Most Popular Books by Don Marquis

This beloved illustrated classic tells the tale of Archy, a philosophical cockroach, and Mehitabel, a cat in her ninth life. Generations of readers have delighted in the work of the great American humorist Don Marquis. Marquis's satirical free-verse poems, which first appeared in his New York newspaper columns in 1916, revolve around the escapades of Archy, a philosophical cockroach who was a poet in a previous life, and Mehitabel, a streetwise alley cat who was once Cleopatra. Reincarnated as the lowest creatures on the social scale, they prowl the rowdy streets of New York City in between the world wars, and Archy records their experiences and observations on the boss's typewriter late at night. First published in 1927, Archy and Mehitabel has become a celebrated part of the twentieth-century American literary canon.

In "Carter, and Other People," Don Marquis presents a rich tapestry of narratives that explore the human experience through an array of engaging and often humorous characters. The collection encapsulates Marquis's signature blend of whimsical storytelling and astute social commentary, characterized by his unique ability to imbue inanimate objects with profound personality traits. This literary work emerges from the early 20th century, a period marked by rapid societal change and the burgeoning modernist movement, which influenced Marquis's exploration of individuality and existential dilemmas. Don Marquis, an influential American journalist and author, is perhaps best known for his creation of the beloved characters Archy and Mehitabel, which provided a platform for his incisive wit and social critiques. His background in journalism and his keen observations of urban life in New York City profoundly enriched his storytelling approach, allowing him to deftly navigate the intersections of humor and human nature. Marquis's writing reflects a deep empathy for the struggles and aspirations of ordinary people, illustrating how they navigate the complexities of life. Readers seeking a delightful blend of humor and reflection will find "Carter, and Other People" a captivating addition to their literary collection. Marquis's mastery of character and narrative style invites readers into a world both familiar and poignant, making it a timeless exploration of humanity's quirks and wonders. In this enriched edition, we have carefully created added value for your reading experience: - A succinct Introduction situates the work's timeless appeal and themes. - The Synopsis outlines the central plot, highlighting key developments without spoiling critical twists. - A detailed Historical Context immerses you in the era's events and influences that shaped the writing. - A thorough Analysis dissects symbols, motifs, and character arcs to unearth underlying meanings. - Reflection questions prompt you to engage personally with the work's messages, connecting them to modern life. - Hand‐picked Memorable Quotes shine a spotlight on moments of literary brilliance. - Interactive footnotes clarify unusual references, historical allusions, and archaic phrases for an effortless, more informed read.

Of all the literary genres, humor has the shortest shelf life—except for Archy and Mehitabel, that is. First published in 1916, it is a classic of American literature. Archy is a cockroach, inside whom resides the soul of a free-verse poet; he communicates with Don Marquis by leaping upon the keys of the columnist's typewriter. In poems of varying length, Archy pithily describes his wee world, the main fixture of which is Mehitabel, a devil-may-care alley cat.

In "Dreams and Dust," Don Marquis presents a compelling collection of whimsical yet poignant poems that reflect on the duality of human existence. Through a blend of humor and pathos, Marquis encapsulates the rich tapestry of dreams, aspirations, and the often harsh realities that accompany them. His literary style is characterized by inventive imagery and a conversational tone, inviting readers to engage thoughtfully with the complexities of life. Set against the backdrop of early 20th-century America, this work resonates with the modernist sensibilities of the time, delving into existential musings while interspersing elements of satire and social commentary. Don Marquis, renowned for his sharp wit and keen insights into human nature, was influenced by both his Southern upbringing and his experiences as a journalist and playwright. The themes in "Dreams and Dust" stem from his observing the intricacies of civilization and the struggles of ordinary individuals. Marquis's ability to bridge the gap between the fantastic and the mundane stems from his successful work in humor and his deep understanding of societal challenges during his era. This collection is not just for poetry enthusiasts but for anyone seeking to reflect on the interplay of dreams and reality in their own lives. Marquis's rich language and profound insights offer an invitation to delve into one's own aspirations and the existential dilemmas that inevitably arise. "Dreams and Dust" is a treasure trove for readers keen on exploring the depth and breadth of human experience through the lens of poetic expression. In this enriched edition, we have carefully created added value for your reading experience: - A succinct Introduction situates the work's timeless appeal and themes. - The Synopsis outlines the central plot, highlighting key developments without spoiling critical twists. - A detailed Historical Context immerses you in the era's events and influences that shaped the writing. - A thorough Analysis dissects symbols, motifs, and character arcs to unearth underlying meanings. - Reflection questions prompt you to engage personally with the work's messages, connecting them to modern life. - Hand‐picked Memorable Quotes shine a spotlight on moments of literary brilliance. - Interactive footnotes clarify unusual references, historical allusions, and archaic phrases for an effortless, more informed read.

Reproduction of the original: Danny’s Own Story by Don Marquis

Reproduction of the original.

"Danny's Own Story" from Don Marquis. American humorist, journalist, and author (1878-1937).

America's beloved archy & mehitabel finally return in these entrancing uncollected stories.

A selection of the best of the hilarious free-verse poems by the irreverent cockroach poet Archy and his alley-cat pal Mehitabel. Don Marquis’s famous fictional insect appeared in his newspaper columns from 1916 into the 1930s, and he has delighted generations of readers ever since. A poet in a former life, Archy was reincarnated as a bug who expresses himself by diving headfirst onto a typewriter. His sidekick Mehitabel is a streetwise feline who claims to have been Cleopatra in a previous life. As E. B. White wrote in his now-classic introduction, the Archy poems “contain cosmic reverberations along with high comedy” and have “the jewel-like perfection of poetry.” Adorned with George Herriman’s whimsical illustrations and including White’s introduction, our Pocket Poets selection—the only hardcover Archy and Mehitabel in print—is a beautiful volume, and perfectly sized for its tiny hero.

"The Old Soak's debut, The Old Soak and Hail and Farewell, is in the public domain now. Delving into it you'll find a surprisingly callous approach to addiction, far from, say, the complex and often convivial descriptions of binge drinking in John O'Hara's early novels. The Old Soak is a hauntingly one-note character, and one wonders exactly what about his alcoholism made him such a bankable franchise. Imagine the pitch meetings that followed: "He's a lush, see? He wants to booze it up, but he can't, because of that cursed eighteenth amendment!"--Paris Review

Generations of readers have delighted in the work of the great American humorist Don Marquis, who was frequently compared to Mark Twain. These free-verse poems, which first appeared in Marquis's New York newspaper columns, revolve around the escapades of Archy, the philosophical cockroach who was once a poet, and Mehitabel, a streetwise alley cat who was once Cleopatra. Reincarnated as the lowest creatures on the social scale, they prowl the rowdy streets of New York City in between the world wars. The antics of these two immortal characters are now made available for the first time in their original order of publication in this unique, comprehensive collection, which features many poems never before reprinted. For more than seventy years, Penguin has been the leading publisher of classic literature in the English-speaking world. With more than 1,700 titles, Penguin Classics represents a global bookshelf of the best works throughout history and across genres and disciplines. Readers trust the series to provide authoritative texts enhanced by introductions and notes by distinguished scholars and contemporary authors, as well as up-to-date translations by award-winning translators.