John Sutherland is the Lord Northcliffe Professor of Modern English Literature at University College London and a visiting professor of Literature at the California Institute of Technology. He is the author of many books. Simon J. James is Lecturer in Victorian Literature at the University of Durham. He has written on, and edited volumes of, George Gissing, H.G. Wells and Charles Dickens.

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