Net Worth →
Classic Literature

Static: Classic Book Guide and Free Edition

Static: author and translator credits, catalogue synopsis, subjects and links to the Gutenberg reading formats.

Published by Pop Culture Files••2 min read•Automatically generated · review not guaranteed
AI-generated editorial illustration — not a photograph of the subject
AI-generated editorial illustration — not a photograph of the subject

Static is catalogued by Project Gutenberg with author credits for West, Wallace (1900–1980).

Catalogue synopsis

Project Gutenberg supplies this automated synopsis of the opening text:

"Static" by Wallace West is a novella written in the early 20th century, often characterized by its vivid storytelling and exploration of human behavior in extreme circumstances. This fictional narrative takes place in colonial Africa, where the protagonist, Charles Markley, carries his radio equipment with him into the heart of the jungle. The book examines themes of isolation, the psychological effects of colonialism, and the intersection of technology and local cultures. The story revolves around Charles Markley, a young man disillusioned with life in England who relocates to Africa with ambitions of eliminating static in radio communication. His journey is marked by rapid descent into alcoholism and cultural clashes as he becomes entangled with the local customs and a native woman named Eta. As Markley's mental state deteriorates, he mistakenly presents his radio as a divine force to the villagers, leading to a catastrophic confrontation with the local witch doctor, Buhu, and ultimately, his downfall. The novella presents a vivid portrayal of the destructive influence of colonial mentality and personal despair, showcasing how isolation and indulgence can lead to tragic consequences.

Book and edition facts

  • Title: Static
  • Author credits: West, Wallace (1900–1980)
  • Catalogue language: English

Catalogue subjects

  • British -- Africa -- Fiction
  • Radio -- Fiction
  • Short stories

Gutenberg collections

  • 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.

Sources

More in Books & Authors