A House-Boat on the Styx

audiobook

A House-Boat on the Styx

by John Kendrick Bangs

EN·~2 hours

Chapters

Description

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.

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Details

Language

en

Duration

~2 hours (152K characters)

Publisher of text edition

Project Gutenberg

Release date

2001-05-01

Rights

Public domain in the USA.

About the author

John Kendrick Bangs

John Kendrick Bangs

1862–1922

A witty American humorist and editor, he turned ghosts, celebrities, and the afterlife into playgrounds for clever satire. His light, imaginative style became so distinctive that an entire kind of fantasy comedy came to be called "Bangsian" fantasy.

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