Books in the World Classics series

Christmas is approaching and it is time for Mr. and Mrs. Brown to leave their Paris hotel and return to the roaring fireplaces of Thompson Hall. Unfortunately, Mr. Brown is taken ill, but nothing will dissuade Mrs. Brown from going home. With efficient, tongue-in-cheek humour, Trollope tells of a nighttime encounter between estranged relatives, resulting in minor injuries and embarrassment. Anthony Trollope (1815-1882) was one of most succesful British authors of the Victorian era. He has written more than forty novels, as well as many short stories and travelogues. Trollope was also an editor and an active member of the London literary scene. Among his most notable works is the series "The Chronicles of Barsetshire", a series of six novels set in fictional Barsetshire.

Najsłynniejsza powieść płaszcza i szpady w historii literatury! Przygody dzielnego d’Artagnana i jego trzech kompanów: Atosa, Portosa i Aramisa od pokoleń z zapartym tchem śledzi cały świat. Muszkieterowie gwardii francuskiej za czasów panowania króla Ludwika XIII i kardynała Richelieu tworzą elitarną drużynę, w której króluje hasło „jeden za wszystkich, wszyscy za jednego"! Nie brakuje intryg, walk na szpady, afer miłosnych i humorystycznych epizodów.Dumas osadził swoich fikcyjnych bohaterów w wiernie oddanych realiach historycznych, a jego powieść tłumaczona była na wiele języków. Muszkieterowie wielokrotnie gościli na kinowych ekranach. W najnowszej adaptacji z 2011 roku (reż. A. Davies, A. Litvak) zagrała plejada hollywoodzkich gwiazd, m.in.: Mila Jovovich, Logan Lerman, Orlando Bloom czy Christoph Waltz.Aleksander Dumas ur. jako Dumas Davy de la Pailleterie (1802 - 1870) – francuski pisarz i dramaturg. Był synem generała Thomasa Alexandra Dumasa. Pierwszy sukces przyniósł mu wydany w 1829 roku dramat historyczny „Henryk III i jego dwór". Jednak największą sławę zdobył w latach 40. dzięki powieści „Hrabia Monte Christo" oraz cyklowi o trzech muszkieterach: „Trzej muszkieterowie", „Dwadzieścia lat później" i „Wicehrabia de Bragelonne". Dużą popularność zdobył również cykl o Walezjuszach: „Królowa Margot", „Pani de Monsoreau" i „Czterdziestu pięciu" oraz cykl „Pamiętniki lekarza": „Józef Balsamo, „Naszyjnik królowej", „Anioł Pitou", „Hrabina de Charny" i „Kawaler de Maison-Rouge". Łącznie napisał ponad 200 utworów, które przetłumaczono na blisko 100 języków.

When a young girl gets her heart broken, her beloved aunt embarks on an exploration of the art of kissing. The aunt explains in a series of letters that all of the misfortunes that the girl has been met with are a result of her lack of experience with kissing. Love and passion intertwine in this timeless journey, and Maupassant's delightful humor makes it a lighthearted read for all fans of romance.Guy de Maupassant (1850-1893) was a French writer. Famed for being a master of the short story, he also wrote travel books and occasionally dabbled in poetry. His stories mainly focus on the relationships between men and women sitting at crossroads in their lives - whether personal or professional. His dramatic flair is largely influenced by French novelist Gustave Flaubert and is perfect for fans of Anton Chekhov's short stories. The most notable of the 300 short stories that he wrote include 'Bel Ami', 'Une Vie', and 'The Dumpling'.

Everything is going wonderfully at the Montmartre costume ball - the music, the atmosphere, and the food are all perfect. Until one of the lead dancers jumps into the crowd and passes out. As a doctor appears and helps the dancer back home, he meets his wife and learns of their tragic tale. "The Mask" explores marriage, devotion, and the inevitability of old age.Guy de Maupassant (1850-1893) was a French writer. Famed for being a master of the short story, he also wrote travel books and occasionally dabbled in poetry. His stories mainly focus on the relationships between men and women sitting at crossroads in their lives - whether personal or professional. His dramatic flair is largely influenced by French novelist Gustave Flaubert and is perfect for fans of Anton Chekhov's short stories. The most notable of the 300 short stories that he wrote include 'Bel Ami', 'Une Vie', and 'The Dumpling'.

Our young narrator sits comfortably in front of a crackling fire, accompanied by an elderly woman. Their peace is shattered when a rebellious log leaps out of the fire and rolls to a stop at their feet, burning the carpet beneath it. This jump-starts the narrator's memory and reminds him of an experience that formed his opinion on marriage. This lively short story poses a multitude of questions and is an unmissable read for fans of Katherine Mansfield.Guy de Maupassant (1850-1893) was a French writer. Famed for being a master of the short story, he also wrote travel books and occasionally dabbled in poetry. His stories mainly focus on the relationships between men and women sitting at crossroads in their lives - whether personal or professional. His dramatic flair is largely influenced by French novelist Gustave Flaubert and is perfect for fans of Anton Chekhov's short stories. The most notable of the 300 short stories that he wrote include 'Bel Ami', 'Une Vie', and 'The Dumpling'.

Marquis de Fumerol's death brings with it a serious political scandal. The black sheep of a royalist family - he cannot die without official last rites from the Church. As the rest of the family and the local priest rush to his place, they could never have predicted what would be waiting for them. This humorous satire is a light-hearted read perfect for fans of Oscar Wilde.Guy de Maupassant (1850-1893) was a French writer. Famed for being a master of the short story, he also wrote travel books and occasionally dabbled in poetry. His stories mainly focus on the relationships between men and women sitting at crossroads in their lives - whether personal or professional. His dramatic flair is largely influenced by French novelist Gustave Flaubert and is perfect for fans of Anton Chekhov's short stories. The most notable of the 300 short stories that he wrote include 'Bel Ami', 'Une Vie', and 'The Dumpling'.

Our narrator sits and relishes the natural beauty of a river, contemplating how painful suicide must be. He dreams of a world in which a special device allows people to end their days peacefully, painlessly, and quickly. This imaginative, compelling musing on such an ever-present issue is a must-read for fans of Anton Chekhov.Guy de Maupassant (1850-1893) was a French writer. Famed for being a master of the short story, he also wrote travel books and occasionally dabbled in poetry. His stories mainly focus on the relationships between men and women sitting at crossroads in their lives - whether personal or professional. His dramatic flair is largely influenced by French novelist Gustave Flaubert and is perfect for fans of Anton Chekhov's short stories. The most notable of the 300 short stories that he wrote include 'Bel Ami', 'Une Vie', and 'The Dumpling'.

An elderly, aristocratic woman lives lavishly in a mansion with her beloved granddaughter. One morning her granddaughter reads her an article from the morning paper about several cases where adultery is punished in a violent way. A debate between the two women emerges, gaining momentum and passion with each second. This strong story of morality teaches us about human relationships, with a touch of Maupassant's classic dramatic flair.Guy de Maupassant (1850-1893) was a French writer. Famed for being a master of the short story, he also wrote travel books and occasionally dabbled in poetry. His stories mainly focus on the relationships between men and women sitting at crossroads in their lives - whether personal or professional. His dramatic flair is largely influenced by French novelist Gustave Flaubert and is perfect for fans of Anton Chekhov's short stories. The most notable of the 300 short stories that he wrote include 'Bel Ami', 'Une Vie', and 'The Dumpling'.

A successful businessman who wouldn't dream of accepting 'no' as an answer, Jules Chicot has his heart set on buying his neighbour's farm. He will stop at nothing. This short story follows his quest to obtain the house, by hook or by crook.Guy de Maupassant (1850-1893) was a French writer. Famed for being a master of the short story, he also wrote travel books and occasionally dabbled in poetry. His stories mainly focus on the relationships between men and women sitting at crossroads in their lives - whether personal or professional. His dramatic flair is largely influenced by French novelist Gustave Flaubert and is perfect for fans of Anton Chekhov's short stories. The most notable of the 300 short stories that he wrote include 'Bel Ami', 'Une Vie', and 'The Dumpling'.

"Sir, I would trust you with my heart. Moreover, we have left our bodies in the banqueting hall. Those on the turf are the shadows of our souls."Our narrator is attenting a classical music concert given by a string quartet, and while seated there, she catches snippets of conversations around her, and reflects upon the different responses listening to music can inspire.Writing about music is difficult, but Virginia Woolf manages with poetic language and impressionistic images that awake with the reader exactly the music she's trying to convey. 'The String Quartet' was published in her short-story collection 'Monday or Tuesday' in 1921.Adeline Virginia Woolf (1882-1941) was an English writer who, despite growing up in a progressive household, was not allowed an education. When she and her sister moved in with their brothers in a rough London neighborhood, they joined the infamous The Bloomsbury Group, which debated philosophy, art and politics. Woolf's most famous novels include 'Mrs Dalloway' (1925) and 'To the Lighthouse' (1927).

"Perhaps it was the middle of January in the present that I first looked up and saw the mark on the wall."Yes, 'The Mark on the Wall' is about a woman sitting in her chair, starring at a mark on the wall, but if you think that is all it is you are in for a surprise. In a series of stream of consciousness, which Virginia Woolf mastered so well, the narrator contemplates the cause of this unknown mark, and in doing so, reveals much about both herself and the society she is a part of.Woolf's first published story, 'The Mark on the Wall' is often taught as an example of "introspective writing" and is included in several anthologies.Adeline Virginia Woolf (1882-1941) was an English writer who, despite growing up in a progressive household, was not allowed an education. When she and her sister moved in with their brothers in a rough London neighborhood, they joined the infamous The Bloomsbury Group, which debated philosophy, art and politics. Woolf's most famous novels include 'Mrs Dalloway' (1925) and 'To the Lighthouse' (1927).

"There is a sadness at the back of life which some people do not attempt to mitigate. Entirely aware of their own standing in the shadow, and yet alive to every tremor and gleam of existence, there they endure."'The Common Reader' is a collection of essays that, as the title suggests, is for the common reader -- the one who reads for pleasure's sake. Shedding academic language and the high brow style, Virginia Woolf explores authors like Jane Austen and George Eliot and tackles topics such as Modern Fiction and the Common Readers themselves.Witty, brazen and intelligent, Woolf makes the reader feel included as were they participants in these very analyzes.Adeline Virginia Woolf (1882-1941) was an English writer who, despite growing up in a progressive household, was not allowed an education. When she and her sister moved in with their brothers in a rough London neighborhood, they joined the infamous The Bloomsbury Group, which debated philosophy, art and politics. Woolf's most famous novels include 'Mrs Dalloway' (1925) and 'To the Lighthouse' (1927).

The rich but rather dull Maitre Caillard has always been besotted with the famous 'Leigon of Honor'. It would kill him to walk the streets of Paris and see others displaying it proudly on their lapels, all the while his stayed empty. 'The Leigon of Honor' is a short social parody that follows a man with a boundless obsession desperately pulling strings he probably shouldn't be pulling.Guy de Maupassant (1850-1893) was a French writer. Famed for being a master of the short story, he also wrote travel books and occasionally dabbled in poetry. His stories mainly focus on the relationships between men and women sitting at crossroads in their lives - whether personal or professional. His dramatic flair is largely influenced by French novelist Gustave Flaubert and is perfect for fans of Anton Chekhov's short stories. The most notable of the 300 short stories that he wrote include 'Bel Ami', 'Une Vie', and 'The Dumpling'.

Dick Diver es un brillante psiquiatra casado con su paciente, Nicole, una rica y atractiva joven, y son una de las parejas más emblemáticas de la Riviera francesa, epicentro del glamour en los años veinte. Allí es que Dick, atrapado en una complicada relación con su mujer, comienza un amorío con Rosemary, una joven actriz. A partir de entonces, la vida de Dick se precipitará y cambiará tanto sus relaciones personales como el amor.Francis Scott Key Fitzgerald (1896-1940) fue un escritor estadounidense, conocido por ser uno de los escritores más aclamados del país durante el siglo XX, cuya obra es paradigmática a la era del jazz.

Esta obra sigue la vida de Julia Ross, una mujer que se enamora de Dick Ragland, conocido por beber demasiado en París, y tienen un corto romance. Mientras Dick lucha contra el alcoholismo, Julia comienza a perder esperanzas en él. Cuando se entera de que él le fue infiel, decide terminar la relación. Sin embargo, no todo está perdido, con la aparición de Phil Julia consigue recuperar la esperanza y entregarse a un nuevo romance..Este cuento corto fue publicado en 1931 en The Saturday Evening Post.Francis Scott Key Fitzgerald (1896-1940) fue un escritor estadounidense, conocido por ser uno de los escritores más aclamados del país durante el siglo XX, cuya obra es paradigmática a la era del jazz.

Josephine Perry, tenía la estatura perfecta para sus diecisiete años y una belleza que florecía maravillosamente. Sin embargo, a pesar de su juventud, ha vivido demasiado y no ha sido sensata con el manejo de su capital emocional. Cuando conoce al joven aviador francés, héroe de guerra, todo parece perfecto, pero cuando se besan ella no siente nada. Vuelven a besarse y nada, otra vez. Herido en su orgullo, el héroe francés, se marcha para siempre. Josephine, angustiada y cansada, era terriblemente consciente de que las frases hechas son verdad: nadie puede gastar y poseer a la vez. Había tenido al amor de su vida al alcance de la mano, pero no encontró nada para ofrecerle...Este cuento es uno de los más célebres de Fitzgerald donde trata sobre las ambiciones de la juventud, el miedo al fracaso, las diversas y dolorosas maneras de desperdiciar una vida, las relaciones amorosas, el desamor, la soledad y lo irrecuperable.Francis Scott Key Fitzgerald (1896-1940) fue un escritor estadounidense, conocido por ser uno de los escritores más aclamados del país durante el siglo XX, cuya obra es paradigmática a la era del jazz.

Una risata che sfuma nella malinconia unisce questi racconti brevi, narrativamente indipendenti ma simili nel tipo di umorismo che li anima. Dai caffè densi di fumo della Milano di metà Ottocento, Tarchetti scatta un'istantanea, nebulosa e amareggiata, di quel periodo storico. Ironia, soprannaturale e grottesco si mescolano in questo viaggio crepuscolare e umoristico nella bohème italiana e nei travagli spirituali di un artista che deve fare i conti con la sua posizione nel mondo.Iginio Ugo Tarchetti (1839-1969) è stato uno scrittore e giornalista italiano. Tarchetti apparteneva al gruppo degli Scapigliati, una corrente letteraria attiva soprattutto a Milano a metà dell'Ottocento. Scrittore fantasioso e "boehémien", tra le sue opere ricordiamo 'Fosca' e la collezione di storie brevi intitolata ‘Racconti umoristici’.

Este cuento es absolutamente distinto al resto, logra captar al lector desde el primer momento y transportarlo realmente a una tierra desconocida y fascinante. Es un relato fantástico, extraño, fabuloso y enigmático, donde la alquimia y las fuerzas mágicas de la naturaleza convierten los sueños en realidad y transforman las cargas de la vida en nuevas ilusiones y esperanzas. El cuento de la serpiente verde es sin duda una de las obras más originales de Goethe.Johann Wolfgang von Goethe (1749 – 1832) nació en Frankfurt, Alemania, y fue un poeta, novelista, dramaturgo y científico distinguido por una extrema curiosidad e inteligencia superdotada. Es considerado uno de los padres del Romanticismo, exponentes principales del movimiento literario Sturm und Drang y un genio supremo de la literatura alemana moderna.

‘Typhus’ is a deeply personal short story by Chekhov, about a young man, Klimov, returning home on a train while suffering from a terrible illness. The tale begins with Chekhov’s classic dark humour as the protagonist is disgusted with the characters that surround him. The story changes as Chekhov illustrates a slowly creeping illness that engulfs the main character and terrifyingly distorts the world around him. As the nightmarish train moves rapidly along, vivid imagery portrays the horrors of his illness. As Klimov’s body and mind become consumed by the infection, he longs to find sanctuary and safety in his own home. However, what awaits him there is far worse. This short story portrays Chekhov’s incredible ability to depict ghastly images of everyday life and the tragedy of illness. ‘Typhus’ is a poignant tale that is just as relevant in our pandemic age as when it was written, and should be read by all.A prolific writer of seven plays, a novel and hundreds of short stories, Anton Chekhov (1860-1904) 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.

Leopold Renard always fishes in the same spot. One Sunday he and his wife arrive at their favorite spot only to find it already occupied by another couple. And not only that – but they are catching fish after fish. Fuelled by Renard's jealousy, a battle of remarks and biting commentary commences. A humorous yet tragic story, Maupassant's ability to deconstruct the human condition proves how quickly things can turn ugly over trivialities.Guy de Maupassant (1850-1893) was a French writer. Famed for being a master of the short story, he also wrote travel books and occasionally dabbled in poetry. His stories mainly focus on the relationships between men and women sitting at crossroads in their lives - whether personal or professional. His dramatic flair is largely influenced by French novelist Gustave Flaubert and is perfect for fans of Anton Chekhov's short stories. The most notable of the 300 short stories that he wrote include 'Bel Ami', 'Une Vie', and 'The Dumpling'.

Jean Summer is a famous painter. Although he is praised by a lot of people for his character, he deems his marriage to a young disabled woman to be a burden. He believes that he is shackled to her, doomed to accompany her everywhere until the end of time. An observer approaches him, questioned his situation, but the observer could never have predicted the answer that he received. 'The Model' is written almost like a parable against marriage, proving how dysfunctional marriage can be, especially when misogyny is involved.Guy de Maupassant (1850-1893) was a French writer. Famed for being a master of the short story, he also wrote travel books and occasionally dabbled in poetry. His stories mainly focus on the relationships between men and women sitting at crossroads in their lives - whether personal or professional. His dramatic flair is largely influenced by French novelist Gustave Flaubert and is perfect for fans of Anton Chekhov's short stories. The most notable of the 300 short stories that he wrote include 'Bel Ami', 'Une Vie', and 'The Dumpling'.

"Y así comienza el drama o, si se quiere, la terrible comedia de la muerte de un solterón, entregado por la fuerza de las circunstancias a la rapacidad de unos seres codiciosos que se arraciman al pie de su lecho, y que en este caso tuvieron por auxiliares la pasión más intensa, la de un insaciable coleccionista de cuadros; la avidez de Fraisier, que, visto en su cubil, hará estremecerse al lector; y la codicia de un auvernés capaz de todo, incluso de un crimen, para hacerse un capital. Esta comedia, a la que esta parte del relato sirve en cierto modo de prólogo, tiene por actores a todos los personajes que hasta este momento han ocupado la escena".En esta novela concebida como parte de un díptico llamado "Los parientes pobre", junto con "La prima Bette", y formando parte del gigante proyecto narrativo "La Comedia humana", Honoré de Balzac presenta una crítica a la burguesía enpoderada a raíz de la Revolución de 1830.En "El Primo Pons", Balzac nos presenta a Sylvain Pons, un músico pobre y de avanzada edad que vive con su estimado amigo y pianista alemán Vilhelm Schmucke en casa de Madame Cibot.A parte de su trabajo en la orquesta de un teatro de París junto a Schmucke, Pons encuentra sentido a su vida a través de sus dos grandes pasiones: el coleccionismo de arte y la buena comida, la cual suele recibir a través de sus parientes, los Camusot de Marville. Desafortunadamente, la relación entre nuestro protagonista y los Camusots se tuerce cuando Pons no puede encontrar un pretendiente para la hija de los Camusot, Cécilie, después de comprometerse a ello. A raíz de esta desgracia, Sylviain Pons cae en una larga enfermedad que le obliga a quedarse en casa. Gracias a ello, la relación entre Pons i Madame Cibot se estrecha, pero no con verdaderos problemas: Cibot empieza a darse cuenta del valor de las obras de arte que Pons tiene en casa, y tanto ella como otras personas cercanas a Pons, empiezan a planear su ataque para hacerse con todas las obras propiedades de Pons.Esta novela llena de personajes codiciosos y mezquinos es una verdadera crítica a la burguesía de la época y el peligroso papel de las herencias en las familias.Honoré de Balzac (1799-1850) fue un escritor y dramaturgo francés. Escribió sobre el panorama francés post-napoleónico y sobre la vida francesa.

Friends gather for dinner, drink a glass or five, and begin telling each other stories. Tales of dangerous hunting experiences are thrown around lightheartedly. This mood changes quickly when Bonniface, the most enthusiastic hunter in the area, offers up a tragic story that silences everyone. A realistic and compelling tale, "The Gamekeeper" walks the fine line between reason and insanity.Guy de Maupassant (1850-1893) was a French writer. Famed for being a master of the short story, he also wrote travel books and occasionally dabbled in poetry. His stories mainly focus on the relationships between men and women sitting at crossroads in their lives - whether personal or professional. His dramatic flair is largely influenced by French novelist Gustave Flaubert and is perfect for fans of Anton Chekhov's short stories. The most notable of the 300 short stories that he wrote include 'Bel Ami', 'Une Vie', and 'The Dumpling'.

Dinner party conversation does not tend to include mysterious drownings which cost multiple people their lives. It is bound to turn even sourer when one attendee takes it upon himself to vividly describe his military career in an attempt to prove that there are worse ways to die than simply drowning. A dramatic short piece, "The Horrible" is a suspenseful dive into life, death, and conversation - perfect for fans of Anton Chekhov's short stories.Guy de Maupassant (1850-1893) was a French writer. Famed for being a master of the short story, he also wrote travel books and occasionally dabbled in poetry. His stories mainly focus on the relationships between men and women sitting at crossroads in their lives - whether personal or professional. His dramatic flair is largely influenced by French novelist Gustave Flaubert and is perfect for fans of Anton Chekhov's short stories. The most notable of the 300 short stories that he wrote include 'Bel Ami', 'Une Vie', and 'The Dumpling'.

Graveyards are the calmest places on Earth – for the living and the dead. The Besiers cemetery is no exception. Until the keeper finds a young man digging up the grave of a recently deceased woman. He immediately calls the police. This chilling short story follows the young man as he attempts to explain his actions, avoid prison, and tell his story. Will anybody believe him?Guy de Maupassant (1850-1893) was a French writer. Famed for being a master of the short story, he also wrote travel books and occasionally dabbled in poetry. His stories mainly focus on the relationships between men and women sitting at crossroads in their lives - whether personal or professional. His dramatic flair is largely influenced by French novelist Gustave Flaubert and is perfect for fans of Anton Chekhov's short stories. The most notable of the 300 short stories that he wrote include 'Bel Ami', 'Une Vie', and 'The Dumpling'.

‘An Anonymous Story’ follows an anonymous assassin, sent to infiltrate the home of Orlov, the wealthy son of a judge. Disguised as a servant, the revolutionary perfectly blends into the household and observes them from within. However, his soul is soon disturbed by the womanising Orlov’s attitude towards his wife, and the assassin’s mission takes a dramatic turn. ‘An Anonymous Story’ is a fast-paced novella that starts as a political thriller, before becoming a household drama teeming with intrigue and infatuation. Chekhov’s comic social commentary is present as he criticizes the deceptive façade of the upper classes and the divergence between men and women’s ability to express their true emotions. It is also a story of internal struggle as the anonymous assassin is torn between revolution and romance which displays Chekhov’s command of irony and tragedy at its finest. This tale of romance and deception is recommended for fans of Dostoevsky or ‘The Talented Mr. Ripley’.A prolific writer of seven plays, a novel and hundreds of short stories, Anton Chekhov (1860-1904) 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.

‘In the Dark’ is a darkly humorous short story by Anton Chekhov about a couple awoken during the night by a sneezing fit. This absurdist scene quickly becomes terrifying as the wife attempts to convince her husband that a haunting figure has entered the house. Chekhov uses humour to cut the tension that rises both between the couple and for the reader.This dialogue-driven character study displays the blend of wit and morbidity that the author and playwright would later become celebrated for. The diverging thoughts of the couple are used to examine themes of marriage and feminism as the glib husband continually dismisses his wife’s fears as her overstimulated imagination. Subtle class commentary is also present as the wealthy couple and their valuable possessions are vulnerable to the possible terrors of the night. This unnerving and thrilling story by the master of short fiction is perfect to read in the dark.A prolific writer of seven plays, a novel and hundreds of short stories, Anton Chekhov (1860-1904) 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.

‘In the Graveyard’ is a tale that is at once both hopeful and hopeless in which Anton Chekhov explores the tragedies of life with a comic touch. The short story opens with friends wandering a graveyard discussing a man they once knew whose ‘digestion was fine’ but still died due to his nosiness. This mixture of the mundane and the mystical which is fundamental to much of Chekhov’s celebrated writing is on display in this black comedy.As the protagonists journey deeper into the graveyard the atmosphere grows more melancholic as they meet characters resigned to tragedy. But morbidity and mockery co-exist in equal measure in the graveyard as Chekhov’s signature satirical dialogue celebrates life while exploring death. Chekhov’s modernist style describes a familiar event with lyrical prose that creates a sense of wonderment in the ordinary. This short story displays Chekhov’s dark wit and is suitable for fans of writers such as Franz Kafka or Martin McDonagh.A prolific writer of seven plays, a novel and hundreds of short stories, Anton Chekhov (1860-1904) 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.

Sir John Rowell's death is shrouded in mystery, and the judge who narrates his story essentially turns it into a scary campfire story. Elements of hunting, sea voyaging, and savagery make this story enticing for fans of R.M Ballantyne. "The Hand" is another example of Maupassant’s experiments with the supernatural and once again it proves fruitful and successful.Guy de Maupassant (1850-1893) was a French writer. Famed for being a master of the short story, he also wrote travel books and occasionally dabbled in poetry. His stories mainly focus on the relationships between men and women sitting at crossroads in their lives - whether personal or professional. His dramatic flair is largely influenced by French novelist Gustave Flaubert and is perfect for fans of Anton Chekhov's short stories. The most notable of the 300 short stories that he wrote include 'Bel Ami', 'Une Vie', and 'The Dumpling'.

"Había aprendido que la felicidad no es sino un episodio ocasional del drama general del dolor.""El alcalde de Casterbride" es una novela del autor británico Thomas Hardy publicada en 1886. La historia está ambientada en una zona rural ficticia de Inglaterra y es una de las novelas más aclamadas del autor.La historia se centra en un joven borracho llamado Michael Henchard, que decide vender a su mujer, Susan, y a a su hija, Elizabeth Jane, a un marinero. Una vez sobrio, y al darse cuenta del graso error que ha cometido, Michael se promete a si mismo no beber en 21 años, pero desgraciadamente, esa promesa no le devuelve a su mujer, al menos no en ese momento.18 años después, su mujer e hija aparecerán en su vida otra vez, pero Elizabeth Jane no conoce la verdadera identidad de aquel ahora poderoso hombre que se compromete a cuidar de ellas y proporcionarles una mejor vida para poder reparar sus errores. Pero la vida no es tan fácil como parece, y hacer enmiendas con la persona correcta, por muy poderoso que una sea, puede ser mucho más difícil de lo que parece.La temática del libro gira entorno valores universales como el poder, la traición, el amor y los celos. Con una traza digna de uno de los mejores autores británicos de su época, Hardy desarrolla unos personajes multidimensionales que permiten al lector y lectora profundizar en su psicología y la complejidad del ser humano.Thomas Hardy fue un novelista y poeta británico. Hardy escribió en un estilo realista en la tradición de George Eliot, pero también fue influenciado por el romanticismo, especialmente por las obras de William Wordsworth. Ganó fama como autor de novelas como "Lejos del mundanal ruido" (1874), "Tess, la de los d’Urberville" (1891) y "Jude el oscuro" (1895).