O’Brien, Fitz-James - An Arabian Night-mare And Others

First volume of a three-book set of Fitz-James’ speculative fiction.
Early works while he was living in Ireland, sharpening his craft in London, before crossing to New York.
While Poe would be a major influence later, this is a lighter assortment.

“The Story Of A Child” is a parable of the joys of Nature and the woodlands, contrasted with the perils and hypocrisy of the city.

One minute he is home, stolid member of the community, next stomach discomfort. And instead of magnesium pills, his servant brings him magnetic pills. Thus begins “The Wonderful Adventures Of Mr. Papplewick”. A walking lodestone, he wanders further and farther to escape the lure of lampposts, fire irons, knives, heading ever northward. A funny story that grows more amusing with each turn of the page.

You go to sleep and live ten years worth of memories and experiences. Awakening, you are still a young teen – except you now feel a man. Such is the plight of “The Old Man”, one who is old before his time, seasoned despite his youth, trying to navigate among grown-up society.

“One Event” resembles Pygmalion as John brings home a waif of a girl during a howling storm. Over the years, he educates Annie, gives her grace, elevates her status, for he nurses a plan. John, however, is one of those men who know nothing about females, and how unpredictable they can be.

“The King Of Nodland And His Dwarf” is another parable of the kingdom where the populace slumber most of the day. How does anything get accomplished? Slavery. What funds projects? Taxation. Who stands behind and leads the king? The politician, excuse me, the dwarf. Satire on a Swift scale, quietly skewering taboos and bugbears.