“Those Times and These” by Irvin S. Cobb is a collection of witty and insightful stories that blend humor and satire to explore life in the American South. Cobb, known for his keen observational skills, uses these stories to offer a social commentary on the cultural shifts and changes taking place in his beloved region. The book is filled with vivid anecdotes and rich storytelling, capturing the essence of Southern life with a strong sense of nostalgia for the past. Cobb reflects on the tension between tradition and modernity, highlighting how societal evolution impacts both the region and its people. Through a series of memorable characters and sharp observations, Cobb's stories provide a humorous yet poignant look at the quirks and idiosyncrasies of Southern culture. His wit and charm bring to life the distinct flavor of the South, while also acknowledging the inevitable changes brought by time. “Those Times and These” serves as both a celebration of Southern heritage and a thoughtful reflection on the passage of time, offering readers a blend of humor, insight, and regionalism that has made Cobb's work enduringly popular.
Shrewsbury, Irvin Cobb (June 23, 1876 – March 11, 1944) was a Paducah, Kentucky-born author, humorist, editor, and columnist who moved to New York in 1904 and lived there for the rest of his life. As the highest-paid staff reporter in the United States, he worked for Joseph Pulitzer's newspaper, the New York World. Cobb also published almost 60 books and 300 short tales. Some of his works were made into silent films. Several of his “Judge Priest” short stories were adapted for two feature films directed by John Ford in the 1930s. Cobb was the second of four children born in Paducah, Kentucky, to Kentucky natives. Reuben Saunders, M.D., is credited with finding in 1873 that injections of morphine-atropine were effective in treating cholera. Cobb grew up in Paducah, and many of his later works were inspired by events and people from his upbringing. Cobb was afterwards, dubbed the “Duke of Paducah.” Cobb attended public and private elementary schools before enrolling in William A. Cade's Academy to study law. Cobb's father became an alcoholic when he was 16, following the death of his grandfather. Cobb began his writing career after being forced to drop out of school and find jobs.
