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Mad: A Story of Dust and Ashes: Classic Book Guide and Free Edition

Mad: A Story of Dust and Ashes: author and translator credits, catalogue synopsis, subjects and links to the Gutenberg reading formats.

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AI-generated editorial illustration — not a photograph of the subject
AI-generated editorial illustration — not a photograph of the subject

Mad: A Story of Dust and Ashes is catalogued by Project Gutenberg with author credits for Fenn, George Manville (1831–1909).

Catalogue synopsis

Project Gutenberg supplies this automated synopsis of the opening text:

"Mad: A Story of Dust and Ashes" by George Manville Fenn is a novel written in the late 19th century. The narrative revolves around Septimus Hardon, a complex character whose physical awkwardness contrasts sharply with his rich inner life and unfulfilled love for Mary Grey, the widow of his childhood friend. The book explores themes of love, social standing, and the struggles of a man grappling with familial obligations and unacknowledged longing. The opening of the novel introduces Septimus Hardon, whose unusual appearance provokes a complex mix of self-doubt and resilience. Raised by an irascible father who is consumed with writing about political reform, Septimus feels inadequately appreciated and trapped in his domestic life. As he silently pines for Mary Grey, who has become his childhood friend's wife, his anguish deepens upon the tragic news of her husband's demise. The initial chapters establish Septimus's tender devotion to Mary and his relentless efforts to support her following her husband’s death, embodying the torment of unexpressed feelings and consequent emotional turmoil. Amid the backdrop of societal expectations and familial conflict, Septimus navigates through despair and longing that shape his identity and sense of purpose.

Book and edition facts

  • Title: Mad: A Story of Dust and Ashes
  • Author credits: Fenn, George Manville (1831–1909)
  • Catalogue language: English

Catalogue subjects

  • Fiction

Gutenberg collections

  • Category: British Literature
  • Category: Novels

Read this edition

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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