When The Unbearable Lightness of Being was first published in English, it was hailed as ""a work of the boldest mastery, originality, and richness"" by critic Elizabeth Hardwick and named one of the best books of 1984 by the New York Times Book Review. It went on to win the Los Angeles Times Book Prize for Fiction and quickly became an international bestseller. Twenty years later, the novel has established itself as a modern classic. To commemorate the anniversary of its first English-language publication, HarperCollins is proud to offer a special hardcover edition. A young woman in love with a man torn between his love for her and his incorrigible womanizing; one of his mistresses and her humbly faithful lover -- these are the two couples whose story is told in this masterful novel. Controlled by day, Tereza's jealousy awakens by night, transformed into ineffably sad death-dreams, while Tomas, a successful surgeon, alternates loving devotion to the dependent Tereza with the ardent pursuit of other women. Sabina, an independent, free-spirited artist, lives her life as a series of betrayals -- of parents, husband, country, love itself -- whereas her lover, the intellectual Franz, loses all because of his earnest goodness and fidelity. In a world in which lives are shaped by irrevocable choices and by fortuitous events, a world in which everything occurs but once, existence seems to lose its substance, its weight. Hence we feel, says the novelist, ""the unbearable lightness of being"" -- not only as the consequence of our private acts but also in the public sphere, and the two inevitably intertwine. This magnificent novel encompasses the extremes of comedy and tragedy, and embraces, it seems, all aspects of human existence. It juxtaposes geographically distant places (Prague, Geneva, Paris, Thailand, the United States, a forlorn Bohemian village); brilliant and playful reflections (on ""eternal return,"" on kitsch, on man and animals -- Tomas and Tereza have a beloved doe named Karenin); and a variety of styles (from the farcical to the elegiac) to take its place as perhaps the major achievement of one of the world's truly great writers.

The Unbearable Lightness of Being

Le Portrait de Dorian Gray est un roman gothique qui plonge le lecteur dans un univers sombre et fascinant. Au cœur de l'intrigue, nous retrouvons Dorian Gray, un jeune homme d'une beauté saisissante, qui fait l'objet d'une admiration sans borne. Lors d'une soirée, un peintre, Basil Hallward, réalise son portrait, une œuvre d'art qui capture toute la jeunesse et l'innocence de Dorian. Fasciné par la beauté de son reflet, Dorian émet un vœu macabre : que le portrait vieillisse à sa place, tandis qu'il conserverait éternellement sa jeunesse. Ce vœu se réalise de manière surnaturelle. Tandis que Dorian s'adonne à une vie de plaisirs et de débauche, son portrait se dégrade, reflétant les conséquences de ses actes immoraux. Les traits autrefois purs et innocents se tordent et se déforment, révélant la corruption qui ronge son âme. Le Portrait de Dorian Gray est bien plus qu'une simple histoire d'horreur. C'est une réflexion profonde sur la nature humaine, sur les conséquences de nos choix et sur le prix de l'éternelle jeunesse. Le roman a suscité de nombreuses controverses à sa parution en raison de ses thèmes audacieux et de son style provocateur. Il reste aujourd'hui un classique de la littérature, fascinant les lecteurs par son atmosphère sombre et son exploration des p

Le Portrait de Dorian Gray

FOLGER SHAKESPEARE LIBRARY The World’s Leading Center for Shakespeare Studies The Folger Shakespeare Library, home to the world’s largest Shakespeare collection, brings A Midsummer Night’s Dream to life with this new full-length, full-cast dramatic recording of its definitive Folger Edition. In A Midsummer Night’s Dream, Shakespeare stages the workings of love in unexpected ways. In the woods outside Athens, two young men and two young women sort themselves into couples—but not before they form first one love triangle, and then another. The king and queen of fairyland, Oberon and Titania, battle over custody of an orphan boy. Oberon uses magic to make Titania fall in love with a weaver named Bottom, in an effort to distract Titania from the custody battle. While all of this is going on, Bottom and his companions ineptly stage the tragedy of “Pyramus and Thisbe.” This new full-cast recording—based on the most respected edition of Shakespeare’s classic—expertly produced by the Folger Theatre, is perfect for students, teachers, and the everyday listener.

Folger Shakespeare Library Presents

A Midsummer Night's Dream

'I sit on the loo and think about all the people I can have sex with now. I'm not obsessed with sex. I just can't stop thinking about it.' The Fleabag bites back. A rip-roaring account of some sort of female living her sort of life. Phoebe Waller-Bridge's debut play is an outrageously funny monologue for a female performer. Fleabag premiered at the 2013 Edinburgh Festival Fringe, performed by Phoebe herself, before transferring to Soho Theatre, London, for the first of several successful runs, followed by UK and international tours, a sold-out run in New York and a West End run in 2019. Fleabag won a Fringe First Award in Edinburgh, the Most Promising New Playwright and Best Female Performance at the Off West End Theatre Awards, The Stage Award for Best Solo Performer and the Critics' Circle Award for Most Promising Playwright. It received a Special Commendation in the Susan Smith Blackburn Prize and was nominated for the Olivier Award for Outstanding Achievement in an Affiliate Theatre. In 2016, Fleabag was turned into a wildly successful and 'utterly riveting' ( Guardian) BBC television series, with a second series following in 2019. This edition features the original play, plus an introduction by the author.

NHB Modern Plays

Fleabag: The Original Play

A two-play dramatisation of Philip Pullman's extraordinary award-winning fantasy trilogy, first seen at the National Theatre. His Dark Materials takes us on a thrilling journey through worlds familiar and unknown. For Lyra and Will, its two central characters, it's a coming of age and a transforming spiritual experience. Their great quest demands a savage struggle against the most dangerous of enemies. They encounter fantastical creatures in parallel worlds – rebellious angels, soul-eating spectres, child-catching Gobblers and the armoured bears and witch-clans of the Arctic. Finally, before reaching, perhaps, the republic of heaven, they must visit the land of the dead. This adaptation of Philip Pullman's His Dark Materials, by Nicholas Wright, was first performed at the National Theatre in London in 2003.

His Dark Materials

An electrifying, bittersweet love story with echoes of Romeo and Juliet, set in a society divided by racial bigotry and a world rocked by terrorism. Adapted from Malorie Blackman's best-selling novels. Sephy (a Cross) is the daughter of the Deputy Prime Minister. Callum is the son of a Nought agitator. United by a shared sense of injustice as children, and separated by intolerance as they grow up, their desire to be together begins to eclipse all family loyalty – sparking a political crisis of unimaginable proportions. 'I wanted to turn society as we know it on its head, with new names for the major divisions, i.e. Noughts (the underclass) and Crosses (the majority, ruling society)' - Malorie Blackman Dominic Cooke's adaptation of Noughts & Crosses was first performed by the Royal Shakespeare Company in Stratford-upon-Avon in 2007.

Noughts & Crosses

"De Profundis" (Latin: "from the depths") is a letter written by Oscar Wilde during his imprisonment in Reading Gaol, to "Bosie" (Lord Alfred Douglas). Oscar Fingal O'Flahertie Wills Wilde (16 October 1854 – 30 November 1900) was an Irish playwright, novelist, essayist, and poet. After writing in different forms throughout the 1880s, he became one of London's most popular playwrights in the early 1890s.

De profundis

L'Assommoir (1877) is the seventh novel in Émile Zola's twenty-volume series Les Rougon-Macquart. Usually considered one of Zola's masterpieces, the novel—a study of alcoholism and poverty in the working-class districts of Paris—was a huge commercial success and helped establish Zola's fame and reputation throughout France and the world.

L'Assommoir

Nana is a novel by the French naturalist author Émile Zola. Completed in 1880, Nana is the ninth installment in the 20-volume Les Rougon-Macquart series. Nana tells the story of Nana Coupeau's rise from streetwalker to high-class cocotte during the last three years of the French Second Empire. Nana first appears in the end of L'Assommoir (1877), an earlier work of Zola's Rougon-Macquart series, in which she is portrayed as the daughter of an abusive drunk; in the conclusion of that novel, she is living in the streets and just beginning a life of prostitution..

Nana

Mansfield Park is the third published novel by Jane Austen.The novel tells the story of Fanny Price, starting when her overburdened, impoverished family sends her at age ten to live in the household of her wealthy aunt and uncle; it follows her development and concludes in early adulthood.

Mansfield Park (Illustrated)

A Clergyman's Daughter is a 1935 novel by English author George Orwell. It tells the story of Dorothy Hare, the clergyman's daughter of the title, whose life is turned upside down when she suffers an attack of amnesia. It is Orwell's most formally experimental novel, featuring a chapter written entirely in dramatic form, but he was never satisfied with it and he left instructions that after his death it was not to be reprinted. Despite these instructions, Orwell did consent to the printing of cheap editions "of any book which may bring in a few pounds for my heirs" following his death. George Orwell, was an English novelist, essayist, journalist and critic. His work is characterized by lucid prose, biting social criticism, total opposition to totalitarianism, and outspoken support of democratic socialism. Orwell produced literary criticism and poetry, fiction and polemical journalism. He is known for the allegorical novella Animal Farm (1945) and the dystopian novel Nineteen Eighty-Four (1949). His non-fiction works, including The Road to Wigan Pier (1937), documenting his experience of working-class life in the north of England, and Homage to Catalonia (1938), an account of his experiences soldiering for the Republican faction of the Spanish Civil War (1936–1939), are as critically respected as his essays on politics and literature, language and culture. In 2008, The Times ranked George Orwell second among "The 50 greatest British writers since 1945". Orwell's work remains influential in popular culture and in political culture, and the adjective "Orwellian"—describing totalitarian and authoritarian social practices—is part of the English language, like many of his neologisms, such as "Big Brother", "Thought Police", "Two Minutes Hate", "Room 101", "memory hole", "Newspeak", "doublethink", "unperson", and "thoughtcrime", as well as providing direct inspiration for the neologism "groupthink". ©2022 Eden Garret Giuliano (P) 2021 Eden Garret Giuliano

A Clergyman's Daughter

All Brexit's a stage, and all the men and women merely players. . . Written by the Bard himself, with a little help from novelist Boris Starling, this wonderful comedy of errors retells the tragic story of the UK's acrimonious break from the EU, written in wonderful iambic pentameter. From Cameron and Osborne, through May and Gove, to Cummings and Boris, this is a story of cynical electioneering and poisoned political scheming, and a most original take on the defining event of our time. Featuring as hammy a cast of characters as ever graced The Globe, this is the perfect satire for anyone interested in politics, humour, or even a little bit of Am-dram. 'To leave or not to leave, that is the question: Whether 'tis nobler in the mind to suffer The slings and arrows of outrag'd Remainers, Or to take arms against a sea of Leavers, And by opposing end them? To leave, to stay, No more; and by leaving to say we end The EU, and the thousand petty rules That we adhere to, - 'tis a consummation Devoutly to be wish'd. To stay, to leave; To stay, perchance to leave: ay, there's the rub; For in that move to leave what dreams may come, When we have shuffl'd off this Brussels yoke...' BORIS JOHNSON

William Shakespeare's Brexit

One of the great Shakespearean tragedies, Macbeth is a dark and bloody drama of ambition, murder, guilt, and revenge. Prompted by the prophecies of three mysterious witches and goaded by his ambitious wife, the Scottish thane Macbeth murders Duncan, King of Scotland, in order to succeed him on the throne. This foul deed soon entangles the conscience-stricken nobleman in a web of treachery, deceit, and more murders, which ultimately spells his doom. Set amid the gloomy castles and lonely heaths of medieval Scotland, Macbeth paints a striking dramatic portrait of a man of honor and integrity destroyed by a fatal character flaw and the tortures of a guilty imagination.

William Shakespeare Collection

Macbeth

Bible Giants of Faith reveals how ordinary people, in the Bible, seized their opportunity to move the hands of God into performing his miracles in their lives. Not only will you discover there is no limit to God’s demonstrative power, but you will also learn how people categorized as “ordinary people” broke the world record with their outstanding faith performances. You can be sure that reading about great men and women of the Bible from this book will motivate you into putting your faith to practice, and move the hands of God into performing his wonders in your life! In the end, you will realize that God doesn’t need anyone’s fancy credentials to perform his miracles; he only needs actionable faith. You are up for a faith challenge with this audiobook handy!

Bible Giants of Faith

Here translated by Christopher Hampton, Anton Chekhov's The Seagull is considered one of his most haunting and atmospheric character studies. A would-be playwright is at war with his egoistic mother while the town has become intoxicated by a sensational author. And as the alluring newcomer steals away Kosta's only love, their new romance could have devastating consequences. An L.A. Theatre Works full cast performance featuring: Calista Flockhart as Irina Nikolayevna Arkadina T.R. Knight as Konstantin Treplev Stephen Collins as Yevgeny Dorn Gordon Clapp as Ilya Shamrayev Logan Fahey as Semyon Medvedenko Cindy Katz as Polina Andreyevna Dakin Matthews as Pyotr Sorin Bess Rous as Masha Josh Stamberg as Boris Alexeyevich Trigorin Kira Sternbach as Nina Directed by Rosalind Ayres. Recorded in Los Angeles before a live audience at The James Bridges Theater, UCLA in September of 2012.

The Seagull

'The sky turns the colour of a jay's eye. The sea turns a deep royal purple. The mist lifts in quick, lithe ribbons, like a conjuring trick. Before us lies the island…' It's 1935, and an eccentric English family – four children, their widowed mother, and Roger the dog – arrives on the sun-soaked shores of Corfu to start a new life. For eleven-year-old Gerry Durrell, the extraordinary landscape provides the perfect playground. Its exotic fauna inspires a life-long fascination with the animal kingdom – and his much-loved memoir My Family and Other Animals. Janys Chambers' acclaimed stage adaptation was first seen at York Theatre Royal, and invites other theatre companies to make ingenious and inventive decisions, bringing to life all the inhabitants of Durrell's cherished island – whether they walk and talk, fly and squawk, crawl or swim or slither. 'Simply a delight... The play's triumph is in the way it captures the exuberance of youth and the strangeness of the new culture that Gerald and his family find themselves in... it's there in Janys Chambers' adaptation, which keeps chunks of Durrell's evocative prose while adding some wonderfully funny embellishments' - The Stage 'Durrell gets the revival he deserves... it fairly fizzes with life' - Daily Mail 'Weaves the poetic, wide-eyed prose of Gerald Durrell's childhood memoir into a really charming and fun play' - Whatsonstage

My Family and Other Animals (NHB Modern Plays)

'Fantastic' – James O'BrienThe brilliant mind behind the Secret Tory presents 14 years of Tory rule – as told by William Shakespeare 'O, for a muse of fire that would ascend The brightest heaven of pretention! A kingdom for a stage, Tories to act, Oligarchs to behold the swelling scene!’ So begins The Tories: A Tragedy. In this brilliant new work of political satire, Henry Morris presents fourteen years of Conservative (mis)rule in the only form in which such misfortunes could be portrayed: as a Shakespearean play. In five acts that take in five prime ministers, The Tories: A Tragedy is a captivatingly realised Jacobean tragedy, replete with Machiavellian manoeuvrings, hilarious mechanicals and poignant verse. Publishing in the shadow of the most significant election since the Tories came to power in 2010, this exhilarating, original book is an alternative history of a disastrous reign – a drama that will appeal to those who love Shakespeare, comedy, Shakespeare’s comedies, and those who simply love to laugh at the Tory party.

The Tories: A Tragedy

Imagine waking up one day to find the world plunged into darkness. The sun has suddenly gone out! Temperatures are plummeting, chaos is reigning, and life as we know it is forever changed. What will become of humanity? How will life continue without the sun?

When The Sun Went Out

Two young people and their dæmons, with everything at stake, find themselves at the centre of a terrifying manhunt. In their care is a tiny child called Lyra Belacqua, and in that child lies the fate of the future. As the waters rise around them, powerful adversaries conspire for mastery of Dust: salvation to some, the source of infinite corruption to others. Philip Pullman's The Book of Dust – La Belle Sauvage is set twelve years before the epic His Dark Materials trilogy. Bryony Lavery's stage adaptation was first performed at the Bridge Theatre, London, in December 2021, directed by Nicholas Hytner, whose groundbreaking production of His Dark Materials was a critical and commercial success at the National Theatre. 'Once in a lifetime a children's author emerges who is so extraordinary that the imagination of generations is altered' New Statesman on Philip Pullman

The Book of Dust – La Belle Sauvage (NHB Modern Plays)

First published in 1912, "The Broken Wings" is the exquisitely tender story of love that beats desperately against the taboos of Oriental tradition. With great sensitivity, Gibran describes his passion as a youth for Selma Karamy, the girl of Beirut who first unfolded to him the secrets of love. But it is a love that is doomed by a social convention which forces Selma into marriage with another man. Portraying the happiness and infinite sorrow of his relationship with Selma, Gibran at the same time probes the spiritual meaning of human existence with profound compassion.

The Broken Wings

How much would you pay for a painting with nothing on it? Would it be "art"? Marc's best friend Serge has just bought a very expensive-and very white-painting. To Marc, it is a joke, and as battle lines are drawn, old friends use the painting to settle scores. With friendships hanging in the balance, the question becomes: how much is a work of "art" worth? Yasmina Reza's Art won a Tony Award® for Best Play and an Oliver Award for Best Comedy. Translated by Christopher Hampton. An L.A. Theatre Works full cast performance featuring: Bob Balaban as Serge Brian Cox as Marc Jeff Perry as Yvan Original music composed by Laura Karpman and Nora Kroll-Rosenbaum. Includes interviews with actors Bob Balaban and Brian Cox, and translator Christopher Hampton. Directed by Peter Levin. Recorded before a live audience at the Skirball Cultural Center, Los Angeles in April of 2009.

A shipwreck on the shores of Illyria leaves Viola stranded alone in a strange place. Believing that everyone, including her twin brother Sebastian, is dead, she decides to disguise herself as a man. She eventually finds work at the court of Orsino, Duke of Illyria, where she secretly falls in love with him. Orsino, however, has his sights set on Lady Olivia and sends Viola to her court as his messenger. As it happens, Oliva falls for Viola, who she thinks is a man. More confusion arises when Sebastian arrives on the scene, unaware that his sister also survived the shipwreck. His arrival adds to the confusing love triangle and results in many comical encounters. The popular comedy "She’s the Man" is the modern adaptation of this Shakespeare play. Fans of "Enola Holmes" and "Shakespeare in Love" will also enjoy this gender-bending adventure. William Shakespeare (1564-1616) is widely considered the world's greatest dramatist and is often referred to as England's national poet or the Bard. Most famous for his timeless plays, he also wrote a multitude of poems and sonnets. Shakespeare was the blockbuster writer of his day, his many works concerning universal themes of life, love, death, revenge, grief, jealousy, murder, magic, and mystery. Among some of his most famous are "Macbeth", "Romeo and Juliet", and "Hamlet", but the list is long, and many continue to be studied and performed, both their original form and modern adaptations.

World Classics

Twelfth Night

Janet is unattached, beautiful and ambitious. Jeremy is a Gay, troubled self-made Irish billionaire, living with his partner David. Both are London based and are in Ireland for different reasons. However both become involved with the O’Byrne family. Janet is Crawford’s lead analyst on an aggressive takeover of the large fast growing O’Byrne family business. But all Crawford really wants is Janet. Jeremy has a secret. He has not ‘come out’ in Ireland. He dates Dorothy O’Byrne with an ulterior motive. He wants her along when he meets his mother twenty years after he ran away to London from his studies for the priesthood. But Janet discovers the bedside charms of Peter O’Byrne and Jeremy finds that Dorothy’s dominant approach turns him on.

Twisted Love and Money

The “Young Boy Named David” series is designed to help young people deal with difficult situations that are hard to talk about and adults reconnect to their disconnected childhood helping heal broken pasts. In Book 7, you'll see how David's anger at home turns him into a little ball of trouble that wants to fight everyone around him!

A Young Boy Named David Book 7

Susan Glaspell's "Plays" is a remarkable collection that showcases her pioneering contributions to American theater and her incisive exploration of complex social issues. Characterized by its psychological depth and innovative use of stagecraft, Glaspell'Äôs works often dissect the intricacies of gender roles, morality, and the human condition. Noteworthy within this collection are powerful pieces such as "Trifles" and "The Verge," which reveal her ability to blend realism with expressionistic elements, ultimately reflecting the anxieties and aspirations of early 20th-century America. As a central figure in the American literary scene and a founding member of the Provincetown Players, Glaspell's experiences as a woman in a predominantly male literary landscape informed her dramatic explorations. Her involvement in the feminist movement and her own struggles with societal expectations profoundly impacted her writing. Glaspell'Äôs rich understanding of human psychology and the socio-political landscape culminated in her plays, which challenged audiences to confront uncomfortable truths. This collection is essential for anyone interested in the evolution of American drama and the feminist voice in literature. Glaspell's plays not only provide insight into the socio-cultural issues of her time, but they also resonate with contemporary audiences, thereby reaffirming her status as a seminal figure in theater.

Plays

William Shakespeare's "Macbeth" is a haunting tragedy that delves into the dark realms of ambition, power, and moral corruption. Set in Scotland amidst a backdrop of supernatural prophecies and political intrigue, the play masterfully employs rich poetic language and tight dramatic structure to explore the psychological descent of its titular character. Shakespeare's use of soliloquies reveals the inner turmoil of Macbeth and Lady Macbeth, illuminating their complex motivations and moral dilemmas. The interplay of fate and free will, coupled with themes of guilt and paranoia, situates "Macbeth" within the broader context of Renaissance drama while also addressing timeless human concerns. William Shakespeare, widely regarded as the greatest playwright in the English language, wrote "Macbeth" around 1606, possibly during a period of political instability in England. His own experiences with power dynamics, societal expectations, and the supernatural likely influenced this poignant exploration of unchecked ambition and its dire consequences. Shakespeare's keen understanding of human psychology and the socio-political landscape of his time resonated in his works, with "Macbeth" serving as a powerful commentary on the human condition. "Macbeth" is an essential read for anyone interested in the complexities of human ambition and moral ambiguity. It captivates with its vivid imagery and profound themes, inviting readers to reflect on their own ambitions and the lengths to which they might go to achieve them. This timeless tragedy remains relevant, fostering discussions about ethics, power, and the psychological repercussions of our choices.

After the Fall Miller drew on his own life to tell the story of Quentin, who's haunted by a disastrous affair with a needy sex symbol - a character said to be based on Marilyn Monroe. All My Sons Julie Harris stars in Miller's classic about a prosperous family with tragic secrets. Broken Glass Set in 1938, Sylvia Gellburg mysteriously loses her ability to walk after hearing about Kristallnacht in Nazi Germany. The Crucible Stacy Keach and Richard Dreyfuss lead an all-star cast in Miller's searing play about witchcraft that famously mirrors the anti-Communist hysteria that held the United States in its grip. Death of a Salesman Willy Loman (Stacy Keach) is the iconic traveling salesman, whose family is torn apart by his desperate obsession with greatness. Incident at Vichy In Nazi-occupied France, nine men are detained under a shadowy pretext and face a terrifying fate. The Man Who Had All the Luck An early Miller gem about the random nature of fate The Price Two long estranged brothers reunite as they sell off an attic full of furniture, their last link to a family and a world that no longer exist. The Ride Down Mt. Morgan Brian Cox stars as Lyman Felt, who's managed to keep his two wives unaware of each other's existence until they meet in Lyman's hospital room. A View from the Bridge Longshoreman Eddie Carbone's devotion to his niece Catherine turns into a dangerous obsession.

The Arthur Miller Collection (Unabridged)

Based on Ernest J. Gaines' National Book Critics Circle Award-winning novel, A Lesson Before Dying is set in a small Louisiana Cajun community in the late 1940's. Jefferson, a young illiterate black man, is falsely convicted of murder and is sentenced to death. Grant Wiggins, the plantation schoolteacher, agrees to talk with the condemned man. The disheartened Wiggins had once harbored dreams of escaping from his impoverished youth, yet he returned to his home town after university, to teach children whose lives seemed as unpromising as Jefferson's. The two men forge a bond as they come to understand what it means to resist and defy one's own fate. An L.A. Theatre Works full-cast performance featuring: Rick Foucheux as Paul Bonin Keith Glover as Grant Wiggins Jamahl Marsh as Jefferson Linda Powell as Vivian Baptiste Jefferson A. Russell as Reverend Moses Ambrose Jerry Whiddon as Sam Guidry Beatrice Winde as Emma Glenn Directed by Nick Olcott. Recorded at Voice of America in Washington DC.

A Lesson Before Dying

The epic sweep of Turgenev's 19th century literary masterpiece is brought to the stage by one of Ireland's greatest dramatists. Fathers and Sons captures the ongoing clash of generations and philosophies. Set in a Russian country estate, Friel's powerful and resonant adaptation examines the inevitable conflict between the urgency of youth and the entrenchment of age. Starring (in alphabetical order): James Callis as Bazarov Harry Hamlin as Pavel Nicholas Hormann as Prokofyich/Timofeich Jane Kaczmarek as Arina/Princess Olga Alfred Molina as Vassily/Nikolai Molly C. Quinn as Katya John Sloan as Arkady Devon Sorvari as Fenichka Daniel David Stewart as Piotr Jocelyn Towne as Dunyahsa Joanne Whalley as Anna Directed by Martin Jarvis and recorded before an audience. Recording Engineer and Sound Designer: Mark Holden for The Invisible Studios, West Hollywood Editor: Mitchell Lindskoog

Fathers and Sons

William Shakespeare, long hailed as the history's greatest dramatic writer, has been lauded for his mastery of poetic expression, his insight into the human condition and his deep exploration into the psyche and motivations of his characters. These skills are perhaps best exemplified in the monologues he gives his various protagonists, villains and bit players. From King Henry V's inspiring speech to his soldiers on the field of Agincourt to the villainous Merchant of Venice Shylock defending his own cruelty, to the shepherdess Phebe from "As You Like It" grappling with her sudden attraction to a young courtier, to Nick Bottom from "A Midsummer Night's Dream," awaking from the strangest dream in history, Shakespeare's monologues are short distillations of his larger themes - love and loss, fairness and inequity, power and envy, lust and purity. Fort Raphael Publishing is proud to present - in this complete volume - the best of Shakespeare's greatest monologues, each of which captures a shining, brilliant moment from his plays that gives us a deeper understanding of each character, whether flattering, damning or inspiring. Enjoy this collection of monologues from the greatest theatrical writer in the English language - William Shakespeare - performed by some of the finest classical actors in the business.

Shakespeare's Greatest Monologues - The Complete Collection

This ebook compiles Conan Doyle's greatest writings, including novels and short stories such as "A Study in Scarlet", "The Hound of the Baskervilles", "The Lost World", "The Adventure of the Speckled Band", "The Sign of Four" and "The White Company". This edition has been professionally formatted and contains several tables of contents. The first table of contents (at the very beginning of the ebook) lists the titles of all novels included in this volume. By clicking on one of those titles you will be redirected to the beginning of that work, where you'll find a new TOC that lists all the chapters and sub-chapters of that specific work.

Arthur Conan Doyle: The Best Works

Socrates is a 1759 French play in three acts written by Voltaire. It is set in Ancient Greece during the events just before the trial and death of Greek philosopher Socrates. It is heavy with satire specifically at government authority and organized religion. The main characters besides the titular role is that of the priest Anitus, his entourage, Socrates' wife Xantippe, several judges, and some children Socrates has adopted as his own. Like more historical accounts by Herodotus, Plato, and Xenophon, the playwright shows Socrates as a moral individual charged with baseless accusations by a conspiracy of corrupt Athenians or Athenian officials although Voltaire implies that the wrongdoers are a select few. Unlike the historical account, Socrates deals with several judges, whereas his real life counterpart receives his punishment of death by hemlock by a jury of 500 Athenians. The presence or mention of Socrates' best-known students such as Plato, Antisthenes, Zeno of Citium, and others are replaced by unnamed disciples, delivering only a few token lines at the end of the play. Socrates is also portrayed as a monotheist and a victim of religious persecution, an interpretation that is not generally shared by modern scholars and historians. Generally, this is not the most well-known of his works in comparison with Letters on the English which Voltaire published in 1778 or the Dictionnaire philosophique published earlier in 1764. However, hints of his contempt for government and religion are apparent here which later influenced the leaders of the American Revolution and the French Revolution.

Socrates

In "Boris Godunov," Alexander Pushkin masterfully chronicles the tumultuous reign of the titular Russian tsar, offering a rich tapestry of political intrigue, ambition, and moral complexity. Written in a lyrical and evocative style, the work merges historical narrative with dramatic elements, employing verse that reveals the depths of human emotion and the tragic weight of power. Set against the backdrop of 16th-century Russia, Pushkin's play navigates the uncertainties of governance, the nature of legitimacy, and the resonant themes of fate and free will, thus offering insights that echo through the ages. Pushkin, often hailed as the father of Russian literature, crafted his narrative influenced by the tumultuous history of his homeland, particularly the Time of Troubles that followed the death of Ivan the Terrible. His fascination with history and the complexities of human nature propelled him to explore the conflicted psyche of Boris Godunov and the moral ambiguities surrounding his ascent to power. Pushkin'Äôs own encounters with censorship and his ardent advocacy for artistic freedom also illuminate the stakes involved in portraying such contentious themes. "Boris Godunov" is highly recommended for readers drawn to the interplay of history and drama, as well as those interested in the cultural and political landscape of Russia. This seminal work not only showcases Pushkin'Äôs poetic prowess but also serves as a profound meditation on leadership, loyalty, and the inescapable repercussions of ambition'Äîan essential read for anyone seeking to understand the foundations of Russian literature and its historical depths.

Boris Godunov

In "Ghosts," Henrik Ibsen confronts the complexities of morality, societal expectations, and the haunting legacies of the past. Written in 1881, this groundbreaking play employs naturalistic dialogue interwoven with rich symbolism, revealing the inner turmoil of its characters as they grapple with the repercussions of their choices. The narrative centers around Mrs. Alving, who strives to protect her son from the sins of his father while navigating her own suppressed desires and societal norms. Ibsen's critique of 19th-century Norwegian society, coupled with themes of hereditary guilt and the quest for personal freedom, positions "Ghosts" as a pivotal work in the evolution of modern drama. Henrik Ibsen, often referred to as the father of modern drama, drew upon his own experiences and the societal transformations of his time to craft provocative narratives. Raised in a milieu of shifting moral values and witnessing the impact of industrialization and enlightenment, Ibsen's works often reflect a deep concern for individual rights and the often stifling societal constraints placed upon women, as vividly illustrated in "Ghosts." His insights into human psychology beckon readers to explore the darker corners of the human condition. For readers seeking an unflinching exploration of the human psyche, "Ghosts" offers a compelling blend of emotional depth and social critique. Ibsen's masterful storytelling invites reflection on the often-unseen ghosts that shape our lives, making this play not only a critical part of literary heritage but also relevant for contemporary audiences. Delve into the intricate layers of guilt and redemption, and discover how the past informs our present.

Ghosts

Shipwrecked on the shores of Illyria, Viola assumes the role of a male page to Duke Orsino. The Duke sends Viola, now disguised as 'Cesario' to press his suit with the beautiful Olivia - who promptly falls in love with Cesario. Confusion reigns until the truth is untangled and true love triumphs. Recorded at The Invisible Studios, West Hollywood in July 2022. Adapted and directed by Martin Jarvis Producing Director: Susan Albert Loewenberg An L.A. Theatre Works full-cast recording starring: Rosalind Ayres as Maria Tara Lynne Barr as Olivia Chris Butler as Orsino JD Cullum as Antonio Sarah Drew as Viola Martin Jarvis as Sir Toby Belch Adhir Kalyan as Sir Andrew Aguecheek Stacy Keach as Feste, the Fool André Sogliuzzo as Fabian, Curio, Valentine and others Josh Stamberg as Malvolio Mark Jude Sullivan as Sebastian Senior Producer: Anna Lyse Erikson Recording and Mixing Engineer: Charles Carroll Editing and Sound Design: David Wilson and Charles Carroll Senior Radio Producer: Ronn Lipkin Foley Artist: Jeff Gardner Guitar Accompaniment by JD Cullum

William Collins Books and Decca Records are proud to present ARGO Classics, a historic catalogue of classic prose and verse read by some of the world’s most renowned voices. Originally released as vinyl records, these expertly remastered stories are now available to download for the first time. All 17 of Shakespeare’s timeless comedies, performed by the celebrated Marlowe Dramatic Society and Professional Players. Young love, bawdiness, and exuberance are played out in these comedies that continue to make us laugh and cheer. Performed by an incredible array of the 20th century’s greatest actors, Marlowe alumni including Ian McKellen, Diana Rigg, Derek Jacobi, and Prunella Scales can be heard in these recordings. All of the Shakespeare plays within the ARGO Classics catalogue are performed by the Marlowe Dramatic Society and Professional Players. The Marlowe was founded in 1907 with a mission to focus on effective delivery of verse, respect the integrity of texts, and rescue neglected plays by Shakespeare’s contemporaries and the less performed plays of Shakespeare himself. The Marlowe has performed annually at Cambridge Arts Theatre since its opening in 1936 and continues to produce some of the finest actors of their generations. Thurston Dart, Professor of Music at London University and a Fellow of Jesus College Cambridge, directed the music for this production. This collection includes 17 comedies: • All’s Well That Ends Well • As You Like It • Comedy of Errors • Cymbeline • Love’s Labour’s Lost • Measure for Measure • The Merry Wives of Windsor • The Merchant of Venice • A Midsummer Night’s Dream • Much Ado About Nothing • Pericles, Prince of Tyre • The Taming Of The Shrew • The Tempest • Troilus And Cressida • Twelfth Night • The Two Gentlemen of Verona • The Winter’s Tale The full casts for each production in this collection can be found in the description of the individual play’s product page.

Argo Classics

Shakespeare: The Comedies

William Collins Books and Decca Records are proud to present ARGO Classics, a historic catalogue of classic prose and verse read by some of the world’s most renowned voices. Originally released as vinyl records, these expertly remastered stories are now available to download for the first time. ‘Bear you well in this new spring of time, Lest you be cropp'd before you come to prime.’ King Richard II rules England in a wasteful and short-sighted way, spending money unwisely and selecting his counselors foolishly. His manner ostracises him from his people and his country and it’s not long before both commoners and noblemen feel Richard has gone too far. When Richard seizes land that rightfully belongs to his cousin Henry Bolingbroke, Bolingbroke retaliates by invading England while Richard is at war in Ireland. More popular with the commoners, Henry is eventually crowned King Henry IV. All of the Shakespeare plays within the ARGO Classics catalogue are performed by the Marlowe Dramatic Society and Professional Players. The Marlowe was founded in 1907 with a mission to focus on effective delivery of verse, respect the integrity of texts, and rescue neglected plays by Shakespeare’s contemporaries and the less performed plays of Shakespeare himself. The Marlowe has performed annually at Cambridge Arts Theatre since its opening in 1936 and continues to produce some of the finest actors of their generations. Thurston Dart, Professor of Music at London University and a Fellow of Jesus College Cambridge, directed the music for this production. The full cast includes: Richard Pasco; William Devlin; Cyril Luckham; Timothy West; Roy Spencer; John Shrapnel; Peter Jeffrey; Sidney Bromley; George Rylands; Gary Watson; Peter Orr; David King; Gordon Gardner; Harvey Hall; Denis McCarthy; Frank Duncan; Dudley Jones; Barbara Leigh-Hunt; Beatrix Lehmann; Peter Woodthorpe; Clive Swift; Alaric Cotter; Norman Mitchell.

Richard II

William Collins Books and Decca Records are proud to present ARGO Classics, a historic catalogue of classic prose and verse read by some of the world’s most renowned voices. Originally released as vinyl records, these expertly remastered stories are now available to download for the first time. All 10 of Shakespeare’s timeless histories, performed by the celebrated Marlowe Dramatic Society and Professional Players. Politics, power, and the tragedy of war are played out in these sweeping histories that continue to surprise and entertain. Performed by an incredible array of the 20th century’s greatest actors, Marlowe alumni including Ian McKellen, Derek Jacobi, Prunella Scales, William Squire, and Timothy West can be heard in these recordings. All of the Shakespeare plays within the ARGO Classics catalogue are performed by the Marlowe Dramatic Society and Professional Players. The Marlowe was founded in 1907 with a mission to focus on effective delivery of verse, respect the integrity of texts, and rescue neglected plays by Shakespeare’s contemporaries and the less performed plays of Shakespeare himself. The Marlowe has performed annually at Cambridge Arts Theatre since its opening in 1936 and continues to produce some of the finest actors of their generations. Thurston Dart, Professor of Music at London University and a Fellow of Jesus College Cambridge, directed the music for this production. This collection includes 10 histories: • Henry IV Part I • Henry IV Part II • Henry V • Henry VI Part I • Henry VI Part II • Henry VI Part III • Henry VIII • King John • Richard II • Richard III The full casts for each production in this collection can be found in the description of the individual play’s product page.

Shakespeare: The Histories

William Collins Books and Decca Records are proud to present ARGO Classics, a historic catalogue of classic prose and verse read by some of the world’s most renowned voices. Originally released as vinyl records, these expertly remastered stories are now available to download for the first time. All 10 of Shakespeare’s timeless tragedies, performed by the celebrated Marlowe Dramatic Society and Professional Players. Power, excess, and betrayal are played out in these tragedies that continue to hold modern resonance. Performed by an incredible array of the 20th century’s greatest actors, Marlowe alumni including Ian McKellen, Diana Rigg, Derek Jacobi, and Prunella Scales can be heard in these recordings. All of the Shakespeare plays within the ARGO Classics catalogue are performed by the Marlowe Dramatic Society and Professional Players. The Marlowe was founded in 1907 with a mission to focus on effective delivery of verse, respect the integrity of texts, and rescue neglected plays by Shakespeare’s contemporaries and the less performed plays of Shakespeare himself. The Marlowe has performed annually at Cambridge Arts Theatre since its opening in 1936 and continues to produce some of the finest actors of their generations. Thurston Dart, Professor of Music at London University and a Fellow of Jesus College Cambridge, directed the music for this production. This collection includes 10 tragedies: • Antony and Cleopatra • Coriolanus • Hamlet • Julius Caesar • King Lear • Macbeth • Othello • Romeo and Juliet • Timon of Athens • Titus Andronicus The full casts for each production in this collection can be found in the description of the individual play’s product page.

Shakespeare: The Tragedies

'We're supposed to be assessing their potential as college students, not conducting a quasi-criminal investigation.' Out of 37,451 applicants to Eliot University, Angela stands out – but not for the right reasons. An ambiguous event in her past threatens to overshadow her talent, her potential and her future prospects. Can she overcome the prejudices of those judging her application, or is she already tainted beyond redemption? Crackling with razor-sharp dialogue, Acceptance asks whether we can ever escape our past, and investigates the destructive side of our search for acceptance. It premiered at Hampstead Theatre Downstairs, London, in 2018. Amy Ng's other plays include Shangri-La (Finborough Theatre, London).

Acceptance

'Retired people are like nuclear power stations. They like to live by the sea.' Two ageing nuclear scientists in an isolated cottage on the coast, as the world around them crumbles. Then an old friend arrives with a frightening request. Lucy Kirkwood's play The Children premiered at the Royal Court, London, in the Jerwood Theatre Downstairs on 17 November 2016, in a production directed by James Macdonald. The Children was named Best Play at the 2018 Writers' Guild Awards.

The Children

'What doctor know about our illness? Just give you pills to sick you stomach and a doctor certificate. What they know about a black woman soul?' In North London, Del and Viv are soul-sick. Del doesn't want to be at home; staying out late – 3 p.m.-the-next-day late – is more her thing. Viv scours her schoolbooks trying to find a trace of herself between their lines. When Enid takes her daughters to the local obeah woman for some traditional Caribbean soul-healing, secrets are spilled. There's no turning back for Del, Viv and Enid as they negotiate the frictions between their countries and cultures. Two generations. Three incredible women. Winsome Pinnock's play Leave Taking is an epic story of what we leave behind in order to find home. It premiered in 1987, and was revived at the Bush Theatre, London, in 2018, in a production directed by the Bush's Artistic Director, Madani Younis. Winsome Pinnock has written numerous plays, including Talking in Tongues, for which she won the George Devine and Pearson Best New Play Awards. 'The godmother of Black British playwrights' Guardian

Leave Taking

Euripides' classic story of the woman who murders her own children in revenge for her husband's infidelity, here given a distinctive Scots flavour by the poet and playwright Liz Lochhead. Lochhead's version of the play was commissioned and first performed by Theatre Babel at The Old Fruitmarket, Glasgow, in March 2000. The production was revived at the Assembly Rooms for the Edinburgh Festival Fringe in August 2000, and then remounted for a national tour later in 2000. It returned to the Assembly Rooms for the Edinburgh Festival Fringe in August 2001. This edition of the play was awarded the Saltire Society Scottish Book of the Year Award in 2001.

NHB Classic Plays

Medea

After the sudden death of John Smith, Margaret Beckett finds herself hurled into the position of Acting Leader of the Opposition, and the sole female candidate in the race to lead the party. She embarks on her campaign with the support of Clare Short in the contest that saw the birth of New Labour. Joy Wilkinson's short play Acting Leader was first performed at the Tricycle Theatre, London, as part of the Women, Power and Politics season in June 2010.

Acting Leader

Drama Classics: The World's Great Plays at a Great Little Price Federico García Lorca's extraordinarily powerful drama, the last he wrote before his assassination, explores the darkness at the heart of repression. When Bernarda's husband dies, she locks all the doors and windows. She tells her grown-up daughters to sew and be silent. 'There are eight years of mourning ahead of us. While it lasts not even the wind will get into this house.' But locks can't hold back the growing tide of desire. This English version of The House of Bernarda Alba, published in the Nick Hern Books Drama Classics series, is translated and introduced by Jo Clifford, and also contains a chronology and suggestions for further reading.

NHB Drama Classi

The House of Bernarda Alba

'Stick a woman in fatigues, put a wrench in her hand, an axe, a machine gun – they're just props, unless she can live her life freely – take lovers, have abortions, make art not babies!' Two penniless actresses meet at auditions for a production of Ibsen's A Doll's House in Shanghai – and they quickly become inseparable. As political upheaval rips through China, their tumultuous friendship will alter not only the course of their lives, but the course of history. One will become China's first female theatre director. The other, the architect of the Cultural Revolution. Amy Ng's play Shanghai Dolls tells the untold true story of two of the most influential women in Chinese history – Madame Mao and Sun Weishi – and how the personal truly is political. It opened at Kiln Theatre, London, in 2025, in association with Paines Plough, directed by Katie Posner.

Shanghai Dolls

"Passion and Gabriel's love weaves through life's tapestry, enduring youth, cultural divides, and family growth. Their unwavering bond overcomes fate's stumbles, their love a testament to time. As Passion's life ends, her spirit unites the grieving community, their tales echoing her light. Gabriel's journey through loss and memory becomes a healing process, aided by family and the pure perspectives of children. Their love story, a resilient dance between loss and renewal, guides Gabriel to embrace a hopeful future."

The Recipient of a Donor's Heart

An epic new fantasy romance from New York Times and USA Today bestselling author C. L. Wilson After three long years of war, starkly handsome Wynter Atrialan will have his vengeance on Summerlea's king by taking one of the man's beautiful, beloved daughters as his bride. But though peace is finally at hand, Wynter's battle with the Ice Heart, the dread power he embraced to avenge his brother's death, rages on. Khamsin Coruscate, Princess of Summerlea and summoner of Storms, has spent her life exiled to the shadows of her father's palace. Reviled by her father, marriage to Wintercraig's icy king was supposed to be a terrible punishment, but instead offers Kham her first taste of freedom—and her first taste of overwhelming passion. As fierce, indomitable Wynter weathers even Khamsin's wildest storms, surprising her with a tenderness she never expected, Kham wants more than Wynter's passion—she yearns for his love. But the power of the Ice Heart is growing, dangerous forces are gathering, and a devastating betrayal puts Khamsin and Wynter to the ultimate test.

Weathermages of Mystral

The Winter King

In the spirit of Khaled Hosseini, Nadia Hashimi and Shilpi Somaya Gowda comes this powerful debut from a talented new voice—a sweeping, emotional journey of two childhood friends in Mumbai, India, whose lives converge only to change forever one fateful night. India, 1986: Mukta, a ten-year-old village girl from the lower caste Yellama cult has come of age and must fulfill her destiny of becoming a temple prostitute, as her mother and grandmother did before her. In an attempt to escape her fate, Mukta is sent to be a house girl for an upper-middle class family in Mumbai. There she discovers a friend in the daughter of the family, high spirited eight-year-old Tara, who helps her recover from the wounds of her past. Tara introduces Mukta to an entirely different world—one of ice cream, reading, and a friendship that soon becomes a sisterhood. But one night in 1993, Mukta is kidnapped from Tara’s family home and disappears. Shortly thereafter, Tara and her father move to America. A new life in Los Angeles awaits them but Tara never recovers from the loss of her best friend, or stops wondering if she was somehow responsible for Mukta's abduction. Eleven years later, Tara, now an adult, returns to India determined to find Mukta. As her search takes her into the brutal underground world of human trafficking, Tara begins to uncover long-buried secrets in her own family that might explain what happened to Mukta—and why she came to live with Tara’s family in the first place. Moving from a traditional Indian village to the bustling modern metropolis of Mumbai, to Los Angeles and back again, this is a heartbreaking and beautiful portrait of an unlikely friendship—a story of love, betrayal, and, ultimately, redemption.

The Color of Our Sky

A teacher in Chicago at the beginning of the last century, Jennie Hall wrote a number of engaging history books for children. Viking Tales follows the story of Harald Fairhair from the time he is given his own thrall at the cutting of his first tooth, through his exploits as a Viking adventurer, to his crowning as King of Norway. Jennie Hall (1875 - 1921)

Viking Tales

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