Walking Shadows, Sea Tales and Others

· Otbebookpublishing
Ebook
144
Pages
Eligible

About this ebook

Excerpt: "The position of a light-house keeper, in a sea infested by submarines, is a peculiar one; but Peter Ramsay, keeper of the Hatchets' Light, had reasons for feeling that his lonely tower, six miles from the mainland, was the happiest habitation in the world. At five o'clock, on a gusty October afternoon, of the year 1916, Peter had just finished his tea and settled down, with a pipe and the last number of the British Weekly, for five minutes' reading, before he turned to the secret of his happiness again. Precisely at this moment, the Commander of the U-99, three miles away to the north, after making sure through his periscope that there were no patrol boats in the vicinity, rose to the surface, and began to look for the Hatchets'. He, too, had reasons for wishing to get inside the light-house, if only for half an hour. It was possible only by trickery; but he thought it might be done under cover of darkness, and he was about to reconnoiter. When he first emerged, he had some difficulty in descrying his goal across that confused sea. His eye was guided by a patch of foam, larger than the ordinary run of white-caps, and glittering in the evening sun like a black-thorn blossom. As the sky brightened behind it, he saw, rising upright, like the single slim pistil of those rough white petals, the faint shaft of the light-house itself."
Excerpt: "The position of a light-house keeper, in a sea infested by submarines, is a peculiar one; but Peter Ramsay, keeper of the Hatchets' Light, had reasons for feeling that his lonely tower, six miles from the mainland, was the happiest habitation in the world. At five o'clock, on a gusty Oc...

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About the author

Alfred Noyes (1880-1958) was an English poet, short story writer, and playwright whose lyrical and narrative poetry captivated early 20th-century audiences. Born in Wolverhampton, Noyes attended Exeter College, Oxford, but left before completing his degree to pursue a literary career. His early work, including the celebrated collection "The Loom of Years" (1902), showcased his mastery of rhythm and rhyme, earning him comparisons to Tennyson and Kipling.Noyes' most famous poem, "The Highwayman" (1906), remains a staple in anthologies for its haunting narrative and vivid imagery. His ability to blend romance with adventure captured the imaginations of readers and influenced contemporary writers, including C.S. Lewis and J.R.R. Tolkien.Despite his popularity, Noyes faced criticism for his traditional style during the rise of Modernism. He staunchly defended the value of narrative poetry and was vocal in his opposition to the fragmented forms of T.S. Eliot and Ezra Pound. This controversy highlighted the tension between literary movements and underscored Noyes' commitment to accessible, emotionally resonant verse.Noyes also ventured into science fiction with "The Last Man" (1940), exploring themes of apocalypse and human resilience. His later years were marked by a deepening Catholic faith, which permeated his work and led to his conversion in 1927. This spiritual journey added a layer of introspection to his poetry, reflecting broader cultural shifts towards existential inquiry in the post-war era.Alfred Noyes' legacy endures through his evocative storytelling and his unwavering belief in the power of poetry to connect and inspire. His work continues to resonate, offering a bridge between the romantic past and the complex modern world.
Alfred Noyes (1880-1958) was an English poet, short story writer, and playwright whose lyrical and narrative poetry captivated early 20th-century audiences. Born in Wolverhampton, Noyes attended Exeter College, Oxford, but left before completing his degree to pursue a literary career. His early w...

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