The Happy-go-lucky Morgans

"The Happy-go-lucky Morgans" by Edward Thomas is a novel written in the early 20th century. The story centers around the lives of the Morgan family and their home, Abercorran House, in Balham, which is characterized by a lively, chaotic atmosphere filled with both family members and various animals. The narrative captures themes of nostalgia, childhood adventures, and the bittersweet passage of time as the narrator reflects on a family steeped in Welsh culture while facing inevitable changes. At the start of the novel, we are introduced to Abercorran Street, where the Morgans reside. The narrator reminisces about the family, revealing vivid details about their lively household, the various rooms, and the gardens that once thrived, invoking a sense of warmth and familiarity. As memories unfold, the narrator hints at the family's decline and the shifting dynamics as children grow up and move away, leaving behind only echoes of their past laughter and chaos. Ann, the devoted servant, remains a constant presence, connecting the past to the present. This opening portion sets the stage for a reflection on the Morgans’ unique way of life and the impending changes that loom over them. (This is an automatically generated summary.)

Philip Edward Thomas was a British writer of poetry and prose. He is sometimes considered a war poet, although few of his poems deal directly with his war experiences. He only started writing poetry at the age of 36, but by that time he had already been a prolific critic, biographer, nature writer and travel writer for two decades. In 1915, he enlisted in the British Army to fight in the First World War and was killed in action during the Battle of Arras in 1917, soon after he arrived in France.