Margaret Oliphant Wilson Oliphant (née Margaret Oliphant Wilson) (4 April 1828 – 25 June 1897), was a Scottish novelist and historical writer, who usually wrote as Mrs. Oliphant. Her fictional works encompass "domestic realism, the historical novel and tales of the supernatural".The story really revolves around Theo's love story with the widowed Lady Markland (a terrific character) and Chatty's love story with wild Dick Cavendish. Add to this Dick's scandalous history and Theo's hatred of Lady Markland's son, and you have a book that you won't want to put down.

A Country Gentleman And His Family

"The Metamorphosis" is a masterpice by Franz Kafka. "One morning, as Gregor Samsa was waking up from anxious dreams, he discovered that in bed he had been changed into a monstrous verminous bug. He lay on his armour-hard back and saw, as he lifted his head up a little, his brown, arched abdomen divided up into rigid bow-like sections. From this height the blanket, just about ready to slide off completely, could hardly stay in place. His numerous legs, pitifully thin in comparison to the rest of his circumference, flickered helplessly before his eyes."

The Metamorphosis

The sailor Ishmael gets employed at the whaling ship The Pequod, which is steered by the eccentric captain Ahab. The captain is obsessed with the giant white whale Moby Dick and his mad hunt on the dangerous animal brings all the crew’s lives in danger. Herman Melville (1819-1891) was an American author whose books were based on his own experiences as a sailor. Today Herman Melville is world famous for his novel "Moby Dick" but in his time the novel was ill received and quickly forgotten. Not until many years after Herman Melville's death did "Moby Dick" get rediscovered and today it is considered one of the greatest classics in American literature.

Moby Dick

“It is a truth universally acknowledged, that a single man in possession of a good fortune must be in want of a wife.” Thus memorably begins Jane Austen’s Pride and Prejudice, one of the world's most popular novels. Pride and Prejudice — Austen’s own “darling child” — tells the story of fiercely independent Elizabeth Bennett, one of five sisters who must marry rich, as she confounds the arrogant, wealthy Mr. Darcy. What ensues is one of the most delightful and engrossingly readable courtships known to literature, written by a precocious Austen when she was just twenty-one years old. Humorous and profound, and filled with highly entertaining dialogue, this witty comedy of manners dips and turns through drawing-rooms and plots to reach an immensely satisfying finale. In the words of Eudora Welty, Pride and Prejudice is as “irresistible and as nearly flawless as any fiction could be.”

Pride and Prejudice

Suffice to say we all want to get rich or make some wealth, become great in our own right and remain well or healthy in life to enjoy all that the years of our lives has to offer. Wallace D. Wattle's trilogy makes this very simple and offers a clear and simple yet effective way on how this can be accomplished.

Wallace D. Wattles Trilogy:

We all know that Santa Claus has a large family in which to help him in the delivery of presents, peace, and good cheer. So what would you do if you were Miss Santa Claus and met two children on Christmas Eve traveling to a strange town to be reunited with their father and new stepmother? Why, naturally you would tell them the story of Princess Ina and a powerful charm they could use to turn their feared stepmother into a real mother. Follow the children as they learn to pick starflowers of obedience and kindness to make a mantle of love and become a real family. A delightful Christmas book for children of all ages!

Miss Santa Claus

Tess of the d'Urbervilles by Thomas Hardy: "Tess of the d'Urbervilles" tells the tragic story of Tess Durbeyfield, a young woman from a poor rural family who discovers her aristocratic heritage. The novel explores themes of fate, morality, and the rigid social norms of Victorian England. As Tess's life is shaped by events beyond her control, including a tumultuous romance with the charismatic Alec d'Urberville and her relationship with the compassionate Angel Clare, Hardy's narrative examines the harsh consequences of society's judgment on female purity. With its powerful critique of societal double standards and its portrayal of a flawed yet resilient heroine, "Tess of the d'Urbervilles" remains a timeless classic in English literature.

Tess of the d'Urbervilles

Jurgen, A Comedy of Justice is a fantasy novel by James Branch Cabell, which gained fame (or notoriety) shortly after its publication in 1919. Jurgen is a humorous romp through a medieval cosmos, including a send-up of Arthurian legend, and excursions to Heaven and Hell as in The Divine Comedy. Cabell's work is recognized as a landmark in the creation of the comic fantasy novel, influencing Terry Pratchett and many others. The eponymous hero, who considers himself a "monstrous clever fellow," embarks on a journey through ever more fantastic realms in search of a parodized version of courtly love. Everywhere he goes he meets eccentric knights and damsels, in an acerbic satire of contemporary America. Jurgen gains the attention of the Lady of the Lake, Queen Guinevere, Anaitis, Helen of Troy, Chloris, and even the Devil's wife. His wanderings take him from Poictesme to Glathion, Cocaigne, Leuke, Hell, and Heaven. Jurgen, A Comedy of Justice was first published in 1919. Audiobook read by Mark Nelson, running time 9hours, 57 min. Unabridged full version. James Branch Cabell (1879 - 1958) was an American author of fantasy fiction and belles lettres. Cabell was well-regarded by his contemporaries, including H. L. Mencken, Edmund Wilson, and Sinclair Lewis. Although escapist, Cabell's works are ironic and satirical. Mencken disputed Cabell's claim to romanticism and characterized him as "really the most acidulous of all the anti-romantics. His gaudy heroes ... chase dragons precisely as stockbrockers play golf."

Jurgen, A Comedy of Justice

A notorious thief joins up with Belgravia’s most eligible gentleman to steal for Queen and country… London, 1879. Della Rose scans the crowds until she finds her target. A well-dressed gentleman with a fine gold watch. Stealing it will be easy. Everyone knows she has the quickest hands in the notorious Seven Dials. The gentleman’s name is Cole Winthrop and he’s been watching her for a while, waiting to see whether the scandalous things people say about her are true. Because if they are, he needs her help. Something was stolen from him long ago. And only a thief can get it back. But to do so, Della must first learn how to walk, talk, ride and flirt like a lady. Only then will she be welcomed into Cole’s glamorous world of lavish balls and high tea – and catch the eye of the villainous Duke of Salisbury, so she can crack his safe and steal its mysterious contents. When Cole finally trusts her enough to reveal his greatest secret, Della understands that completing the job is about more than earning the money to start a new life. The safety of the entire country rests on her shoulders. And this thief won’t let a small matter of falling in love get in her way… With irresistible charm, sparkling romance and an unforgettable heroine, The Lady Thief of Belgravia will delight fans of Evie Dunmore, Minerva Spencer and Julia Quinn’s Bridgerton.

The Lady Thief of Belgravia

This collection of short stories by Anton Chekhov are all set at Christmastime. Rather than depicting a sentimental image of Christmas, Chekhov paints a picture of the harsh reality faced by many of the poorer members of society during a bitter Russian winter, while still injecting elements of pathos and humour. This collection includes "At Christmas Time (Parts 1 & 2)", "Vanka" and "The Shoemaker and the Devil".

At Christmas Time and Other Stories

An alcoholic will always put their need for drink before their family and, sadly, this story is no different. 'Netochka Nezvanova' is an unfinished novel by Dostoevsky that the author started writing before his arrest and exile to Siberia. Telling the story of Netochka, born in the family of a drunken father who drives them to poverty, the novel shifts its focus on the heroine’s psychological state and the resulting trauma from her “rescue” by an aristocratic family. A tale of tormented artists, family abuse, and melodramatic responses, 'Netochka Nezvanova' is a very eye-opening read. Fyodor Dostoevsky (1821-1881) was a famous Russian writer of novels, short stories, and essays. A connoisseur of the troubled human psyche and the relationships between the individuals, Dostoevsky’s oeuvre covers a large area of subjects: politics, religion, social issues, philosophy, and the uncharted realms of the psychological. There have been at least 30 film and TV adaptations of Fyodor Dostoyevsky’s 1866 novel 'Crime and Punishment' with probably the most popular being the British BBC TV series starring John Simm as Raskolnikov and Ian McDiarmid as Porfiry Petrovich. 'The Idiot' has also been adapted for films and TV, as has 'Demons' and 'The Brothers Karamazov'.

Netochka Nezvanova

The Dream-Quest of Unknown Kadath is a science fiction-horror novel by American author H. P. Lovecraft. It is both the longest of the stories that make up his Dream Cycle and the longest Lovecraft work to feature protagonist Randolph Carter. Along with his 1927 novel The Case of Charles Dexter Ward, it can be considered one of the significant achievements of that period of Lovecraft's writing. The Dream-Questcombines elements of horror and fantasy into an epic tale that illustrates the scope and wonder of humankind's ability to dream. Considered by writers as diverse as Joyce Carol Oates and Stephen King to be a masterpiece of the American horror/fantasy genre, The Dream-Quest of Unknown Kadath is the centerpiece of the 25 stories that comprise Lovecraft’s Dream Cycle and the longest to feature his protagonist and literary alter-ego, Randolph Carter. Completed in 1927, it remained unpublished during the author’s lifetime. it is an epic tale that illustrates the scope and wonder of humankind’s ability to dream. Howard Phillips Lovecraft (1890–1937) was an American author of horror, fantasy, poetry and science fiction, especially the subgenre known as weird fiction. Audiobook read by Martin Reyto, running time 5 hours, 17 min. Unabridged full version. Also available as E-Book.

The Dream-Quest of Unknown Kadath

Artículos varios Cartas desde mi celda Cartas literarias a una mujer El monte de las ánimas Leyendas Narraciones

Gustavo Adolfo Bécquer: Novelas Completas (Golden Deer Classics)

Perhaps the most autobiographical of Zola’s Rougon-Macquart cycle of novels, The Masterpiece is a hard, bleak and raw portrait of unrecognised artistic genius. Claude Lantier, brother to Nana and son of Gervaise, is a struggling painter who dreams of conquering Paris’s art scene with his revolutionary ‘open air’ style of painting. Discouraged and mocked, Claude retreats to the countryside with a young woman from Clermont, with whom he has fallen in love, before returning to Paris, where he continues to experience rejection at every turn. Zola’s depiction of a frustrated artist is said to have drawn heavily on the real-life experiences of Édouard Manet and Paul Cézanne, the latter of whom broke off his friendship with the author upon reading the novel.

Rougon-Macquart

The Masterpiece

Among Jane Austen’s favourite novels, and a key work in the rise of Romanticism, Camilla follows the story of three young women, from childhood to young adulthood, and their pursuit of matrimony. Kind but naive Camilla is in love with Edgar Mandlebert, a handsome and noble young man, but must suffer a series of frequent misunderstandings that threaten their happy union. Intelligent Eugenia, destined to inherit her uncle’s great wealth, is plagued with misfortune as she is left disfigured by smallpox and has men court her for  financial gain only. Meanwhile their cousin, beautiful but selfish Indiana, never  finds a fortune for her good looks. Accompanying them is a cast of memorable characters, such as the rowdy prankster Lionel, the dim-witted Mr Dubster and the scornful Miss Margland.

Camilla

A Tale of Two Cities is an 1859 historical novel by Charles Dickens, set in London and Paris before and during the French Revolution. The novel tells the story of the French Doctor Manette, his 18-year-long imprisonment in the Bastille in Paris and his release to live in London with his daughter Lucie, whom he had never met. The story is set against the conditions that led up to the French Revolution and the Reign of Terror. Dickens' best-known work of historical fiction, A Tale of Two Cities is regularly cited as the best-selling novel of all time. In 2003, the novel was ranked 63rd on the BBC's The Big Read poll. The novel has been adapted for film, television, radio, and the stage, and has continued to have an influence on popular culture. Produced by Macc Kay Production executive Avalon Giuliano ICON Intern Eden Garret Giuliano ©2021 Eden Garret Giuliano (P) 2021 Eden Garret Giuliano Geoffrey Giuliano is the author of over thirty internationally bestselling biographies, including the London Sunday Times bestseller 'Blackbird The Life and Times of Paul McCartney' and 'Dark Horse The Private Life of George Harrison'. He can be heard on the Westwood One Radio Network and has written and produced over seven hundred original spoken word albums and video documentaries on various aspects of popular culture. In addition, Giuliano is an occasional lecturer at Northwestern University. He is also a well-known movie actor in such films as 'Mechanic Resurrection and the 'Scorpion King' series, among many. Geoffrey is a near lifelong student of Bhakti (Devotional) Yoga and an ardent animal rights advocate. He makes his home with his son Eden in Bangkok and Vrndavana, and Jaipur India

A Tale Of Two Cities The Lost Manuscript

Gustave Flaubert's 'Madame Bovary' is a timeless classic that explores the consequences of escapism and romantic delusions in the life of a provincial doctor's wife. The novel is known for its intricate and exquisite prose, with Flaubert's meticulous attention to detail bringing to life the small-town setting and characters. 'Madame Bovary' is often considered a landmark in the development of the realist novel, showcasing Flaubert's mastery of psychological depth and social commentary. The story follows Emma Bovary, a woman disillusioned with her mundane life, as she seeks fulfillment through affairs and materialism, ultimately leading to her tragic downfall. Flaubert's exploration of the human condition and societal norms makes 'Madame Bovary' a compelling and thought-provoking read. As a work that has influenced generations of writers and continues to resonate with readers today, 'Madame Bovary' remains a must-read for those interested in classic literature and the complexities of human desire.

MADAME BOVARY

There are not many English novels which deserve to be called great: Parade's End is one of them. — W. H. Auden No More Parades is the second of four in Ford Madox Ford's Parade's End tetralogy, a work that Ford hoped would contribute to the obviating of all future wars. The novel follows Christopher Tietjens, a wealthy British landowner and the last British Tory; his unfaithful wife, Sylvia; and his mistress, Valentine Wannop. Highlighting the tension between traditional values and the new reality of a world marred by war, the novel details Tietjens' turmoils in both his personal life and on the warfront—and what follows when those struggles become one and the same. The Parade's End tetralogy privileges not the conflict of World War I itself, but the impact the war had on its participants and upon society writ large. It is often referred to as one of the greatest 20th century novels, and one of the best depictions of war in literature. The 2012 television adaptation, written by Tom Stoppard and starring Benedict Cumberbatch and Rebecca Hall, was nominated for two Primetime Emmy Awards and seven BAFTA Television Awards.

Parade's End Tetralogy

No More Parades

Twelve Years a Slave, sub-title: Narrative of Solomon Northup, citizen of New-York, kidnapped in Washington city in 1841, and rescued in 1853, from a cotton plantation near the Red River in Louisiana, is a memoir by Solomon Northup as told to and edited by David Wilson. It is a slave narrative of a black man who was born free in New York state but kidnapped in Washington, D.C., sold into slavery, and kept in bondage for 12 years in Louisiana. He provided details of slave markets in Washington, D.C. and New Orleans, as well as describing at length cotton and sugar cultivation on major plantations in Louisiana.

Twelve Years a Slave (Unabridged)

The Divine Comedy (Italian: Divina Commedia Italian pronunciation is an Italian narrative poem by Dante Alighieri, begun c. 1308 and completed in 1320, a year before his death in 1321. It is widely considered the pre-eminent work in Italian literature[1] and one of the greatest works of world literature. The poem's imaginative vision of the afterlife is representative of the medieval worldview as it had developed in the Western Church by the 14th century. It helped establish the Tuscan language, in which it is written, as the standardized Italian language. It is divided into three parts: Inferno, Purgatorio, and Paradiso.

The Divine Comedy (Unabridged)

6 atmospheric 19th c stories about depraved femmes de fatales

Les Diaboliques

"Lady Susan" is an epistolary novel by Jane Austen. This novel describes the schemes of the main character, the widowed Lady Susan, as she seeks a new husband for herself, and one for her daughter. Although the theme, together with the focus on character study and moral issues, is close to Austen's published work, its outlook is very different, and the heroine has few parallels in 19th-century literature. Lady Susan is a selfish, attractive woman, who tries to trap the best possible husband while maintaining a relationship with a married man. She subverts all the standards of the romantic novel: she has an active role, she's not only beautiful but intelligent and witty, and her suitors are significantly younger than she is.

Lady Susan

There's a sinister man about London town with something of the night about him. Mr Hyde is mad, bad and has a penchant for bumping off MPs and other kindly innocents. Will his friend Dr Jekyll be able to stop him? Or is there something more to their relationship than meets the eye...? Only the intrepid Utterson can get to the bottom of this mystery, but what will he find in Dr Jekyll's lab?

Strange Case of Dr Jekyll & Mr Hyde

The Prince by Niccolò Machiavelli is a pioneering political treatise that delves into the nature of power, leadership, and strategy. Written in the early 16th century during a turbulent time in Italy, the book provides practical, often ruthless advice for rulers on how to gain, secure, and wield power. Machiavelli categorizes various types of principalities, discusses the traits of effective and ineffective leaders, and explores how political challenges can be navigated with adaptability and pragmatism. He draws on historical examples, such as the actions of Cesare Borgia and other influential figures, to illustrate the complex realities of political life. Unconventional for its time, The Prince shifts away from the idealistic views of governance, advocating instead for a realistic approach that acknowledges human nature and the necessity of strong, sometimes severe, decisions. This work continues to provoke thought and debate, as it lays bare the unvarnished truths about politics, ambition, and human behavior. The Prince remains essential reading for those interested in the art of leadership, the psychology of influence, and the timeless strategies required to navigate political power and maintain control.

Classic Audiobooks

The Prince - Audiobook

Embark on a literary journey like no other with James Joyce's groundbreaking masterpiece, "Ulysses." Hailed as one of the most important works of modernist literature, this complex and multi-layered novel invites readers to explore the human experience through the lives of its unforgettable characters. Set on a single day in Dublin, June 16, 1904, "Ulysses" follows the intertwined stories of Leopold Bloom, a wandering ad salesman, and Stephen Dedalus, a young intellectual. As they meander through the city, their paths cross in a series of coincidental encounters that mirror the epic wanderings of Homer's legendary hero, Odysseus. In this Kindle edition, you'll discover: Joyce's revolutionary stream-of-consciousness narrative technique A rich tapestry of themes, including love, loss, identity, and the search for meaning The intricate web of allusions, puns, and wordplay that have captivated readers for decades A vivid portrayal of Dublin in the early 20th century The novel that forever changed the landscape of literature and challenged the boundaries of artistic expression Don't miss the opportunity to experience this monumental work of fiction. Download "Ulysses" by James Joyce today and join Leopold Bloom and Stephen Dedalus on their unforgettable odyssey through the streets of Dublin.

Ulysses by James Joyce: A Groundbreaking Odyssey through the Streets of Dublin

A tragic love story with a plot like an 18th c Road Movie. Abbe Prevost was a French novelist and journalist. Through his translation of Richardson's work, he introduced English literature into France. He also published a periodical journal besides some novels and short stories.

Manon Lescaut

Delve into the mystifying, thought-provoking universe of Franz Kafka with this comprehensive collection of his complete novels. This meticulously curated volume features Kafka's seminal works, including "The Trial," "The Castle," and "Amerika," along with his lesser-known novellas. Renowned for his unparalleled exploration of the human condition, Kafka masterfully blends surrealism and existentialism to reveal the bewildering labyrinth of bureaucracy, alienation, and the search for meaning. Each narrative transports readers to a world where reality and absurdity intertwine, creating an unparalleled literary experience that challenges conventional perceptions of society and self. Embark on a transformative odyssey through the enigmatic mind of Franz Kafka and experience the profound impact of his unforgettable tales.

Franz Kafka: The Complete Novels - A Journey into the Surreal, Metamorphic World of Existentialism

A young governess. A remote house. Two silent children. When less than benevolent ghosts are added into this already precarious mixture - chaos ensues. A gothic novella that explores fear, innocence, and vulnerability, ‘The Turn of the Screw’ is a masterful tragedy bound to entice all fans of the supernatural. Considered Henry James’ paranormal legacy, it was made into the classic chiller "The Innocents" (1961), and the modern adaptation "The Others" (2001) starring Nicole Kidman. Regarded as one of the greatest novelists in the English language, Henry James (1843-1916) was thrice nominated for the Nobel Prize in Literature. He was born in the United States, but lived and worked in Europe. Mainly occupied with portraying the cultural clash between the Old World and the New World, he explored these themes in his most notable novels, ‘The Portrait of a Lady’ and ‘The Wings of the Dove’. His gripping explorations are unmissable for fans of Edith Wharton, George Eliot, and Joseph Conrad.

World Classics

The Turn of the Screw

If you have at all dabbled in classic English literature, you may have had a hard time telling Charlotte from Emily, so now when a third sister, Anne, enters the fray, we understand if you're experiencing complete Brontë déjà-vu. With its official subtitle "A Novel" and "Agnes Grey" itself sounding like the nickname of a retirement home patron who's at least 50% dust, Anne's somewhat drab title game might come down to this being her debut novel. A semi-autobiographical piece, "Agnes Grey" tells the story of the titular character after her family falls on hard times and everybody has to chip in. Taking the position of governess in multiple houses with questionable success, Anne eventually meets Mr. Weston and suddenly everything becomes much more bearable. A proper Christian...ish Victorian novel peppered with poignant social commentary, "Agnes Grey" is about puritan minister's daughters with immoral girlfriends, dashing yet prudent bachelors, spoiled, punchable children and elbow-centered scenes of passion. Thus you probably already know if this book is down your alley, but if you need the final push, Irish author George Moore described the debut as "the most perfect prose narrative in English letters". Anne Brontë (1820-1849) was the youngest of the Brontë sisters, who wrote only two novels during her short, but influential lifetime. The difference with Anne is that she chose to write with a lot of irony and sarcasm, unlike the romantic aspirations of her older sisters. She also published her novels and poems under a male name. Best remembered for "Agnes Grey" and "The Tenant of Wildfell Hall".

Agnes Grey

Suffering from ill health, George Walker has been recuperating for several months in Egypt. Bored and lonely in Cairo, he yearns to visit Suez and the Red Sea and so attaches himself to the party of a remote acquaintance travelling there. Upon arrival George realises he is as dissatisfied here as he was in Cairo. He begins to regret his decision until the mysterious Mahmoud al Ackbar appears, wishing to repay a favour and promising an elaborate trip to the Well of Moses. Touching on themes of pride and mistaken identity, this is a short and entertaining story from Anthony Trollope. Anthony Trollope (1815 – 1882) was a Victorian writer and author of 47 novels. He also wrote an autobiography, short stories and plays, travel articles, reviews and lectures. A prolific writer, he made no secret of the fact that money was his motivation for writing – an admission which raised eyebrows among his literary contemporaries at the time. The amount of works Trollope authored are testament to his belief in hard work. His first successful novel was The Warden followed by its sequel, Barchester Towers. The Chronicles of Barsetshire are perhaps his most well-known series of novels, though many of his works have been adapted for TV and radio, starring many familiar faces such as Alan Rickman, David Tennant, Bill Nighy and Tom Hollander. Alongside his literary career, Trollope also worked for some time for the Post Office and is credited with the introduction of the iconic post box to Britain. A memorial to Anthony Trollope was unveiled in Poets’ Corner in Westminster Abbey in 1993.

George Walker at Suez

Originally published in The London Review in 1861, A Ride Across Palestine is a short story by Anthony Trollope. Our narrator, the somewhat mysterious Mr Jones, is travelling through the Holy Land and lamenting his lack of a companion. When a young Mr John Smith requests to accompany him on his travels, having also been suffering with loneliness, Mr Smith gladly accepts. Over the course of their journey the pair become close, though all is not as it seems. Dealing with the topics of gender stereotypes and gender expectations of the time, this is a thrilling short story of deception and disguise. Anthony Trollope (1815 – 1882) was a Victorian writer and author of 47 novels. He also wrote an autobiography, short stories and plays, travel articles, reviews and lectures. A prolific writer, he made no secret of the fact that money was his motivation for writing – an admission which raised eyebrows among his literary contemporaries at the time. The amount of works Trollope authored are testament to his belief in hard work. His first successful novel was The Warden followed by its sequel, Barchester Towers. The Chronicles of Barsetshire are perhaps his most well-known series of novels, though many of his works have been adapted for TV and radio, starring many familiar faces such as Alan Rickman, David Tennant, Bill Nighy and Tom Hollander. Alongside his literary career, Trollope also worked for some time for the Post Office and is credited with the introduction of the iconic post box to Britain. A memorial to Anthony Trollope was unveiled in Poets’ Corner in Westminster Abbey in 1993.

A Ride Across Palestine

An ardent activist, champion of political reform, novelist, and progressive journalist, Upton Sinclair is perhaps best known today for The Jungle — his devastating exposé of the meat-packing industry. A protest novel he privately published in 1906, the book was a shocking revelation of intolerable labor practices and unsanitary working conditions in the Chicago stockyards. It quickly became a bestseller, arousing public sentiment and resulting in such federal legislation as the Pure Food and Drug Act.|The brutally grim story of a Slavic family who emigrates to America, The Jungle tells of their rapid and inexorable descent into numbing poverty, moral degradation, and social and economic despair. Vulnerable and isolated, the family of Jurgis Rudkus struggles — unsuccessfully — to survive in an urban jungle. A powerful view of turn-of-the-century poverty, graft, and corruption, this fiercely realistic American classic is still required reading in many history and literature classes. It will continue to haunt readers long after they've finished the last page.

The Jungle

The Prophet by Kahlil Gibran. In a distant, timeless place, a mysterious prophet walks the sands. At the moment of his departure, he wishes to offer the people gifts but possesses nothing. The people gather round, each asks a question of the heart, and the man's wisdom is his gift. It is Gibran's gift to us, as well, for Gibran's prophet is rivaled in his wisdom only by the founders of the world's great religions. On the most basic topics--marriage, children, friendship, work, pleasure--his words have a power and lucidity that in another era would surely have provoked the description "divinely inspired." Free of dogma, free of power structures and metaphysics, consider these poetic, moving aphorisms a 20th-century supplement to all sacred traditions--as millions of other readers already have.

Short Stories Collection

The Prophet

Nathaniel Hawthorne's "The Gentle Boy" presents a poignant exploration of innocence, morality, and the often harsh realities of societal judgment. Set against the backdrop of Puritan New England, this short yet impactful narrative employs Hawthorne's characteristic symbolic language and intricate character development to examine the tensions between individual conscience and community expectations. Through the lens of a compassionate young boy, the story delves into themes of forgiveness and the inherent struggle between kindness and societal condemnation, encapsulating the complexity of human nature in a distinctly melancholic tone. Hawthorne, a master of American literature, was profoundly influenced by his own Puritan ancestry and the moral dilemmas that threaded through his life and work. His keen awareness of the darker aspects of human existence often inspires his writing, and in "The Gentle Boy," he artfully reflects on how societal norms can suppress individual tenderness and compassion. This amalgamation of personal history and philosophical inquiry carved a unique vein in American literature, making Hawthorne a pivotal figure in exploring the contradictions of the human experience. This short story is highly recommended for readers who appreciate intricately woven narratives that dissect profound themes of morality and individuality. Those interested in the interplay of innocence and societal expectation will find "The Gentle Boy" a hauntingly beautiful examination that speaks to the universal struggles within the human spirit. Hawthorne'Äôs masterful prose invites readers to reflect on the significance of gentleness in a world quick to judge.

The Gentle Boy

Retired merchant Monsieur Bondel has settled in the quiet town of Saint-Germain together with his wife, where he looks forward to a peaceful retirement together. The move is not quite the success he hopes for, as, without occupation, the couple argues constantly. When Bondel makes the acquaintance of a neighbour, Madame Bondel is enraged, and the couple has their most intense argument yet. A gripping short story from the famous French author Guy de Maupassant, about family, love, trust, and adultery. Guy de Maupassant (1850-1893) was a French author, best known for his mastery of short stories. Born in Dieppe, Maupassant went on to study Law in Paris. His education was interrupted by the outbreak of the Franco-German War, for which he volunteered - the experience of which would go on to influence much of his writing. Best known for his naturalist style, Maupassant was a protégé of fellow French author Gustave Flaubert, who introduced him to some of the most influential writers of the time, including Henry James and Ivan Turgenev. Some of Maupassant’s best-known works include the short story ‘Boule de Suif’, and the novels ‘Bel-Ami’ and ‘Une Vie’. He died in Paris in 1893 at the age of 42.

The Test

George Bernard Shaw based his 1913 play "Pygmalion" on the Greek legend of the sculptor, Pygmalion. According to the classic tale, Pygmalion despised women but fell in love with his own sculpture of the goddess Aphrodite. He appeals to Aphrodite to give his statue life. She answers his prayer, and Pygmalion marries his creation. Shaw’s play takes place in Victorian London, where Henry Higgins, a phonetician, accepts a bet that simply by changing the speech of a Cockney flower seller he will be able, in six months, to pass her off as a duchess. Eliza undergoes grueling training. When she successfully “passes” in high society—having in the process become a lovely young woman of sensitivity and taste—Higgins dismisses her abruptly as a successfully completed experiment. Eliza, who now belongs neither to the upper class, whose mannerisms and speech she has learned, nor to the lower class, from which she came, rejects his dehumanizing attitude.

Pygmalion

Published in 1884, Against Nature (À rebours) concerns the attempts of its cultured and neurotic anti-hero, Des Esseintes, to escape contemporary Parisian life. At his rural retreat he is able to indulge his particular artistic tastes as he muses on a range of topics including literature, religion and painting. Although regarded as shocking on its publication, Against Nature was received with enthusiasm by the aesthetic movement and, most particularly, Oscar Wilde, who featured the book in The Picture of Dorian Gray. Against Nature marks a departure from the classic form of 19th-century literature, and this audiobook features the full text, with previously expurgated parts restored.

Leighton Pugh

Slender, elegant, refined, seductive, Arsène Lupine, gentleman-burglar by trade, is the model of the "Belle Epoque" dandy. His intelligence, his culture, his talents as an illusionist between Fregoli and Robert-Houdin are at the service of astonishing nerve. But this accomplished man of the world is also an anarchist at heart who plays with social conventions with marvelous insolence. Arsène Lupine, gentleman-burglar is a collection of short stories written by Maurice Leblanc and recounting the adventures of Arsène Lupine. The first short story of this collection was published in July 1905 in the newspaper Je sais tout. This was the first short story featuring Arsène Lupine. This one having success, Maurice Leblanc is encouraged to write the continuation, in several short stories. What will be done until 1907.

Arsene Lupin

The Legend of Sleepy Hollow" and "Rip Van Winkle" by Washington Irving,, both appear in his book The Sketch Book of Geoffrey Crayon, Gent. His historical works include biographies of George Washington, Oliver Goldsmith and Muhammad, and several histories of 15th-century Spain dealing with subjects such as Christopher Columbus, the Moors, and the Alhambra. Irving served as the U.S. ambassador to Spain from 1842 to 1846. Irving made his literary debut in 1802 with a series of observational letters to the Morning Chronicle, written under the pseudonym Jonathan Oldstyle. After moving to England for the family business in 1815, he achieved international fame with the publication of The Sketch Book of Geoffrey Crayon, Gent. in 1819. He continued to publish regularly—and almost always successfully—throughout his life, and completed a five-volume biography of George Washington just eight months before his death, at age 76, in Tarrytown, New York. Produced by Devin Lawrence Edited by Macc Kay Production executive Avalon Giuliano ICON Intern Eden Giuliano Music By AudioNautix With Their Kind Permission ©2020 Eden Garret Giuliano (P) Eden Garret Giuliano Geoffrey Giuliano is the author of over thirty internationally bestselling biographies, including the London Sunday Times bestseller Blackbird: The Life and Times of Paul McCartney and Dark Horse: The Private Life of George Harrison. He can be heard on the Westwood One Radio Network and has written and produced over seven hundred original spoken-word albums and video documentaries on various aspects of popular culture. He is also a well known movie actor.

The Legend of Sleepy Hollow, Ride of the Headless Horseman

Considered one of Poe’s most famous and best constructed terror short stories, "The Fall of the House of Usher" is most likely to grab the reader in its clutches and never let them go. Running along the "dull, dark, and soundless" corridors of Usher’s mansion or conversing with the terror-stricken and husky voice of its master, Poe’s story reeks of morbidity and schizophrenia. Though relying on already established characters and themes from his previous tales, Poe describes the workings of the psyche, the realm of dreams, and even the lands of madness in great detail, securing the story its rightful place and acclaim. Edgar Allan Poe (1809-1849) was an American poet, author, and literary critic. Most famous for his poetry, short stories, and tales of the supernatural, mysterious, and macabre, he is also regarded as the inventor of the detective genre and a contributor to the emergence of science fiction, dark romanticism, and weird fiction. His most famous works include "The Raven" (1945), "The Black Cat" (1943), and "The Gold-Bug" (1843).

Horror Classics

The Fall of the House of Usher

‘The Age of Innocence’ is a 1920 novel by Edith Wharton, and the winner of the 1921 Pulitzer Prize. The title is an ironic comment on the smooth outward manners of New York society in comparison to its inner workings. The narrative revolves around the impending marriage of an upper-class couple, Newland Archer and the beautiful May Welland, which is disrupted by the appearance of the mysterious Countess Ellen Olenska who shocks the New York aristocracy with her unconventional manners and revealing clothes. The novel’s underlying theme is the loss of the pre-war world which was destroyed by World War I. The writing is rich in detail, and impressive in its descriptions of the golden age of New York in the 19th century.

The Age of Innocence

Being Maupassant’s second-published novel, "Bel Ami" follows the vile and corrupt rags-to-riches rise to power of Georges Duroy, a young man of endless opportunities, but easily corrupted by the shining façade of power. The protagonist’s self-centred way of life involves his derogatory attitude towards women, sexual encounters, corrupt politicians, and money. The novel is a strong social critique of Maupassant against the egotistical urges in a money- and power-driven society. A Hollywood production came in 2012, starring Robert Pattinson and Uma Thurman. Guy de Maupassant was a famous French writer, best known as one of finest practitioners of the French short story. Master of style and dramatic narrative, Maupassant’s stories are mainly interested in the relationships between men and women, often found at the crossroads of life. One of his greatest influences was Gustave Flaubert, who introduced him to some of the central names of the time such as Emile Zola, Henry James, and Ivan Turgenev. Some of his best known works include the novels "Bel Ami" and "Une Vie", more than 300 short stories, travel books, and even an attempt at poetry.

Bel-Ami

Nathaniel Hawthorne's 'The Birthmark' is a thrilling classic that delves into the complexities of human nature, science, and the pursuit of perfection. Set in the late 18th century, the story follows the brilliant scientist Aylmer who becomes obsessed with removing a tiny birthmark on his wife Georgiana's cheek, believing it to be a flaw in her otherwise perfect beauty. As Aylmer's experiments become more extreme and dangerous, the consequences of his actions unfold in a chilling climax that challenges the reader's perceptions of beauty and mortality. Hawthorne's use of symbolism and allegory adds depth to the tale, making it a timeless exploration of the human condition. 'The Birthmark' is a gripping and thought-provoking read that continues to captivate audiences with its haunting narrative and philosophical themes. Nathaniel Hawthorne's own background as a descendant of the Puritans and his fascination with morality and sin are evident in this masterful work, offering readers a glimpse into the author's nuanced understanding of the human psyche. Fans of gothic literature, thrillers, and philosophical fiction will find 'The Birthmark' to be a must-read for its poignant exploration of the dangers of unchecked ambition and the consequences of playing god.

The Birthmark (Thriller Classic)

Contents: 1. The Prince, by Niccolò Machiavelli 2. The Life of Sir Thomas More, by William Roper 3. Utopia, by Sir Thomas More 4. The Ninety-Five Theses, To the Christian Nobility of the German Nation, and On the Freedom of a Christian, by Martin Luther Also available: The Complete Harvard Classics Collection (51 Volumes + The Harvard Classic Shelf Of Fiction) 50 Masterpieces You Have To Read Before You Die (Golden Deer Classics)

Harvard Classics

Harvard Classics Volume 36

What a grasp the mind would have if we could always hold the victorious attitude toward everything! Sweeping past obstacles and reaching out into the energy of the universe it would gather to itself material for building a life in its own image. To be a conqueror in appearance, in one's bearing, is the first step toward success. It inspires confidence in others as well as in oneself. Walk, talk and act as though you were a somebody, and you are more likely to become such. Move about among your fellowmen as though you believe you are a man of importance. Let victory speak from your face and express itself in your manner. Carry yourself like one who is conscious he has a splendid mission, a grand aim in life. Radiate a hopeful, expectant, cheerful atmosphere. In other words, be a good advertisement of the winner you are trying to be.

The Victorious Attitude

This is a SoundCraft Audiobooks production - enhanced with music and sound effects - of Treasure Island, the first (and most successful) of Robert Louis Stevenson's many works of long-form fiction which would forever stamp into the public consciousness the names of Jim Hawkins, Squire Trelawney and, of course, the infamous buccaneer Long John Silver. An unmatched tale of adventure, greed and heart-pounding suspense, "Treasure Island" follows young Jim as he encounters one piratical character after another, eventually embarking on a search for buried treasure that will take him halfway round the world as he and his companions hunt for the elusive pile of gold secreted away by the infamous and cruel pirate, Captain Flint. Long hailed as one of the greatest adventure stories ever created, Robert Louis Stevenson's "Treasure Island" has been adapted into countless stage and screen adaptations and is here presented - along with a biography of the author - in it's original, unabridged form.

Treasure Island (Unabridged)

This fresh and hugely entertaining narration joined with Lewis Carroll’s surreal genius results in pure, boundless FUN.  Alice in Wonderland and Through the Looking Glass brilliantly capture a young girl's feelings about growing up in a nonsensical world. Sylvie and Bruno was Lewis Carroll's final novel and is followed by Carroll's delightful nonsense poem The Hunting of the Snark.

The Complete Novels: Lewis Carroll

Written over a century and a half ago, Madame Bovary is still an extraordinarily fresh, exciting and shockingly frank novel, at once an acute psychological study of a woman drawn into adultery through circumstances we can partly understand, and a sharply-observed comedy that offers a fascinating glimpse of the social and cultural divisions running through French provincial society in the mid nineteenth century. This translation is by Eleanor Marx-Aveling, a prominent social activist and literary translator. She was the youngest daughter of Karl Marx. Gustave Flaubert was a highly influential, he has been considered the leading exponent of literary realism in his country. According to the literary theorist Kornelije Kvas, "in Flaubert, realism strives for formal perfection, so the presentation of reality tends to be neutral, emphasizing the values and importance of style as an objective method of presenting reality".He is known especially for his debut novel Madame Bovary (1857), his Correspondence, and his scrupulous devotion to his style and aesthetics. The celebrated short story writer Guy de Maupassant was a protégé of Flaubert. On the occasion of Flaubert's 198th birthday (12 December 2019), a group of researchers at CNRS published a neural language model under his name.

Madame Bovary

​in the end of book include a bonus link to the free audiobook. The Metamorphosis (German: Die Verwandlung) is a novella written by Franz Kafka which was first published in 1915. One of Kafka's best-known works, The Metamorphosis tells the story of salesman Gregor Samsa who wakes one morning to find himself inexplicably transformed into a huge insect (German ungeheures Ungeziefer, literally "monstrous vermin"), subsequently struggling to adjust to this new condition. The novella has been widely discussed among literary critics, with differing interpretations being offered.

Bestselling novelist and award-winning audiobook narrator Alison Larkin changes the gender of two of Dickens’ most famous characters in these critically acclaimed recordings of Great Expectations and A Christmas Carol. These are the same beloved stories – only one thing has changed. In these versions, Pip and Scrooge are women. It’s an irresistible question. If gender had been simply irrelevant in the 19th century where would we all be now? “Superb!” AudioFile Magazine. “A brilliant re-imagining of two great classics. Perfectly narrated.” The Standard

Great Expectations and A Christmas Carol

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