The Man That Corrupted Hadleyburg and Other Short Works

A short story published here as a Penguin 60s Classic.

This is a morality tale, about a town in which the people consider themselves better than their neighbouring town, and are proud of their incorruptible reputation. A stranger is offended in a way we do not learn, but is offended enough to set into play a scheme to ruin the town and their reputation.

Cleverly written, with pace and structure to a simple enough story, but with a complexity around the multiple characters and their subsequent unmasking of their lack of truth. A somewhat timeless story, exploring self interest and greed.

Four stars from five for me.