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Classic Literature

The Chequers: Being the Natural History of a Public-House, Set Forth in; a Loafer's Diary: Classic Book Guide and Free Edition

The Chequers: Being the Natural History of a Public-House, Set Forth in; a Loafer's Diary: 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

The Chequers: Being the Natural History of a Public-House, Set Forth in; a Loafer's Diary is catalogued by Project Gutenberg with author credits for Runciman, James (1852–1891).

Catalogue synopsis

Project Gutenberg supplies this automated synopsis of the opening text:

"The Chequers" by James Runciman is a novel written in the late 19th century. The work delves into the grim realities of life in and around a public house, narrated from the perspective of the protagonist known as the Loafer, who interacts with various characters belonging to the lower social strata. The book explores themes of alcoholism, social decay, and the complexity of human relationships through the observations and anecdotes of the Loafer. The opening portion introduces the reader to the unforgiving environment of a public house, emphasizing the stark contrast between the idealized notion of social drinking and the despondent realities faced by its patrons. The narrator establishes himself as an equal among the regulars, revealing his role as an observer and participant in their daily struggles. Through vivid descriptions of the bar's atmosphere and the behavior of its visitors, Runciman sets a tone of gritty realism that pervades the narrative. It becomes evident that the characters caught in this cycle of drink and despair are not merely subjects of pity; they illustrate the intricate dynamics of survival, companionship, and moral ambiguity within a society marked by vice and ruin.

Book and edition facts

  • Title: The Chequers: Being the Natural History of a Public-House, Set Forth in; a Loafer's Diary
  • Author credits: Runciman, James (1852–1891)
  • Catalogue language: English

Catalogue subjects

  • England -- Social conditions -- 19th century -- 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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