The Daft Days
Oct 2018 · Otbebookpublishing
Ebook
222
Pages
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About this ebook
Excerpt: "The town's bell rang through the dark of the winter morning with queer little jolts and pauses, as if Wanton Wully Oliver, the ringer, had been jovial the night before. A blithe New-Year-time bell; a droll, daft, scatter-brained bell; it gave no horrid alarums, no solemn reminders that commonly toll from steeples and make good-fellows melancholy to think upon things undone, the brevity of days and years, the parting of good company, but a cheery ditty—"boom, boom, ding-a-dong boom, boom ding, hic, ding-dong," infecting whoever heard it with a kind of foolish gaiety. The burgh town turned on its pillows, drew up its feet from the bed-bottles, last night hot, now turned to chilly stone, rubbed its eyes, and knew by that bell it was the daftest of the daft days come. It cast a merry spell on the community; it tickled them even in their cosy beds. "Wanton Wully's on the ran-dan!" said the folk, and rose quickly, and ran to pull aside screens and blinds to look out in the dark on window-ledges cushioned deep in snow. The children hugged themselves under the blankets, and told each other in whispers it was not a porridge morning, no, nor Sunday, but a breakfast of shortbread, ham and eggs; and behold! a beautiful loud drum, careless as 'twere a reveille of hot wild youths, p. 2began to beat in a distant lane. Behind the house of Dyce the lawyer, a cock that must have been young and hearty crew like to burst; and at the stables of the post-office the man who housed his horses after bringing the morning mail through night and storm from a distant railway station sang a song..."
About the author
Neil Munro (1863-1930) was a Scottish journalist, novelist, and short story writer whose work vividly captured the essence of Scottish life and culture during the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Born in Inveraray, Argyll, Munro's early experiences in the rugged Scottish Highlands deeply influenced his literary voice. He began his career in journalism, eventually becoming the editor of the "Glasgow Evening News," where his sharp wit and keen observations earned him a loyal readership.Munro's literary contributions are notable for their rich portrayal of Scottish folklore and history, often infused with a sense of nostalgia and a deep appreciation for the natural landscape. His "Para Handy" stories, featuring the humorous escapades of a Clyde puffer captain and his crew, remain beloved classics in Scottish literature, showcasing his talent for blending humor with poignant social commentary.A figure of some controversy, Munro's works occasionally sparked debates over their romanticized view of Highland life versus the harsh realities faced by its inhabitants. Nonetheless, his ability to weave intricate narratives with compelling characters left an indelible mark on Scottish literature.Munro's influence extended to contemporary writers, inspiring figures such as Compton Mackenzie and John Buchan. His revolutionary ideas about the preservation of Scottish cultural identity and the importance of storytelling in maintaining national heritage continue to resonate today. Munro's legacy is that of a master storyteller who championed the spirit of Scotland, capturing its complexities and enduring charm for future generations.
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