Saki, 1870-1916

Saki (1870–1916) is the pen name of a British short-story writer whose real name and biographical details are only limitedly documented in publicly available sources. Judging from the nine works held in the collection, his output consists mainly of short stories, along with satirical longer fiction and parody, including Beasts and Super-Beasts, The Chronicles of Clovis, Reginald, Reginald in Russia, and Other Sketches, The Unbearable Bassington, The Toys of Peace, and Other Papers, When William Came, and The Westminster Alice. These works are mostly set in Edwardian English society and are written in a light but sharp style, making use of unexpected twists and black humor; through witty dialogue and absurd situations they often satirize the hypocrisy and manners of the upper classes. His distinctive style holds a clear place in the tradition of the satirical short story and has had some influence on later English comic literature.