The Celestial Omnibus and Other Tales

by E.M. Forster

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Pub Date Dec 17 2014 | Archive Date Apr 30 2015

Description

This compilation of short stories by one of the twentieth century's preeminent authors spotlights journal and magazine fiction from 1900 to 1911. These early tales exhibit the first traces of E. M. Forster's witty and elegant style as well as the profound humanism that he further developed in his later novels. Six fables reinterpret classical stories and themes, drawing upon folkloric elements to explore the truth of the imagination and the effects of the unseen on ordinary lives.
In "The Story of a Panic," a spoiled boy discovers his true self. "The Road from Colonus" echoes the tragedy of Oedipus and Antigone, "Other Kingdom" offers a modern version of Apollo's pursuit of Daphne, and "The Curate's Friend" centers on a clergyman who's advised by a faun. "The Other Side of the Hedge" illustrates the futility of chasing goals, and "The Celestial Omnibus" recounts a boy's visit to heaven, where he is forever changed by encounters with characters from literature and myth.

This compilation of short stories by one of the twentieth century's preeminent authors spotlights journal and magazine fiction from 1900 to 1911. These early tales exhibit the first traces of E. M...

Available Editions

EDITION	Paperback
ISBN	9780486790299
PRICE	$3.00 (USD)

Additional Information

Average rating from 13 members

Featured Reviews

Reviewer 230978

Six early tales by Foster, written before he became the preeminent author known today. The stories, first appearing in turn-of-the-century magazines, are basically retold fables reflecting the times they were published. Sometimes awkward in their approach to race and gender mores, but filled with glimpses of Foster's emerging wit and style.. An enjoyable read. Dover's presentation is very clean and easy to navigate.

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Melissa F, Reviewer

I'd previously read a couple of Forster's novels- A Room with a View and A Passage to India, so I assumed this collection of short stories would be similar. Boy, was I wrong. These stories are really quite bizarre and seem to be inspired by Victorian ghost/ supernatural stories. I can't really call them ghost stories, but supernatural elements are at play in several of the stories.

My favorite in the bunch is the title story, The Celestial Omnibus, which tells of a carriage that can take its passengers to heaven and back. Overall it's an interesting read, but don't expect typical Forster.

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Mama R, Educator

This was a lovely collection of little known Forster writings. You can find many tales inside to delight any fancy. A great book to have around when you want to read for a shorter amount of time, but still get a lot out of your reading.