Vice Versa; or, A Lesson to Fathers

"Vice Versa; or, A Lesson to Fathers" by F. Anstey is a novel written in the late 19th century. The story begins with Paul Bultitude, a seemingly pompous and self-important father who is preparing to send his son, Dick, back to boarding school after a holiday. The narrative explores the tension between the father and son, highlighting Bultitude's discomfort with his son’s impending departure and his complicated feelings toward parenting. The opening of the book sets the stage for a comedic tale of transformation and role reversal. Paul Bultitude, troubled by the thought of parting from his son, reveals his frustration with parenting through his observations of Dick's character. As Dick prepares to return to Dr. Grimstone's school, tension brews between the two, foreshadowing a magical twist involving a mysterious stone. The comedic premise builds as it hints at upcoming events that will dramatically change their lives, likely leading to an exploration of their roles as father and son in a humorously exaggerated fashion.