Auteur: Caleb Huse

Ernest Bramah, born Ernest Brammah Smith on March 20, 1868, in Manchester, England, became a prolific English author known for his humorous and fantastically imagined stories. His work spans several genres but is most renowned for the Kai Lung series, which introduced a fictional storyteller from ancient China. “The Adventures of Kai Lung” (1900), his first venture into this realm, exhibited a delightful use of language and ingeniously contrived plots that charmed and captivated readers. Bramah”s narrative style in the Kai Lung books is marked by a witty and archaic use of English, reminiscent of translations of classic Chinese tales. Although he created other notable characters, including the blind detective Max Carrados, Kai Lung remains his most enduring creation. The distinctiveness of Bramah”s literary approach, characterized by its blend of fantasy, satire, and a unique pseudo-oriental setting, contributed to his standing as an influential figure in early 20th-century fantasy literature. His contributions to English literature are characterized by a deft blending of Oriental mystique and British humor, and his narrative prowess is recognized for its rhythmic fluency and dry wit. His imagination, as exhibited in his Kai Lung series, not only entertain but also provide insights into human nature and follies, reflecting the versatile talent of an author whose unique voice still echoes in the literary landscape. Bramah passed away on June 27, 1942, but his literary legacy persists through his works that continue to be read and appreciated for their inventiveness and narrative charm.