First published in 1913, Harry Leon Wilson's Bunker Bean is a forgotten comic gem that feels surprisingly fresh. It’s the story of a man who trades his entire personality for an upgrade, with chaotic and heartwarming results.

The Story

Our hero, Bunker Bean, is a human doormat. He works a dull job under a tyrannical boss and lives in a boarding house ruled by a formidable landlady. His life is a series of small surrenders. Everything changes when he visits a "professor" of spiritualism. For a hefty sum, Bean receives a document proclaiming he is the reincarnation of Napoleon Bonaparte. Instead of feeling cheated, Bean is electrified. He fully embraces this new identity. He studies Napoleon's life, adopts his posture, and starts making bold (and often foolish) demands at work and in his personal life. The comedy comes from the massive gap between Napoleon's legendary audacity and Bean's fundamental niceness. His attempt to live as a conqueror leads to a series of misadventures involving finance, romance, and a very nervous pet turtle named "Old Pharaoh."

Why You Should Read It

This book is funny in a gentle, character-driven way. Wilson doesn't just make jokes at Bean's expense; you end up rooting for him. His Napoleon phase, while ridiculous, is the catalyst he needs to stop being invisible. The real story isn't about becoming Napoleon, but about Bean discovering he had a spine and a will of his own all along. It’s a clever look at confidence, self-help culture (even in 1913!), and how sometimes we need a crazy story about ourselves to become who we're meant to be. The supporting cast, from the grifting spiritualist to the pragmatic love interest, are all sharply drawn and add to the fun.

Final Verdict

Perfect for anyone who loves a good underdog story or classic character comedy. If you enjoy the workplace humor of a Dilbert strip or the transformative journeys in stories like The Secret Life of Walter Mitty, you'll find a kindred spirit in Bunker Bean. It’s a quick, uplifting read that proves a little delusion of grandeur might be exactly what some of us need to get started. A delightful escape that leaves you smiling.