Since the 1930s, the communities of Hewlett, Woodmere, Cedarhurst, Lawrence, and Inwood have been known collectively as "the Five Towns." One of the oldest population centers on Long Island, the area attracted Victorian vacationers, many of whom returned and settled in lavish homes. During the Gilded Age, captains of industry, government, and finance came from the city to enjoy the Rockaway Hunting Club, Woodsburgh Pavilion, and the Holly Arms Hotel. The growth of the railroads created service industries and turned quiet fishing and farming villages into a suburban, commercial, and residential hub. A microcosm of the great metropolis to its west, the Five Towns strived to maintain their distinct characters despite the development and homogenization of the 20th century. In The Five Towns, vintage photographs from unique library and personal collections are brought together to recreate the rich history and charm of the Rockaway Peninsula.

Reproduction of the original: The Grim Smile of the Five Towns by Arnold Bennett

The Five Towns--comprising the villages of Cedarhurst and Lawrence and the communities of Woodmere, Hewlett, and Inwood--is an area nestled on the South Shore of Long Island next to the easternmost part of Queens, known as Far Rockaway. Originally popular as a Jewish summer vacation spot near the Atlantic Ocean, the Five Towns and the Far Rockaway area grew to become a thriving, year-round Jewish metropolis, with thousands of families and scores of synagogues and Jewish educational institutions. A center for shopping and kosher restaurants, the Five Towns area has become one of the most popular locations for young, married Jewish couples. Jewish influence has expanded greatly in local government and education. The rich history of the early years of Jewish growth and development in the Five Towns and Rockaways lends a deeper understanding of this phenomenal change of demographics and influence that has occurred over the last few decades.

DigiCat Publishing presents to you this special edition of "Tales of the Five Towns" by Arnold Bennett. DigiCat Publishing considers every written word to be a legacy of humankind. Every DigiCat book has been carefully reproduced for republishing in a new modern format. The books are available in print, as well as ebooks. DigiCat hopes you will treat this work with the acknowledgment and passion it deserves as a classic of world literature.

The story revolves around Anna Tellwright, a young woman who lives with her widowed father in the town of Bursley. Anna's life is tightly constrained by her father's strict religious beliefs and their insular community. However, when her father dies, Anna inherits a significant amount of money, which brings about a series of changes and challenges in her life. "Anna of the Five Towns" explores themes of individual freedom, personal growth, and the conflict between personal desires and societal expectations. As Anna navigates her newfound wealth and the choices it affords her, she must confront the limitations imposed by her upbringing and make decisions that will shape her future. Bennett's novel offers a detailed portrayal of the industrial towns and their inhabitants, capturing the social dynamics and cultural nuances of the time. The story delves into the struggles and aspirations of working-class individuals, examining the impact of money, class, and religion on their lives. "Anna of the Five Towns" showcases Bennett's skill in depicting realistic characters and their inner lives. It presents a sensitive exploration of the complexities of human relationships and the quest for personal fulfillment in the face of societal constraints. The novel has been regarded as one of Bennett's most accomplished works and is valued for its insightful social commentary, engaging narrative, and nuanced characterization. It provides a window into the realities of life in the industrial towns of England during the late 19th and early 20th centuries.

This series of readers offers students six graded levels from elementary to advanced. All stages contain exercises at the back of the book, plus a glossary to help with vocabulary.