
A HOUSE-BOAT ON THE STYX by John Kendrick Bangs - CHAPTER I: CHARON MAKES A DISCOVERY
CHAPTER II: A DISPUTED AUTHORSHIP
CHAPTER III: WASHINGTON GIVES A DINNER
CHAPTER IV: HAMLET MAKES A SUGGESTION
CHAPTER V: THE HOUSE COMMITTEE DISCUSS THE POETS
CHAPTER VI: SOME THEORIES, DARWINIAN AND OTHERWISE
CHAPTER VII: A DISCUSSION AS TO LADIES’ DAY
CHAPTER VIII: A DISCONTENTED SHADE
CHAPTER IX: AS TO COOKERY AND SCULPTURE
CHAPTER X: STORY-TELLERS’ NIGHT
In this witty, turn‑of‑the‑century tale the legendary ferryman of the underworld enjoys a quiet Friday cruise down the Styx—until a gleaming, barn‑shaped house‑boat appears in his exclusive lane. Charon, proud of his monopoly on transporting souls, is both baffled and threatened by the luxurious craft, its polished deck and opulent interior hinting at a rival venture backed by powerful, perhaps even divine, interests.
The story follows the ferryman’s bemused investigation, mixing clever wordplay with a light‑hearted look at bureaucracy, ambition, and the absurdities of underworld commerce. As Charon grapples with the possibility of competition, the narrative teases a clash of old‑world tradition and new, extravagant entrepreneurship, all set against a backdrop of familiar mythic characters who pop up with dry humor and surprising modern sensibilities. Listeners are treated to a charming, gently satirical adventure that invites a smile at every turn.
Language
en
Duration
~2 hours (152K characters)
Publisher of text edition
Project Gutenberg
Release date
2001-05-01
Rights
Public domain in the USA.

1862–1922
A witty American humorist and editor, he became best known for playful fantasy and satire that turned the afterlife into a stage for clever conversation. His stories mix lightness, literary jokes, and a surprisingly modern sense of comic imagination.
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