Merry-Garden and Other Stories By: Arthur Thomas Quiller-Couch (1863-1944)
Merry-Garden and Other Stories by Arthur Thomas Quiller-Couch is a delightful collection of short stories that captures the essence of rural England in the late 19th and early 20th century. Quiller-Couch, also known as Q, masterfully weaves together tales of love, loss, and the ever-changing landscape of the countryside. One of the stand-out stories in this collection is "Merry-Garden," which serves as the anchor to the book. This heartwarming story revolves around the lives of two young lovers who navigate the challenges of societal norms and expectations. Quiller-Couch's vivid descriptions transport the reader to a time when nature played a significant role in shaping human emotions and decisions. The author's exceptional storytelling is further showcased in "The Watcher by the Threshold." This haunting tale explores the theme of the supernatural, as a man grapples with a dark secret from his past. Quiller-Couch skillfully builds tension with each passing page, immersing the reader in a suspenseful narrative that leaves them yearning for more. In "The Golden Europa," a story filled with whimsy and imagination, Q transports us to a magical realm where a young girl embarks on a quest to find a mythical creature. This enchanting tale filled with talking animals and captivating landscapes is sure to captivate readers of all ages. The depth and variety of characters in Merry-Garden and Other Stories are commendable. Quiller-Couch portrays a wide range of individuals, each with their own distinctive voice and personality. From star-crossed lovers and cunning villains to wise old men and mischievous children, the author creates a rich tapestry of human experiences. Quiller-Couch's prose is elegant and evocative, capturing the beauty of the English countryside with lyrical descriptions. He seamlessly incorporates elements of folklore and mythology into his stories, showcasing his deep understanding and appreciation for the traditions and culture of the time. While some may argue that the tales in Merry-Garden and Other Stories may feel dated to modern readers, I believe that the timeless themes of love, loss, and the importance of nature are universal and continue to resonate today. Quiller-Couch's ability to transport readers to a different era and immerse them in the lives of his characters is a testament to his impeccable storytelling. In conclusion, Merry-Garden and Other Stories is a captivating collection that showcases Arthur Thomas Quiller-Couch's talent as a master storyteller. With its varied characters, enchanting settings, and timeless themes, this book is a must-read for anyone who appreciates beautifully crafted short stories that transport them to a bygone era. First Page: E text prepared by Lionel Sear MERRY GARDEN AND OTHER STORIES. by ARTHUR THOMAS QUILLER COUCH. 1907 This e text was prepared from a version published in 1907. CONTENTS. MERRY GARDEN. THE BEND OF THE ROAD. HI SPY HI. HIS EXCELLENCY'S PRIZE FIGHT. THE BLACK JOKE . WHERE THE TREASURE IS. A JEST OF AMBIALET. MERRY GARDEN. I. PROLOGUE. Beside a winding creek of the Lynher River, and not far from the Cornish borough of Saltash, you may find a roofless building so closely backed with cherry orchards that the trees seem by their slow pressure to be thrusting the mud walls down to the river's brink, there to topple and fall into the tide. The old trees, though sheeted with white blossom in the spring, bear little fruit, and that of so poor a flavour as to be scarcely worth picking. They have, in fact, almost reverted to savagery, even as the cottage itself is crumbling back to the earth out of which it was built. On the slope above the cherry orchards, if you moor your boat at the tumble down quay and climb by half obliterated pathways, you will come to a hedge of brambles, and to a broken gate with a well beside it; and beyond the gate to an orchard of apple trees, planted in times when, regularly as Christmas Eve came round, Aunt Barbree Furnace, her maid Susannah, and the boy Nandy, would mount by this same path with a bowl of cider, and anoint the stems one by one, reciting Here's to thee, good apple tree Pockets full, hats full, great bushel bags full! Amen, an' vire off the gun! Whereupon Nandy, always after a caution to be extry careful, would shut his eyes, pull the trigger of his blunderbuss, and wake all the echoes of the creek in an uproar which, as Susannah never failed to remark, was fit to frighten every war ship down in Hamoaze... Continue reading book >>

Merry-Garden and Other Stories By: Arthur Thomas Quiller-Couch (1863-1944)

Merry-Garden and Other Stories by Arthur Thomas Quiller-Couch is a delightful collection of short stories that captures the essence of rural England in the late 19th and early 20th century. Quiller-Couch, also known as Q, masterfully weaves together tales of love, loss, and the ever-changing landscape of the countryside.

One of the stand-out stories in this collection is "Merry-Garden," which serves as the anchor to the book. This heartwarming story revolves around the lives of two young lovers who navigate the challenges of societal norms and expectations. Quiller-Couch's vivid descriptions transport the reader to a time when nature played a significant role in shaping human emotions and decisions.

The author's exceptional storytelling is further showcased in "The Watcher by the Threshold." This haunting tale explores the theme of the supernatural, as a man grapples with a dark secret from his past. Quiller-Couch skillfully builds tension with each passing page, immersing the reader in a suspenseful narrative that leaves them yearning for more.

In "The Golden Europa," a story filled with whimsy and imagination, Q transports us to a magical realm where a young girl embarks on a quest to find a mythical creature. This enchanting tale filled with talking animals and captivating landscapes is sure to captivate readers of all ages.

The depth and variety of characters in Merry-Garden and Other Stories are commendable. Quiller-Couch portrays a wide range of individuals, each with their own distinctive voice and personality. From star-crossed lovers and cunning villains to wise old men and mischievous children, the author creates a rich tapestry of human experiences.

Quiller-Couch's prose is elegant and evocative, capturing the beauty of the English countryside with lyrical descriptions. He seamlessly incorporates elements of folklore and mythology into his stories, showcasing his deep understanding and appreciation for the traditions and culture of the time.

While some may argue that the tales in Merry-Garden and Other Stories may feel dated to modern readers, I believe that the timeless themes of love, loss, and the importance of nature are universal and continue to resonate today. Quiller-Couch's ability to transport readers to a different era and immerse them in the lives of his characters is a testament to his impeccable storytelling.

In conclusion, Merry-Garden and Other Stories is a captivating collection that showcases Arthur Thomas Quiller-Couch's talent as a master storyteller. With its varied characters, enchanting settings, and timeless themes, this book is a must-read for anyone who appreciates beautifully crafted short stories that transport them to a bygone era.

First Page:

E text prepared by Lionel Sear

MERRY GARDEN AND OTHER STORIES.

ARTHUR THOMAS QUILLER COUCH.

1907

This e text was prepared from a version published in 1907.

CONTENTS.

MERRY GARDEN.

THE BEND OF THE ROAD.

HI SPY HI.

HIS EXCELLENCY'S PRIZE FIGHT.

THE BLACK JOKE .

WHERE THE TREASURE IS.

A JEST OF AMBIALET.

MERRY GARDEN.

PROLOGUE.

Beside a winding creek of the Lynher River, and not far from the Cornish borough of Saltash, you may find a roofless building so closely backed with cherry orchards that the trees seem by their slow pressure to be thrusting the mud walls down to the river's brink, there to topple and fall into the tide. The old trees, though sheeted with white blossom in the spring, bear little fruit, and that of so poor a flavour as to be scarcely worth picking. They have, in fact, almost reverted to savagery, even as the cottage itself is crumbling back to the earth out of which it was built. On the slope above the cherry orchards, if you moor your boat at the tumble down quay and climb by half obliterated pathways, you will come to a hedge of brambles, and to a broken gate with a well beside it; and beyond the gate to an orchard of apple trees, planted in times when, regularly as Christmas Eve came round, Aunt Barbree Furnace, her maid Susannah, and the boy Nandy, would mount by this same path with a bowl of cider, and anoint the stems one by one, reciting

Here's to thee, good apple tree Pockets full, hats full, great bushel bags full! Amen, an' vire off the gun!

Whereupon Nandy, always after a caution to be extry careful, would shut his eyes, pull the trigger of his blunderbuss, and wake all the echoes of the creek in an uproar which, as Susannah never failed to remark, was fit to frighten every war ship down in Hamoaze... Continue reading book >>

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