The Roll Call is a novel written by Arnold Bennett, first published in 1919. It is set in the fictional town of Bursley, which is based on the real-life town of Stoke-on-Trent in Staffordshire, England. The novel tells the story of a group of young men who attend the local grammar school and their experiences as they transition into adulthood.The main character is Edward Henry (known as Denry), a charismatic and ambitious young man who is determined to rise above his working-class background and make a name for himself in society. Denry is a master of self-promotion and is always looking for opportunities to advance his social and financial status.The novel follows Denry's various schemes and adventures as he navigates the social hierarchy of Bursley. He becomes involved in local politics, organizes a successful ball, and even manages to become the mayor of the town. Along the way, he falls in love with a wealthy young woman named Nellie Cotterill, but their relationship is complicated by their different social backgrounds.The Roll Call is a humorous and satirical novel that explores themes of social mobility, ambition, and the tension between tradition and modernity. It is a vivid portrait of life in a small English town at the turn of the 20th century and an entertaining read for anyone interested in British literature or social history.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.