Books in the World Classics series

A large ship carrying slaves has ended up in distress. Sailor Ben Brace has managed to build a small raft – and together with a young boy called William they are trying to survive in the harsh conditions at sea. Will they make it to shore? Or will they die because of the lack of drinking water and food?‘The Ocean Waifs: A Story of Adventure on Land and Sea’ is an exciting adventure novel written by Mayne Reid.Mayne Reid (1818–1883) was an Irish writer, who spent many years in the United States. He is best known for his adventure novels such as ‘The White Chief’ and ‘The Headless Horseman’. Many of his novels take place in the US; Reid is regarded as one of the first writers to write about the Wild West.

Charles Darnaway decides to leave the University of Edinburgh, so that he can travel to the remote island of Aros. He pays a visit to his uncle, Gordon Darnaway, and beautiful cousin Mary Ellen. Charles’ main goal is to find the long-sunken treasure, near his uncle’s house, and marry to the beloved Mary. As he explores the shore, strange things begin to happen with Gordon.Will Charles find the lost treasure and marry his cousin? Is the mystery around his uncle going to be revealed? Who are "the Merry Men" and why are they so dangerous? This short story of isolation, adventure, mystery and paranormality is published in 1882. Robert Louis Stevenson (1850 – 1894) was a Scottish novelist, poet and travel writer. For most of his life, Stevenson suffered from serious bronchial trouble, but kept on travelling and writing. One of his first titles is "Treasure Island", which is among his most popular novels, along with "Strange Case of Dr Jekyll and Mr Hyde", "Kidnapped" and "A Child’s Garden of Verses". Stevenson’s works have been admired by many other authors.

Arthur Jermyn was a noble man whose family was full of strange people such as adventurers, sailors and people who joined the circus. But the family members were not only strange – madness was in all the Jermyns. People were glad there were not many of them. The line put forth no branches – and Arthur was the last of it.‘Facts concerning the Late Arthur Jermyn and His Family’ is a horror short story written by H.P. Lovecraft. As Lovecraft’s both parents died in a mental hospital, it is believed that Lovecraft handled some of his own family issues in this very story. H.P. Lovecraft (1890–1937) was an American horror writer. His best known works include ‘The Call of Cthulhu’ and ‘the Mountains of Madness’. Most of his work was originally published in pulp magazines, and Lovecraft rose into fame only after his death at the age of 46. He has had a great influence in both horror and science fiction genres.

It is not very often that we get to read a story told by a dog. However O. Henry’s "Memoirs of a Yellow Dog" gives us a peek through the dog Lovey’s mind. Lovey feels a strong despise for his mistress - a fat lady who does nothing but eat and gossip. At the same time he is determined to save his owner who is constantly working and trying to provide for his unthankful wife. This comic tale about the love and loyalty between a pet and his owner is turned upside down. But this is exactly why O. Henry’s stories with surprise endings are so popular and loved. William Sydney Porter, better known as O. Henry, was an American writer who lived in the late 19th century. He gains wide popularity with his short stories which often take place either in New York or some small American towns. The plot twists and the surprise endings are a typical and integral part of O. Henry’s short stories. Some of his best known works are "The Gift of the Magi", "The Cop and the Anthem", "A Retrieved Reformation". His stories often deal with ordinary people and the individual aspects of life. As a result of the outstanding literature legacy that O. Henry left behind, there is an American annual award after his name, given to exceptional short stories.

Do you believe that people can change? Can a bank robber marry the banker’s daughter without having any hidden thoughts and intentions? "A Retrieved Reformation" tells the story of Jimmy, a formal prisoner, who decides to quit violating the law in the name of love. He takes up a new identity and starts a new life as an honorable man. However he is about to face a choice which can cost him his future. Will he sacrifice himself in order to save a child in danger or he will prefer to keep his old identity in secret? William Sydney Porter, better known as O. Henry, was an American writer who lived in the late 19th century. He gains wide popularity with his short stories which often take place either in New York or some small American towns. The plot twists and the surprise endings are a typical and integral part of O. Henry’s short stories. Some of his best known works are "The Gift of the Magi", "The Cop and the Anthem", "A Retrieved Reformation". His stories often deal with ordinary people and the individual aspects of life. As a result of the outstanding literature legacy that O. Henry left behind, there is an American annual award after his name, given to exceptional short stories.

Is it possible to get away with a fraud or the lies will catch up on you eventually?Jeff Peters and Andy Tucker are two swindlers who want to make money the easy way. Peters however wants to give something back in return in order to calm his guilty conscience. Will they get caught after one of their "smart" plans to trick and rob a Pittsburg Millionaire? Will Peters find the truth about Tucker? O. Henry’s "Conscience in Art" has the answers. William Sydney Porter, better known as O. Henry, was an American writer who lived in the late 19th century. He gains wide popularity with his short stories which often take place either in New York or some small American towns. The plot twists and the surprise endings are a typical and integral part of O. Henry’s short stories. Some of his best known works are "The Gift of the Magi", "The Cop and the Anthem", "A Retrieved Reformation". His stories often deal with ordinary people and the individual aspects of life. As a result of the outstanding literature legacy that O. Henry left behind, there is an American annual award after his name, given to exceptional short stories.

"The Furnished Room" is a short story about love and dedication, about exhaustion and despair. A young man is in search for a girl he fell in love with. He rents a room near the theaters where she is to be seen and he devotes his days to the dream of finding her. When all of a sudden the sweet fragrance of her perfume fills his room ... Is he finally blessed with success? Or this is an evil ghost from the past? Will he get to embrace the girl he loves or she will drag him to the verge of sanity? William Sydney Porter, better known as O. Henry, was an American writer who lived in the late 19th century. He gains wide popularity with his short stories which often take place either in New York or some small American towns. The plot twists and the surprise endings are a typical and integral part of O. Henry’s short stories. Some of his best known works are "The Gift of the Magi", "The Cop and the Anthem", "A Retrieved Reformation". His stories often deal with ordinary people and the individual aspects of life. As a result of the outstanding literature legacy that O. Henry left behind, there is an American annual award after his name, given to exceptional short stories.

Basset is an English scientist who has been working hard in order to find a mystical, large butterfly species in the jungle of Guadalcanal. However, soon Basset is not so interested in butterflies anymore – he has heard a strange, inviting voice in the jungle. He decides to follow the voice without knowing that these actions will change his life for good...'The Red One' is a collection of 4 thrilling short stories published in 1918. Jack London (1876–1916) was an American writer and social activist. He grew up in the working class, but became a worldwide celebrity and one of the highest paid authors of his time. He wrote several novels, which are considered classics today, among these 'Call of the Wild', 'Sea Wolf' and 'White Fang'.

The man from the title, Markheim, is at the local antique store to buy a Christmas present for his beloved. The shop’s owner offers him to buy a mirror, but Markheim is disgusted by the idea. Instead he wants to be shown another gift. When the pawnbroker turns to retrieve another piece, he gets stabbed in the back by his client. Why is Markheim so disgusted by the seller’s proposal? What is the reason for the ruthless murder? Why does paranoia start to overwhelm Markheim? Who is the supernatural visitant with whom he begins a conversation?This classic short story of mystery, bad decisions, and battle between good and evil takes place in London in the late 19th century. Robert Louis Stevenson (1850 – 1894) was a Scottish novelist, poet and travel writer. For most of his life, Stevenson suffered from serious bronchial trouble, but kept on travelling and writing. One of his first titles is "Treasure Island", which is among his most popular novels, along with "Strange Case of Dr Jekyll and Mr Hyde", "Kidnapped" and "A Child’s Garden of Verses". Stevenson’s works have been admired by many other authors.

Richard Shelton is a young man, whose father has been ruthlessly killed. While Shelton seeks justice, he also rescues his love, Joanna Sedley, from the hands of her wicked warden. Thanks to his courage and loyalty, Richard becomes a knight of the Yorks. Unfortunately, an outlaw named Ellis Duckworth crosses his path and lies Shelton about his old man’s death. Will Shelton find out who is responsible for his father’s murder? Will he marry his beloved? What danger will Richard put himself into after believing Ellis' lies?This historical novel of war, murder, heroism and love is set in the fifteenth century during the Wars of the Roses.Robert Louis Stevenson (1850 – 1894) was a Scottish novelist, poet and travel writer. For most of his life, Stevenson suffered from serious bronchial trouble, but kept on travelling and writing. One of his first titles is "Treasure Island", which is among his most popular novels, along with "Strange Case of Dr Jekyll and Mr Hyde", "Kidnapped" and "A Child’s Garden of Verses". Stevenson’s works have been admired by many other authors.

Della and James are a young married couple who want to delight each other with a surprise Christmas gift. It turns out easier said than done because both of them have very little money. Will they manage to buy something in time? What sort of sacrifices will they need to make to buy a gift that their beloved will appreciate? What if they already have it but are not aware of it?'The Gift of the Magi' is a magical tale brimming with comic irony but also a resounding and valuable moral lesson. The twist ending is bound to make you laugh and give you ample food for thought on what truly is important in life.American short story master O. Henry is best known for his pithy, witty scores and surprise endings. In doing so he made commonplace experiences extraordinary and memorable. His work has been immortalised in the popular 1952 film 'O. Henry's Full House' starring Fred Allen, Anne Baxter, Marilyn Monroe and Jeanne Crain.William Sidney Porter (1862-1919), known simply as O. Henry, was a prolific American author of humorous literary pieces. His fame came exceptionally quickly and he became a bestselling author of short story collections. Perhaps the most famous of these are, 'Cabbages and Kings,' 'The Voice of the City' and 'Strictly Business.' The immensity of O. Henry's impact on the American short story genre for time to come is evidenced by the fact an annual award in his name is given out each year in the United States. O. Henry's work is a must read for fans of Hemingway, Guy de Maupassant and Anton Chekhov.

"Buried Treasure" is a story about rivalry and love, greed and trust, friends and enemies. Jim and Goodloe Banks fight for the love of May Mangum. Although they seem to be evil adversaries, they spend much of their time together trying to obtain even more details about her and her interests. Their plans however change when May disappears all of a sudden. Their love rival turns to a search mission. Is May the treasure they are not willing to let go? Will they unite in the name of the woman they love? Will they get the future they have longed for or they will be left with the bitter feeling of failure?William Sydney Porter, better known as O. Henry, was an American writer who lived in the late 19th century. He gains wide popularity with his short stories which often take place either in New York or some small American towns. The plot twists and the surprise endings are a typical and integral part of O. Henry’s short stories. Some of his best known works are "The Gift of the Magi", "The Cop and the Anthem", "A Retrieved Reformation". His stories often deal with ordinary people and the individual aspects of life. As a result of the outstanding literature legacy that O. Henry left behind, there is an American annual award after his name, given to exceptional short stories.

Old Long-Beard is an early caveman who wears bearskin and eats with his hands. His life might seem simple, but the truth is something different – his society was once complex and advanced. One day he decides to tell his grandsons the story behind their tribe; how their society evolved step by step, and how it in the end led to their destruction...‘The Strength of the Strong’ is one of the intriguing short stories in Jack London’s short story collection which carries the same name. The collection includes seven short stories, some of which are purely political.Jack London (1876–1916) was an American writer and social activist. He grew up in the working class, but became a worldwide celebrity and one of the highest paid authors of his time. He wrote several novels, which are considered classics today, among these 'Call of the Wild', 'Sea Wolf' and 'White Fang'.

The novel revolves around a man from the future whose brief afternoon nap is vividly tinged with the dream he has of a man from the past. Utopian in its entirety, the book touches upon various topics like ridiculing Victorian morals and beliefs, expressing optimism towards the future, and unquestioning trust in progress as the most important feature there is. "The Dream" reads as a dream that goes both ways – towards the future and the past alike, painting a satirical picture of mankind’s absurdity and naïve optimism.H. G. Wells was an English writer, remembered mostly for his science fiction works. Often described as a futurist, H. G. Wells’s influence cannot be neglected for his works foresaw many technological innovations such as space travel, the atomic bomb, and the Internet. Four times Nobel Prize in Literature nominee, Wells explored a wide array of themes in his works, occupying one of the central seats in the canon of British literature. Some of his best works include the time-travel novel "The Time Machine", the sci-fi adventure novel "The Island of Dr. Moreau", the mankind-versus-aliens novel "The War of the Worlds" and more than seventy short stories.

Touching upon the legends surrounding the infamous captain William Kid, Washington Irving’s short story deals in feats of adventures, pirates, and buried treasure. The tempestuous life of William Kid and his return "laden with booty" gives vent to the rise of treasure-seekers, chasing wild rumours. Superstition, devilry, and magic intertwine in this short story that forms the backbone of American folklore tales about pirates and hidden, stolen goods. But do not hasten to grab the shovel – the aforesaid treasure is often guarded by the Devil himself.Versatile as the subject matter of his literary oeuvre, the name of Washington Irving still echoes in the corridors of the American literary canon. Having earned special status as a man of letters in America and Europe alike, Irving’s fame stems primarily from his short stories "Rip Van Winkle" and "The Legend of Sleepy Hollow". An avid biographer and historian, his influence can be felt within a vast group of American and British authors such as Nathaniel Hawthorne, E. A. Poe, Charles Dickens, and Sir Walter Scott.

The swindler Jeff Peters is after his next victims in the small town Fisher Hill. He is left with only 5 dollars and instead of falling into despair, he finds a way to trick the whole town. Everything goes according to plan until mayor Banks finds out the truth. Jeff has to prove him wrong. What the swindler does not know is that one of his old acquaintances seems to have teamed up with the mayor. "Jeff Peters as a Personal Magnet" is a typical short story with a twist which will keep you on the edge of your seat till the last page. Will Jeff’s true identity be revealed? Can he become the victim of his own evil plan or he will find a way out of this mess? William Sydney Porter, better known as O. Henry, was an American writer who lived in the late 19th century. He gains wide popularity with his short stories which often take place either in New York or some small American towns. The plot twists and the surprise endings are a typical and integral part of O. Henry’s short stories. Some of his best known works are "The Gift of the Magi", "The Cop and the Anthem", "A Retrieved Reformation". His stories often deal with ordinary people and the individual aspects of life. As a result of the outstanding literature legacy that O. Henry left behind, there is an American annual award after his name, given to exceptional short stories.

Fettes and his friends meet for a drink in the local inn. Everything goes well, until the famous doctor Wolfe Macfarlane enters to treat a sick patient. Fettes gets very upset when he sees Macfarlane and a conflict arises between the two former medical students. Soon they will remember the bad decisions and crimes they have committed as students. Why is Fettes so worried about seeing his old schoolmate? What do they have in common besides medicine? They have definitely done something wrong, but what can that be?The characters in this horror story are inspired by the Edinburgh’s notorious Burke and Hare murders from 1828.Robert Louis Stevenson (1850 – 1894) was a Scottish novelist, poet and travel writer. For most of his life, Stevenson suffered from serious bronchial trouble, but kept on travelling and writing. One of his first titles is "Treasure Island", which is among his most popular novels, along with "Strange Case of Dr Jekyll and Mr Hyde", "Kidnapped" and "A Child’s Garden of Verses". Stevenson’s works have been admired by many other authors.

After her alcoholic husband dies in an accident Mrs. Lirriper starts taking in lodgers to make ends meet. A wide cast of delightful characters breathe new life into the house, but not everything runs smoothly. And some leave behind more than Mrs. Lirriper bargained for.Mrs. Lirriper's Lodgings is a kind and sweet story; a light read that will satisfy any reader with a taste for the classics. Though not set during Christmas like A Christmas Carol (1843) before it, it is considered a holiday story and first appeared it the extra Christmas edition of the All The Year Round literary magazine.Charles Dickens (1812-1870) was an English author, social critic, and philanthropist. Much of his writing first appeared in small instalments in magazines and was widely popular. Among his most famous novels are Oliver Twist (1839), David Copperfield (1850), and Great Expectations (1861).

The temperature has fallen below –55 degree celsius in Klondike, Canada. The men are shivering, and they are trying their best to get their hands warm next to the stove. Soon one of the men starts to cramp – not everyone has enough grit in these terrible circumstances. And that is when one of the men, indigenous Sitka Charley, starts to tell a story – a story of himself, his wife and a Yankee, and how they were able to survive in extreme conditions.'Grit of Women' is a thrilling short story by Jack London.Jack London (1876–1916) was an American writer and social activist. He grew up in the working class, but became a worldwide celebrity and one of the highest paid authors of his time. He wrote several novels, which are considered classics today, among these 'Call of the Wild', 'Sea Wolf' and 'White Fang'.

This volume contains Brecht's post-1950 adaptations of world dramatic classics for the Berliner Ensemble. Brecht's remodeled versions show all of the great dramatist's characteristic preoccupations: hatred of personal greatness, admiration of the people and hatred of war unless waged on behalf of the people who, to him, were the embodiment of wisdom and good sense. The Tutor is a 1950s adaptation of an 18th century play by J.M.R. Lenz and is a savage portrait of the subservience of German intellectuals and schoolmasters to the whims of the rich and powerful. Coriolanus is an unfinished adaptation of Shakespeare's play, using the Roman story to reflect Marxist theories of class struggle. Don Juan, a collaborative adaptation of Molière's play, redefines the charming social parasite as both a ridiculous egoist and an example of a dangerously attractive, theatrically mythic personality type. The Trial of Joan of Arc at Rouen adapts a radio play by Anna Seghers which was based on the original records of the trial of Joan of Arc. Trumpets and Drums is an adaptation of Farquhar's 18th century Restoration comedy The Recruiting Officer, which transfers the action to the American Civil War and introduces comments on imperialism and colonial conquest.

Jean Valjean has a background of a prisoner, but with a new identity he manages to create a career as a factory owner and a mayor.Not everyone is as lucky as Jean Valjean, though. A woman called Fantine has started to work at Jean Valjean’s factory, but she soon gets fired due to an illegitimate child. Fantine has no choice – she is forced to to a life of prostitution. Victor Hugo’s 'Les Misérables’ is one of the most significant European novels. It takes place in the early 1800’s France, and it follows the tragic paths of multiple characters. ‘Les Miserables’ has been filmed into a movie numerous times. In 2012 Tom Hooper directed a movie starring Hugh Jackman, Russel Crowe and Anne Hathaway.Victor Hugo (1802–1885) was a French writer. He is best known for his novels ‘Les Misérables’ and ‘The Hunchback of Notre Dame’. Hugo made his debut at a very young age; he published his very first book 'Odes et poésies diverses' at the age of 20. Hugo was also a human rights activist, and many of his works deal with human rights.

Guy de Maupassant's short story "Who Knows?" recounts nothing short of a bizarre series of events. Our narrator writes from inside an asylum, where he has committed himself and now recounts what has transpired earlier. We learn that the narrator, a self-proclaimed recluse, has a love of furniture, which he used to decorate his house with. One day, the furniture disappeared under mysterious circumstances and he came across them in the most unexpected place. Yet he is still a long way from discovering how they got there in the first place.Guy de Maupassant (1850-1893) was a prolific French writer considered a pioneer in modern short story writing. Maupassant was a protégé of French writer Gustave Flaubert and is known for novels such as A Woman's Life and short stories including "The Horla" and "The Dumpling." Maupassant's stories fall into the Naturalist movement, often depicting social entanglements and complex human fates. They have inspired countless film adaptations including the French-Belgian drama called A Woman's Life (2016).

You lose something. And only then you appreciate it. John Perkins has a peaceful and lovely life with his wife Katy. They live in a seeming harmony. However things turn upside down when one evening John comes home only to find it empty. Why is Katy gone? What has happened? John realizes how many important things he has lost, the most important of all – his precious Katy. Only if she could come back. Everything would be different and John would value her so much more. But will he actually?"The Pendulum" swings back and forth. It is up to John to grab the moment and appreciate it. Because some things cannot be reversed and only the regret is left.William Sidney Porter (1862-1919), known simply as O. Henry, was a prolific American author of humorous literary pieces. His fame came exceptionally quickly and he became a bestselling author of short story collections, among the most famous being "Cabbages and Kings", "The Voice of the City", and "Strictly Business." As a result of the outstanding literature legacy that O. Henry left behind, there is an American annual award after his name, given to exceptional short stories.

After beating up a little boy on Christmas Eve – as you do – Gabriel Grub, a grumpy and mean-spirited gravedigger, goes to dig a grave in the churchyard. His work is interrupted when goblins come by to show him what a nasty and spiteful fellow he is.The Goblins Who Stole a Sexton is a quick and festive read which appeared in Charles Dickens’ first novel, The Pickwick Papers, Britain’s first publishing phenomenon. It’s a haunting and imaginative short story and readers familiar with Dickens will find many parallels to A Christmas Carol.Charles Dickens (1812-1870) was an English author, social critic, and philanthropist. Much of his writing first appeared in small instalments in magazines and was widely popular. Among his most famous novels are Oliver Twist (1839), David Copperfield (1850), and Great Expectations (1861).

The author is in the middle of working when he suddenly gets a visitor – a friend, whose face is completely pale. The author is no longer irritated by the interruption; he wants to know what has happened. The friend calms down and starts to tell a story of himself ending up in a vicious party where everyone hid their faces behind a mask...‘A Masked Ball’ is a masterful short story written by Alexandre Dumas. Alexandre Dumas (1802–1870) was a French writer. He is best known for his novels ‘The Count of Monte Cristo’ and ‘The Three Musketeers'. Dumas is considered as one of the most significant French writers of the 19th century. Dumas’s background was exceptional in 1800’s France as his grandmother was a black slave – and also Dumas faced a lot of racism. Many of Dumas’s books have been filmed into movies.

"How do you do, ma'am?" said the captain. "I am very glad to see you. I have come a long way to see you."Who hasn’t dreamt of finding an old bottle between rocks on a beach somewhere, and seeing it has a rolled-up letter inside it? A Message from the Sea is a fairy tale by Charles Dickens and it tells the story of an American captain who travels a long way to deliver a message he found in at bottle to a family in a small English fishing village. It’s a refreshing and happy read in which the impossible happens. Charles Dickens (1812-1870) was an English author, social critic, and philanthropist. Much of his writing first appeared in small instalments in magazines and was widely popular. Among his most famous novels are Oliver Twist (1839), David Copperfield (1850), and Great Expectations (1861).

When Mr. Julius Slinkton walks into Mr. Sampson’s insurance office to fetch some forms for his friend, Sampson has a strange suspicion that something isn’t quite right. And when Slinkton continues to pop up in his life at random it’s starts to dawn on Sampson that a gruesome crime is about to be committed. Before long, Sampson’s entangled in a mess that might cost him his life.Told in the first person, Hunted Down is similar to the writing of Dickens’ friend, author Wilkie Collins, whose novel The Moonstone (1868) is considered the first modern English detective novel. With a masterful portrayal of character, intriguing mystery and insightful description, Dickens certainly excels in the detective genre.Charles Dickens (1812-1870) was an English author, social critic, and philanthropist. Much of his writing first appeared in small instalments in magazines and was widely popular. Among his most famous novels are Oliver Twist (1839), David Copperfield (1850), and Great Expectations (1861).

A gold prospector Mason, his wife Ruth and their friend Malemute Kid have noticed that their dogs are getting vicious – the dogs watch every food bite they take enviously. Life of a gold prospector is not easy, and it is definitely not easy for their dogs either.However, soon the dogs seem like a secondary problem – Mason has to give up his biggest dream and Malamute Kid has to make a decision no man would ever want to make.'The White Silence' is an exciting short story by Jack London.Jack London (1876–1916) was an American writer and social activist. He grew up in the working class, but became a worldwide celebrity and one of the highest paid authors of his time. He wrote several novels, which are considered classics today, among these 'Call of the Wild', 'Sea Wolf' and 'White Fang'.