Alphonse Allais Books

Set during a summer in the provinces, the story follows the shrewd yet impressionable Blaireau amidst futile political squabbles and a charming, albeit ridiculous, love story. This humorous novel by Alphonse Allais, originally published in 1899 and now available in English for the first time, offers a delightful escape with its unique blend of wit and innocence. Celebrated for its engaging narrative, it promises to captivate both new readers and the author's existing fans in America.

Packed with madcap and bawdy tales, this collection showcases the humorist's unique storytelling style, blending themes of love, adultery, the supernatural, and military life. The text is rich with absurd digressions, puns, and playful language, reflecting the quintessential Allaisian wit. This special edition includes four additional stories, a lively introduction, illustrations, and insightful notes by Doug Skinner, ensuring an engaging and laughter-filled reading experience.

Exploring themes of absurdity and black humor, this collection features a variety of narratives, including love stories, revenge tales, and monologues. Standout pieces like "Absinthes," which delves into an internal monologue about the Green Fairy, and "Poor Césarine," a story of obsessive love, showcase Allais's wit and creativity. Additionally, "A Good Society" presents a unique social commentary on collecting used matches for the needy. The volume also includes six uncollected stories, illustrations, and notes by Doug Skinner, marking its first English translation.

Alphonse Allais employs Captain Cap as a whimsical narrator for his imaginative tales, showcasing a blend of humor and creativity. Through this character, Allais explores fantastical concepts and narratives that push the boundaries of conventional storytelling, many of which align with modern science fiction. The book highlights Allais's unique ability to weave extraordinary ideas into entertaining narratives, making it a significant contribution to the genre.