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THE WALLET OF KAI LUNG ERNEST BRAMAH Ernest Bramah's Kai Lung is a storyteller in an imagined China, telling tales of earnest examination candidates, corrupt mandarins, beautiful maidens, alchemical potions, grasping merchants, and assorted other stereotypes from the Western imagination of China. Bramah makes no attempt to depict any kind of historical reality, but uses the setting to allow his invention and fantasy free rein, to free himself from the confines of the mundane. The sentiment and some aspects of the setting are clearly late-Victorian, with juxtaposition of the two worlds sometimes used for comic effect.

Reproduction of the original: Four Max Carrados Detective Stories by Ernest Bramah

Kai Lung's Golden Hours is a fantasy novel by Ernest Bramah. It was first published in hardcover in London by Grant Richards Ltd. in October, 1922, and there have been numerous editions since. The first edition included a preface by Hilaire Belloc, which has also been a feature of every edition since.

The humorous works of Ernest Bramah were as popular as the contemporary tales of Jerome K. Jerome and W. W. Jacobs, while Bramah’s detective stories were published beside the Sherlock Holmes stories and his politico-science fiction was often compared with the works of H. G. Wells. Bramah was a literary recluse, yet his innovative Kai Lung and Max Carrados stories continue to foster interest in this otherwise neglected Edwardian author. This comprehensive eBook presents Bramah’s collected works, with numerous illustrations, rare texts appearing in digital print for the first time, informative introductions and the usual Delphi bonus material. (Version 1) * Beautifully illustrated with images relating to Bramah’s life and works * Concise introductions to the novels and other texts * All the novels and story collections available in the US public domain, with individual contents tables * Features rare novels appearing for the first time in digital publishing, including A LITTLE FLUTTER * Images of how the books were first published, giving your eReader a taste of the original texts * Excellent formatting of the texts * Special chronological and alphabetical contents tables for the short stories * Easily locate the short stories you want to read * Scholarly ordering of texts into chronological order and literary genres Please note: three later Kai Lung books and the story collection ‘The Specimen Case’ remain in copyright and so cannot appear in this collection. When new texts enter the public domain, they will be added to the eBook as a free update. Please visit www.delphiclassics.com to browse through our range of exciting titles CONTENTS: The Kai Lung Books THE WALLET OF KAI LUNG KAI LUNG’S GOLDEN HOURS The Max Carrados Books MAX CARRADOS THE EYES OF MAX CARRADOS MAX CARRADOS MYSTERIES THE BRAVO OF LONDON Other Fiction THE MIRROR OF KONG HO THE SECRET OF THE LEAGUE THE SPECIMEN CASE A LITTLE FLUTTER The Short Stories LIST OF SHORT STORIES IN CHRONOLOGICAL ORDER LIST OF SHORT STORIES IN ALPHABETICAL ORDER 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

Reprint of the original, first published in 1923.

In 'The Adventures of Kai Lung,' Ernest Bramah presents an exquisite tapestry of interconnected tales, woven together by the travels of the eponymous Chinese storyteller, Kai Lung. The episodic nature of the text coupled with Bramah's gift for pastiche in recreating the style of classical Chinese folklore lends historical authenticity while creating an evocative narrative. The prose, infused with wit and a myriad of substories, builds a literary bridge that conveys Kai Lung's experiences as he encounters cunning adversaries and navigates a landscape populated by characters drawn with sharp humor and insight. The book's literary context sees Bramah paralleling master storytellers of his time and engaging the Orientalist fascinations of early 20th-century English literature, providing an opportunity for both escapism and cultural commentary. Ernest Bramah, having established his place among literary giants for his detective stories and science fiction, no doubt exemplifies the breadth of his imagination in 'The Adventures of Kai Lung.' The experiences and insights that informed Bramah's creation of Kai Lung may have been derived from the zeitgeist of his era—a time when the West's curiosity about the East was surging. Bramah's work transcends mere exoticism, granting his storytelling an enduring charm; his rankings alongside Doyle, Wells, and Blackwood testify to his versatility and mastery in the craft of storytelling. 'The Adventures of Kai Lung' serenades readers who appreciate the confluence of adventure, wisdom, and cultural exploration. It is recommended to those enthralled by historical narratives, intrigued by the subtleties of Eastern philosophies and folklore, and those looking for a literary journey steeped in humor and rich linguistic play. Bramah's work endures as a tribute to the power of storytelling and the timeless allure of traditional narratives reimagined through a modern lens.

Reproduction of the original.

Ernest Bramah (20 March 1868[1] - 27 June 1942), born Ernest Brammah Smith, was an English author.[2] He published 21 books and numerous short stories and features. His humorous works were ranked with Jerome K Jerome and W.W. Jacobs, his detective stories with Conan Doyle, his politico-science fiction with H.G. Wells and his supernatural stories with Algernon Blackwood. George Orwell acknowledged that Bramah's book, What Might Have Been, influenced his Nineteen Eighty-Four. Bramah created the characters Kai Lung and Max Carrados.

Ernest Bramah's 'Max Carrados' is a collection of detective stories featuring the titular character, a blind private detective with exceptional deductive skills. The book showcases Bramah's masterful storytelling, characterized by intricate plots, clever twists, and engaging narratives that keep the reader on the edge of their seat. Set in early 20th century England, these stories provide insight into the social and cultural milieu of the time, making them both entertaining and informative for readers interested in classic detective fiction. Ernest Bramah, a British author known for his mystery and detective fiction, drew inspiration for 'Max Carrados' from his own fascination with crime solving and detective work. His unique choice of a blind protagonist adds depth and complexity to the stories, showcasing Bramah's innovative approach to the detective genre. Bramah's meticulous attention to detail and his vivid characterizations make 'Max Carrados' a must-read for fans of classic mystery fiction and those intrigued by unconventional detective heroes. I highly recommend 'Max Carrados' to readers who appreciate skillfully crafted detective stories and are looking for a refreshing new take on the genre. Bramah's clever plots, engaging writing style, and intriguing protagonist make this collection a captivating and enjoyable read that is sure to leave a lasting impression on mystery enthusiasts.

In Kai Lung Unrolls His Mat, Kai Lung's village has been pillaged by the evil Ming Shu. Not only has he had his house and garden destroyed, but Kai Lung's wife has also been taken away. It is left to the storyteller's wits to think of a plan to defeat Ming Shu and reclaim his property. Excerpt: "As Kai Lung turned off the dusty earth road and took the woodland path that led to his small but seemly cottage on the higher slope, his exultant heart rose in song."