The City of Pleasure: A Fantasia on Modern Themes (ePub)

Enoch Arnold Bennett, an English novelist and playwright, was born on May 27, 1867, in Hanley, one of the six towns that amalgamate to form the city of Stoke-on-Trent, Staffordshire. Bennett's early career blossomed in journalism, but his steadfast dedication to writing culminated in a prolific output of novels, plays, essays, and articles that solidified his reputation as a leading voice in the Edwardian era. His works often reflect the realities of the Five Towns, an affectionate term for the Stoke-on-Trent region, which feature prominently in his fiction and mirror the complexities of Industrial Revolution England. 'The City of Pleasure: A Fantasia on Modern Themes' (1907) is a vivid exploration of London's high society and its contrasting underbelly, which showcases Bennett's finesse in dissecting urban life's dichotomies. Arnold Bennett's literary style intersperses realistic narratives with sharp social commentary, emblematic of the naturalist tradition, and his works frequently navigate the struggles of individual aspirations against societal expectations. Not confined to the rigorous realism, some texts, as the title 'Fantasia' of the referenced work suggests, exhibit a flair for imaginative escapism. A versatile writer, Bennett's notable works include 'The Old Wives' Tale' (1908) and the Clayhanger series, which reinforced his status as a noteworthy figure in 20th-century literature. Bennett passed away on March 27, 1931, leaving behind a legacy marked by his deep understanding of human nature and the social currents of his time.