Adam & Eve & Pinch Me

by A.E. Coppard

Discover the enchanting world of *Adam & Eve & Pinch Me*, a captivating collection of short stories by the brilliant Edgar Coppard, now revived by Alpha Editions after decades of being out of print. This remarkable edition is not just a reprint; it's a collector's item and a cultural treasure, meticulously restored for today's and future generations to enjoy. Dive into a tapestry of character-driven narratives that blend humor and poignancy, showcasing Coppard's unique ability to illuminate the human experience. Each story invites you to explore the intricacies of life, love, and the delightful absurdities that accompany them. With a keen eye for detail and a masterful command of language, Coppard crafts contemporary short stories that resonate with both casual readers and classic literature collectors alike. Set against the backdrop of early 20th-century England, *Adam & Eve & Pinch Me* stands as a testament to the enduring power of literary fiction. Its themes of identity, connection, and the whimsical nature of existence echo through time, making it a must-read for anyone who appreciates the richness of English fiction. This collection not only showcases Coppard's wit and insight but also serves as a reminder of the humor in literature that transcends generations. Whether you're seeking a delightful escape into the world of classic literature or looking to enrich your bookshelf with timeless tales, this edition is your gateway to modern storytelling at its finest. Perfect for online reading or as a cherished addition to your library, *Adam & Eve & Pinch Me* is a celebration of the art of storytelling that will inspire and entertain. Don't miss your chance to own this beautifully restored edition of Edgar Coppard's work. Embrace the joy of reading and add this literary gem to your collection today!

Genres: Short Stories, Fiction

206 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1911

About the author

Alfred Edgar Coppard was an English writer, noted for his influence on the short story form, and poet.

See http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/A._E._Co...

Reviews

[Ben · Rating 4 out of 5]

I failed to grasp all the symbolism that is surely at work in these tales, but still thoroughly enjoyed the writing and the imaginative premises. Compelling and unusual stories of (mostly) ordinary people experiencing strange, sometimes supernatural events. Nothing overtly terrifying here, though; for that, I expect Coppard's 'Fearful Pleasures' will deliver.

[Stephen · Rating 3 out of 5]

1st Child Says:

"Adam and Eve and Pinch Me
Went down to the river to bathe;
Adam and Eve were drowned,
Who do you think was saved?"

2nd Child Replies:

"Pinch Me"

Then the 1st Child Pinches the 2nd one.

---

Strange; not sure what to think. They are dream/nightmare like - some gentle, some quite feverishly disturbing; some are quite funny, others have happy endings. Most are enigmatic, and I'm not sure what they are saying. This was his first collection of stories, so it might be interesting to read some of his later works.

[Alex · Rating 3 out of 5]

Some of these are almost Dunsanian, but fail to grasp his weird whimsy. The title story annoyed me. What's worse than a story where the protagonist realizes that he is dead? One where he realizes he is dreaming of being dead. And the fact that it seems to be prescience of the near future is not really engaged within the story. “Marching to Zion” is a weird parable that is generally plotless and has some awful frontloaded fatphobia and antisemitism.

All of the stories in this collection and more are available in the original collection for free at Gutenberg: http://www.gutenberg.org/ebooks/60792

[Felicity · Rating 3 out of 5]

Since discovering Coppard, a poet and prolific past-master of the short story, I've been slowly working my way through his prose writings. Some of the stories in this edition I have previously encountered in other compilations -- though no longer widely read, the author was once highly esteemed by fellow writers and often anthologised. The stories in this collection, his earliest publication, are no less accomplished than those that followed, but several of these whimsical tales are fictions of fantasy, a genre that rarely appeals to me. I am intrigued, however, by the evident Celtic influence on this English writer, which makes such fantasies less alien than I might otherwise have found them.

[JHP · Rating 4 out of 5]

Beautifully constructed short stories, with more than a hint of poetry in the word choices and syntax.

[Malachi · Rating 3 out of 5]

As found in Otto Penzler's Big Book of Ghost Stories
Goodreads does not make it easy to add books so this is my record of this story

[Katrina McCollough · Rating 3 out of 5]

Different. Not bad and very imaginative.

[Alec · Rating 4 out of 5]

I quite enjoyed this collection of short stories. My favourites were Piffingcap, The King of the World, Princess of Kingdom Gone, and The Quiet Woman. I thought the end of Piffingcap was funny, as the barber blamed his lack of customers on a cursed cup he got from his friend, and tried every way he could to destroy it, but it just turned out to be the fact that nobody's beard was long enough for a shave yet.
The Quiet Woman was cute how Mr. Hardross tried really hard to learn sign language once he learnt his lover was deaf and mute. I didn't understand Adam and Eve and Pinch Me though, like who was Jaffa?