The Sharpest Pen of the Edwardian Age | Who Was Saki?

Delve into the razor-sharp world of Saki in this engaging author talk exploring his chillingly clever short story, The Open Window. Discover the man behind the pen name—H.H. Munro—and uncover how his biting satire, Edwardian upbringing, and darkly humorous worldview shaped this unforgettable tale. Perfect for fans of classic literature, Oscar Wilde-style wit, and unsettling plot twists, this literary deep dive offers historical context, thematic insights, and just enough spookiness to keep you on edge. Whether you’re a student, a short story lover, or just curious about the mind that created one of literature’s most deviously satisfying endings, this talk is your open invitation.
“Saki,” the wickedly sharp pen name of Hector Hugh Munro, masked a man whose wit could slice through Edwardian society like a silver butter knife through scandal.

Born in 1870 in British Burma and raised in England, Munro brought an acerbic wit to the drawing rooms of empire, crafting tales that balanced dry humor, social critique, and sudden, often shocking twists. Writing under the name “Saki,” he produced short stories that mocked the pretensions of the upper class, exposed the darkness beneath genteel facades, and made readers laugh—sometimes uncomfortably. His life, marked by loss, repressed identity, and service in World War I, ended tragically in 1916 on the battlefield, but his stories continue to delight and disturb to this day.
Copyright Disclaimer:
This video includes public domain material originally published prior to 1924. Author history and commentary are original content created for educational and transformative purposes under Fair Use (Section 107 of the Copyright Act).

[Harry_FlashmanVC]

I'm impressed. I was introduced to Saki by a friend in the early 80's as an intellectual and wittier version of my sardonic self. I didn't improve with age, but he has.

[nevbarnes]

It must be fifty years since I read "The Lumber Room", but it still sticks in my mind.

[TXAA]

I read The Chronicles of Clovis at school about 65 years ago, and rapidly sought out the rest of his works, I did not know about his aunts at the time, but I now realise that Sredni Vashtar was really about his childhood.

[alisonrichards]

I discovered The Lumber Room on YouTube last year and laughed my head off. Really funny.

[johngough]

In the final year of primary in Ireland, aged about eleven, we were given The Lumber Room to read. I never encountered anything like it before, or since.

[ChelleLlewes]

The Open Window was part of my English Literature course in grade five or back sometime last century. It was the first story of its kind -- the cheeky ending -- I had ever encountered, and I realized then that reading can be *fun!* Thank you, Saki!

[falsal]

Thank you for i troducing him.. appreciate your work.

[ORDEROFTHEKNIGHTSTEMPLARXIIII]

Never heard of him and I'm ENGLISH but as you said they tried to bury a lot of authors especially women..

[schizoidboy]

They left out that like George Orwell he was a Imperial Police officer in Burma for a short period before he got sick and had to return to England.

[uppereast]

A little inaccuracy sometimes saves a ton of explanation.

[FrithonaHrududu]

No wonder the aunt gets eaten by a ferret in Sredni Vashtar

[BrokenSymmetry]

Great writer. I find his short stories superior to Wilde. Didn’t like Jews and has several stories on it. That may have harmed his reputation.