About this book
Tales of Fantasy and Fact by Brander Matthews opens a door to a late-19th-century world where fanciful invention collides with keen social observation, offering short stories that blend fantasy and literature with wry intelligence. Matthews, a leading American critic and man of letters, collected imaginative pieces that range from whimsical voyages in "A Primer of Imaginary Geography" to speculative inventions in "The Kinetoscope of Time," from uncanny hauntings in "The Rival Ghosts" to the curious charm of "The Dream Gown of the Japanese Ambassador."
These stories reflect fin-de-siècle tastes—an appetite for the marvelous tempered by ironic detachment—and explore themes of imagination versus reality, the limits of perception, and the playful critique of contemporary manners. Matthews’ prose is polished and witty, rooted in the cultural currents of 1896 yet surprisingly modern in its speculative impulses. The collection’s short-form structure makes each tale a self-contained exploration of mood, idea, and social satire without revealing endings.
Perfect for listeners who enjoy classic short fiction, vintage fantasy, and literary salon wit, this audiobook rewards anyone curious about American letters at the turn of the century and those who relish elegant storytelling that balances whimsy with thoughtful critique.
