John Boynton Priestley fue un novelista y dramaturgo reconocido por su magistral dominio del idioma inglés. Sus obras a menudo profundizaban en temas sociales y en la vida de la gente común, todo ello expresado en su distintivo y directo estilo de Yorkshire. Durante la Segunda Guerra Mundial, se convirtió en un popular e influyente locutor de radio, moldeando el discurso público con sus reflexivos comentarios. Priestley dejó un legado literario prolífico y diverso, que abarca novelas, ensayos y obras de teatro, y sigue siendo una inspiración perdurable para los futuros autores.
Set in a crumbling mansion during a storm, five travelers encounter unsettling residents who create a tense atmosphere. As they engage in conversational games, the characters reveal their innermost thoughts, offering deep psychological insights and fostering empathy. The blend of dark humor and menacing undertones crafts a compelling narrative that explores fear and human connection, leading the reader into a shadowy realm of suspense and emotional depth.
Disillusioned playwright Martin Cheveril, on the verge of a career change, is thrust into the past after discovering an old pamphlet about the tragic actress Jenny Villiers. As he falls asleep, he is transported to her era, becoming a witness to her life and the events leading to her untimely death. This journey reveals the lasting impact of her tragedy, intertwining the past with his present, and forcing him to confront his own disillusionment with the theatre.
Great Ghost Stories is a volume filled with strange sights, spirits, words and actions from beyond the grave.This rich and diverse collection brings together some of the best spooky writing of all time.
Probably the most popular of Priestley's novels, it became an instant best-seller upon its July 1929 release. Although Priestley later felt its success overshadowed more significant works, the book has remained beloved. This third novel is well-written and engaging, telling the story of a stranded theatrical group, the Dinky Doos, who are rescued by Miss Trant and transformed into the Good Companions. Their adventures include characters like Jess Oakroyd, a middle-aged joiner escaping his dreary life, Susie Dean, and Inigo Jollifant. The novel exemplifies Priestley's hallmark of long, colorful narratives, and he found joy in writing it, viewing the process as a holiday rather than a chore. Ironically, when he pitched the idea to his publishers, they doubted its appeal. Yet, the story's essence was deeply rooted in him, leading to an obsession with writing a novel he would enjoy, which resonated with many others. Released during a national depression, it was described as a fairy tale that lifted spirits. David Hughes noted its simple, straightforward construction, highlighting themes of rebellion and the search for romance amidst reality. The journeys of Jess, Miss Trant, and Inigo reflect their struggles against life's frustrations. Priestley began writing it in January 1928 and submitted the manuscript in March 1929. The novel has inspired at least two films and multiple stage adaptations.
Humphrey Neyland, a middle-aged Canadian engineer, is drawn into a dangerous undercover mission in the industrial city of Gretley, vital for wartime aircraft production. Tasked by British Intelligence, he quickly discovers that the town is rife with deception, as nearly everyone harbors secrets and ulterior motives. As Neyland navigates this treacherous landscape, he becomes ensnared in a complex web of murder and intrigue, where danger is ever-present and trust is a rare commodity.
In 1934, J.B Priestley described his journey through England from Southampton to the Black Country, to the North East and Newcastle, to Norwich and home. In capturing and describing an English landscape and people hitherto unseen in literature of its kind, he influenced the thinking and attitudes of an entire generation and helped formulate a public consensus for change that led to the formation of the welfare state. Insightful, profound, humorous and moving, English Journey captures Priestley's deep love of his native country and tells us so much about the human condition and the nature of Englishness.
Robert Caplan and his wife are entertaining her brother and sister-in-law. Because Robert insists on uncovering the truth about his brother Martin's 'suicide', many unpalatable revelations ensue which cause Robert to shoot himself. At this point, the opening scene is repeated, but this time they bypass the dangerous corner at which the truth is demanded, thus averting the disaster. Written in 1932 this forms one of the three 'time plays'.
