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Dan England and the Noonday Devil
Dan England is a merry and magnanimous man, whose occupation in life is the forging of friendships and the spreading of joy. Believing totally in the capacity of his friends to reach the heroic heights of sainthood, Dan himself is beset by doubts as he battles against that most insidious of acedia , or the “noonday devil.” For this new edition, Stephen Mirarchi’s Introduction elucidates the novel’s background and themes and touches upon Connolly’s influences, historical details, and the connections between Dan England and myriad other great works of art, literature, and theology. Dan England and the Noonday Devil was Myles Connolly’s favorite of his five books. Indeed, with the profound philosophic sensibility and keen artistic vision that marked Connolly’s craft in the outstanding Mr. Blue shining just as brightly here, one can easily see why. Take and read. Dan England might just become your favorite Myles Connolly book as well.
- GenresFiction
224 pages, Paperback
First published March 25, 2012
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Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews
April 17, 2024
Thanks, Anna, for your fine review which caught my attention and drew me to this book! I LOVED Myles Connolly's other book, Mr. Blue, but for whatever reason, never checked out anything else by this talented author. I enjoyed this one just as much for many of the same reasons. The main character, Dan England, is an unlikely Christ figure, a too-good-to-be-true person who opens his home to others and only manages to see the best in them despite their obvious faults. The skeptical narrator stands back waiting to see what is going to happen when one of the conniving hangers-on turns on Dan or takes advantage of his goodness so much that even the good-hearted host cannot deny it. Will Dan's goodness fold or will it strengthen? How will he then treat the schemer?
The story is as near perfection as fiction can be! Too bad Connolly did not write more books.
The story is as near perfection as fiction can be! Too bad Connolly did not write more books.
February 25, 2017
It's a bit difficult to find a copy of this book but if you can get your hands on one please do! This is one of the best books I've ever read. In my mind it beats Myles Connolly's much more famous book- Mr. Blue. Dan England is a beautiful character full of wit, wisdom and charity. Every page is full of "pearls". Dan England will leave you feeling inspired to be a better person and to look at others with a lot more empathy.
February 3, 2022
I enjoyed reading “Dan and the Noonday devil”. I am a great admirer of Connolly‘s “Mr. Blue.” I had a high expectations for this book as it is known to be the author’s favorite. Comparing “Dan and the Noonday Devil” to “Mr. Blue” I would not say that it is better but they are different. Mr. Blue and Dan are a guide for Christians today on how to live. Have child-like Hope, Faith in Our Lord, and above else Love everyone that comes into our lives.
September 25, 2023
The central character, Dan England, is a very G. K. Chesterton-like character. But a Chesterton unable to write out his ideas into books or songs because of acedia (mental/spiritual sloth). A man surrounded by a group of both supporters and those taking advantage of him.
November 12, 2021
Myles Connolly was a Hollywood screen writer and producer and this work, published in 1951, he considered his greatest. He identified with his fictional Dan England and here writes a most troubling spiritual journey under the shadow of the noonday devil.
Many have said it’s a story of redemption but I don’t see it that way. I feel it’s a story of “almost” but not quite. A startling wake up call or spiritual reflection. I think most of us think we’re doing a pretty good job. Dan England was awake enough to know he was falling short. Now perhaps I’m the one who’s projecting.
Dan England, the man who fell short of his capability. The man who was always a little too preoccupied with food, drink, and fun to finish his masterpiece. Dan England was a writer who failed to write much of true significance (to him)- he wrote what people would buy, but he had a deep recognition of the mystery and beauty of God. He had an idea though for a best seller, he talked about it with his many friends who he was always entertaining. He went to daily Mass and felt that he fell so short of what he could do, he felt only martyrdom would get him to heaven. I started to feel a little bit uneasy at the similarities between me and him. Then- the opportunity presents itself. He meets a man who will die when he returns to his country because he is a known Christian. Return to his country he must however even though he could “get out of it” (the return). He invited England to go with him and- England refuses. He returns to his life as he sees it, of pathetic cowardice.
Now the noonday devil is the enemy of the soul. It gets its name from the noon day lazys that strike most of us- we nap the day away. The noonday devil acts the same way spiritually- distracting us and numbing us from spiritual growth.
What is interesting about Dan England’s case is that though he didn’t do what he thought he ought, nor did he embark on the opportunity for almost certain martyrdom. An event occurred to him in which he responded with heroic virtue. A horrible, hurtful event in which all could see that while Dan England was whiling away his time, he was in a constant state of devotion to God he just couldn’t get down to the real work. He nevertheless could see Truth and he loved it and actually lived it. Dan couldn’t see what was happening but by his own negligence and through his weakness (not attending to his greatest work) he was brought to a moment in which he responded with true true true humility that allowed him to display- I won’t tell you.
Dan England and the Noonday Devil
Myles Connolly
An American writer published 1951
Myles Connolly was a Hollywood screen writer and producer and this work he considered his greatest. He identified with his fictional Dan England and here writes a most troubling spiritual journey under the shadow of the noonday devil.
Many have said it’s a story of redemption but I don’t see it that way. I feel it’s a story of “almost” but not quite. A startling wake up call or spiritual reflection. I think most of us think we’re doing a pretty good job. Dan England was awake enough to know he was falling short.
Dan England, the man who fell short of his capability. The man who was always a little too preoccupied with food, drink, and fun to finish his masterpiece. Dan England was a writer who failed to write much of true significance (to him)- he wrote what people would buy, but he had a deep recognition of the mystery and beauty of God. He had an idea though, he talked about it with all of his many friends who he was always entertaining. He went to daily Mass and felt that he fell so short of what he could do he felt only martyrdom would get him to heaven. I started to feel a little bit uneasy at the similarities between me and him. Then- the opportunity presents itself. He meets a man who will die when he returns to his country because he is a known Christian. Return to his country he must however even though he could “get out of it” (the return). He invited England to go with him and- he refuses. He returns to his life as he sees it, of pathetic cowardice.
Now the noonday devil is the enemy of the soul. It gets its name from the noon day lazys that strike us all- we nap the day away. The noonday devil acts the same way spiritually- distracting us and numbing us from spiritual growth.
What is interesting about Dan England’s case is that though he didn’t do what he thought he ought, nor did he embark on the opportunity for almost certain martyrdom. An event occurred to him in which he responded with heroic virtue. A horrible, hurtful event in which all could see that while Dan England was whiling away his time, he was in a constant state of devotion to God albeit tinged with his own weaknesses. He nevertheless could see Truth and he loved it and actually lived it. Dan couldn’t see what was happening but by his own negligence and through his weakness (not attending to his greatest work) he was brought to a moment in which he responded with true true true humility that allowed him to display- I won’t tell you.
Dan did not allow anyone to suffer but himself- the one who trespassed him did not even realize what Dan had given him. Dan amazed everyone who witnessed it- except the one who hurt him. And then- he, Dan England, disappears. I have been so perplexed by this, desperately trying to draw parallels to something that would give meaning to this. Was it because of pain? He loved through pain but didn’t remove the pain? Did he start a new life somewhere else? Did he die of heartbreak and never return home and never to be found? Why did he leave? Although his response was heroic- the disappearance must have highlighted the trespass among those affected. Was it this? Was it this falling short? Was he taken by the noonday devil? He lacked the courage and fortitude he never fostered and was unable to continue? Was this a story of heroic virtue? Or a warning to assume we are susceptible to folding like cheap lawn chairs when we while away our time. Is this a good warning to attend to ourselves- to wake up! Should we heed the words that many are called but few are chosen? The way is narrow and difficult and few find it? What makes us all think we are not on the broad road? Were Dan England’s internal alarm bells going off his whole life until he was “vandalized” by a friend? Maybe the biggest danger about the noon day devil is that he makes us forget we need to work out our faith in fear in trembling. In the end many will cry Lord, Lord! He will say “depart from me for I never knew you.” The scary thing about that is that those who cried out thought they were ok- maybe we all hope for mercy but why not hope to know the one who created your soul and desires your real, true love. Most of us truly love ourselves but not on purpose I bet. But that noon day devil lulls us away and we slumber those precious moments away.
I have decided that I hope Dan England went and found his friend who was risking his own neck for the faith. He said “wait! I’ve changed my mind- let me come with you and help you however I can.” After all the greatest hurt he endured by his friends and losing his most prized and un-utilized possession may have won him the crown of eternal life.
Connolly must have done this to the reader to make us come to a conclusion like this. He wanted to disturb us, to shake us awake.
Dan did not allow anyone to suffer but himself- the one who trespassed him did not even realize what Dan had given him or what he had done to Dan. Dan amazed everyone who witnessed it- except the one who hurt him. And then- he, Dan England, disappears.
I have been so perplexed by this, desperately trying to draw parallels to something that would give meaning to this. Was it because of pain? He loved through pain but didn’t remove the pain? Did he start a new life somewhere else? Did he die of heartbreak and never return home and never to be found? Why did he leave? Although his response was heroic- the disappearance must have highlighted the trespass among those affected. Was it this? Was it this falling short? Was he taken by the noonday devil? He lacked the courage and fortitude he never fostered and was unable to continue? Was this a story of heroic virtue? Or a warning to assume we are susceptible to folding like cheap lawn chairs when we while away our time. Is this a good warning to attend to ourselves- to wake up! Should we heed the words that many are called but few are chosen? The way is narrow and difficult and few find it? What makes us all think we are not on the broad road? Were Dan England’s internal alarm bells going off his whole life until he was “vandalized” by a friend? Maybe the biggest danger about the noon day devil is that he makes us forget we need to work out our faith with fear and trembling. In the end many will cry Lord, Lord! He will say “depart from me for I never knew you.” The scary thing about that is that those who cried out thought they were ok- maybe we all hope for mercy but why not hope to know the one who created your soul and desires your real, true love. Most of us truly attend to ourselves and our own desires with little regard to what God might desire of us. But that noon day devil lulls us away and we slumber those precious moments away.
I have decided that I hope Dan England went and found his friend who was risking his own neck for the faith. He found him at the airport or the pier- just in time and called out, “Wait! I’ve changed my mind- let me come with you.”
After all the greatest hurt he endured by his friends and losing his most prized and un-utilized possession may have won him the crown of eternal life.
Connolly must have done this to the reader to make us come to a conclusion like this. He wanted to disturb us, to shake us awake.
Many have said it’s a story of redemption but I don’t see it that way. I feel it’s a story of “almost” but not quite. A startling wake up call or spiritual reflection. I think most of us think we’re doing a pretty good job. Dan England was awake enough to know he was falling short. Now perhaps I’m the one who’s projecting.
Dan England, the man who fell short of his capability. The man who was always a little too preoccupied with food, drink, and fun to finish his masterpiece. Dan England was a writer who failed to write much of true significance (to him)- he wrote what people would buy, but he had a deep recognition of the mystery and beauty of God. He had an idea though for a best seller, he talked about it with his many friends who he was always entertaining. He went to daily Mass and felt that he fell so short of what he could do, he felt only martyrdom would get him to heaven. I started to feel a little bit uneasy at the similarities between me and him. Then- the opportunity presents itself. He meets a man who will die when he returns to his country because he is a known Christian. Return to his country he must however even though he could “get out of it” (the return). He invited England to go with him and- England refuses. He returns to his life as he sees it, of pathetic cowardice.
Now the noonday devil is the enemy of the soul. It gets its name from the noon day lazys that strike most of us- we nap the day away. The noonday devil acts the same way spiritually- distracting us and numbing us from spiritual growth.
What is interesting about Dan England’s case is that though he didn’t do what he thought he ought, nor did he embark on the opportunity for almost certain martyrdom. An event occurred to him in which he responded with heroic virtue. A horrible, hurtful event in which all could see that while Dan England was whiling away his time, he was in a constant state of devotion to God he just couldn’t get down to the real work. He nevertheless could see Truth and he loved it and actually lived it. Dan couldn’t see what was happening but by his own negligence and through his weakness (not attending to his greatest work) he was brought to a moment in which he responded with true true true humility that allowed him to display- I won’t tell you.
Dan England and the Noonday Devil
Myles Connolly
An American writer published 1951
Myles Connolly was a Hollywood screen writer and producer and this work he considered his greatest. He identified with his fictional Dan England and here writes a most troubling spiritual journey under the shadow of the noonday devil.
Many have said it’s a story of redemption but I don’t see it that way. I feel it’s a story of “almost” but not quite. A startling wake up call or spiritual reflection. I think most of us think we’re doing a pretty good job. Dan England was awake enough to know he was falling short.
Dan England, the man who fell short of his capability. The man who was always a little too preoccupied with food, drink, and fun to finish his masterpiece. Dan England was a writer who failed to write much of true significance (to him)- he wrote what people would buy, but he had a deep recognition of the mystery and beauty of God. He had an idea though, he talked about it with all of his many friends who he was always entertaining. He went to daily Mass and felt that he fell so short of what he could do he felt only martyrdom would get him to heaven. I started to feel a little bit uneasy at the similarities between me and him. Then- the opportunity presents itself. He meets a man who will die when he returns to his country because he is a known Christian. Return to his country he must however even though he could “get out of it” (the return). He invited England to go with him and- he refuses. He returns to his life as he sees it, of pathetic cowardice.
Now the noonday devil is the enemy of the soul. It gets its name from the noon day lazys that strike us all- we nap the day away. The noonday devil acts the same way spiritually- distracting us and numbing us from spiritual growth.
What is interesting about Dan England’s case is that though he didn’t do what he thought he ought, nor did he embark on the opportunity for almost certain martyrdom. An event occurred to him in which he responded with heroic virtue. A horrible, hurtful event in which all could see that while Dan England was whiling away his time, he was in a constant state of devotion to God albeit tinged with his own weaknesses. He nevertheless could see Truth and he loved it and actually lived it. Dan couldn’t see what was happening but by his own negligence and through his weakness (not attending to his greatest work) he was brought to a moment in which he responded with true true true humility that allowed him to display- I won’t tell you.
Dan did not allow anyone to suffer but himself- the one who trespassed him did not even realize what Dan had given him. Dan amazed everyone who witnessed it- except the one who hurt him. And then- he, Dan England, disappears. I have been so perplexed by this, desperately trying to draw parallels to something that would give meaning to this. Was it because of pain? He loved through pain but didn’t remove the pain? Did he start a new life somewhere else? Did he die of heartbreak and never return home and never to be found? Why did he leave? Although his response was heroic- the disappearance must have highlighted the trespass among those affected. Was it this? Was it this falling short? Was he taken by the noonday devil? He lacked the courage and fortitude he never fostered and was unable to continue? Was this a story of heroic virtue? Or a warning to assume we are susceptible to folding like cheap lawn chairs when we while away our time. Is this a good warning to attend to ourselves- to wake up! Should we heed the words that many are called but few are chosen? The way is narrow and difficult and few find it? What makes us all think we are not on the broad road? Were Dan England’s internal alarm bells going off his whole life until he was “vandalized” by a friend? Maybe the biggest danger about the noon day devil is that he makes us forget we need to work out our faith in fear in trembling. In the end many will cry Lord, Lord! He will say “depart from me for I never knew you.” The scary thing about that is that those who cried out thought they were ok- maybe we all hope for mercy but why not hope to know the one who created your soul and desires your real, true love. Most of us truly love ourselves but not on purpose I bet. But that noon day devil lulls us away and we slumber those precious moments away.
I have decided that I hope Dan England went and found his friend who was risking his own neck for the faith. He said “wait! I’ve changed my mind- let me come with you and help you however I can.” After all the greatest hurt he endured by his friends and losing his most prized and un-utilized possession may have won him the crown of eternal life.
Connolly must have done this to the reader to make us come to a conclusion like this. He wanted to disturb us, to shake us awake.
Dan did not allow anyone to suffer but himself- the one who trespassed him did not even realize what Dan had given him or what he had done to Dan. Dan amazed everyone who witnessed it- except the one who hurt him. And then- he, Dan England, disappears.
I have been so perplexed by this, desperately trying to draw parallels to something that would give meaning to this. Was it because of pain? He loved through pain but didn’t remove the pain? Did he start a new life somewhere else? Did he die of heartbreak and never return home and never to be found? Why did he leave? Although his response was heroic- the disappearance must have highlighted the trespass among those affected. Was it this? Was it this falling short? Was he taken by the noonday devil? He lacked the courage and fortitude he never fostered and was unable to continue? Was this a story of heroic virtue? Or a warning to assume we are susceptible to folding like cheap lawn chairs when we while away our time. Is this a good warning to attend to ourselves- to wake up! Should we heed the words that many are called but few are chosen? The way is narrow and difficult and few find it? What makes us all think we are not on the broad road? Were Dan England’s internal alarm bells going off his whole life until he was “vandalized” by a friend? Maybe the biggest danger about the noon day devil is that he makes us forget we need to work out our faith with fear and trembling. In the end many will cry Lord, Lord! He will say “depart from me for I never knew you.” The scary thing about that is that those who cried out thought they were ok- maybe we all hope for mercy but why not hope to know the one who created your soul and desires your real, true love. Most of us truly attend to ourselves and our own desires with little regard to what God might desire of us. But that noon day devil lulls us away and we slumber those precious moments away.
I have decided that I hope Dan England went and found his friend who was risking his own neck for the faith. He found him at the airport or the pier- just in time and called out, “Wait! I’ve changed my mind- let me come with you.”
After all the greatest hurt he endured by his friends and losing his most prized and un-utilized possession may have won him the crown of eternal life.
Connolly must have done this to the reader to make us come to a conclusion like this. He wanted to disturb us, to shake us awake.
September 23, 2018
The 2017 Cluny edition with an Introduction and explanatory notes by Stephen Mirarchi, PH.D. were extremely helpful.
December 1, 2019
loved this book because it made me think about what I do with my time in the larger scheme of life - that is, does faith really dictate what I do on a day-to-day basis?
Dan is "everyman": As the oldest boy in a poor Irish family with a single working mom, he is focused and faithful as a younger man but over the years he has somehow lost his way - and his faith. His memories of Christmas are stirring. The various conversations regarding what religion, the institution of the Catholic Church, the sacraments and the holy days, saints and martyrs and the pursuit of paradise actually mean to Dan and the concept that we are all sinners are especially provocative. Everyday sins of gluttony, drink, laziness and procrastination, avarice, pride, and taking without giving are explored within the context of a group of friends. Those friends, while deeply flawed, also show fierce loyalty, kindness, care and concern, and the characterizations are excellent.
"Dan England and the noonday Devil" is a true exploration of the human spirit with a final message of forgiveness - and that God sometimes answers our prayers and gives us a push in unanticipated ways!
Dan is "everyman": As the oldest boy in a poor Irish family with a single working mom, he is focused and faithful as a younger man but over the years he has somehow lost his way - and his faith. His memories of Christmas are stirring. The various conversations regarding what religion, the institution of the Catholic Church, the sacraments and the holy days, saints and martyrs and the pursuit of paradise actually mean to Dan and the concept that we are all sinners are especially provocative. Everyday sins of gluttony, drink, laziness and procrastination, avarice, pride, and taking without giving are explored within the context of a group of friends. Those friends, while deeply flawed, also show fierce loyalty, kindness, care and concern, and the characterizations are excellent.
"Dan England and the noonday Devil" is a true exploration of the human spirit with a final message of forgiveness - and that God sometimes answers our prayers and gives us a push in unanticipated ways!
November 29, 2020
I really enjoyed reading this book. At some points I kept wanting to continue reading to figure out what exactly it was all about, and at other times I wanted to re-read sections because I just enjoyed the writing so thoroughly. The book revealed itself, and its characters in a such an intriguing manner that it's one that I may return to enjoy again. I have a Cluny Media copy of this book, and the end notes really enhanced it for me, I suggest getting a Cluny copy and read the book through, then enjoy the endnotes and the book again.
March 23, 2023
I think I read this book at just the right time. I wouldn't have been able to relate to Dan before now. The beauty in this book is the author's ability to express truths that you probably have to be Catholic to understand, and you might even need to be a Traditional Catholic. That's why I wouldn't have appreciated the book earlier. When you are called to Tradition, to what the Church always was until about the time I was born, you see things that your faith was unintentionally too shallow to see before. Maybe I can also relate to Dan by temperament, if not by personality.
August 1, 2020
A wise use of your time.
Not too long, nor not too short. Full of wisdom and quotes that I surely won’t forget. An excellent book for any reader.
Not too long, nor not too short. Full of wisdom and quotes that I surely won’t forget. An excellent book for any reader.
August 17, 2022
Upon finishing this book, my inclination was to immediately begin reading it again. There's so much beauty here to contemplate.
June 16, 2023
Just incredible. Perfection. I’m in tears.
September 18, 2025
"Dan took a sip of his wine, smiled at Doris. 'Catholics take their church for granted,' he explained. 'We even take our Lord in the Tabernacle for granted. But you mustn't be too hard on us. All children take their home and their father for granted. We are spoiled children.'"
In this brief and compelling novel, Dan England acts as a homebound missionary, inviting the most unlikely of people into his home for meals and having them stay for his stories. He evangelizes from his chair, relating the accounts of conversions of others and even sharing a fictional story of his own with an important message. Yet in Dan's generosity and hospitality, he is still afraid of the noonday devil - acedia. He has hopes and dreams but is not always ready to take the leap, afraid of Cross it bears. Will he be ready for when virtue calls for a greater sacrifice?
In this brief and compelling novel, Dan England acts as a homebound missionary, inviting the most unlikely of people into his home for meals and having them stay for his stories. He evangelizes from his chair, relating the accounts of conversions of others and even sharing a fictional story of his own with an important message. Yet in Dan's generosity and hospitality, he is still afraid of the noonday devil - acedia. He has hopes and dreams but is not always ready to take the leap, afraid of Cross it bears. Will he be ready for when virtue calls for a greater sacrifice?
November 27, 2022
Opening chapters promisingly cynical, but overall didactic and a bit uninteresting. Found the tone a bit light and breezy considering the intended internal conflict. Elegant in parts, but ultimately just another book to add to the Goodreads goal.
October 12, 2017
Several years ago I'd read and since given the required nod to his debut novel Mr. Blue. But now Myles Connolly might be my new favorite Catholic fiction writer. Cluny Media has put back in print a remarkable book. Dan England and the Noonday Devil is essentially a parable of the spiritual life without being preachy. And as others have noted elsewhere, it's a rare portrait of authentic spiritual fatherhood, in addition to being a fine example of the more often remarked upon gift of friendship. Dan England is a man not just searching for meaning but fighting to live the deepest truth in himself.
September 2, 2017
In a mere 195 pages, the author explores friendship, acedia, the obstacles and attachments that prevent us from pursuing holiness, and, most powerfully, forgiveness. This new edition by Cluny Media is well designed and easy to read; and the introduction and notes by Stephen Mirarchi, a professor of English at Benedictine College, are informative and enlightening.
April 19, 2019
I loved this book! Myles Connolly really can write! It really gives you a taste of the beautiful faith he had in God and humanity. I love the simple narrative, and the expressive characters. I love how he takes complex ideas of faith and simplifies them, and then looks at things we take for granted and examines them deeply. I completely recommend this book to everyone!
Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews