The Collected Works of E. F. Benson (eBook)

Edward Frederic Benson, known as E.F. Benson, was a noteworthy English novelist, biographer, memoirist, and short story writer, born on July 24, 1867, in Wellington College, Berkshire. Educated at Marlborough and King's College, Cambridge, he went on to craft a career that was as prolific as it was diversified. Benson is perhaps best recognized for his witty and sharply observed 'Mapp and Lucia' series which satirized the social pretensions and petty snobbery of small-town English life, typifying his masterful use of social satire and comedy. His works from the 'Mapp and Lucia' collection, including 'Queen Lucia' (1920) and 'Mapp and Lucia' (1931), remain enduring classics, beloved for their humor and vivid characterization. Beyond comic literature, Benson was also adept at penning ghost stories, with his 'Spook Stories' and 'More Spook Stories' contributing significantly to the supernatural fiction genre. As a diverse author, his literary style encompassed not only humor and the paranormal but also historical biographies, reflecting his versatile command over a wide array of literary forms. His collected works are a testament to his extensive oeuvre, showcasing his narrative flair and a keen understanding of human nature. Though he passed away on February 29, 1940, in London, Benson's legacy endures, his work continuing to be celebrated for its incisive wit and charming portrayal of early 20th-century England.