Release date is 2016-05-09

A queer quest -- The Sawdust man's curse -- Lord Lundy's snuff-box -- "One was rent and left to die" -- The Grigsby living -- Res est sacra miser -- Mr. Grey -- The prodigal's return -- A philanthropic "masher" -- A dishonoured bill -- A man of genius -- A dignified dipsomaniac -- "Old Boots" -- A missing heiress -- Teddy Martin's brief -- Bluebeard's cupboard -- True to poll -- John Philp, master carpenter -- Pictures on the line -- The devil's playthings -- Love and a diary.

Transcribed from the 1886 edition by David Price

"Unvarnished Tales" by William Mackay is a collection of short stories likely written in the late 19th century. The narratives encompass various characters and situations, reflecting on themes such as human nature and social dynamics, intertwined with elements of satire and humor. The opening portion introduces us to Mr. White, a novelist who, after receiving a lackluster review in the "Times", decides to study human nature to add depth to his characters. Despite his initial enthusiasm, he becomes overwhelmed by the mundanity and brutality of real-life characters, leading to an unsettling experience when these individuals seem to turn the tables and scrutinize him in return. This sets the tone for the series of tales that follow, hinting at a blend of existential exploration and comedic turns that deliver insight into human behavior and societal quirks. (This is an automatically generated summary.)

Original publication data not identified