The Autobiography of a Slander by Edna Lyall

"The Autobiography of a Slander" by Edna Lyall is a satirical novel written in the late 19th century, specifically during the Victorian era. This fictional work explores the theme of gossip and the damage it can inflict on individuals and relationships. Through the personification of Slander as a character, the narrative delves into how toxic rumors can grow and impact the lives of unsuspecting victims, primarily focusing on the life of Sigismund Zaluski, a Polish merchant. The story unfolds in the quiet town of Muddleton, where the seemingly harmless gossip about Zaluski leads to a series of misunderstandings and ultimately catastrophic consequences for him. The plot introduces various societal figures like Mrs. O'Reilly, who is a source of idle chatter, and Lena Houghton, who perpetuates the rumors based on hearsay. As Zaluski attempts to navigate social entanglements with Gertrude Morley, whom he loves, the slander against him intensifies, leading to his arrest under false pretenses. Ultimately, this novel illustrates the consequences of unsubstantiated tales, culminating in a tragic end where Zaluski, the victim of malicious gossip, dies in prison, leaving Gertrude heartbroken. The text serves as a compelling reminder of the weight of words and the responsibility that comes with sharing them. (This is an automatically generated summary.)

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About this eBook

Author Lyall, Edna, 1857-1903
Title The Autobiography of a Slander
Credits Transcribed from the 1890 Longmans, Green, and Co. edition by David Price
Reading Level Reading ease score: 77.9 (7th grade). Fairly easy to read.
Language English
LoC Class PR: Language and Literatures: English literature
Subject Fiction
Category Text
eBook-No. 1273
Release Date
Last Update Oct 14, 2007
Copyright Public domain in the USA.
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