Books in the World Classics series

Firenze, 1348. La peste nera infuria, e un gruppo di giovani sta cercando di fuggire da essa. Alla ricerca di un rifugio sicuro, si ritrovano in campagna. Nell’arco di dieci giorni, per passare il tempo, si raccontano un centinaio di storie fantastiche, tristi ed elaborate. Un ricco arazzo di tragedia e commedia, di farsa e di erotismo, "Il Decameron" è un capolavoro della prosa italiana.Giovanni Boccaccio (1313-1375) è stato uno studioso, uno scrittore e un poeta italiano. Umanista del Rinascimento, il suo capolavoro "Il Decameron" ha avuto un’influenza enorme sulla storia della letteratura europea.

"Lon McFane doveva essere un pochino di cattivo umore, forse perchè aveva perduto la sua borsa di tabacco; altrimenti mi avrebbe almeno accennato a quella capanna del Lago Sorpresa, prima che ci arrivassimo. Tutto il giorno, gira e rigira, noi ci eravamo dati il cambio davanti alla slitta per aprire un varco ai cani; un lavoro pesante, con quei sandali da neve, e che non contribuiva certo a rendere un uomo chiacchierone; tuttavia a mezzogiorno, quando c’eravamo fermati per far bollire il caffe, Lon McFane avrebbe potuto parlarmi con comodo. Invece, nulla. Lago Sorpresa? Per me fu la Capanna Sorpresa. Non ne avevo udito mai parlare. Confesso che mi sentivo un po’ stanco, e che avevo atteso con impazienza che Lon si fermasse per accamparci sia pure un’ora; ero però troppo orgoglioso per suggerirglielo o comunque chiedergli le sue intenzioni; e sì che egli si trovava al mio servizio, stipendiato profumatamente per guidare i miei cani e obbedire ai miei ordini. A pensarci, mi pare che fossi anch’io alquanto di malumore; lui non diceva nulla, e io ero deciso a non chieder nulla, a costo di camminar tutta la notte."Jack London, all'anagrafe John Griffith Chaney London è stato uno scrittore, giornalista e drammaturgo statunitense, noto per romanzi quali Il richiamo della foresta, Martin Eden, Zanna Bianca, Il tallone di ferro. La sua vita fu caratterizzata da attività e interessi personali diversi, coerenti con uno stile di vita vagabondo: fece lo strillone di giornali, il pescatore clandestino di ostriche, il lavandaio, il cacciatore di foche, il corrispondente di guerra, l'agente di assicurazioni, il pugile, il coltivatore e il cercatore d'oro, prima di realizzarsi, dopo innumerevoli tentativi, come scrittore di successo.

Un joven periodista que trabaja para el periódico Manhattan Illustrator se queja a un compañero de las exigencias de su jefe, al que llama el viejo gato capón, que además de hacerle trabajar todas las horas del día, únicamente le da reportajes banales, vacíos y tontos. El último que le ha encargado para tener listo al día siguiente es sobre los animales del zoológico.Cuando estaba haciendo un estudio del bisonte, se le acerca una joven misteriosa que le entrega dos cartas, mojadas y con olor a sal marina, diciéndole que ya sabrá cuándo debe abrirlas. De manera repentina, la joven desaparece sin que el periodista se de cuenta.Esa misma tarde, el joven se entera de que encontraron el cadáver de una joven en la desembocadura del río, y que por la descripción le remite inmediatamente a la joven de las dos cartas...Robert William Chambers (1865 – 1933) nació en Brooklyn en el seno de una familia burguesa. Estudió en el New York Art Students League y en 1886 se mudó a París, donde convivió con el movimiento artístico bohemio, y donde expuso su obra en el salón de 1889. A su regreso a Nueva York, vendió ilustraciones a las principales revistas del momento. No obstante, a pesar de considerar la escritura como algo secundario, su pasión por contar historias lo llevó a publicar su primer libro, In the quarter en 1984 al cual le siguió El Rey de Amarillo, que lo convirtió en un maestro del cuento moderno de terror.Fue un escritor prolífico y sus obras alcanzaron un gran prestigio, llegando algunas a ser best-sellers. El dinero que obtuvo de ello lo invirtió en sus otras aficiones, entre las que se encontraba coleccionar mariposas y porcelana china. Chambers falleció a los sesenta y ocho años tras ser operado de una dolencia intestinal.

Questo libro contiene tutte le raccolte di novelle scritte da Verga, prima pubblicate su varie riviste e poi in libro: Primavera e altri racconti , Vita dei campi , Novelle rusticane , Per le vie , Drammi intimi , Vagabondaggio , I ricordi del capitano d'Arce , Don Candeloro e C. e Racconti e bozzetti . Alcune raccolte sono focalizzate sull'ambiente piA' tipico e confacente alla scrittura di Verga, la realtà siciliana, altre sono ambientate nelle varie citta in cui Verga ha vissuto o che ha visitato, soprattutto Milano. Nel libro la biografia dell'autore ed una scheda sul Verismo.Giovanni Verga e lo scrittore italiano considerato come il maggior esponente della corrente letteraria del verismo, non solo per i suoi famosi romanzi I Malavoglia e Mastro Don Gesualdo , ma soprattutto per le sue novelle, fra cui la Cavalleria Rusticana che venne poi sviluppata in forma teatrale dallo stesso Verga e divento un'opera lirica di Pietro Mascagni.

La rupe della Zita, La maggiorana, Asilo, Il poema di Corradino e Il duca zoppo: sono queste le cinque suggestive fiabe abruzzesi che Domenico Ciampoli scrisse fra il 1880 e il 1882 e qua raccolte a testimonianza della migliore tradizione folclorica italiana. Le Fiabe abruzzesi sono un interessante sforzo di ricostruzione di una reale cultura popolare (i racconti erano raccolti tutti dalla tradizione orale), inizialmente erano apparse su un quotidiano di Lecce e in un secondo tempo raccolte in volume.Domenico Ciampoli è stato uno scrittore, bibliotecario e slavista italiano. Laureatosi in Lettere all'Università di Napoli, insegnò in diversi licei e università. Intanto aveva scritto diverse raccolte di novelle popolari d'impronta verista. Oltre a curare diverse traduzioni di canti epici e popolari slavi e di racconti e romanzi di classici russi dell'Ottocento, pubblicò diversi saggi sulla letteratura slava.Lasciò poi l'insegnamento per passare a dirigere la Biblioteca Nazionale Vittorio Emanuele II di Roma e poi la Marciana di Venezia.

I Viceré è un romanzo ambientato sullo sfondo delle vicende del risorgimento meridionale, qui narrate attraverso la storia di una nobile famiglia catanese, quella degli Uzeda di Francalanza, discendente da antichi Viceré spagnoli della Sicilia ai tempi di Carlo V. Dal libro emerge una lettura cinica e l’immagine del fallimento degli ideali risorgimentali nel Sud Italia, dove i personaggi sono impegnati in faide familiari e nell’utilizzo di cariche pubbliche nel nuovo Regno d’Italia per arricchiarsi. Da questo libro è stato liberamente tratto un film omonimo, uscito nei cinema italiani nel 2007 con la regia di Roberto Faenza e una versione più lunga per la televisione.Federico de Roberto fu uno scrittore italiano. Nato a Napoli, assorbi profondamente i disagi dell’Italia post-risorgimentale ed ebbe come amici e maestri Verga e Capuana. Visse a Firenze e Milano dove lavorò come critico letterario per il Corriere della Sera, venendo oltremodo a contatto con il movimento degli Scapigliati. Le sue opere lo hanno reso un punto di riferimento all’interno del verismo italiano.

Cuore è un romanzo per ragazzi, strutturato a episodi separati.  Il libro ha la forma di un diario fittizio di un ragazzo di terza elementare che racconta lo svolgersi del proprio anno scolastico, tramite episodi che coinvolgono i propri compagni di classe. Tramite questa narrativa, il libro dona un’immagine delle famiglie e della società post-unità d’Italia, insegnando le virtù civili. Il libro è stato reso in un film di Vittorio De Sica nel 1948 e in una serie tv "School of love: story of the heart" nel 1981, oltre ad un’altra mini-serie prodotta dalla RAI nel 1984. Il capitolo "Dagli Appennini alle Ande" è stato l’ispirazione della serie anime "3000 Leagues in Search of Mother".Edmondo De Amicis fu uno scrittore e giornalista italiano, reso celebre dall’opera Cuore, diventata un successo internazionale. Fu soldato nel nuovo Regno d’Italia e lottò nella terza Guerra d’Indipendenza. De Amicis dedicò le sue opere alla diffusione dei valori civili del Risorgimento.

An unnamed protagonist chooses to spend the night in an allegedly haunted room in Lorraine Castle. He intends to disprove the legends surrounding it. Despite vague warnings from the three infirm custodians who reside in the castle, the narrator ascends to the Red Room to begin his night's vigil.

The Star by H. G. WellsIt was on the first day of the New Year that the announcement was made, almost simultaneously from three observatories, that the motion of the planet Neptune, the outermost of all the planets that wheel about the sun, had become very erratic. Ogilvy had already called attention to a suspected retardation in its velocity in December.About H. G. WellsHerbert George Wells was an English writer. Wells is best known for his science fiction novels and is often called a father of science fiction, along with Jules Verne and Hugo Gernsback. His most notable science fiction works include The Time Machine, The Island of Doctor Moreau, The Invisible Man, and The War of the Worlds.

"The Teacher of Literature" tells the story of Nikitin, a young teacher at the local school, who proposes to Masha, the daughter of a wealthy man. The story oscillates between bouts of happiness and immense love to moments of depression and existential crisis. The realization of the main character that the world is nothing but filled with vulgarity clashes with his previous perfect state of existence. Chekhov masterfully manipulates the story and his protagonist, leading him to the realm of madness and uncertainty. A prolific writer of seven plays, a novel and hundreds of short stories, Anton Chekhov is considered one of the best practitioners of the short story genre in literature. True to life and painfully morbid with his miserable and realistic depictions of Russian everyday life, Chekhov’s characters drift between humour, melancholy, artistic ambition, and death. Some of his best-known works include the plays "Uncle Vanya", "The Seagull", and "The Cherry Orchard", where Chekhov dramatizes and portrays social and existential problems. His short stories unearth the mysterious beneath the ordinary situations, the failure and horror present in everyday life.

Mr. Hammond is on his way to America when he hears two passengers discussing a suspicious plan that was going to be executed at 10 o'clock in the evening. The two unknown passengers got aboard in the very last minute. Their baggage was not searched. And their plan consisted of some mysterious box. What do you think happened in the evening? Did Mr. Hammond try to warn the rest of the crew or he escaped with a life boat? Can all be a big misunderstanding or the American steamer will be blown up? Sir Arthur Conan Doyle (1859-1930) was born in Scotland and studied medicine at the University of Edinburgh. After his studies, he worked as a ship’s surgeon on various boats. During the Second Boer War, he was an army doctor in South Africa. When he came back to the United Kingdom, he opened his own practice and started writing crime books. He is best known for his thrilling stories about the adventures of Sherlock Holmes. He published four novels and more than 50 short-stories starring the detective and Dr Watson, and they play an important role in the history of crime fiction. Other than the Sherlock Holmes series, Doyle wrote around thirty more books, in genres such as science-fiction, fantasy, historical novels, but also poetry, plays, and non-fiction.

Chehkov’s short story "The Beggar" revolves around the theme of spiritual transformation where a depraved alcoholic becomes a better person through compassion and kindness. A perfect example of a narrative with a twist, the short story offers some insight into the topic of knowing the other and delving deeper into the human psyche. What is more, Chekhov places his characters and their extraordinary encounters against the mundane daily grind, a typical characteristic feature of his whole work. The unexpected ending reveals Chekhov’s affinity to conclude his stories with a touch of morality. A prolific writer of seven plays, a novel and hundreds of short stories, Anton Chekhov is considered one of the best practitioners of the short story genre in literature. True to life and painfully morbid with his miserable and realistic depictions of Russian everyday life, Chekhov’s characters drift between humour, melancholy, artistic ambition, and death. Some of his best-known works include the plays "Uncle Vanya", "The Seagull", and "The Cherry Orchard", where Chekhov dramatizes and portrays social and existential problems. His short stories unearth the mysterious beneath the ordinary situations, the failure and horror present in everyday life.

"The Shot" is a story about a duel between two people, Sylvio and an unnamed Count. The narrative revolves around the shot that did not take place, one that goes on forever. The unfinished duel becomes something like a lifelong ambition for Sylvio, who is chasing the Count. Switching between different narrators, Pushkin is trying to piece together the line of events as they happened, but every time something new arises. A great story that keeps the reader on tenterhooks, wishing for a swift resolution of the ubiquitous duel business – one that ended Pushkin’s own life as well.Deservedly labelled "the best Russian poet", Pushkin’s short life did not prevent him from ushering Russian literature into its modern era. A master of the vernacular language and multifarious and vivid writing style, Pushkin’s oeuvre was of great influence to a whole legion of Russian writers and literary styles. Among his best-known works are the narrative poems "Ruslan and Ludmila" and "Eugene Onegin", the drama "Boris Godunov", several novels, short stories, and fairy tales.

Chekhov’s short story "The Orator" tells of a rather embarrassing situation when a famous orator stands in front of a crowd at a funeral ceremony. Filled with satire towards and critique of the hypocritical and petty-minded people, Chekhov masterfully presents the world as a reflection in the eyes of a dead man. Connoisseur of the human psyche and a chronicler of Russian daily grind, the author’s irony and sarcasm permeate every level of life, earning his short stories a place among the best in the field.A prolific writer of seven plays, a novel and hundreds of short stories, Anton Chekhov is considered one of the best practitioners of the short story genre in literature. True to life and painfully morbid with his miserable and realistic depictions of Russian everyday life, Chekhov’s characters drift between humour, melancholy, artistic ambition, and death. Some of his best-known works include the plays "Uncle Vanya", "The Seagull", and "The Cherry Orchard", where Chekhov dramatizes and explores social and existential problems. His short stories unearth the mysterious beneath the ordinary situations, the failure and horror present in everyday life.

Anton Chekhov’s short story "The Wife" offers a panoramic description of Russian life amidst the constantly warring oppositions of marriage. The frost of winter cannot compare to the impasse in the relationship between Pavel and his estranged wife. The disintegration of the spouses in their rich mansion is portrayed against the background of abject suffering and poverty of the peasantry. A typical Chekhovian story, "The Wife" focuses mainly on the lack of communication and understanding, and the characters’ disillusionment is a warning sign for the deepening problems Russian aristocracy is facing at that time. A prolific writer of seven plays, a novel and hundreds of short stories, Anton Chekhov is considered one of the best practitioners of the short story genre in literature. True to life and painfully morbid with his miserable and realistic depictions of Russian everyday life, Chekhov’s characters drift between humour, melancholy, artistic ambition, and death. Some of his best-known works include the plays "Uncle Vanya", "The Seagull", and "The Cherry Orchard", where Chekhov dramatizes and portrays social and existential problems. His short stories unearth the mysterious beneath the ordinary situations, the failure and horror present in everyday life.

The only novel Pushkin ever wrote, "The Captain’s Daughter" is a story written in the same vein as Walter Scott’s historical romances. Though his attempts at prose were not that warmly welcomed by the Russian audience as his poetic endeavours, the novel is a masterful and successful experiment with literary conventions and genres. A novel as real as life and portraying the consciousness of Russians at the time, "The Captain’s Daughter" is a romance of oppositions, revolutions, social criticism, and political turmoil, making it a milestone and major influence in Russian literature.Deservedly labelled "the best Russian poet", Pushkin’s short life did not prevent him from ushering Russian literature into its modern era. A master of the vernacular language and multifarious and vivid writing style, Pushkin’s oeuvre was of great influence to a whole legion of Russian writers and literary styles. Among his best-known works are the narrative poems "Ruslan and Ludmila" and "Eugene Onegin", the drama "Boris Godunov", several novels, short stories, and fairy tales.

"Ivanhoe" is a historical romance about heroism, loyalty and betrayal. The tension between Saxons and Normans, gentiles and Jews starts to mount, after King Richard the "Lionheart" has been taken captive on his way home from the Third Crusade.Will King Richard be rescued or Prince John’s vicious plan of stealing the throne will succeed? Which will prevail - the Saxon's will of liberty or the Norman's thirst of tyranny? What is the destiny of medieval England?This novel is published in 1820 and it is among Scott’s most popular titles. It sends us back to the late 12th century renaissance – times of social transformations, chivalry, romance and adventure. Sir Walter Scott (1771 – 1832) was a Scottish writer, poet and historian who is considered as the creator of the historical novel. By profession Scott was a lawyer and legal administrator, but the fascinating history and culture of his native Scotland inspired him to become a writer. Some of his most popular titles are "Waverley", "Ivanhoe", "The Lady of the Lake" and "Redgauntlet", which has also served as an inspiration for many authors.

"Poor Folk" is Dostoevsky’s first novel, exploring in the form of letters the unhappy and arduous strains of poverty. However, the novel is so much more. The author’s major prowess lies in the depiction of the human condition, a characteristic feature of Russian realism. The emotional struggles and the gruesome chasm that separates the two souls in love, never destined to be together, paints a devastating picture of the harshness of life. Definitely a must for any fan not only of Dostoevsky, but of Russian literature on the whole.Fyodor Dostoevsky 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. He is most famous for the novels "Crime and Punishment", "The Idiot", and "The Brothers Karamazov". His literary legacy was met with mixed feelings, but remains gargantuan in its influence.

A thought-provoking and humorous real-life comedy, "That Pig of a Morin" shows us how some quite ordinary urges can turn devastating for the male character Morin. An innocent kiss sends the protagonist’s life into a state of topsyturvidom, and the result is an outrageous nickname that is here to stay. Maupassant’s skillful presentation of everyday situations and human relations provide additional colour to the farcical situation surrounding the character. A funny story that can appeal to all kinds of readers.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.

General Heatherstone, who was a while ago a part of the Indian Army, moved to Cloomber Hall. The general was however acting strange and was paranoid for most of the time. His fears were apparently caused by things that happened in his past during the First Afghan War. The situation worsened when three priests from Kurrachee arrived and demanded a meeting with the general. What will happen with him? Will he have the courage to face his past or he will try to run away? What was the real reason for his fears? What was so bad that it caused him paranoid outbursts even forty years later? Sir Arthur Conan Doyle (1859-1930) was born in Scotland and studied medicine at the University of Edinburgh. After his studies, he worked as a ship’s surgeon on various boats. During the Second Boer War, he was an army doctor in South Africa. When he came back to the United Kingdom, he opened his own practice and started writing crime books. He is best known for his thrilling stories about the adventures of Sherlock Holmes. He published four novels and more than 50 short-stories starring the detective and Dr Watson, and they play an important role in the history of crime fiction. Other than the Sherlock Holmes series, Doyle wrote around thirty more books, in genres such as science-fiction, fantasy, historical novels, but also poetry, plays, and non-fiction.

Turgenev’s story is a striking example of a narrative that can easily stand the test of time. Portraying the life of a deaf Russian serf who makes a strong relationship with a rescued dog, the short story elaborately explores the problems and life conditions of Russian serfdom. What is more, the story is based on Turgenev’s own experience with a dog, with the rest of the characters modelled after his family members and friends. A tragic, but emotionally deep tale, "Mumu" is an example of the loneliness of human condition against the sad, tortured heart of society.Ivan Turgenev is universally acknowledged as one of the towering literary presences in Russian literature. A writer of novels and short stories, his oeuvre depict realistic, sympathetic, and often melancholic portrayals of the Russian serfdom and the aristocracy. He was also known for his popularization of Russian realism, the exquisite musical quality of his prose, and memorable characters. His best-known works include the novels "Fathers and Sons" and "On the Eve", as well as the short-story collection "A Sportsman Sketches".

A Norman bar keeper makes his village inn famous with his special drink: the best Cognac in France... Until his life changes in an instance, when he becomes paralysed and his wife uses his body for laying eggs at home. Does this sound peculiar enough? Wait and see until the Master of the short story, Guy de Maupassant, brings some more plot twists to the stage.Guy de Maupassant (1850 –1893) was a French author considered a father of the modern short story. During his prolific work life, he wrote 300 short stories, verse, travel books and novels. One of his most famous works, the novel Bel-Ami, inspired the 2012 movie with the same name, starring Robert Pattinson and Uma Thurman.

May Day 1919 in New York. Gordon Sterrett is a retunerd soldier who goes to see Philip Dean, his old friend from college. Gordon is in trouble and he asks Dean, who is rich, to borrow him some money. The money would assure that Gordon could follow his dreams and become an artist.Dean, however, does not want to loan Gordon the money. Despite of that, the two men end up going to a party together. They don't know yet that this very day will stay in history – huge riots arise in another part of the country when people of lower classes start to claim their rights.‘May Day’ is a political short story from F. Scott Fitzgerald.F. Scott Fitzgerald (1896–1940) is one of the greatest American novelists of the 20th century and author of the classics ‘Tender is the Night’ and ‘The Great Gatsby’. His writing helped illustrate the 1920s Jazz Age that he and wife Zelda Fitzgerald were in the centre of.

"A Little Hero" is a short story that deals with the topic of pre-adolescence, maturity, the abandonment of pure childhood, and the resulting and inevitable discovery of the existence of sexual life. The protagonist is trying to understand the world of adults in every possible way, and faces problems at every turn. Interesting enough, this story lacks the trademark disaster and drama in the majority of Dostoevsky’s works, and is a light and humorous reading that does not even look written by him. It should be noted, of course, that Dostoevsky wrote it while he was in prison.Fyodor Dostoevsky 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. He is most famous for the novels "Crime and Punishment", "The Idiot", and "The Brothers Karamazov". His literary legacy was met with mixed feelings, but remains gargantuan in its influence.

Are memories of past love affairs stronger than time? After a mysterious foreign letter arrives at breakfast, Georges Garin shares with his friend a peculiour travelogue. While inspecting a wrecked ship, an English man with his three daughters approaches him. A passionate love affair flares between Garin and the oldest daughter which settles in his heart for the years to come. The remarkable short story writer, Guy de Maupassant, unveils bit by bit their tale with a subtle expression of eroticism.Guy de Maupassant (1850 –1893) was a French author considered a father of the modern short story. During his prolific work life, he wrote 300 short stories, verse, travel books and novels. One of his most famous works, the novel Bel-Ami, inspired the 2012 movie with the same name, starring Robert Pattinson and Uma Thurman.

Can a single evening be perfect? It can if you ask a couple in love. The short story "On a Spring Evening" by Guy de Maupassant, who is widely considered the master of French Naturalism, is a picturesque tale of love set in the 19th century. Cousins Jeanne and Jacques are set to be married, much to the glee of their parents. As they take a stroll on a spring evening, their emotions seem to get the best of them. The story paints a vivid picture of a scenic night and how far a single act of kindness can go.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).

Peter, Martin and Jack are three brothers who inherit three coats form their father. The last wish of their father is that they must never sell or alter their coats. In their early age the three boys follow their father’s last words very strictly, but over time fashion changes. Many different and better-looking clothes starts to be produced. This is also the reason why the brothers feel lagging behind and no longer fit into the higher society. They must find a solution fast if they want to regain their position in the elite.What lesson did the father wanted to teach his sons? Will the boys retain the original look of their coats? Or they will be tempted to alter them, so they can fall back into society? Will they regret their choice?Find all the answers in Jonathan Swift’s satire novel "A Tale of a Tub", published in 1704.Jonathan Swift (1667 - 1745) was an Irish author and satirist, who grew up fatherless. His uncle, Thomas Swift, was taking care of the young boy and helped him get a bachelor’s degree from the Trinity College. Thereafter, Jonathan became Dean of St. Patrick’s Cathedral. He is best known for his notorious prose satire "Gulliver’s Travels". Some other popular works by Swift are "A Tale of a Tub", "A Modest Proposal" and "An Argument Against Abolishing Christianity".

Graf von Schulling died and his legacy got sent to the University of Budapest. The legacy consisted of letters and weapons, one of which – a silver hatchet. A few days after the objects had already arrived, tragic cases began to occur. A few people were found brutally killed. The perpetrator - still unknown. The weapon as well. Until shortly after two medical students find a silver hatchet in the snow. What follows after that is more than unexpected. If you want to find out what it is, check the answers in "The Silver Hatchet" by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle. Sir Arthur Conan Doyle (1859-1930) was born in Scotland and studied medicine at the University of Edinburgh. After his studies, he worked as a ship’s surgeon on various boats. During the Second Boer War, he was an army doctor in South Africa. When he came back to the United Kingdom, he opened his own practice and started writing crime books. He is best known for his thrilling stories about the adventures of Sherlock Holmes. He published four novels and more than 50 short-stories starring the detective and Dr Watson, and they play an important role in the history of crime fiction. Other than the Sherlock Holmes series, Doyle wrote around thirty more books, in genres such as science-fiction, fantasy, historical novels, but also poetry, plays, and non-fiction.

Tom Canty is poor boy who has always dreamed of a better life. One day he meets the Prince of Wales, Edward Tudor. In his excitement the boy comes too close to the prince and almost gets beaten up by the guards. However, Edwards saves the boy and invites him to his chamber. After getting to know each other, they decide to switch their places for some days. The prince dresses as the poor boy and goes on the street, while Tom remains in the castle. Edward, however, does not know what awaits him on these dangerous streets.Why did the prince save the poor boy? What is the reason for them to switch places? What do they want to achieve with this experiment? How will prince Edward deal with all the obstacles he is going to face? Will the two boys go back to their real lives?Find all the answers in Mark Twain’s novel "The Prince and the Pauper", published in 1881.Mark Twain, pseudonym of Samuel Langhorne Clemens, (1835-1910), was an American humorist, lecturer, journalist and novelist who acquired international fame for his adventure stories of boyhood, especially "The Adventures of Tom Sawyer" and "The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn" as well as for his travel narratives, especially "The Innocents Abroad", "Roughing It", and "Life on the Mississippi". Twain transcended the apparent limitations of his origins to become a popular public figure and one of America’s most beloved writers.

"In the Wood" is a romantic and humorous story about two middle-aged lovers who decide to revisit the spot of their first acquaintance in order to rekindle their love life. Little do they know that a policeman is about to ruin their frivolous decision. Maupassant’s knowledge of the human soul and his elegant handling of natural surroundings create a vivid atmosphere where love and memories create a symphony that echoes in the hearts of everyone involved. A perfect light reading for relaxation and poetry-lovers.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.