First published in 1919, Lucy Maud Montgomery’s “Rainbow Valley” is the seventh novel chronologically in the “Anne of Green Gables” saga, though it was published fifth. This installment of the timeless series finds Anne Shirley happily married to Gilbert Blythe for 15 years, busy raising their six children. Soon the family has an unusual neighbor when the new Presbyterian minister John Meredith, a widower, moves into an old mansion nearby with his four children. Most of the community views the Meredith children as wild and unmannered and question John’s ability to raise them on his own and thus be a good minister to the village. The Blythe family is the only one to see another side of this misunderstood family and witness their kindness and generosity. Soon all the children work together to solve problems both big and small, from finding a home for a starving orphan, helping John find love again, to saving a favored rooster from death. “Rainbow Valley” is an enjoyable and heartwarming addition to the popular and well-loved saga of Anne and her family. This edition includes a biographical afterword.
First published in 1919, Lucy Maud Montgomery’s “Rainbow Valley” is the seventh novel chronologically in the “Anne of Green Gables” saga, though it was published fifth. This…
First published serially in “The Atlantic Monthly” between 1880 and 1881, Henry James’ “The Portrait of a Lady” is widely regarded as one of the author’s finest literary achievements. As is common with James’ work a contrast is drawn between the cultural and social differences between America and Europe through the portrayal of American expatriates in Europe. The titular lady in question is that of Isabel Archer, a spirited young American woman who inherits a large sum of money and subsequently falls prey to the machinations of individuals trying to gain control of her fortune. The fiercely independent Isabel is set upon fully enjoying her fortune by travelling the European continent. While she had previously rejected two marriage proposals she is taken with an American expatriate, Gilbert Osmond, while visiting Florence, and decides to accept his matrimonial offer. Marital bliss quickly turns to unhappiness when the two settle in Rome and Isabel realizes Gilbert’s overwhelming egotism and lack of genuine affection for her. One of James’ most enduringly popular works “The Portrait of a Lady” is heralded as a classic of the modern era. This edition includes an introduction by Charles R. Anderson and a biographical afterword.
First published serially in “The Atlantic Monthly” between 1880 and 1881, Henry James’ “The Portrait of a Lady” is widely regarded as one of the author’s finest literary…
Mark Twain’s first attempt at historical fiction, “The Prince and the Pauper”, was first published in 1881. It is a story set in the time of Prince Edward, of house Tudor, who at age nine would become King Edward VI. When young Prince Edward meets a Pauper, Tom Canty, who likes a lot like him, he convinces the two to switch clothes so that they can be mistaken for each other and end up switching places. While they play out their new roles, Prince Edward learns of the struggles of the commoners of England while Tom discovers what it is like to be a Prince and then a King. Twain wrote with regards to his novel that, “My idea is to afford a realizing sense of the exceeding severity of the laws of that day by inflicting some of their penalties upon the King himself and allowing him a chance to see the rest of them applied to others. . .” A delightfully comedic tale, “The Prince and the Pauper” is at its heart a social commentary on judging others simply by their appearance. This edition includes the illustrations of Franklin Booth.
Mark Twain’s first attempt at historical fiction, “The Prince and the Pauper”, was first published in 1881. It is a story set in the time of Prince Edward, of house Tudor, who at…
First published in 1850, “The Scarlet Letter” is the work that would establish Nathaniel Hawthorne’s literary legacy. It is the story of Hester Prynne, a young attractive woman who has been convicted of the crime of adultery and has been sentenced to wear a scarlet letter “A” sewn to her dress. As the result of the affair, Hester has a child named Pearl and because the man with whom she has committed this act refuses to come forward she finds herself having to raise the child alone. The novel, which is set in middle 17th century Boston, is a vivid picture of the archaic social beliefs and customs that were indicative of early colonial American life. It is a time in which adultery was not only considered immoral but was a crime and extreme puritanical beliefs ruled everyday life. Hawthorne’s narrative is an exploration of the nature of sin, guilt, and the way in which society tries to police morality through the rule of law. A haunting portrait of days long past, “The Scarlet Letter” is a brilliant portrayal of life in Puritanical America. This edition is illustrated by Hugh Thomson, includes an introduction by Katharine Lee Bates, and a biographical afterword.
First published in 1850, “The Scarlet Letter” is the work that would establish Nathaniel Hawthorne’s literary legacy. It is the story of Hester Prynne, a young attractive woman…
We have Czech writer Karel Čapek to thank for the invention of the word robot and generally for the introduction of the idea of artificial intelligence to the world of literature. His play, «R.U.R. (Rossum's Universal Robots)» was first performed in 1921 and was an instant success. While the «robots» of the play could be more accurately described as cyborgs, Čapek's influence on the science fiction genre with this play would be profound. «R.U.R.» describes a future where robots have become universal and all of humanity is now dependent on the labor that they provide. Everything is perfect until the robot's are stirred into revolt. «R.U.R.» is Čapek's prophetic and dark dystopian vision of the future which would solidify his place in literary history.
We have Czech writer Karel Čapek to thank for the invention of the word robot and generally for the introduction of the idea of artificial intelligence to the world of literature.…
While Edgar Allan Poe was most famous for his eerie tales of murder, ghouls, and suspense, he is also credited with paving the way for the future of detective stories with his character C. Auguste Dupin. Dupin made his first appearance in the murder mystery «The Murders in the Rue Morgue,» a tale about the murder of two women. When Dupin questioned witnesses, everyone claimed that the murderer was speaking a different language, yet none of the witnesses could place his accent. Dupin put himself in the mind of the killer and read the faces of witnesses, suspects, and other persons of interest. He also drew inspiration and ideas from outside resources such as newspapers or police reports. As Dupin sought to unravel the mystery, Poe was creating an archetypal character that would be followed by many other great detectives. In the collection «The Murders in the Rue Morgue: The Dupin Tales,» Poe allows Dupin's genius to shine in stories like «The Murders in the Rue Morgue,» «The Mystery of Marie Roget,» and «The Purloined Letter.» These tales are not typical Poe stories, but instead all follow the cases that detective Dupin solves after other police and investigators are stumped. Dupin showed that, with a little ingenuity and creativity, even the most difficult case could be solved. Mystery lovers and Poe fans will all enjoy this groundbreaking collection and the intrigue that Poe creates within it.
While Edgar Allan Poe was most famous for his eerie tales of murder, ghouls, and suspense, he is also credited with paving the way for the future of detective stories with his…
Sir Arthur Conan Doyle is one of the most renowned British novelists of all time, known popularly as the creator of Sherlock Holmes. He began writing in order to supplement his income while studying medicine at Edinburgh University, but attained instant popularity with his incredible detective fiction. After completing his medical degree in 1881, he set out on a whaling cruise to Africa, where he found inspiration and material for his 1898 novel, «The Tragedy of the Korosko». This story recounts the trip of group of European tourists to Egypt in 1895, when they are suddenly abducted by a band of Dervish warriors. The westerners must choose between conversion to Islam or death, a scenario which Doyle uses to illustrate British Imperialism and the Imperial Project in North Africa at the time. The story is violent, realistic, and so popular that it was later adapted into a play by Doyle, and eventually adapted twice to film.
Sir Arthur Conan Doyle is one of the most renowned British novelists of all time, known popularly as the creator of Sherlock Holmes. He began writing in order to supplement his…
"The Hound of the Baskervilles" is considered to be one of the greatest of the Sherlock Holmes stories and one of the greatest mystery novels ever written. While most of Doyle's Sherlock Holmes stories take the form of shorter narratives, readers will delight in the fact that "The Hound of the Baskervilles" is a full-length novel instead. At the center of this novel is the investigation of the murder of Sir Charles Baskerville. Could the ghost of the Hound of the Baskervilles, who as legend would have it, tore out the throat of Hugo Baskerville generations ago, have murdered Sir Charles? Or is the culprit a more earthly one? Discover along with Sherlock Holmes the true identity of the murderer.
"The Hound of the Baskervilles" is considered to be one of the greatest of the Sherlock Holmes stories and one of the greatest mystery novels ever written. While most of Doyle's…
The first chapter in the «Anne» saga, «Anne of Green Gables» is the story of its title character, Anne Shirley, an orphan who is adopted by Miss Marilla Cuthbert and Mr. Matthew Cuthbert. The novel begins the story of Anne at age eleven and follows her life and schooling through to age sixteen. «Anne of Green Gables» is the beginning of Lucy M. Montgomery's most popular and well-loved series.
The first chapter in the «Anne» saga, «Anne of Green Gables» is the story of its title character, Anne Shirley, an orphan who is adopted by Miss Marilla Cuthbert and Mr. Matthew…
Emile Zola (1840-1902) is perhaps the most important French writer of the 19th century. Zola dramatically shaped the course of French literature through the development of naturalism, characterized by the unsentimental and realistic portrayal of middle and lower class French life. His twenty novel cycle «Les Rougon-Macquart» is epic in scope, often drawing comparisons to the prolific output of Balzac. Here, in his 1888 «Le Rêve» («The Dream») we encounter the sixteenth installment of the cycle. This tale tells the story of the young orphan Angélique Marie. Enchanted by stories of heraldry and sainthood, she dreams of being swept away by a brave prince. Her fairy-tale wish works its way into her life when she falls in love with Félicien d'Hautecœur, a member of a noble family with deep roots. Their affair becomes tumultuous, however Félicien's father contests their relationship. «The Dream» is a fine work which fits neatly into Zola's expansive and varied oeuvre—a tale that truly demonstrates his naturalism and breadth of characterization.
Emile Zola (1840-1902) is perhaps the most important French writer of the 19th century. Zola dramatically shaped the course of French literature through the development of…
Revered as a true gothic masterpiece, «Melmoth the Wanderer» is the last complete work by the Irish author and playwright, Charles Maturin. Since its publication in 1820 it has been admired by such authors as Sir Walter Scott, Honor? de Balzac, Edgar Allan Poe, and Maturin's great nephew, Oscar Wilde. In this story of temptation, villainy, and a satanic bargain for immortality, Maturin offers his social commentary on early nineteenth century England and unabashedly attacks Roman Catholicism. The Wanderer, having engaged in a pact with the devil in exchange for extended life, is doomed to a tortured existence searching for someone to take on his Satanic contract, allowing him to die a natural death. Although Melmoth epitomizes the Faustian figure, Maturin creates a singularly unique character with the added complexities of sympathy, love, and conscience, and secures this cryptic portrayal of evil a place in literary history as the quintessential Gothic novel.
Revered as a true gothic masterpiece, «Melmoth the Wanderer» is the last complete work by the Irish author and playwright, Charles Maturin. Since its publication in 1820 it has…
Sir Arthur Conan Doyle (1859-1930) was a Scottish physician and writer, most noted for his stories about the detective Sherlock Holmes, which are commonly considered a major innovation in the field of crime fiction. He was a fruitful writer whose other works include historical novels, science fiction stories, plays and romances, poetry and non-fiction. Doyle's stories were a strong influence on writers such as Agatha Christie, John Dickson Carr, Ellery Queen and the many others who have created tightly constructed puzzles for their detectives to solve with closely reasoned analysis. "The Complete Brigadier Gerard" is a series of comic short stories with Brigadier Gerard as the hero. As a hussar in the French Army during the Napoleonic Wars, Gerard's most notable attribute is his vanity—he is utterly convinced he is the bravest soldier, most accomplished horseman and the best and most gallant lover in all France. Sir Arthur Conan Doyle, in making his hero a vain and uncomprehending Frenchman, was able to satirize both the stereotypical English view of the French, and by presenting them from Gerard's point of view, English manners and attitudes.
Sir Arthur Conan Doyle (1859-1930) was a Scottish physician and writer, most noted for his stories about the detective Sherlock Holmes, which are commonly considered a major…
One of E. M. Forster's most celebrated novels, "A Room With a View" is the story of a young English middle-class girl, Lucy Honeychurch. While vacationing in Italy, Lucy meets and is wooed by two gentlemen, George Emerson and Cecil Vyse. After turning down Cecil Vyse's marriage proposals twice Lucy finally accepts. Upon hearing of the engagement George protests and confesses his true love for Lucy. Lucy is torn between the choice of marrying Cecil, who is a more socially acceptable mate, and George who she knows will bring her true happiness. "A Room With a View" is a tale of classic human struggles such as the choice between social acceptance or true love.
One of E. M. Forster's most celebrated novels, "A Room With a View" is the story of a young English middle-class girl, Lucy Honeychurch. While vacationing in Italy, Lucy meets and…
"A Study in Scarlet" is the first published story of one of the most famous literary detectives of all time, Sherlock Holmes. Here Dr. Watson, who has just returned from a war in Afghanistan, meets Sherlock Holmes for the first time when they become flat-mates at the famous 221 B Baker Street. In "A Study in Scarlet" Sherlock Holmes investigates a murder at Lauriston Gardens as Dr. Watson tags along with Holmes while narratively detailing his amazing deductive abilities.
"A Study in Scarlet" is the first published story of one of the most famous literary detectives of all time, Sherlock Holmes. Here Dr. Watson, who has just returned from a war in…
Montague Rhodes James is considered one of the greatest writers of ghost stories of all time. Born in Kent, England in 1862, James was a well-known and respected scholar in his time for his exacting and informative research in medieval studies. He went on to become a Provost at King’s College, Cambridge, and later Eton, in addition to publishing four popular and influential collections of ghost stories between 1904 and 1925. His story-telling modernized the traditional gothic conception of a supernatural tale to the more realistic contemporary settings and characters of the early 20th century. James incorporated his vast knowledge of antiquities to make the details of his ghost stories all the more genuine and frightening and reveled in contrasting quiet bucolic settings with strange and unexplained events. James’s style was widely influential and inspired famous horror writers, such as H. P. Lovecraft and Stephen King. “Count Magnus and Other Ghost Stories” contains a collection of some of James’ most famous ghost stories.
Montague Rhodes James is considered one of the greatest writers of ghost stories of all time. Born in Kent, England in 1862, James was a well-known and respected scholar in his…
Britain's most popular nineteenth century playwright Oscar Wilde was born in Ireland in 1854. He dabbled in several different forms of writing, as is exemplified in his best known work, the novel entitled «The Picture of Dorian Gray.» He also wrote in the form of short fiction stories, like «The Canterville Ghost.» In this tale, a family of proud Americans come into possession of a historic English mansion. However, the mansion is haunted by murderous ghost who despises the Americans. Yet the more the ghost tries to scare them away, the less they are afraid. Instead, they turn to cleaning products and other methods to get rid of the mess that the ghost continually makes over time. While being highly entertaining and comical, the story is also a social commentary on both Americans and the British. The Americans act boorish and unnerved by the ghost and instead view him as a pest which is trying to disrupt their idyllic country life. The ghost, however, wants to preserve his legacy as the terrifying ghost, but is instead batted down by the uninterested Americans. This story, combined with four other short tales as well as six poems, create the enjoyable collection of «The Canterville Ghost and Other Stories.»
Britain's most popular nineteenth century playwright Oscar Wilde was born in Ireland in 1854. He dabbled in several different forms of writing, as is exemplified in his best…
"The Iliad" is a classical epic poem about the events during the last year of the Trojan War and the fall of Troy. The tale revolves around the Greek warrior Achilles, and his anger toward the king of Mycenae, Agamemnon. While the poem shows evidence of a long oral tradition and thus most likely multiple authors, the ancient Greek poet Homer is generally attributed as its author. «The Iliad», which is thought to be the oldest extant work of literature in the ancient Greek language, is considered one of the most important literary works of classical antiquity. Presented here in this edition is the prose translation of Samuel Butler.
"The Iliad" is a classical epic poem about the events during the last year of the Trojan War and the fall of Troy. The tale revolves around the Greek warrior Achilles, and his…
"The Memoirs of Sherlock Holmes" is a collection of eleven detective stories of Sir Arthur Conan Doyle's most famous literary creation, Sherlock Holmes. Contained within this collection are the following tales: Silver Blaze, The Yellow Face, The Stock-Broker's Clerk, The «Gloria Scott», The Musgrave Ritual, The Reigate Puzzle, The Crooked Man, The Resident Patient, The Greek Interpreter, The Naval Treaty, and The Final Problem.
"The Memoirs of Sherlock Holmes" is a collection of eleven detective stories of Sir Arthur Conan Doyle's most famous literary creation, Sherlock Holmes. Contained within this…
"Howards End" is E. M. Forster's classic story of the varying struggles of members of different strata of the English middle class. The story centers around three families; the Wilcoxes, who made their fortune in the American colonies; the Schlegels, three siblings who represent the intellectual bourgeoisie; and the Basts, a young struggling lower middle-class couple. «Howards End», one of Forster's greatest works, is a classic dramatization of the differences in life amongst the English middle class.
"Howards End" is E. M. Forster's classic story of the varying struggles of members of different strata of the English middle class. The story centers around three families; the…
Jack Easy, a midshipman in the Royal Navy, is a man with a particular socialistic philosophy, which he has adopted ironically from his wealthy father. More satirical comedy than treatise on economic philosophy, "Mr. Midshipman Easy" is a coming of age story of its title character, who while at sea befriends a lower deck seaman named Mesty, an escaped slave, who had been a prince in Africa. Mesty is sympathetic to Easy's philosophy however by the end of the novel real world experiences shift both of their perspectives to a more conventional view of economic philosophy. Captain Frederick Marryat's own experience as a midshipman in the Royal Navy is evident in the depictions of early 19th century maritime life of this novel. "Mr. Midshipman Easy" is a lighthearted comedic tale of maritime adventure set during the golden age of maritime travel.
Jack Easy, a midshipman in the Royal Navy, is a man with a particular socialistic philosophy, which he has adopted ironically from his wealthy father. More satirical comedy than…
