W. W. Jacobs
Biography
William Wymark Jacobs (1863–1943) was an English short story writer and novelist known for his humorous tales of waterfront and seafaring life and for one of the most famous horror stories in English literature. Born in Wapping, London, near the Thames docks, Jacobs drew on his childhood surroundings for his comic stories about sailors, bargemen, and their wives. He is best remembered for “The Monkey’s Paw” (1902), a masterpiece of supernatural horror, but the bulk of his output consists of gently humorous stories collected in volumes like The Lady of the Barge.
Common themes in W. W. Jacobs's work
English short fiction
A recurring theme throughout W. W. Jacobs's writing.
Supernatural horror
A recurring theme throughout W. W. Jacobs's writing.
Comic tales
A recurring theme throughout W. W. Jacobs's writing.
Waterfront life
A recurring theme throughout W. W. Jacobs's writing.
Books
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Why W. W. Jacobs is still read today
Jacobs’s “The Monkey’s Paw” is one of the most famous horror stories ever written. His comic tales of waterfront life also display a master craftsman’s control of plot and character.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who was W. W. Jacobs?
W. W. Jacobs was an English short story writer best known for the horror classic The Monkey’s Paw. Read his stories free on TextStack.
Is The Monkey’s Paw in this collection?
Jacobs wrote many collections. Check the contents of The Lady of the Barge on TextStack for available stories.
What kind of stories did Jacobs write?
Mostly humorous tales of waterfront and seafaring life, plus occasional masterpieces of horror like The Monkey’s Paw.
Where can I read W. W. Jacobs online?
TextStack offers The Lady of the Barge free to read online.
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