The Roll Call

The Roll Call is a novel written by Arnold Bennett, a British author, and first published in 1919. The story is set in the fictional town of Bursley, which is based on Bennett's hometown of Hanley in the Potteries district of Staffordshire, England.The novel follows the lives of several characters who are all connected by their attendance at the same school, the Oldcastle School. The main protagonist is Edward Henry Machin, also known as Denry, a young man from a working-class background who is determined to rise above his station in life.Denry is a charismatic and resourceful character who uses his wit and cunning to achieve success in various ventures, including becoming a successful businessman and social climber. He also becomes involved in a romantic relationship with the beautiful and wealthy Countess of Chell, despite their vastly different backgrounds.Other characters in the novel include Denry's childhood friend, Nellie Cotterill, who becomes a successful actress, and the wealthy and eccentric Mrs. Maldon, who takes a liking to Denry and becomes his patron.The Roll Call is a humorous and satirical novel that explores themes of class, ambition, and social mobility. It is considered one of Bennett's most popular and enduring works, and has been adapted for stage and screen several times.1918. English novelist, playwright and journalist; his most popular work was The Old Wives' Tale. The book begins: In the pupils' room of the offices of Lucas and Enwright, architects, Russell Square, Bloomsbury, George Edwin Cannon, an articled pupil, leaned over a large drawing-board and looked up at Mr. Enwright, the head of the firm, who with cigarette and stick was on his way out after what he called a good day's work. It was past six o'clock on an evening in early July, 1901. To George's right was an open door leading to the principals' room, and to his left another open door leading to more rooms and to the staircase. The lofty chambers were full of lassitude; but round about George, who was working late, there floated the tonic vapor of conscious virtue. See other titles by this author available from Kessinger Publishing.This scarce antiquarian book is a facsimile reprint of the old original and may contain some imperfections such as library marks and notations. Because we believe this work is culturally important, we have made it available as part of our commitment for protecting, preserving, and promoting the world's literature in affordable, high quality, modern editions, that are true to their original work.