Fergus Hume

Fergusson Wright Hume, known as Fergus Hume (8 July 1859 - 12 July 1932) was a prolific English novelist. Finding that the novels of mile Gaboriau were then very popular in Melbourne, he obtained and read a set of them and determined to write a novel of a similar kind. The result was the self-published novel The Mystery of a Hansom Cab (1886), which became a great success. Hume based his descriptions of poor urban life on his knowledge of Little Bourke Street. He sold the English and United States rights to the novel for 50 pounds, and thus derived little benefit from its success. It eventually became the best selling mystery novel of the Victorian era, author John Sutherland terming it the "most sensationally popular crime and detective novel of the century". This novel inspired Arthur Conan Doyle to write A Study in Scarlet, which introduced the character Sherlock Holmes. Doyle remarked, "Hansom Cab was a slight tale, mostly sold by 'puffing'." After the success of his first novel and the publication of another, Professor Brankel's Secret (c.1886), Hume returned to England in 1888. He resided in London for few years and then he moved to the Essex countryside where he lived in Thundersley for 30 years, eventually producing more than 100 novels and short stories. He continued to be anxious for success as a dramatist, and at one time Henry Irving was favourably considering one of his plays, but he died before it could be produced.

Fergusson Wright Hume, known as Fergus Hume (8 July 1859 - 12 July 1932) was a prolific English novelist. Finding that the novels of mile Gaboriau were then very popular in Melbourne, he obtained and read a set of them and determined to write a novel of a similar kind. The result was the self-published novel The Mystery of a Hansom Cab (1886), which became a great success. Hume based his descriptions of poor urban life on his knowledge of Little Bourke Street. He sold the English and United States rights to the novel for 50 pounds, and thus derived little benefit from its success. It eventually became the best selling mystery novel of the Victorian era, author John Sutherland terming it the "most sensationally popular crime and detective novel of the century". This novel inspired Arthur Conan Doyle to write A Study in Scarlet, which introduced the character Sherlock Holmes. Doyle remarked, "Hansom Cab was a slight tale, mostly sold by 'puffing'." After the success of his first novel and the publication of another, Professor Brankel's Secret (c.1886), Hume returned to England in 1888. He resided in London for few years and then he moved to the Essex countryside where he lived in Thundersley for 30 years, eventually producing more than 100 novels and short stories. He continued to be anxious for success as a dramatist, and at one time Henry Irving was favourably considering one of his plays, but he died before it could be produced.

Fergusson Wright Hume, known as Fergus Hume (1859-1932) was an English novelist. Shortly after graduation he left for Melbourne. He began writing plays, but found it impossible to persuade the managers of the Melbourne theatres to accept or even read them. Finding that the novels of Emile Gaboriau were then very popular in Melbourne, he obtained and read a set of them and determined to write a novel of a similar kind. The result was the self-published novel 'The Mystery of a Hansom Cab' (1886), which became a great success. After the success of his first novel and the publication of another he returned to England in 1888. He resided in the Essex countryside for thirty years, eventually producing over 100 novels and short stories. He was a capable writer of mystery stories, and may be looked upon as one of the precursors of the many writers of detective stories whose work was so popular in the twentieth century. His other works include 'Madame Midas' (1888), 'The Silent House' (1899), 'The Bishop's Secret' (1900), 'Secret Passage' (1905), 'The Green Mummy' (1908), and 'Red Money' (1912).

This collection of literature attempts to compile many of the classic works that have stood the test of time and offer them at a reduced, affordable price, in an attractive volume so that everyone can enjoy them.

An argument over a game of cards turns deadly in this tense British murder mystery from Fergus Hume, author of The Wooden Hand. Hot-tempered gambler Adrian Lancaster is down on his luck. His friend Philip Trevanna is pressing him to settle a thousand pound debt, suggesting he ask his new heiress wife Olive Maunders for the money. When Adrian rejects the idea, Philip taunts him and cruelly rifles a deck of cards into his face. Adrian reacts by hurling a decanter at Philip which hits his friend hard on the head and cracks his skull open. Adrian panics and, after feeling Philip for a pulse, impulsively flees the scene, reasoning that the shame of being associated with a murderer would be too much for Olive to bear. He feverishly walks the empty moonlit streets of London, wrestling with his conscience. But there is something he doesn't know ... Philip isn't dead and now he wants more than just a thousand pounds from Adrian.

Mark Twain once famously said "there was but one solitary thing about the past worth remembering, and that was the fact that it is past and can't be restored." Well, over recent years, The British Library, working with Microsoft has embarked on an ambitious programme to digitise its collection of 19th century books. There are now 65,000 titles available (that's an incredible 25 million pages) of material ranging from works by famous names such as Dickens, Trollope and Hardy as well as many forgotten literary gems, all of which can now be printed on demand and purchased right here on Amazon. Further information on The British Library and its digitisation programme can be found on The British Library website.

This historic book may have numerous typos and missing text. Purchasers can usually download a free scanned copy of the original book (without typos) from the publisher. Not indexed. Not illustrated. 1898 edition. Excerpt: ... CHAPTER XXV. CONFESSION. THERE was also a short note to the manuscript, stating that Edermont had found out and helped the son of his old enemy, Dr. Scott, on the ground that he felt himself to be the cause indirectly of the man's death. Allen took occasion to explain this particular matter. 'Now I come to look back on it, ' he said reflectively, ' I believe that Edermont must have supplied most of the funds for my education. I understood they came from moneys left by my dead father; but from this story'--touching the manuscript--'it would appear that he died poor. Certainly Mr. Edermont behaved generously in inviting me to settle in Canterbury when I qualified for a doctor, and in helping me with a loan. I am afraid I acted badly to him on that day, ' added Allen, in a penitent tone, ' but I was not myself; the news of my father's terrible death maddened me.' 'And he was my father, after all ' sighed Dora. 'Poor soul I never cared over-much fbr him, as I did not like his personality. And, as I thought I was living on my own money, I did not realize his generosity. I am glad to know that I am not the daughter of Carew.' 'It is strange that Mrs. Tice did not know Edermont was your father, ' said Allen, after a pause, 'for you must have been born shortly before the Dargills returned to Christchurch. Ah, here is Mrs. Tice, ' he added, as the housekeeper entered. 'Come here, nurse; we have good news for you.' 'And what may that be' asked the old dame, smiling. 'Dora and I intend to fulfil our engagement, and marry.' The face of Mrs. Tice grew stern with dismay and disapproval. 'Impossible, Mr. Allen How can you marry the daughter of your father's murderer' 'That is just it, nurse; Dora is not the daughter of Carew, but of Julian Dargill

Thank you for checking out this book by Theophania Publishing. We appreciate your business and look forward to serving you soon. We have thousands of titles available, and we invite you to search for us by name, contact us via our website, or download our most recent catalogues. "Gypsies How very delightful I really must have my fortune told. The dear things know all about the future." As Mrs. Belgrove spoke she peered through her lorgnette to see if anyone at the breakfast-table was smiling. The scrutiny was necessary, since she was the oldest person present, and there did not appear to be any future for her, save that very certain one connected with a funeral. But a society lady of sixty, made up to look like one of forty (her maid could do no more), with an excellent digestion and a constant desire, like the Athenians of old, for "Something New " can scarcely be expected to dwell upon such a disagreeable subject as death. Nevertheless, Mrs. Belgrove could not disguise from herself that her demise could not be postponed for many more years, and examined the faces of the other guests to see if they thought so too. If anyone did, he and she politely suppressed a doubtful look and applauded the suggestion of a fortune-telling expedition. "Let us make up a party and go," said the hostess, only too thankful to find something to amuse the house-party for a few hours. "Where did you say the gypsies were, Garvington?" "In the Abbot's Wood," replied her husband, a fat, small round-faced man, who was methodically devouring a large breakfast.

Mark Twain once famously said "there was but one solitary thing about the past worth remembering, and that was the fact that it is past and can't be restored." Well, over recent years, The British Library, working with Microsoft has embarked on an ambitious programme to digitise its collection of 19th century books. There are now 65,000 titles available (that's an incredible 25 million pages) of material ranging from works by famous names such as Dickens, Trollope and Hardy as well as many forgotten literary gems, all of which can now be printed on demand and purchased right here on Amazon. Further information on The British Library and its digitisation programme can be found on The British Library website.

Madame Midas -- that is what they call Mrs. Villiers, living in the Australian mining town of Ballarat. She once possessed enormous wealth, built up over the years by her loving father -- and then learned the least pleasant of lessons, marrying an Englishman whose true colors were soon unfurled at every nearby gambling and drinking establishment. But having left him behind, and establishing herself in Ballarat, she has found herself possessed of enough acumen to make a success of herself, and to earn to respect of all. Now into her world arrive two strangers -- a pair of Frenchmen who have made a desperate escape from prison on a tiny boat upon the sea, and who hope to find fortune and a new life on this rugged coast. The society of Ballarat may witness budding romance -- perhaps . . . and murder, most certainly. Fergus Hume (1859-1932) was author of novels of mystery and detection including The Mystery of a Hansom Cab, The Secret Passage and The Silent House.

"We're on the rocks this time, Leah, smashin' for all we're worth. How we can win clear beats me." With hands which had never earned a shilling thrust into pockets empty even of that coin, Jim Kaimes stretched out his long legs and surveyed his neat boots as he made this cryptic speech. His habit of expressing himself in a parabolic fashion was confusing to his friends. But five years of marital squabbling had schooled his wife into ready comprehension, and she usually responded without comment. On this occasion, however, the subject under discussion irritated even her healthy nerves, and she replied irrelevantly. "Really, Jim, I wish you would talk English." "Huh Never knew I was talking Choctaw." "You might be, for all the sense an ordinary person can make of it." "Ah-a-a " said Jim, with the clumsy affection of a bear; "but you're not an ordinary person, Leah. I'm the common or garden ass, that can't straighten things. Now you can." "For want of a husband I suppose I must." "Come now, Leah. Am I not your husband?"

In Queer Street by Fergus Hume is a traditionally British murder mystery. Queer street is a colloquial term referring to a person being in some difficulty, most commonly financial. It is often associated with Carey Street, where London's bankruptcy courts were once located.

This novel is a classical murder mystery, written by Fergus Hume, a prolific British author

Fergusson Wright Hume, known as Fergus Hume (8 July 1859 - 12 July 1932) was a prolific English novelist. Finding that the novels of mile Gaboriau were then very popular in Melbourne, he obtained and read a set of them and determined to write a novel of a similar kind. The result was the self-published novel The Mystery of a Hansom Cab (1886), which became a great success. Hume based his descriptions of poor urban life on his knowledge of Little Bourke Street. He sold the English and United States rights to the novel for 50 pounds, and thus derived little benefit from its success. It eventually became the best selling mystery novel of the Victorian era, author John Sutherland terming it the "most sensationally popular crime and detective novel of the century". This novel inspired Arthur Conan Doyle to write A Study in Scarlet, which introduced the character Sherlock Holmes. Doyle remarked, "Hansom Cab was a slight tale, mostly sold by 'puffing'." After the success of his first novel and the publication of another, Professor Brankel's Secret (c.1886), Hume returned to England in 1888. He resided in London for few years and then he moved to the Essex countryside where he lived in Thundersley for 30 years, eventually producing more than 100 novels and short stories. He continued to be anxious for success as a dramatist, and at one time Henry Irving was favourably considering one of his plays, but he died before it could be produced.

This collection of literature attempts to compile many of the classic works that have stood the test of time and offer them at a reduced, affordable price, in an attractive volume so that everyone can enjoy them.

This historic book may have numerous typos and missing text. Purchasers can usually download a free scanned copy of the original book (without typos) from the publisher. Not indexed. Not illustrated. 1898 edition. Excerpt: ... CHAPTER XXV. CONFESSION. THERE was also a short note to the manuscript, stating that Edermont had found out and helped the son of his old enemy, Dr. Scott, on the ground that he felt himself to be the cause indirectly of the man's death. Allen took occasion to explain this particular matter. 'Now I come to look back on it, ' he said reflectively, ' I believe that Edermont must have supplied most of the funds for my education. I understood they came from moneys left by my dead father; but from this story'--touching the manuscript--'it would appear that he died poor. Certainly Mr. Edermont behaved generously in inviting me to settle in Canterbury when I qualified for a doctor, and in helping me with a loan. I am afraid I acted badly to him on that day, ' added Allen, in a penitent tone, ' but I was not myself; the news of my father's terrible death maddened me.' 'And he was my father, after all ' sighed Dora. 'Poor soul I never cared over-much fbr him, as I did not like his personality. And, as I thought I was living on my own money, I did not realize his generosity. I am glad to know that I am not the daughter of Carew.' 'It is strange that Mrs. Tice did not know Edermont was your father, ' said Allen, after a pause, 'for you must have been born shortly before the Dargills returned to Christchurch. Ah, here is Mrs. Tice, ' he added, as the housekeeper entered. 'Come here, nurse; we have good news for you.' 'And what may that be' asked the old dame, smiling. 'Dora and I intend to fulfil our engagement, and marry.' The face of Mrs. Tice grew stern with dismay and disapproval. 'Impossible, Mr. Allen How can you marry the daughter of your father's murderer' 'That is just it, nurse; Dora is not the daughter of Carew, but of Julian Dargill

Thank you for checking out this book by Theophania Publishing. We appreciate your business and look forward to serving you soon. We have thousands of titles available, and we invite you to search for us by name, contact us via our website, or download our most recent catalogues. "Of course he's a wretch, dear; but oh "-with an ecstatic expression-"what a nice wretch " "I see; you marry the adjective." "The man, Beatrice, the man. Give me a real man and I ask for nothing better. But the genuine male is so difficult to find nowadays." "Really Then you have been more successful than the majority." "How sarcastic, how unfriendly I did look for sympathy." Beatrice embraced her companion affectionately. "You have it, Dinah. I give all sympathy and all good wishes to yourself and Jerry. May you be very happy as Mr. and Mrs. Snow " "Oh, we shall, we shall Jerry would make an undertaker happy " "Undertakers generally are-when business is good." "Oh you are quite too up-to-date in your talk, Beatrice Hedge." "That is strange, seeing how I live in a dull country garden like a snail, or a cabbage." "Like a wild rose, dear. At least Vivian would say so." "Mr. Paslow says more than he means," responded Beatrice, blushing redder than the flower mentioned, "and I dare say Jerry does also." "No, dear. Jerry hasn't sufficient imagination." "He ought to have, being a journalist."

Fergus Hume was a 20th century American author who had many works adapted into screenplays and movies, such as The Top Dog. Popular titles like The Silent House are still widely read today.

Mark Twain once famously said "there was but one solitary thing about the past worth remembering, and that was the fact that it is past and can't be restored." Well, over recent years, The British Library, working with Microsoft has embarked on an ambitious programme to digitise its collection of 19th century books. There are now 65,000 titles available (that's an incredible 25 million pages) of material ranging from works by famous names such as Dickens, Trollope and Hardy as well as many forgotten literary gems, all of which can now be printed on demand and purchased right here on Amazon. Further information on The British Library and its digitisation programme can be found on The British Library website.