First time in print, this series was called ""America's Favorite Gay Soap Opera"" first published in 1993 in Michael's Entertainment Weekly (later M/W) in Washington, DC and Baltimore, MD as a weekly series in print. Voted the number one favorite of the public, the series developed a near cult-like following, including spontaneous street theater enactments each Thursday afternoon when the current editions first hit the streets. The series was turned into a screen play as a epic dramatic series. The pilot was shot, but the show never aired because of the element of terrorism in the plot, and the events of September 11, 2001 killed all projects involving terrorist threat for nearly a decade. The AIDS scare sub-plot was turned into a stage play called ""A Time Below"" which received rave reviews. It gives an accurate account of the AIDS scare in the early 1980s. Now in novel form, this timeless story comes to book sellers worldwide.

First time in print, this historic production is derived from a magazine story with 54 weekly issues telling a hilarious and gripping adventure shows behind the scenes in Washington, DC when a conservative matriarch with unimaginable influence over one Congressman discovers her son is gay. The only problem is that he is working for the Congressman. This story was considered the favorite gay soap in America for many years. It was made into this screen play and the pilot was shot. But when, in 2001, the twin towers fell, so did all scripts with references to terrorist plots. Oh, yes, there is a terrorist plot in this story, originally written in 1993. Now, the screen play for this 19-episode epic television series is available.

A Time Below is an excerpt from Ludden's acclaimed work Mary Go-Round, that first appeared as a weekly serial in M/W in Washington, DC and Baltimore, MD. In this epic story of coming of age, the realities of national politics and the place of lesbians and gays in society at large, we see a son of the conservative south work for his right wing Congressman as he grapples with his emerging homosexuality.In this play the subplot of AIDS in the 1980s is dealt with head on. It offers humor and drama in a rare mixture of pathos and humor, a trademark of Ludden's writings as Dear Diva.Take a trip back to the early 1980s, when an AIDS diagnosis was a death sentence, and society was reticent to embrace the victims of this horrible disease.A perfect 1-hour dramatic presentation for young actors in their early 20s.

E. F. Benson's ULTIMATE COLLECTION is a literary treasure trove, featuring 30 novels and over 70 short stories that showcase his versatile writing style and keen observations of society. The collection includes works from the beloved Mapp and Lucia Series, the whimsical Dodo Trilogy, and haunting tales like 'The Room in the Tower' and 'Paying Guests'. Benson's ability to seamlessly switch between genres and capture the nuances of human behavior make this collection a must-read for fans of classic literature. His use of wit and satire adds depth to his narratives, providing readers with a rich reading experience that is as entertaining as it is thought-provoking. In a literary context, Benson's works stand out for their unique blend of humor, drama, and social commentary, making him a significant figure in early 20th-century literature.

This carefully crafted ebook: "MAKE WAY FOR LUCIA - Complete Mapp and Lucia Series (6 Novels & 2 Short Stories)" is formatted for your eReader with a functional and detailed table of contents. Make Way For Lucia, also known as Mapp and Lucia, is a collective name for a series of novels by E. F. Benson about Emmeline "Lucia" Lucas and Elizabeth Mapp. The novels feature humorous incidents in the lives of (mainly) upper-middle-class British people in the 1920s and 1930s, vying for social prestige and one-upmanship in an atmosphere of extreme cultural snobbery. Several of them are set in the small seaside town of Tilling, closely based on Rye, East Sussex, where Benson lived for a number of years and served as mayor. Edward Frederic Benson (1867-1940) was an English novelist, biographer, memoirist, archaeologist and short story writer, known professionally as E.F. Benson. He started his novel writing career in 1893 with the fashionably controversial Dodo, which was an instant success, and followed it with a variety of satire and romantic and supernatural melodrama. He repeated the success of Dodo, with sequels to this novel, but the greatest success came relatively late in his career with The Mapp and Lucia series consisting of six novels and two short stories. Benson was also known as a writer of atmospheric, oblique, and at times humorous or satirical ghost stories. Table of contents: Queen Lucia Miss Mapp Lucia in London Mapp and Lucia Lucia's Progress or The Worshipful Lucia Trouble for Lucia The Male Impersonator Desirable Residences

From an international career in classical ballet ended suddenly by an on-stage accident, Ken Ludden found himself perfectly suited to journalism. Follow this prolific writer's quirky path to an art form of communication-the written word-that had been so difficult for him to master as a student. His experiences in life, beginning with international travel at a young age and vast experience on stage, led him to write on a wide range of subjects: Classical Ballet -- Activism - AIDS/HIV - Alcoholism - Relationships - Celebrities - Sexuality - Employment - Politics - Family - Fashion - Health - Obituaries - Exercise - Cooking - History - Art - Education - Mysticism -- Entertainment and more. With more than two dozen books currently in print, Ludden's work chronicles life from the mid-1970s to the current, with a building authority along that route.

This small volume exposes part of that artistic fingerprint which will ultimately show what really did happen. It began with an assignment to a free-lance writer, sent out through a popular media net-the classified ads in the back of local newspapers. In response, writer Ken Ludden was the one chosen to fulfill the assignment. When the assignment first came to write Mary Go-Round, there was no way to anticipate its ultimate success. Neither editor nor the writer had any notion how timely this drama would be, nor that it would touch at the centerpiece of LGBT lives for time to come. Out of the original weekly story (which ran ultimately for 54 consecutive weeks and then was syndicated to other magazines for the next 14 years) came a novel, a 20-hour screen play for an epic television series, a script for a one act play and the script for the pilot series.

E. F. Benson’s beloved Mapp and Lucia novels are sparkling, classic comedies of manners set against the petty snobberies and competitive maneuverings of English village society in the 1920s and 1930s. The third and fourth novels in the series, Lucia in London (1927) and Mapp and Lucia (1931) continue the adventures of Benson’s famously irrepressible characters, and bring them into hilarious conflict. Both Mrs. Lucia Lucas and Miss Elizabeth Mapp are accustomed to complete social supremacy, and when one intrudes on the other’s territory, war ensues. Lucia sees herself as a benevolent—if ruthless—dictator, while Miss Mapp is driven by an insatiable desire for vengeance against the presumptuous interloper. Their skirmishes—played out on a battlefield composed of dinner parties, council meetings, and art exhibits—enliven the plots of Benson’s maliciously witty comedies.

The Complete Works of E. F. Benson (Illustrated Edition) is a comprehensive collection of the literary masterpieces by the renowned author. Known for his elegant prose and sharp wit, E. F. Benson's works often explore themes of family dynamics, societal conventions, and the intricacies of human relationships. This illustrated edition provides readers with a visually enhanced reading experience, bringing to life the vivid characters and settings that Benson expertly crafts in his stories. From humorous tales to gripping dramas, this collection showcases the versatility and depth of Benson's writing style, making it a must-have for any aficionado of classic literature. Epitomizing the sophisticated Edwardian era, Benson's works continue to captivate readers with their timeless themes and exquisite storytelling. The Complete Works of E. F. Benson offers a glimpse into the literary world of a prolific author whose works have left an indelible mark on the English literary landscape. With its rich tapestry of narratives and compelling characters, this collection is sure to enchant and delight readers seeking a captivating literary journey.

E. F. Benson's 'The Complete Miss Mapp & Queen Lucia Collection' is a delightful compilation of two influential novels that exemplify the satirical, comedic, and character-driven style of Benson's writing. Set in the fictional English villages of Tilling and Riseholme, the stories revolve around the social interactions and rivalries of their quirky inhabitants, with a keen eye for the absurdities of human behavior. Benson's keen observational skills and witty dialogue make these novels a joy to read, transporting the reader to a world filled with gossip, snobbery, and humorous misunderstandings. The collection showcases Benson's skillful blend of humor and social commentary, making it a standout in early 20th-century literature. E. F. Benson, a prolific writer known for his humorous and socially astute novels, drew inspiration from his own experiences in the upper-class society of his time. His nuanced portrayal of character dynamics and social hierarchies adds depth and complexity to the narratives, making them both entertaining and thought-provoking. I highly recommend 'The Complete Miss Mapp & Queen Lucia Collection' to readers who appreciate sharp wit, clever storytelling, and insightful commentary on human nature.