A Great Man: A Frolic

"A Great Man: A Frolic" by Arnold Bennett is a novel written in the early 20th century. The narrative revolves around Mr. Henry Knight, a draper's manager living in London, whose life unfolds amidst the backdrop of family dynamics, societal expectations, and personal aspirations. The central themes appear to explore ambition, identity, and the often humorous challenges that come with domestic life and fatherhood. At the start of the book, we are introduced to Henry Knight, who is meticulously crafting letters to various newspaper editors but is soon interrupted by the arrival of a young woman, his wife Annie. As the evening progresses, he faces a series of comedic obstacles while attempting to find a doctor for his wife, who is giving birth in their home. This opening sequence sets the tone for the blend of everyday life’s trials and the complexities of family relationships that will follow, particularly focusing on Henry's character development and the familial interactions that reflect both affection and exasperation. Henry’s initial frustration transforms into a blend of pride and nervous anticipation as he grapples with the responsibilities of fatherhood, introducing a personal journey that promises further exploration as the narrative unfolds. (This is an automatically generated summary.)

Enoch Arnold Bennett was an English author, best known as a novelist, who wrote prolifically. Between the 1890s and the 1930s he completed 34 novels, seven volumes of short stories, 13 plays, and a daily journal totalling more than a million words. He wrote articles and stories for more than 100 newspapers and periodicals, worked in and briefly ran the Ministry of Information during the First World War, and wrote for the cinema in the 1920s. Sales of his books were substantial, and he was the most financially successful British author of his day.