Arnold Bennett was born in a modest house in Hanley in the Potteries district of Staffordshire. Hanley was one of the Six Towns that were joined together at the beginning of the 20th century as Stoke-on-Trent. Bennett depicted Stoke-on-Trent as "the Five Towns" and it is a common location for his novels and stories. Anna of the Five Towns, was the first of Bennett's novels about life in the Staffordshire Potteries. The Clayhanger Family and The Old Wives' Tale also draw on the experience of life in the Potteries, as did several of his other novels. A Man from the North Anna of the Five Towns Tales of the Five Towns The Grim Smile of the Five Towns The Old Wives' Tale Clayhanger The Card: A Story of Adventure in the Five Towns Hilda Lessways The Matador Of The Five Towns These Twain The Roll-Call

Escape to the industrial landscape of the Potteries with Arnold Bennett's 'The Grim Smile of the Five Towns'. This collection of stories showcases Bennett's masterful storytelling and his intimate knowledge of the region's working-class communities. From the mysterious murder of a wealthy Mandarin to the heartwarming tale of Vera's Christmas adventures, these tales will transport you to a bygone era and leave you longing for more.

This edition includes: Novels: A Man from the North The Grand Babylon Hotel Anna of the Five Towns Leonora A Great Man Teresa of Watling Street Sacred and Profane Love Hugo The Ghost- A Modern Fantasy The City of Pleasure: A Fantasia on Modern Themes Buried Alive The Old Wives' Tale Clayhanger Denry the Audacious Helen with the High Hand The Card Hilda Lessways The Plain Man and His Wife The Regent: A Five Towns Story of Adventure in London The Price of Love From the log of the Velsa These Twain The Pretty Lady The Roll-Call The Lion's Share Mr.Prohack Lilian Riceyman Steps Short Stories Collections: Tales of the Five Towns The Grim Smile of the Five Towns The Matador of the Five Towns The Loot of Cities Mr. Penfound's Two Burglars Midnight at the Grand Babylon The Police Station The Adventure of the Prima Donna The Episode in Room 222 Saturday to Monday A Dinner at the Louvre Plays: What the Public Wants The Honeymoon The Great Adventure The Title Judith Non-Fiction: Journalism For Women The Truth about an Author How to Become an Author The Reasonable Life Literary Taste: How to Form It How to Live on 24 Hours a Day The Feast of St. Friend: A Christmas Book Mental Efficiency Those United States Friendship and Happiness Paris Nights and Other Impressions of Places and People The Author's Craft Over There: War Scenes on the Western Front Books and Persons: Selections from The New Age 1908-1911 Self and Self-Management Things That Have Interested Me The Human Machine

Arnold Bennett's 'Five Towns: The Complete Collection' is a remarkable literary work that delves into the intricacies of life in the industrialized Midlands region of England. Through a series of interconnected stories, Bennett intricately weaves together the lives of the diverse characters inhabiting the Five Towns, capturing the social dynamics, economic struggles, and human relationships of the time. His realistic portrayal of everyday life in a rapidly changing society is both poignant and thought-provoking, making this collection a classic of early 20th century literature. Bennett's straightforward prose style and attention to detail bring the setting to life, immersing the reader in the bustling world of the industrial age. This collection serves as a valuable cultural artifact, providing insight into the societal challenges and triumphs of the era. Arnold Bennett's own experiences growing up in the Five Towns region undoubtedly influenced his writing, as he draws upon his personal observations and memories to create a vivid and authentic portrayal of the community. His deep understanding of the region's history and culture shines through in every story, highlighting the complexities of life in a rapidly industrializing society. I highly recommend 'Five Towns: The Complete Collection' to readers interested in exploring the nuances of early 20th century England and immersing themselves in a rich and engaging literary landscape.