Books in the World Classics series

Teeming with dark humour, supernatural elements, and hard-to-believe situations, Nikolai Gogol's "e;Collected Stories"e; is a highest form of short story fiction. With stories like "e;The Mantle"e;, "e;The Nose"e;, and "e;The Viy"e;, the author's attention focuses upon the satirical and nonsensical. Obsessions and schizophrenia run free in the stories, answering the social pressures and crisis of identity. Another important element is the praise of Russian folk tales and the supernatural, making the collection the perfect read while sitting in a dim-lighted room at midnight.-

"The Wonderful Adventures of Nils" is a work of fiction by the Swedish author Selma Lagerlöf. It was originally published in two books, "The Wonderful Adventures of Nils" in 1906 and "Further Adventures of Nils" in 1907. The background for its publication was a commission from the National Teachers Association in 1902, which asked Lagerlöf to write a geography reader for the public schools. She devoted three years to Nature study and to familiarizing herself with animal and bird life. She also sought out hitherto unpublished folklore and legends of the different provinces, which she then ingeniously wove into this story.The story is about Nils Holgersson, a boy who is transformed into a leprechaun and who travels around Sweden on the back of a goose. The journey begins on the 20th of March 1898 and ends on the 8th of November of that same year, when Nils returns to Västra Vemmenhög. The story has been translated into more the 60 languages and appeals to readers of all ages. With superb storytelling, it beautifully unites the story's fantasy with its purpose of providing knowledge about Sweden.Selma Lagerlöf (1858-1940) has written a series of novels and short stories about peasant life in Sweden. Her first novel "Gösta Berling's Saga" was made into the 1924 eponymous silent film featuring Greta Garbo, as well as into the 1925 Zandonai opera "I Cavalieri di Ekebù". Lagerlöf was the first female writer to win the Nobel Prize in literature, which was awarded to her in 1909. She was also the first female member of the Swedish Academy, which she entered in 1914.

Published two years after the conclusion of Roy J. Snell’s earlier novel ‘The Blue Envelope’ we re-join the plucky Marian in ‘The Purple Flame’ as she and her cousin Patsy work together to care for the family reindeer herd after Marian’s father was taken ill. The girls are faced with a range of challenges – from blizzards to poachers, and hungry wolves to treacherous mountain passes, and must overcome them all in order to survive. How will the girls cope with so many odds stacked against them? A thrilling adventure from the much-loved children’s author. Roy J. Snell (1878-1959) was a popular American author best known for his children’s fiction. Born in Missouri, Snell was raised on a farm in Illinois. At the age of 19 he attended Wheaton College, graduating in 1906. He became a Minister, before continuing his studies at Harvard University. Snell then moved to Alaska before joining the war effort serving with the Red Cross. WWI had interrupted his blossoming writing career, and upon his return from France Snell began writing in earnest. Many of his books drew on his own adventurous spirit and love of travel, and Snell went on to write over 70 young adult novels, many of which were also published under his pseudonyms, David O’Hara, James Craig and Joseph Marino. He died in 1959 at the age of 80.

What are your sunny memories? In this book, Stowe shares hers as she goes on a bright trip to Europe, writing about her experiences through journals, diary entries and letters to her friends.Visiting many different countries she offers picturesque details of different cultures, norms, and lifestyles. Never failing to state her opinion on each nation and its people, she paints a breathtaking picture of Europe.Written through the eyes of an American woman, this book is an interesting guide and travelogue perfect for history-lovers and people full of insatiable wanderlust. -

After "e;Little Women's"e; immediate commercial and critical success readers demanded to know more about Meg, Jo, Beth and Amy. In "e;Good Wives"e;, Louisa May Alcott follows the dinamic life of the beloved March sisters and their further character development. The novel together with its sequels "e;Little Men"e;, and "e;Jo's Boys"e;, has been one of the most widely read in the world. It has inspired numerous adaptations including a 2019 movie starring Emma Watson with six Academy Award nominations.-

As England is in the middle of a civil war, King Henry IV becomes gravely ill. While the king's enemies attempt to overthrow him, his son and heir Hal continues to raise hell in local taverns with his lowlife friends. With a looming rebellion Hal must get his life in order. Knowing that he will be responsible for taking the reins once his father dies Hal vows to change. With his bad reputation, legal troubles, questionable companions and his father's low option to overcome, Hal must suppress the uprising. "e;Henry IV, Part 2"e; is the third historical play (the others being Richard II, Henry IV, Part 1, and Henry V) known collectively as the "e;second tetralogy."e;These plays focus on major events of English history in the late 14th and early 15th centuries.-

Twelfth Night, or What You Will is a comedy by William Shakespeare. The play centres on the twins Viola and Sebastian, who are separated in a shipwreck. Viola (who is disguised as a boy) falls in love with Duke Orsino, who in turn is in love with the Countess Olivia. Upon meeting Viola, Countess Olivia falls in love with her thinking she is a man. Illyria, the setting of Twelfth Night, is important to the play's romantic atmosphere. Illyria was an ancient region of the Western Balkans. Viola has fallen in love with the Duke Orsino, creating a love triangle between Duke Orsino, Olivia and Viola, being that Duke Orsino loves Olivia, Viola loves Duke Orsino, and Olivia loves Viola.Viola is not alone among Shakespeare's cross-dressing heroines; in Shakespeare's theatre, convention dictated that adolescent boys play the roles of female characters, creating humour in the multiplicity of disguise found in a female character who for a while pretended at masculinity. Her cross dressing enables Viola to fulfill usually male roles, such as acting as a messenger between Orsino and Olivia, as well as being Orsino's confidant.

De Zeereizen van Doctor Dolittle is het tweede deel in de kinderboekenreeks van Hugh Lofting over een arts die met dieren kan praten. In deel een heeft dokter Dolittle een hoop vrienden gemaakt, zowel dieren als mensen, die hem helpen met het genezen van dieren in nood.Met zijn vrienden reist Dolittle de hele wereld over, en belandt onder andere in Spanje waar hij een groep stierenvechters zo ver weet te krijgen dat ze de stieren laten leven. Ook in Zuid-Amerika beleeft het gezelschap allerlei avonturen.-

The famous Alhambra Palace in Granada, Spain, served as the major influence for this collection of essays and sketches by Washington Irving. Blending history, myth, and natural descriptions, Irving's book became an indispensable attribute of the city's newsstands and boutique shops. The truthful and picturesque account of the palace, the book is often deemed responsible for the revival of interest in this masonry of old. The pages are saturated with Irving's own personal account during his stay, turning this work into a magical adventure for readers and tourists alike.-

Apres le succes immense du Robinson Crusoe de Daniel Defoe, le genre de la robinsonnade, un roman a propos de quelqu'un devant survivre sur une ile deserte, est devenu tres populaire. C'est ainsi que le grand ecrivain d'aventures Jules Verne en est venu a ecrire L'Ecole des Robinsons ., dans lequel un groupe d'aventuriers dirige par Godfrey Morgan veut faire le tour du monde, mais s'echoue a la place sur une ile deserte. Tout comme Robinson Crusoe, ils vont devoir se debrouiller avec les moyens du bord pour survivre. -

Timon is a wealthy and popular man in Athens who freely shares his wealth with others. He is generous to his friends and often pays off other people's debts, throws lavish parties and bestows gifts. His willingness to share his wealth is known everywhere. While his friends warn him about the motives of those that benefit from this generosity, Timon firmly believes that everyone will always have his back. Eventually, Timon finds out that he's broke, having given out his fortune to others. When the creditors come calling, he asks those who benefited from his kindness for help. It is then that he learns the real value of those friendships and human nature. "e;Timon of Athens"e; is one of Shakespeare's lesser-known plays and is considered one of his more complex and neglected works. The story of friendship, greed and loyalty are timely and relatable to modern audiences. For fans of F. Scott Fitzgerald and Edith Wharton.-

Henry VI is now on the throne but the conflict with France continues.He is unable to control his bickering nobles and his new wife, Margaret of Anjou. And as if these problems weren't enough, the queen is secretly plotting against Humphrey, Duke of Gloucester, with her lover, the Duke of Suffolk. He, in turn, is plotting behind her back to get the throne for himself.This historical drama centers on the Plantagenet, Lancaster and York dynasties of England and France. The power struggles fuel insurrections and conflict."e;Henry VI, Part 2"e; is the second of four history plays (the others being "e;Henry VI, Part 1,"e; "e;Henry VI, Part 3"e; and "e;Richard III"e;) known collectively as the "e;first tetralogy."e;-

Le jeune Candide travaillait dans un chateau pour un baron, et avait pour maitre Pangloss, qui professait une philosophie leibnizienne deformee et clamant qu'ils vivaient dans le meilleur des mondes possibles. Malheureusement pour le garcon, il est mis a la porte du chateau apres un baiser vole et se retrouve sur la route, allant de mesaventure en mesaventure, mais s'accrochant neanmoins desesperement a cet optimisme appris. Ce celebre conte philosophique et satirique de Voltaire fut publie en 1759 a Geneve et est un court texte a la fois comique et genial dans son exploration de la philosophie, de la religion, des prejudices, et de la cruaute d'un optimisme aveugle. Il s'inscrit dans un siecle ou les questions philosophiques sont au premier rang. Quand Voltaire ecrit son "e;Candide"e;, un debat sur le fatalisme et l'existence du Mal bat son plein, et l'optimisme leibnizien est beaucoup discute. De plus, la guerre de Sept Ans vient de commencer et un tremblement de terre a ravage Lisbonne, evenements qui ont tout deux beaucoup marque Voltaire. De meme, le philosophe francais collaborait au projet de "e;L'Encyclopedie"e; de Diderot et d'Alembert, qui a ete sanctionne par le Parlement de Paris. Tous ces elements ont joue un role dans la production de conte. -

Power and despair are at their uppermost suspense between witchcraft, bloody severed heads and darkness loom over this magnificent play by William Shakespeare. Set in medieval Scotland, we encounter riddles, prophecies and bloody murders in this historical fiction play.Returning home from battle, Macbeth rises in the ranks of Scottish noblemen, murder after murder. Is it worth it getting the final crown at the price of a soul? Manslaughter, lies and betrayal drives Macbeth's desire for ultimate control. Furthermore, Lady Macbeth stands as one of Shakespeare's strongest female characters, forceful and aggressive she is blinded by ambition. Will she realise the consequences of her actions before it is too late?"e;Macbeth"e; is known to be filled with action and mystery, perfect for fans of Kate Rhodes and Richard Osman. -

"e;Madam Bovary"e; is Gustave Flaubert's debut novel and traces the life of the beautiful Emma Bovary, caught in the vicious circle of banality and boredom. Married to a simple man, limited to the provincial life outside, and dreaming with her eyes glued to the sentimental novels around her, Emma's psyche embarks on a journey of sexual and psychological awakening. A novel about failed expectations and the disruption of social standards, "e;Madam Bovary"e; is not only recommended, but a must-read for fans of literature in general.-

"e;Wildfire"e; tells the story of the temperamental stallion called Wildfire who many have tried to win and tame. Lin Slone has also spent many months following the wild horse with the only hope to finally catch it. Lucy Bostil is a strong-willed girl who wants to get everything she longs for. She loves the horses in the ranch her father has and it is on one of her rides that she stumbles across Slone and Wildfire. Lucy gets herself in trouble and it is up to Slone and Wildfire to save the woman they love. Zane Grey's Western novel from 1917 is full of majestic scenery and magnificent description of the area around the Colorado river and the canyons. It is a story about the love between a man and his horse, between a daughter and her father, between a young man and the girl he loves. The questions is: will Slone manage to save Lucy? -

First published in 1862, 'Fathers and Sons' is perhaps the most famous novel by renowned Russian author Ivan Turgenev. Turgenev had become increasingly aware of the widening schism at the time between liberals and the growing nihilist movement, which became his focus for this story. The tale follows the return of University students Bazarov and Kirsanov to their small village home, where they find their newly acquired worldviews coming into direct conflict with the beliefs of the previous generation. Both nostalgic and critical in tone, this timeless novel caused a stir upon its publication, and remains an acclaimed classic of Russian 19th century literature.-

This historical fiction is set in ancient Britain when it belonged to the Roman Empire. Cymbeline, a Celtic king who has lost both his sons, opposes his only child, princess Imogen's marriage to the lowborn gentleman, Posthumus. In anger Cymbeline sends Posthumus to exile in Italy, where he falls into the company of the sleek Iachimo.Imogen's stepmother and Iachimo forge sinister plans against the poor king's daughter. She soon decides to flee from her father's court keen to find her beloved Posthumus.This bestseller contains plenty of surprising twists and turns, bloody confrontations and fatal encounters. But can the drama come to an end?'Cymbeline' is one of William Shakespeare's strongest plays, intertwined with themes of envy and forgiveness. As one of Shakespeare's lesser-known romances, this historical romance mixes some of his most stunning verse with an interesting blend of history, legend and fairy tale. For fans of Meg Mason, Jennifer Weiner and Sally Thorne.-

Hoewel Jules Verne vooral bekend staat om zijn serieuze avonturenromans schreef hij ook humoristische boeken waarin hachelijke reizen worden ondernomen. Een bekend voorbeeld is De reis naar de maan in 28 dagen en 12 uren. Hierin worden drie mensen met een enorm kanon afgeschoten zodat ze rond de maan kunnen reizen en weer veilig terug kunnen keren naar de aarde.Verne baseerde het plot op vele berekeningen en het boek vertoont dan ook veel gelijkenissen met het Apollo-ruimteprogramma, dat ruim honderd jaar na Verne's boek inderdaad mensen in een baan rond de maan afschoot. De lancering vond op dezelfde plek plaats en ook de landingsplek verschilde maar weinig met de plek die Verne had uitgerekend.-

"e;Rolling Stones"e; is a collection of 23 short stories, 12 poems, and letters by O. Henry providing a general overview of his literary career. The collection is important for it provides some deep insight into the author's later life. Filled with humorous, ironic remarks, and biting, though predominantly funny takes on life, society and its people, many of the collection's short stories were unfortunately left incomplete or without a proper ending. Some of the stories included are "e;The Dream"e;, "e;A Fog in Santone"e;, "e;The Prisoner of Zembla"e;, and the laughable spoof "e;A Snapshot at the President"e;, where a reporter from Texas gets an interview with president Grover Cleveland. "e;Rolling Stones"e; provides a wondrous collection of thought provoking and vivid stories for reading or relaxation, perfect for a commute home or a cozy night by the fire.-

Qui Eugenie Grandet va-t-elle epouser ? C'est la question que tout le monde se pose dans la petite ville de Saumur (Maine-et-Loire), ou ce roman de Balzac se deroule. Felix Grandet, maire et tonnelier, a eleve sa fille Eugenie en lui faisant croire (ainsi qu'a sa femme et leur servante) qu'ils ne sont pas riches. Les habitants de Saumur, mieux informes, savent qu'Eugenie est un tres beau parti, mais elle ne se doute de rien jusqu'a l'arrivee de son cousin Charles. Le pere de ce dernier a fait faillite et envoie son fils chez son frere avant de se suicider. Le jeune homme se console dans les bras de sa cousine Eugenie, au grand dam de Felix qui a d'autres projets pour elle. Aveugle par l'avidite, il est pret a sacrifier le bonheur de sa fille si cela peut lui profiter, mais l'amour rend Eugenie inflexible. Derriere cette histoire d'amour et de conflit familial se cache une etude de la psychologie humaine, de la vie et des mA urs au temps de la Restauration francaise, pleine de dandys romantiques, de gentlemen calculateurs et d'avares. "e;Eugenie Grandet"e; fait partie du cycle de "e;La Comedie humaine"e; de Balzac, qui se veut etre une histoire naturelle de la societe francaise. Cet episode fait partie de la serie des "e;Scenes de la vie de province"e;, suivant "e;Ursule Mirouet"e; (1842) et precedant "e;Pierrette"e; (1840, "e;Les Celibataires"e;). -

"e;All that is loathsome, drooping, or decayed is here."e;In 1842 Dickens sailed to America to observe The New World that held such fascination for the English. He went to magnificent landmarks like Niagara Falls but also included visits to mental institutions and prisons. He met President John Tyler in D.C and the well-educated Laura Bridgman, who was deaf-blind. Dickens found lots to admire, but also noted how coarse and ill-mannered the Americans were. That did not go over well with the Americans.With superb language and humour, Dickens gathered these fascinating observations in this travelogue that will have anyone with the slightest interest in cultural differences completely spell-bound.-

Charles Dickens scrisse del suo ottavo romanzo: "e;come tanti genitori affettuosi, ho nel cuore un figlio prediletto. E il suo nome e Davide Copperfield"e;. Il romanzo, pubblicato nel 1850, racconta la storia di Davide Copperfield, seguendolo dall'infanzia alla maturita, le sue esperienze, gli amici e i nemici. Il narratore della storia e Davide stesso, un uomo sensibile che, dopo aver vissuto un'infanzia difficile e aver superato molti ostacoli, riesce a diventare uno scrittore famoso. Suona familiare? Il romanzo sembra una velata autobiografia...e infatti non ci sono dubbi che lo sia. -

Il grossista italiano di mezza eta Zeno cerca senza molto successo di smettere di fumare, ma nulla sembra riuscire ad aiutarlo. Il suo psichiatra gli suggerisce di scrivere la storia della sua vita per far luce sull'origine della sua dipendenza. Mentre lo fa, i ricordi di una vita fallita e irrisolta si riversano su di lui. Con una copiosa dose di autoironia, ripensa al complicato rapporto con il padre, analizza il suo matrimonio, segnato dall'infatuazione per la sorella della moglie, ed esamina una serie di altri elementi piu o meno significativi della sua vita. -

"Mit‘ on se nimi?" kysyi Julia. "Mitä ruusuks kutsut, yht‘ ihanasti toisin nimin tuoksuu." Tapahtumapaikka on italialainen kaupunki, Verona. Täällä viihtyy erityisesti viha, joka erottaa toisistaan kaksi kaupungin kilpailevaa sukua: Montaguen ja Capuletin suvut. Romeo ja Julia ovat lähtöisin näistä vastakkaisista perheistä, mutta he tapaavat ja rakastuvat toistensa nimiä tietämättä – ja heidän välillään rakkaus voittaa vihan.Romeossa ja Juliassa William Shakespeare kirjoittaa ensimmäisestä, suuresta rakastumisesta ja ensirakkaudesta. Siitä puhtaasta ja tinkimättömästä, mutta aivan liian usein mahdottomasta rakkaudesta. Siitä, joka ei tunne rajoja, mutta joka vain harvoin saa toteutua.Teostensa ytimessä Shakespeare esittää kaiken läpäisevän kysymyksen: Mitä on ihminen? Mikä tekee ihmisestä ihmisen? Yhden vastauksista saamme Romeossa ja Juliassa.William Shakespearen aikalainen, näytelmäkirjailija ja runoilija Ben Johnson, kuvaili Shakespearea jo vuonna 1623 sanoen: "Hän ei kuulunut vain yhdelle aikakaudelle – hänet on tarkoitettu kaikille aikakausille."

Eletaan 1800-luvun puolivalin Pariisissa.Gervaise on pesijatar, jonka mies on lahtenyt toisen naisen matkaan. Kahden lapsen yksinhuoltajaksi jaanyt Gervaise on paattanyt selvita vastoinkaymisista. Pian paikallinen peltiseppa iskee silmansa Gervaiseen, ja Gervaise suostuu miehen kanssa naimisiin. Onko pesijattarella vihdoin mahdollisuus onneen? "e;Ansa"e; on Emile Zolan naturalistinen, yhteiskunnallinen romaani vuodelta 1877. Romaani kuvaa pariisilaista tyovaenluokkaa. Paahenkilo Gervaisen tyttaren elamaa seurataan Zolan menestysromaanissa "e;Nana"e;. -

Martin Paz on intiaaniheimon paallikko. Han ja kaunis nuori juutalainen nainen Sarah rakastuvat palavasti. Martin tekisi Sarahin vuoksi mita vain.Martin saa tietaa, etta Sarahin isa Samuel on jarjestanyt tyttarensa naimakauppoihin vaikutusvaltaiselle Certalle. Martin paattaa taistella Sarahin vapauden ja heidan rakkautensa puolesta, ja veitset aseinaan Martin ja Certa kayvat kaksintaisteluun. Martin haavoittaa Certaa ja joutuu pakenemaan. Taistelu Sarahista ei kuitenkaan ole viela ohi.Kaiken keskella Samuelin pitamat salaisuudet ja Sarahin oikea syntypera paljastuvat.-

Itavaltalainen kreivitar Martha Althaus on vasta yhdeksantoistavuotias kun sota vie hanen ensimmaisen aviomiehensa kreivi Arno Dotzkyn hengen. Henkilokohtainen menetys kaantaa nuoren naisen maailman ympari. Han kaantyy radikaalisti sotaa vastaan.Kreivitar elaakin neljan eri sodan aikana, ja jokainen sota vie hanelta jotain tarkeaa. Hanen toinen aviomiehensa Friedrich ja hanen poikansa Rudolf auttavat hanta levittamaan rauhan sanomaa.Bertha von Suttnerin Aseet pois! on rauhanaatteen klassikko ja se kaannettiin pian julkaisun jalkeen useille eri kielille. Von Suttner palkittiin kirjan ansiosta Nobelin rauhanpalkinnolla vuonna 1905. Tunteikas kuvaus yhden naisen sodan riepottelemasta elamasta herattaa tunteita vuosikymmenesta toiseen.-

Alfred Allmers on kirjailija, joka ei yrityksistaan huolimatta saa valmiiksi kasikirjoitustaan. Allmers ajautuu sisaiseen kriisiin. Pian Allmers tulee tulokseen, ettei hanen elamansa kutsumus olekaan kirjoittaminen - han haluaa jatkossa omistautua rammalle pojalleen Eyolfille. Eyolf haaveilee tavallisesta pienen pojan elamasta. Eyolfin haaveilla ei kuitenkaan ole valia. Isa on nimittain paattanyt, etta Eyolfin pitaa kehittaa itseaan alyllisesti. Pian taloon saapuu vierailuille erikoinen nainen, jolla on kyky saada rotat seuraamaan itseaan."e;Pikku Eyolf"e; on Henrik Ibsenin huikea vuonna 1894 julkaistu naytelma, josta ei puutu kaanteita. Sen keskiossa ovat ihmisen moraaliset valinnat. -