
audiobook
by J. B. (John Boynton) Priestley
BRIEF DIVERSIONS being Tales Travesties and Epigrams by J. B. P R I E S T L E Y
NOTE
TALES
TRAVESTIES
EPIGRAMS
A witty mosaic of short fantasies, this collection gathers the author’s wartime sketches—tales, travesties and epigrams that dance between the absurd and the thoughtful. Each piece offers a compact world where mythic figures like a priest of ancient Egypt, a careless fool, and even the personified forces of War, Death and Love collide in unexpected banter. The tone is delightfully off‑beat, inviting listeners to linger over clever turns of phrase while hinting at deeper reflections on chance and purpose.
The assortment ranges from a satirical portrait of a self‑styled business guru whose quest for efficiency leads him astray, to a seasonal tableau in which Spring, Summer, Autumn and Winter argue over a solitary man absorbed in his notebook. These vignettes sparkle with dry humor, subtle irony and a touch of melancholy, all delivered in concise, memorable prose. Listeners will find themselves both amused and provoked, as each story reveals a fresh, bite‑size perspective on the human condition.
Language
en
Duration
~54 minutes (52K characters)
Publisher of text edition
Project Gutenberg
Release date
Aug 21, 2015
Rights
Public domain in the USA.

1894–1984
Best known for sharp, humane storytelling and a strong sense of social conscience, this English writer moved easily between novels, plays, essays, and broadcasting. His work often blends vivid everyday life with big questions about time, responsibility, and how society ought to treat people.
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