The Talk of the Town, Volume 1 (of 2): Classic Book Guide and Free Edition
The Talk of the Town, Volume 1 (of 2): author and translator credits, catalogue synopsis, subjects and links to the Gutenberg reading formats.

The Talk of the Town, Volume 1 (of 2) is catalogued by Project Gutenberg with author credits for Payn, James (1830–1898).
Catalogue synopsis
Project Gutenberg supplies this automated synopsis of the opening text:
"The Talk of the Town, Volume 1" by James Payn is a novel written in the late 19th century. The story seems to revolve around the life and reminiscences of a young man as he recounts his experiences and those of his Great Aunt Margaret, with a focus on social matters and personal relationships intersecting with themes of literature and Shakespearean heritage. The narrative is set in a world where historical anecdotes and romantic aspirations intertwine. The opening of the novel introduces Aunt Margaret as a remarkable figure, a centenarian who serves as a living repository of history, and through her recollections, the narrator intends to tell the "pitiful story" of a young man who was once the "Talk of the Town." We learn about Aunt Margaret's old-fashioned views and her deep connection to the past, including her admiration for London and its gossip as well as her own experiences. The young man, William Henry Erin, and his cousin Margaret Slade are introduced in their journey to Stratford-upon-Avon, intersecting with literary aspirations and the pursuit of identity amid societal expectations. William's feelings for Margaret become evident, highlighting a tender yet complicated relationship that unfolds against the backdrop of their uncle's antiquarian passions and Shakespearean lore. Their interactions set the stage for romance, aspiration, and the generational differences that permeate the story.
Book and edition facts
- Title: The Talk of the Town, Volume 1 (of 2)
- Author credits: Payn, James (1830–1898)
- Catalogue language: English
Catalogue subjects
- Shakespeare, William, 1564-1616 -- Forgeries -- Fiction
Gutenberg collections
- Category: British Literature
- Category: Novels
- Category: Romance
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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.


