Self-Help is a collection of short stories by W. W. Jacobs, first published in 1904. The stories are humorous and often feature characters who are down on their luck, but who ultimately find a way to make the best of their situation. The stories in the collection include "The Monkey's Paw," "The Well," "The Interruption," "The Dream," "The Three Sisters," "The Money Box," "The Voice in the Night," "The Miracle," "The Lady of the Barge," "The Money Spinner," "The Brown Man's Servant," "The Toll House," "The Ironmaster," and "The Man Who Was Good." In "The Monkey's Paw," a family is granted three wishes by a mysterious monkey's paw, but they soon discover that the wishes come with a price. In "The Well," a man discovers a magical well that grants him whatever he wishes for. In "The Interruption," a man's plans to propose to his beloved are interrupted by a mysterious stranger. In "The Dream," a man's dream of becoming a successful businessman comes true, but with unexpected consequences. The stories in Self-Help are full of wit and humor, and they explore themes of luck, fate, and the power of dreams. They are a testament to Jacobs' skill as a storyteller, and they remain popular to this day.
By W. W. Jacobs · First published 1943 · Genre: Humor, Short Story, Fiction