Your title caught my eye because when I was publishing simplified readers for learners of English as a foreign language for OUP, back in the 1990s, I commissioned a volume of adapted stories by Saki and gave it the title Tooth and Claw!
Brilliant stuff! One of the world's best short story writers. There used to be a programme on ITV in Britain called the liars, with actors like William Mervyn and Nyree Dawn Porter. The conceit was that each "liar" would tell a story, with a sting in the tail. Sadly none of them appear to have survived, but I remember seeing a version of Sredni Vashtar on it. I reread Saki's work about every 5 years, and have done since childhood, along with GK Chesterton's Father Brown stories, which give a different sort of satisfaction.
A wonderful author, though his metier was short stories rather than novels, of which he only wrote two. You can read his work (there isn't a massive amount: he was killed in the Great War) on Project Gutenberg. Try The Open Window, The Storyteller and Tobermory for starters.
What a marvellous way to start my day. Thank you for this.
I’m so glad you enjoyed it!
Your title caught my eye because when I was publishing simplified readers for learners of English as a foreign language for OUP, back in the 1990s, I commissioned a volume of adapted stories by Saki and gave it the title Tooth and Claw!
What a coincidence! I do think it's a very apt quote for him and his sharp wit.
Brilliant stuff! One of the world's best short story writers. There used to be a programme on ITV in Britain called the liars, with actors like William Mervyn and Nyree Dawn Porter. The conceit was that each "liar" would tell a story, with a sting in the tail. Sadly none of them appear to have survived, but I remember seeing a version of Sredni Vashtar on it. I reread Saki's work about every 5 years, and have done since childhood, along with GK Chesterton's Father Brown stories, which give a different sort of satisfaction.
I've never read much Father Brown but I'll add him to the list... Agree that Saki's stories can deal with a lot of re-reading!
A wonderful author, though his metier was short stories rather than novels, of which he only wrote two. You can read his work (there isn't a massive amount: he was killed in the Great War) on Project Gutenberg. Try The Open Window, The Storyteller and Tobermory for starters.
I love The Open Window - the twist at the end is just brilliant. He was just so clever, I could read his stories over and over (and have done!)
Would love to hear more about Saki, Harriet!
(plus I like the Tennyson quote, 'red in tooth and claw' from In Memoriam A.H.H.):
https://akennedysmith.substack.com/p/french-invasions-and-other-battles?r=2w9xqg
I'll write more about him another time, definitely!