Back to back [Night watches, Part 1.]: Classic Book Guide and Free Edition
Back to back [Night watches, Part 1.]: author and translator credits, catalogue synopsis, subjects and links to the Gutenberg reading formats.
Back to back [Night watches, Part 1.] is catalogued by Project Gutenberg with author credits for Jacobs, W. W. (William Wymark) (1863–1943).
Catalogue synopsis
Project Gutenberg supplies this automated synopsis of the opening text:
"Back to Back" by W. W. Jacobs is a humorous short story likely written in the early 20th century. The narrative focuses on Mr. Scutts, an ordinary working-class man who, after a minor railway accident that purportedly leaves him unable to walk, engages in an elaborate scheme involving the railway company and the compensation he believes he deserves. The tale is set against a backdrop of domestic life, featuring the comically exaggerated concerns and interactions within Mr. Scutts's household and neighborhood. The story begins with Mr. Scutts being brought home after the accident, where he feigns a serious injury to secure potential compensation from the railway company. His wife, Mrs. Scutts, and their neighbor, Mr. Flynn, become involved in a series of misunderstandings and humorous exchanges. As Mr. Scutts revels in his supposed misfortune, Mr. Flynn is roped into pretending to be Mr. Scutts when doctors come to check on his health. The climax unfolds with Mr. Flynn miraculously "recovering" and snatching away the compensation meant for Mr. Scutts, leaving the original invalid in a humorous conundrum. The tale explores themes of deception, the absurdity of claiming compensation, and the dynamics of friendship amidst miscommunication.
Book and edition facts
- Title: Back to back [Night watches, Part 1.]
- Author credits: Jacobs, W. W. (William Wymark) (1863–1943)
- Catalogue language: English
Catalogue subjects
- Humorous stories
- Short stories
Gutenberg collections
- Category: British Literature
- Category: Humour
- Category: Short Stories
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View the complete Gutenberg catalogue record. Project Gutenberg identifies this edition as public domain in the United States; that designation does not establish its copyright status in every country.
Source notes
Catalogue metadata is public domain and is supplied through Gutendex, which imports Gutenberg's machine-readable catalogue. The automated synopsis is source-supplied, not an independently verified review. Author dates above describe the credited people; no ebook release date is presented as the book's original publication date.
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