A Short Natural History
The book is a collection of humorous essays that explore the natural world and human nature through absurd and satirical observations. It presents a series of vignettes that poke fun at societal norms and conventions by applying them to the natural world, often with ridiculous results. The tone is lighthearted and playful, using irony and exaggeration to make pointed commentary on modern life.
By Irvin S. Cobb · First published 1923 · Genre: Humor, Satire, Short Stories · 17,529 words
First lines
If ever a person might be said to have dedicated his being to the pursuit of leisure, that selfsame was Red Hoss Shackleford, of color, and highly so. He was one who specialized in the deft and fine high art of doing nothing at all. With him leisure was at once a calling to be followed regularly and an ideal to be fostered. But also he loved to eat, and he had a fancy for wearing gladsome gearings, and these cravings occasionally interfered with the practice of his favorite vocation. In order that he might enjoy long periods of manual inactivity it devolved upon him at intervals to devote his reluctant energies to gainful labor. When driven to it by necessity, which is said to be the mother of invention and which certainly is the full sister to appetite, Red Hoss worked. He just naturally had to -- sometimes.
What this Textopian page supports
A Short Natural History is listed on Textopian as a short story by Irvin S. Cobb, dated 1923 CE.
This source record anchors work identity, reading entry points, and catalog context for checking claims about the work.
- Work type: Short story
- Author: Irvin S. Cobb
- Date: 1923 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Humor, Satire, Short Stories, American Literature
- Length: 17,529 words
- Structure: 1 section, 170 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Easy (6th Grade)
Good citation fit
- Work identity for A Short Natural History by Irvin S. Cobb
- Canonical title URL and first readable passage URL
- Genre and topic classification from the Textopian catalog
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Discussion starters
- What should a reader notice first when entering A Short Natural History?
- How does this short story by Irvin S. Cobb fit its genre, period, or classroom use?
- Where does Humor first become important in the reading?
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Genres
- Humor — The book primarily uses wit and comedic elements to explore its themes.
- Satire — It employs satire to critique and provide commentary on societal norms and behaviors.
- Short Stories — The structure of the book is composed of a series of short narratives.
- American Literature — The themes and style are reflective of early 20th-century American cultural and literary trends.
Tags
Humoristic · Satirical · Non-fiction · Essay · Nature · Observation · Travelogue · American · Regionalism · Rural · Folkloric · Anthropological