Coffee and Repartee

Published in 1893, 'Coffee and Repartee' by John Kendrick Bangs is a collection of witty breakfast conversations at a gentlemen's boarding house run by Mrs. Smithers. The narrative centers around the interactions among the residents, particularly their exchanges with a character known as The Idiot, who challenges their refined etiquette with humor and sharp repartee. This work is notable for its clever satire and exploration of social dynamics in a period marked by strict decorum.