Book Cover of Autobiography of a Pocket-Handkerchief

Autobiography of a Pocket-Handkerchief

by James Fenimore Cooper

It is a satirical novel that takes readers on an unusual journey through the eyes of a handkerchief. The book is a fictional account of the life of a handkerchief, from its creation in a Parisian factory to its travels through the aristocratic circles of Europe and finally to its end in a tragic scene. First published in 1843, the book was initially met with mixed reviews due to its unconventional narrative style and the use of a handkerchief as the protagonist. However, it has since gained recognition as an early example of metafiction, a genre of literature that self-consciously addresses the nature of fiction and the role of the author. Cooper's witty and humorous writing style makes the story an entertaining and insightful read. Throughout the book, the handkerchief offers a unique perspective on the social and political issues of the time, including class inequality and the power dynamics of the aristocracy. The novel also explores the themes of love, betrayal, and redemption, as the handkerchief forms relationships with various characters throughout its journey. Despite its unusual premise, The Autobiography of a Pocket-Handkerchief remains a relevant and thought-provoking work of literature. It continues to be studied by literary scholars and is a testament to Cooper's innovative storytelling and his willingness to experiment with unconventional narrative techniques.

Book Details

Author

James Fenimore Cooper image

James Fenimore Cooper was an American writer of the first half of the 19th century. His historical romances depicting frontier and Native American life from the 17th to the 19th centuries created a un...

More on James Fenimore Cooper

Listen/Download Audiobook

Read by:
00:00
Playback Speed 1.0
00:00
  • Select Speed

Related books

Anna Karenina Cover image

Anna Karenina by Leo Tolstoy

Leo Tolstoy’s psychological novel Anna Karenina follows the life of the enchanting and rebellious Anna who seeks to break free from the shackles of so...

Lilith Cover image

Lilith by George MacDonald

Lilith is a fantasy novel by Scottish writer George MacDonald, first published in 1895. It was reprinted in paperback by Ballantine Books as the fifth...

The Outdoor Girls in the Saddle Cover image

The Outdoor Girls in the Saddle by Laura Lee Hope

It follows the story of a group of teenage girls who embark on a summer vacation in the countryside, eager to explore the great outdoors and have fun....

The Trail to Yesterday Cover image

The Trail to Yesterday by Charles Alden Seltzer

This is a gripping tale set in the rugged and untamed American West. In this sweeping frontier saga, where justice is as elusive as the whispers of th...

Ruth Hall  Cover image

Ruth Hall by Fanny Fern

Ruth Hall: A Domestic Tale of the Present Time by Fanny Fern (pen name of Sara Payson Willis), a popular 19th-century newspaper writer. Following on h...

What's Mine's Mine Cover image

What's Mine's Mine by George MacDonald

In the rugged Scottish highlands of the mid-19th century, a clash of cultures is brewing. Peregrine Palmer, a wealthy landowner from the south, has c...

The Memoirs of Chateaubriand Volume II Cover image

The Memoirs of Chateaubriand Volume II by François-René de Chateaubriand

The Memoirs of Chateaubriand Volume II: A fascinating and introspective look at the life of one of France's most celebrated writers. This volume cover...

The Romantic  Cover image

The Romantic by May Sinclair

The Romantic feels modern; in it, our protagonist, Charlotte Redhead, has a sexual affair with her boss. In a way, this affair gives her a sense of po...

No Thoroughfare  Cover image

No Thoroughfare by Charles Dickens

No Thoroughfare is a stage play and novel by Charles Dickens and Wilkie Collins, both released in December 1867. The story contains crafted descriptio...

The Purple Land Cover image

The Purple Land by William Henry Hudson

Escape to a land of untamed beauty and raw adventure, where danger lurks around every corner and passion burns as fiercely as the sun. Richard Lamb,...

Reviews for Autobiography of a Pocket-Handkerchief

No reviews posted or approved, yet...