When William Came by Hector Hugh Munro
The novel is a satirical commentary on the British Empire's decline and the rise of Germany during World War I. It follows the story of William Cecil, an Englishman who travels to Germany and becomes embroiled in the country's military preparations for war. As Cecil navigates the complexities of German society, he witnesses firsthand the militarization of the country and the growing tensions between Germany and Britain. Through his experiences, the novel critiques the complacency and arrogance of the British Empire, as well as the rising nationalism and militarism of Germany. The story is a commentary on the events leading up to World War I, and it explores themes of imperialism, patriotism, and the dangers of unchecked nationalism.
By Hector Hugh Munro · First published 1913 · Genre: Dystopian, Political Fiction, Alternate History · 19 chapters · 57,845 words
First lines
Cicely Yeovil sat in a low swing chair, alternately looking at herself in a mirror and at the other occupant of the room in the flesh. Both prospects gave her undisguised satisfaction. Without being vain she was duly appreciative of good looks, whether in herself or in another, and the reflection that she saw in the mirror, and the young man whom she saw seated at the piano, would have come with credit out of a more severely critical inspection. Probably she looked longer and with greater appreciation at the piano player than at her own image; her good looks were an inherited possession, that had been with her more or less all her life, while Ronnie Storre was a comparatively new acquisition, discovered and achieved, so to speak, by her own enterprise, selected by her own good taste. Fate had given her adorable eyelashes and an excellent profile. Ronnie was an indulgence she had bestowed on herself.
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When William Came is listed on Textopian as a novel by Hector Hugh Munro, dated 1913 CE.
This source record anchors work identity, reading entry points, and catalog context for checking claims about the work.
- Work type: Novel
- Author: Hector Hugh Munro
- Date: 1913 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Dystopian, Political Fiction, Alternate History, Satire, Social Commentary
- Length: 57,845 words
- Structure: 19 chapters, 798 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Fairly Difficult (10th-12th Grade)
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- Work identity for When William Came by Hector Hugh Munro
- Canonical title URL and first readable passage URL
- Genre and topic classification from the Textopian catalog
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Genres
- Dystopian — The book explores a future where Britain is under foreign occupation, depicting a society altered by this scenario.
- Political Fiction — The narrative delves into political themes, examining the implications of foreign rule and national identity.
- Alternate History — The story is set in an alternate timeline where historical events have led to a different outcome for Britain.
- Satire — The writing style includes satirical elements, critiquing societal norms and political situations.
Tags
Anti-war novel · Satire · Social commentary · Humor · Dark comedy · British literature · WWI fiction · War novel · Propaganda · Societal critique · Class satire · Upper-class life
Contents
- The Singing-Bird and the Barometer
- The Homecoming
- "the Metskie Tsar"
- "Es Ist Verboten"
- L'Art D'Etre Cousine
- Herr Von Kwarl
- The Lure
- The First-Night
- An Evening "to be Remembered"
- Some Reflections and a "Te Deum"
- The Tea Shop
- The Travelling Companions
- Torywood
- "a Perfectly Glorious Afternoon"
- The Intelligent Anticipator of Wants
- Sunrise
- The Event of the Season
- The Dead who do not Understand
- The Little Foxes