Books in the World Classics series

The great Roman general, Titus Andronicus, returns home after fighting Rome’s enemies for the last 10 years. He brings along his captives, Tamora, Queen of the Goths, her three sons and Aaron the Moor.Having lost 21 of his 25 sons in the conflict, Titus decides to sacrifice one of Tamora’s sons, following Roman customs. He then offers Tamora as a slave to the new Roman emperor, Saturninus.Meanwhile, Saturninus promises Titus to make his daughter Lavinia his empress. After his brother Bassianus takes off with her, Saturninus marries Tamora instead. Tamora, angry at Titus, makes it her mission to get back at Titus. After becoming the emperor’s wife, she uses her position to exact revenge on Titus and his family. Driven by his own sense of honor and duty, Titus and his family retaliate with dire consequences for all involved."Titus Andronicus" is a drama about honor, loyalty, death and revenge. In this play, Shakespeare takes on cannibalism, rape, murder, mutilation and punishment. These themes might be familiar to the fans of dramas like "Pulp Fiction", "Spartacus" or "Gladiator".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.

Don’t let yourself be fooled by the title..."A Modern Utopia" (1905) is a dystopian, prophetic, and horrific novel proving how Wells always was ahead of his time. Its hybrid character – blending fiction and non-fiction – gives it an almost postmodern quality, as it tells of a time-travel gone wrong that brings two travellers to a planet called Utopia, where their intellectual discussions and thoughts about what constitutes a perfect society are allowed to roam free.The world Wells depicts can easily be recognised in later dystopian masterpieces such as Aldous Huxley’s "Brave New World" and George Orwell’s "1984".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.

The young Trojan prince Troilus falls in love with Cressida, daughter of a Trojan priest. With the Trojan War raging around them, the young couple professes their undying love for each other.But soon after Cressida is exchanged for a Trojan prisoner and is sent to the Greeks.Dealing with their fates the young lovers bond is tested as the war between the two sides continues. Both Greeks and Trojans face challenges, personality clashes and pride as they navigate the year-long conflict.Shakespeare’s inspiration for "Troilus and Cressida" is Homer’s "The Iliad." The play focuses on human nature, conflict, love and honor. Fans of the Marvel Cinematic Universe or films like "Allied" and "In the Land of Blood and Honey" will recognize many similar themes and characters.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.

A superbly crafted psychological chiller with an ending to die for!Let H. G. Wells walk you through the fear and uneasiness that abounds at night in the Red Room in Lorraine Castle. "The Red Room" (1894) pays a heartfelt tribute to the genre of haunted houses and showcases Wells’ superbly descriptive writing.The story follows an unnamed protagonist who wants to spend the night in an alleged haunted house in order to debunk the myths surrounding such places. He ends up getting more than he bargained for and from the midst of his vivid fear he realizes that the difference between darkness and light is that fear itself resides in darkness.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.

Escaping from the confines of a bad marriage a woman shows up at the dilapidated mansion Wildfell Hall ready to start her life over.A bold and powerful novel, Anne Brontë’s "The Tenant of Wildfell Hall" (1848) is the story of Helen who defies conventions to find her true self. It portrays an aristocratic society steeped in patriarchal values and the marital strife Helen faces as her dissolute husband turns to drink. Fleeing with her son, she settles in the reclusive Elizabethan mansion, Wildfell Hall, to pursue an artist’s career.This novel is told through letters and diary entries and explores the rich inner life of Helen. Its depiction of social norms and the desire to break free from social stagnation has made critics label it as one of the first fully-fledged feminist novels."The Tenant of Wildfell Hall" is Anne Brontë’s second and final novel. It was a great success that caused uproar upon publication and nothing short of a must-read masterpiece for fans of Victorian literature.Anne Brontë (1820-1849) was the youngest of the Brontë sisters and only wrote two novels during her short but influential career.Unlike the romantic aspirations of her older and more famous sisters, Charlotte and Emily, Anne instead infused her writing with irony and sarcasm and was regarded as the more radical of the sisters.She wrote about women’s need to maintain independence, doing so under the guise of a male pen name, Acton Bell. Her two novels "Agnes Grey" (1846) and "The Tenant of Wildfell Hall" (1848) challenged social and legal structures in Victorian Britain before she died from complications from tuberculosis at the age of 29.

Did H. G. Wells foresee World War One? Or was he just caught up in the frenzy over the recent invention of flying machines?With "The War in the Air" (1908) the frenzy around aircraft was at its peak. Wells simply couldn’t help himself but buy into the future. Balloons, heavier flying machines, zeppelins, and many more soar freely throughout this novel, offering a somewhat sinister peek into what the future may hold.This remarkably progressive book tells the story of the world focusing mostly on Bert Smallways (a minimised Wells self-portrait) who is, rather accidentally it seems, thrown into the middle of the story.A fast-paced, compelling, and futuristic novel perfect for sci-fi and steampunk enthusiasts.H. G. Wells (1866-1946) 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.

Is it better to reign in hell than to serve in Heaven?Wells at his thoughtful best, "The Country of the Blind" (1904) is one of his best-known and most-anthologized short stories.The fable tells the story of a stranded mountaineer’s fateful discovery of a mythical village where everyone is blind only to realise that he can teach and rule them. But much to his dismay the villagers do not show any understanding of this fifth sense that is entirely unknown to them.This story poses many questions: Is there really any such thing as a handicap? How much are we willing to sacrifice for love?In the country of the blind, the one-eyed man is king. Or is he?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.

Celebrate the march of progress with this timeless sci-fi classic penned by a Victorian master."The Island of Doctor Moreau" (1896) depicts a castaway’s adventures on a hellish island. The mad scientist Moreau has created abominable human-like creatures through a series of inhumane experiments. This blasphemy soon spells his end.Praising the wonders and limitless possibilities of science and the imagination, Wells’ novel is a joyride in madness and horror. It is also filled with social and philosophical criticism of evolution, creation and the problematic relationship between man and nature. In many ways it is even more relevant today than on the day of its initial release.This novel is recommended reading to all fans of classic science fiction literature. This classic has been adapted countless times for virtually every medium, including a 1996 film starring Marlon Brando and Val Kilmer.H. G. Wells (1866-1946) 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.

Da familien Grey mister hele sin formue i en økonomisk fejlspekulation, beslutter den yngste og forkælede datter, Agnes, at finde arbejde som guvernante, både for at bidrage til familiens økonomi og for at vise sin selvstændighed. Hun starter med de vanartede unger hos familien Bloomfield, men bliver efter nogen tid afskediget, da mrs. Bloomfield ikke mener, hun er opgaven voksen. Agnes bliver derefter ansat hos overklassefamilien Murray, hvor hun får ansvaret for at opdrage den smukke og selvoptagne Rosalie og drengepigen Mathilda. Efter moderens ordre må Agnes gøre, hvad hun vil, for at indgive børnene lærdom – hun må blot ikke kede dem, og hun skal sørge for at involvere forældrene så lidt som muligt.Værket er bearbejdet og tilrettet moderne retskrivning. OM FORFATTERENAnne Brontë (1820 –1849) var en britisk forfatter og den yngste af de tre Brontë-søstre. Charlotte, Emily og Anne Brontë skrev alle dramatiske historier om altfortærende kærlighed, vild natur og hvileløse genfærd. Selv levede de en tilbagetrukket tilværelse i faderens præstegård, hvor de sad og skrev deres store romaner. Agnes Grey er Anne Brontës debutroman.

The haunting story of an old captain awaiting the return of his only son, ‘To-morrow’ is a melancholic tale of human psychology, blind hope, and doomed longing. Conrad’s delusional portrayal of Captain Hagbeard, the omnipresence of the sea, and his nod to absurdism render this short story an immensely entertaining read.Joseph Conrad (1857-1924) was a Polish-born author who left Poland in his teens to avoid enlistment in the Russian Army. He settled in England after learning English aboard British ships. Many of his works were inspired by his own experiences as a merchant seaman, including his most notable novel ‘Heart of Darkness’ (1899). His characteristic vivid descriptions appeal to fans of James Joyce, Jack London, and Charles Bukowski.

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

Nikolay Kharlamov has been accused of murdering his wife. ‘In the Court’ follows his trial, describing everything in almost molecular detail. Chekhov’s storytelling paints an uncomfortably realistic image of the clerical system- indifference, cold attitudes, and stale atmospheres. This intelligent exploration of human emotion and reaction is perfect for all fans of Chekhov, Hannah Arendt and Max Weber.A prolific writer of seven plays, a novel, and hundreds of short stories, Anton Chekhov (1860 -1904) is a master of the short story as a genre. His detailed and often miserable descriptions of everyday Russian life speak to his own experiences, and his characters drift between humour, melancholy, artistic ambition, and death, no matter their storyline. In his plays, he tends to dramatize and explore social and existential problems, whilst his short stories focus more on the horror present in everyday life, and the mystery that cloaks monotony. The majority of his popular plays, such as ‘Uncle Vanya’, ‘The Seagull’, and ‘A Hunting Accident’ have been adapted into movies starring actors like Toby Jones, Roger Allam and Elisabeth Moss.

Un relato en forma de comedia ligera acerca del amor, la amistad y la lealtad, plagado de enredos amorosos que posibilitarán al lector el acercamiento a este autor con fama de difícil y complejo.Es la historia de la amistad entre dos jóvenes norteamericanos, el artista Bernard y el científico Gordon, amigos desde la infancia que ven su relación amenazada por la interferencia en ella de dos mujeres, Angela y su primaBlanche.A través de la sutileza y los matices en las relaciones que se establecen entre estos 4 personajes Henry James escapa de lo que muy bien se podría haber convertido en otra vulgar historia de amor cualquiera, centrada en los triángulos amorosos e intrigas románticas.Sin embargo, logra por el contrario desplegar de forma magistral la profundidad de sentimientos que pese a parecer muy similares entre sí: la confianza, la lealtad y la fidelidad, todos ellos afines entre sí, en la práctica tienen por resultado ser una fuente de conflicto y dilema moral. "(...) se dijo a sí mismo que había dos tipos de mujeres guapas: las que son extremadamente conscientes de su belleza y las que son refinadamente inconscientes. La protegida de la señorita Vivian sin duda era miembro de la primera categoría; pertenecía al gremio de las coquetas".Quizás es una de sus novelas menos famosas, pese a estar dotada de una gran fluidez y agilidad narrativa, unos diálogos inteligentes y unos personajes de profundidad psicológica que se ven involucrados en un dilema moral.Una estructura bien armada y la inclusión del inconsciente por primera vez en la literatura, dando a los personajes la habilidad de actuar por motivos ocultos a la razón y que ni ellos mismos saben explicar, redondean una novela amena y entretenida.Henry James (1843 - 1916) fue un escritor y crítico literario estadounidense y nacionalizado británico, conocido por sus novelas y relatos basados en el punto de vista, técnica que le permitió el análisis psicológico de sus personajes. Narrador de dramas costumbristas, también se interesó por el género de intriga, suspenso y lo sobrenatural.

"Magie se hallaba en el fresco crepúsculo, y lo aceptaba todo, todo cuanto tenía a su alrededor, allí donde cada cosa acechaba, como la razón que justificaba lo que había hecho. Por fin sabía, realmente, por qué, y cómo, había recibido la inspiración y la guía, por qué había sido constantemente capaz, por qué, en todo instante, su alma había estado al servicio de este fin. Allí tenía por fin el momento, el fruto dorado que había resplandecido desde lejos. Sin embargo, ¿qué eran esas cosas, en realidad, para la mano y para los labios, cuando se tocaban, cuando se cataban? ¿Qué representan, en cuanto a recompensa?"El genio de la literatura Henry James narra en esta novela, una las últimas de su obra, la historia de un padre y su hija, el millonario norteamericano Adam y su hija Maggie, residentes de Londres donde llevan una vida refinada y ociosa gracias a la fortuna de la que disponen.Sus tranquilas vidas se ven alteradas cuando encuentran, respectivamente, nuevas parejas con las que decidirán contraer matrimonio, ya que el padre es un hombre viudo y Maggie una mujer soltera, sin imaginarse el enredo amoroso en el que su decisión les involucrará, ignorantes como son de que sus futuros cónyuges resultan haber sido amantes en el pasado...De fora habitual con las novelas de este autor, el punto de partida es una trama sencilla y que hasta podría resultar un poco insulsa, pero que gracias a la habilidad de este maestro de la literatura se convierte en una brillante exploración de la psicología de sus personajes desde todas las perspectivasposibles.La trama se irá muy acertadamente desplegando a lo largo de las páginas a través de la conciencia de sus protagonistas, lo que dota a esta historia de una profundidad psicológica creando un ambiente claustrofóbico que capta la atención del lector y lo absorbe en la historia.Un prodigio de estructura narrativa, en la que los celos, intrigas, traiciones y amor en toda la extensión de la palabra son los ingredientes de una de las novelas más cautivadoras de Henry James.Henry James (1843 - 1916) fue un escritor y crítico literario estadounidense y nacionalizado británico, conocido por sus novelas y relatos basados en el punto de vista, técnica que le permitió el análisis psicológico de sus personajes. Narrador de dramas costumbristas, también se interesó por el género de intriga, suspenso y lo sobrenatural.

Betty Baird, the daughter of Doctor Baird, a Presbyterian minister of the village of Weston, is sent away to the Pines, a boarding school. At first, she is ridiculed by the more popular, and wealthier girls. But soon, Betty charms them with her unique and captivating personality, and she and her new friends go on many lighthearted adventures.This is the first volume in Anna Hamlin Weikel’s Betty Baird series, which was extremely popular among young girl in the early 1900s.The audiobook version of this novel is narrated by Holly Jenson, the author's great grand niece.Anna Hamlin Wikel (1864-?) was an American author from Pennsylvania. She who wrote under the pen name Anna Hamlin Weikel. She was married to Henry Wikel, a private school teacher. She made books her career and is mostly remembered today for her "Betty Baird" children’s book series. The character of Betty’s father in these novels was inspired by her own father, the clergyman Benjamin Hamlin.

Sixteen-year-old Leslie has come to the New Jersey shore as a companion to her ailing Aunt Marcia, whose doctor has sent her there for some quiet rest and recuperation. While the beach is lovely in October, Leslie quickly finds herself getting lonely with no one her own age to talk to. But one day, her dog digs up a metal box with an engraved dragon on it. This will lead Leslie not only to a mystery but also to a new friend. Augusta Huiell Seaman (1879-1950) was a prolific American author of children's literature from New York City, and wrote "The Sapphire Signet," "The Boarded-Up House," "The Slipper-Point Mystery," "The Girl Next Door," writing over 40 historical fiction and mystery novels for older children.

Solomon has hated the Calico Cat ever since he bought the house in Ellmington and he has tried his very best to drive her away, but with no luck. As he tries once more to get rid of the cat, he triggers a vicious series of events that ends with lies, the arrest of a boy, and a guilty conscience.Charles Miner Thompson (1864-1941) was an American author and journalist, who worked as an editor at the Youth’s Companion, a children’s magazine that ran from 1827 to 1929. Thompson is mostly remembered for his "The Calico Cat," but he also wrote other novels such as "The Nimble Dollar," "An Army Mule," and "Miss Wilkins: An Idealist in Masquerade."

"During the daylight hours of several autumn Saturdays there had been severe outbreaks of cavalry in the Schofield neighbourhood. The sabres were of wood; the steeds were imaginary, and both were employed in a game.""Penrod and Sam" (1916) is the sequel to "Penrod" (1914). Set before World War One, it focuses on Penrod Schofield and his best friend Sam Williams as they go on hilarious adventures.Booth Tarkington (1869-1946) was an American novelist and dramatist. Originally from Indianapolis, he attended both Purdue University and Princeton, as well as getting an honorary doctorate from Columbia. His family was well-off, though they lost some of their wealth in the Panic of 1873 (the Great Depression). He won the Pulitzer Prize twice, for "The Magnificent Ambersons" (1918) and "Alice Adams" (1921), making him one of only three to win it more than once, putting him alongside William Faulkner and John Updike. Whilst he is less known today, he was considered to be America's greatest living author during the early 20th century.

"'Oh, this indigent family of ours! I certainly must bestir myself and do something to support it,' said Betty Baird, airily, to her mother, yet looking determined, and straightening herself up among the cushions piled high on the broad window-seat in her room."Betty is back home with her parents on Long Islands, when she discovers her father is struggling to pay back the mortgage. She decides to help. But can a young girl in 1907 earn enough money to make a difference? And does Betty have the spirit and determination to stick with her plans, even when others try to discourage her? The audiobook version of this novel is narrated by Holly Jenson, the author great grand niece.Anna Hamlin Weikel (1864-?) was an American author from Pennsylvania. She who wrote under the pen name Anna Hamlin Weikel. She was married to Henry Wikel, a private school teacher. She made books her career and is mostly remembered today for her "Betty Baird" children’s book series. The character of Betty’s father in these novels was inspired by her own father, the clergyman Benjamin Hamlin.

Teddy loves to tell the story of how his father heroically died on the battlefield. He wants to become a soldier just like him. But this brings contention and strife when a new girl comes to town. Nancy is just as selfishly proud as he is and from the beginning, they are enemies. Yet as time passes, they learn to put their prejudices to the side, allowing a new friendship to bloom. Amelia Sophia Le Feuvre (1861-1929) war born in Lee, Kent, the daughter of an H. M. Customs surveyor and granddaughter of a Guernsey reverend. One of seven children, she spent her life writing stories that were published in various magazines, as well as many novels.

"Baseball Joe" Matson's great ambition is to go to boarding school and play on the school team. Joe is a wide-awake country boy who loves playing baseball above all. He and his hometown chum Tom Davis enrol in Excelsior Hall and join the school nine. When not on the diamond, Joe is saving lives and assisting his father against the foes who are once trying to steal Mr. Matson's machinery patents. This is the second volume volume in the "Baseball Joe" series.Howard Roger Garis (1873-1962) was an American author, who wrote many books for the Stratemeyer Syndicate under various pseudonyms. As Victor Appleton, he wrote about the enterprising Tom Swift; as Laura Lee Hope, he is generally credited with writing volumes 4–28 and 41 of the Bobbsey Twins; as Clarence Young, the Motor Boys series; as Lester Chadwick, the Baseball Joe series; and as Marion Davidson, a number of books including several featuring the Camp Fire Girls. He is also remembered for having created the character of the lovable old rabbit, Uncle Wiggily Longears.

Marcia Brett tells her friend Janet that the old, broken-down house next door, which they always thought was empty and abandoned, is apparently not so. An old, veiled woman lives there, and so does a pretty, blond girl of about their age. They discover that this girl, Cicely Marlowe, came to live with old Mrs. Benedict after her mother’s death, but she doesn’t know why, or she is. All she does know is that she must remains mostly unseen, not look out the windows, or talk to anyone. Augusta Huiell Seaman (1879-1950) was a prolific American author of children's literature from New York City, and wrote "The Sapphire Signet," "The Boarded-Up House," "The Slipper-Point Mystery," "The Girl Next Door," writing over 40 historical fiction and mystery novels for older children.

Eleven-year-old Penrod Schofield and his wistful dog Duke go on a hilarious romp through turn of the century Indianapolis. "Penrod" (1914) chronicles his life, loves, and mostly the trouble he gets into. His adventures in pre-World War I Midwest have been likened to those of Tom Sawyer (Mark Twain), and this first collection of comic sketches by Booth Tarkington was followed by two further episodes: "Penrod and Sam" (1916) and "Penrod Jashber" (1929).Booth Tarkington (1869-1946) was an American novelist and dramatist. Originally from Indianapolis, he attended both Purdue University and Princeton, as well as getting an honorary doctorate from Columbia. His family was well-off, though they lost some of their wealth in the Panic of 1873 (the Great Depression). He won the Pulitzer Prize twice, for "The Magnificent Ambersons" (1918) and "Alice Adams" (1921), making him one of only three to win it more than once, putting him alongside William Faulkner and John Updike. Whilst he is less known today, he was considered to be America's greatest living author during the early 20th century.

Little Milly is left an orphan after the death of her mother and she is sent to live with her bachelor uncle, Sir Edward Wentworth. The latter has no use for children, especially of the female variety, but as the days go by he is warmed by his niece’s bright and endearing personality. She loves to tell him stories from her daily life and of her friends the Maxwells, who live in the forest. Milly is also a fierce believer and this makes her uncle realise just how much he has lost touch with his own faith. One of her favourite biblical tales is the Parable of the Prodigal Son, and it takes on a new meaning for the two when the Maxwell’s missing son suddenly returns. Amelia Sophia Le Feuvre (1861-1929) war born in Lee, Kent, the daughter of an H. M. Customs surveyor and granddaughter of a Guernsey reverend. One of seven children, she spent her life writing stories that were published in various magazines, as well as many novels.

"To have a Cricket on the Hearth, is the luckiest thing in all the world!"... Or is it?On the hearth in the home of the Peerybingle family sits a little cricket who acts as their protector. When everything is good, it chirps. When it is not, it keeps quiet. But there is more to the cricket than meets the eye.A Holiday classic this popular story is the third of Dicken's five Christmas themed stories, and is a heartwarming tale full of vivid descriptions.For fans of Valentine Davies, Hans Christian Andersen and all things Christmas.Charles Dickens (1812-1870) was an English author, social critic, and philanthropist. Much of his writing first appeared in small instalments in magazines and became widely popular. Among his most famous novels are "Oliver Twist" (1839), "A Christmas Carol" (1843), "David Copperfield" (1850), and "Great Expectations" (1861) - all adapted to either plays or major movie productions.

First published in 1887, ‘A Bad Business’ is a supernatural ghost story from famous Russian author Anton Chekhov. An encounter between a graveyard’s night-watchman and a mysterious visitor isn’t all that it seems. Who really is this visitor, and what does he hope to find in the graveyard? A chilling and haunting supernatural horror story from the acclaimed author.Anton Chekhov (1860-1904) was a Russian playwright and novelist, best known for his short stories. His literary career began with short, humorous sketches, written to help support his poverty-stricken family. His work soon caught the eye of distinguished Russian writer Dmitry Grigorovich, and in 1888 Chekhov was awarded the Pushkin Prize for his short story collection ‘At Dusk’. Chekhov became a playwright too and authored the famous and much-adapted plays ‘Uncle Vanya’, ‘The Seagull’ and ‘The Cherry Orchard’ around the turn of the century. Leo Tolstoy was one of many admirers of his work. Chekhov remained a practicing medical doctor throughout his literary career and died from tuberculosis in 1904.

A haunting tale, Russian author Anton Chekhov’s ‘Ward No.6’ tells the story of Ragin, the head doctor in a provincial town’s mental institution. Frustrated by his banal surroundings and what he perceives as a lack of intelligent company, he turns to one of his patients, Gromov, with whom he can express his distaste for what his life has become. The townspeople grow suspicious of the time the doctor is spending with his patient, and so concoct a devious plan to get rid of him. A tale of existential crisis, neglect, and suffering, this is a poignant tale for readers contemplating life's big questions.Anton Chekhov (1860-1904) was a Russian playwright and novelist, best known for his short stories. His literary career began with short, humorous sketches, written to help support his poverty-stricken family. His work soon caught the eye of distinguished Russian writer Dmitry Grigorovich, and in 1888 Chekhov was awarded the Pushkin Prize for his short story collection ‘At Dusk’. Chekhov became a playwright too and authored the famous and much-adapted plays ‘Uncle Vanya’, ‘The Seagull’ and ‘The Cherry Orchard’ around the turn of the century. Leo Tolstoy was one of many admirers of his work. Chekhov remained a practicing medical doctor throughout his literary career and died from tuberculosis in 1904.

Upon the death of the old captain, a young sailor takes charge of the ship and its crew. The ship must make a delivery but can't depart the port due without an expert tug boat. The new captain befriends Hermann, the captain of a German ship moored nearby. Herman lives aboard with his wife, four children and his niece. Thrown together by shared circumstances they all become very friendly.Unknown to anyone, Falk, the tugboat captain who can get them all out of the bay, is in love with Herman's niece. He becomes jealous of a man he perceives as his competition and sabotages the ships from leaving. The young captain must befriend the bitter and sulking Falk and help him win Herman's niece.But Falk has a dark secret from his own sinister past that he must reveal before he can win the niece's heart and hand in marriage."Falk" is a tale told by a group of mariners swapping seas stories around a dinner table. Like many other Conrad's works, it combines his interest in moral conflict and the dark side of human nature. Fans of other maritime books like "Moby Dick" or "Shōgun" will enjoy this insightful tale.Joseph Conrad (1857-1924), born Józef Teodor Konrad Korzeniowsk in Berdychiv, Ukraine. His parents were Polish nobles and patriots who conspired against oppressive Russian rule. He became a naturalized British subject in 1886. Conrad is regarded as one of the greatest novelists, known for works like "Lord Jim," "Heart of Darkness," and "The Secret Agent." Many of his works reflect on his experience as a mariner and addressed profound themes of human nature and existence.

Suspicious King Leontes of Sicily accuses his pregnant wife Hermione of having an affair with his best friend, Polixenes, the King of Bohemia. Enraged at the alleged betrayal, he orders Polixenes poisoned, Hermione imprisoned, and her newborn daughter banished, leaving him a broken man.Sixteen years later, Perdita, the adopted daughter of a shepherd, falls in love with young Prince Florizel, much to the dismay of the boy’s father, Polixenes. He disapproves of the girl and her lowly status and orders his son to forget her. Instead, the young lovers escape in disguise and head for Sicily. There, the storylines of Leontes, Hermione, Polixenes, Perdita and Florizel finally come together.William Shakespeare’s "The Winter’s Tale" is filled with improbabilities, telling a story of obsession and redemption. Fans of "Mamma Mia" will enjoy the humorous misunderstandings and mistaken identities that take the characters on a journey of self-discovery.William Shakespeare (1564-1616) was an English playwright, poet and actor. Considered the greatest dramatist of all time, he is widely regarded as the most influential English language writer. Shakespeare’s plays focus on the range of human emotion and conflict, and have been translated into more than 100 languages. Many including "Hamlet" "Macbeth" and "Romeo and Juliet" have been adapted for stage and screen.

Like any true ladies man, Sir John Falstaff, the fat king, attempts to seduce two wealthy women at the same time. To make things easy he decides to send ends Mistress Page and Mistress Ford identical love letters.But little does Falstaff know that women tend to talk to one another, only causing him a great deal of trouble..As Frank Ford hears of Falstaff's plan, he decides to test his wife’s loyalty. By dressing up, Frank pretends to be someone else and pays Falstaff off to seduce his wife on his behalf. The men in Windsor desperately try to control the situation, however, it is the women of Windsor who pull the strings in this play.This hilarious comedy by Shakespeare is a classic worth reading! First published in 1602, this play presents themes of marriage, wealth, jealousy and lies. Complete with clumsy men and strong women, this appeals to all ages.For fans of Clare McHugh, Thomas Middleton and Julia Quinn.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.