Bøger i World Classics serien

"The Mysterious Rider" is a Western novel published in 1921. The novel tells us the complex story of a girl named Columbine who grew up on Bill Bellounds’, her adoptive father’s, ranch. Columbine is forced considering marriage to Bellounds’ son Jack, a coward and a thief. The girl is however in love with the cowboy Wilson Moore. One day the mysterious rider Bent Wade comes to work in the ranch. The moment he sees Columbine for the first time is also when he realizes that she is his daughter. Bent Wade is also the one who saves Columbine’s beloved Wilson who gets attacked by the jealous Jack. Will Columbine find out the truth about her real father? Will she and Wilson get the chance to be finally together? Zane Grey’s adventurous novel about love, hate and friendship is also adapted to several movies.Pearl Zane Grey was an American author born in 1872. He is best known with his adventure novels which idealize the American frontier and which largely created a new genre called western. The novel "Riders of the Purple Sage", published in 1912, earned Grey wide popularity. The book turned to the author’s all-time-best seller and also one of the most successful Western novels. Zane Grey wrote more than 80 books which later inspired many Western writers who followed in Zane Grey’s footsteps.

"Doubrovsky" is an unfinished novel by Pushkin, published after his death, and follows the adventures of a Russian Robin-Hood-like figure, whose land is confiscated by a shady aristocrat. Combining elements from romance and thriller, the novel is a detailed examination of the human condition and the social injustice that destroys the lives of innocent people. The fast-paced action, well-written style and characters, as well as the nicely-executed plot makes "Doubrovsky" a novel worth reading, despite its lack of closure.Deservedly labelled "the best Russian poet", Pushkin’s short life (1799-1837) did not prevent him from ushering Russian literature into its modern era. A master of the vernacular language and multifarious and vivid writing style, Pushkin’s oeuvre was of great influence to a whole legion of Russian writers and literary styles. Among his best-known works are the narrative poems "Ruslan and Ludmila" and "Eugene Onegin", the drama "Boris Godunov", several novels, short stories, and fairy tales.

It is the time to celebrate Yuletide – a festival that ancient Germanic people celebrated during the darkest times of the year. A man returns to his home town to share this special day of celebration with his relatives. But there is no regular festival waiting for him – instead he is about to meet something terrifying...Yuletide is not, after all, that similar to Christmas – it was believed that supernatural forces were particularly strong during that time of the year.H.P. Lovecraft (1890–1937) was an American horror writer. His best known works include ‘The Call of Cthulhu’ and ‘the Mountains of Madness’. Most of his work was originally published in pulp magazines, and Lovecraft rose into fame only after his death at the age of 46. He has had a great influence in both horror and science fiction genres.

Glenn Kilbourne is a sick and injured man who returns to New York to his fiancée Carley Burch, after fighting in France in World War I. He decides to move to Arizona in order to recover his health and there he meets Flo Hutter, the daughter in the family he is staying with. Glenn decides to stay in Arizona and become a hog farmer but his fiancée, who cannot lead such life, breaks the engagement. After returning to New York Carley feels empty and misses Glenn. She decides to travel back to Arizona and marry him. What she does not know is that Glenn has already proposed to Flo."The Call of the Canyon" from 1924 is a Western novel by Zane Grey. It is filled with many lengthy descriptions of the Arizona countryside which can also be seen in the silent movie "The Call of the Canyon".Zane Grey’s story is filled with many lengthy descriptions of the Arizona countryside which can also be seen in the silent movie "The Call of the Canyon" which is based on the novel.Pearl Zane Grey was an American author born in 1872. He is best known with his adventure novels which idealize the American frontier and which largely created a new genre called western. The novel "Riders of the Purple Sage", published in 1912, earned Grey wide popularity. The book turned to the author’s all-time-best seller and also one of the most successful Western novels. Zane Grey wrote more than 80 books which later inspired many Western writers who followed in Zane Grey’s footsteps.

Jervas Dudley was only a child when he found the mausoleum of the Hyde family. The place becomes very important to Dudley – one day he will find his way to open the door to the mausoleum. As the days pass, Dudley becomes more and more obsessed with the grave. He even starts to sleep next to the mausoleum.When Dudley finally finds the key, however, he is about to discover something he was not prepared for...H.P. Lovecraft (1890–1937) was an American horror writer. His best known works include ‘The Call of Cthulhu’ and ‘the Mountains of Madness’. Most of his work was originally published in pulp magazines, and Lovecraft rose into fame only after his death at the age of 46. He has had a great influence in both horror and science fiction genres.

"He is a regular dare-devil, you know: a gambler, a duellist, a seducer, but a jewel of an hussar - a real jewel."A handsome young hussar rides through a small town, seduces a young widow and leaves nothing but havoc in his wake. But the young hussar is so pleasing and charming that no one really minds the trouble. When another young hussar, his son, comes to town twenty years later, however, the reaction is another. The hussar acts in the same mindless way as his father, but unlike him he is calculating and unlikeable.With 'Two Hussars' Tolstoy pits two generations against each other; his own and the one preceding, underlining the nostalgia with which Tolstoy viewed the good old days.Leo Tolstoy (1828-1910) was a Russian author, a master of realistic fiction and one of the world’s greatest novelists. Tolstoy’s major works include "War and Peace" (1865–69) and "Anna Karenina" (1875–77), two of the greatest novels of all time and pinnacles of realist fiction. Beyond novels, he wrote many short stories and later in life also essays and plays.

A powerful and emotionally-tinged anti-slavery novel, "Uncle Tom’s Cabin" is teeming with memorable and richly drawn characters. A moving, provocative, and tearful narrative of ill-treated slaves, panicked escapees, and exploration of Christian values and doctrines, Stowe’s novel is nowadays met with mixed feelings. Mocked by modern activists, singers, and comedians, the book can be seen as both an outdated and outrageously stereotypical slave story, and a manifesto for "black lives matter" mobility across the world.A thorn in the angry and embittered eyes of the American South, Harriet Beecher Stowe was an American author and ardent abolitionist, whose most famous novel "Uncle Tom’s Cabin" became the fiercest attack on slavery at the time. Stowe’s influence steps across the boundaries of the literary, and enters the domain of the political, opening the eyes of the world towards the horrors of slavery. She also wrote travel memoirs, numerous articles, letters, and short stories.

The narrator has gone out to a garden in the middle of the night. But the garden, under the light of the moon, doesn’t seem like a usual garden. Everything seems a little weird and baleful – as if they were cursed by the moon. And when he continues to walk, things get even more strange. This garden has no end – it goes on and on. The narrator is confused. Will he ever find his way back from this beautiful yet terrifying place?H.P. Lovecraft (1890–1937) was an American horror writer. His best known works include ‘The Call of Cthulhu’ and ‘the Mountains of Madness’. Most of his work was originally published in pulp magazines, and Lovecraft rose into fame only after his death at the age of 46. He has had a great influence in both horror and science fiction genres.

When Harry Houdini travels all the way to Egypt, he doesn’t know yet that this trip will take him to one of his greatest – and most terrifying – adventures. During the trip he is kidnapped and someone throws him underneath a pyramid. And there he is, alone in the dark, trying to find his way out of this frightening place. When he finds his way to a ceremonial chamber, he realizes that pyramids indeed have forces that are not from this world...H.P. Lovecraft (1890–1937) was an American horror writer. His best known works include ‘The Call of Cthulhu’ and ‘the Mountains of Madness’. Most of his work was originally published in pulp magazines, and Lovecraft rose into fame only after his death at the age of 46. He has had a great influence in both horror and science fiction genres.

When Maria Gavrilovna decides to elope with her suitor Vladimir Nikolayevitch, little do they know what supernatural occurrences this might evoke. An exceptionally chilling and dismal tale, "The Blizzard" portrays the terrifying ups and downs of the suitor, who is caught by the snowstorm while trying to reach his soon bride-to-be. It combines fast-paced narration, with hopeless situations, gloomy natural descriptions, and a realistic, psychological portrait of the main heroine – and all that turns the love-conquers-all story into an enigmatic and thrilling read.Deservedly labelled "the best Russian poet", Pushkin’s short life (1799-1837) did not prevent him from ushering Russian literature into its modern era. A master of the vernacular language and multifarious and vivid writing style, Pushkin’s oeuvre was of great influence to a whole legion of Russian writers and literary styles. Among his best-known works are the narrative poems "Ruslan and Ludmila" and "Eugene Onegin", the drama "Boris Godunov", several novels, short stories, and fairy tales.

Charles Dickens shared excessive interest in the machinations of the ghostly and the supernatural. Many of his ghost stories include a sense of justice or rational explanation in the end. "The Hanged Man’s Bride" is such a story that is rich in vivid descriptions of nature, murder mystery, and a restless spirit. Dickens does a great job in portraying the background in minutest of details, adding a layer of veracity and truthfulness to the supernatural occurrences. A chilling and recommended reading for the fans of ghost stories.Charles Dickens (1812-1870) was an English author, social critic, and philanthropist. Much of his writing first appeared in small instalments in magazines and was widely popular. Among his most famous novels are Oliver Twist (1839), David Copperfield (1850), and Great Expectations (1861).

"That sprung up between us. You are not truly happy"Before their deaths, Edwin and Rosa’s fathers made them betrothed to one another. Now that they are of age, though, Edwin finds that he does not want to marry Rosa, and they break off the engagement. Shortly thereafter, on Christmas, Eve Edwin disappears without a trace.The Mystery of Edwin Drood was Dickens’ final, unfinished novel. But despite its abrupt ending it leaves the reader with a clear picture of a killer. The novel has been adapted to film four times and was referenced in a 2005 episode of Doctor Who starring Christopher Eccleston and Billie Piper.Charles Dickens (1812-1870) was an English author, social critic, and philanthropist. Much of his writing first appeared in small instalments in magazines and was widely popular. Among his most famous novels are Oliver Twist (1839), David Copperfield (1850), and Great Expectations (1861).

"Everybody knows it's our business to score. You don't get a chance to get a bite of any thing, and you don't get to bed till two o'clock o' nights, but you're always being screamed at to bring the balls."One day while a scorer is keeping tally in a billiard room, a well-dressed stranger comes through the door. Soon, the scorer finds in him a willing apponent. But the more the scorer wins, the more he wish they'd never started playing.Leo Tolstoy (1828-1910) was a Russian author, a master of realistic fiction and one of the world’s greatest novelists. Tolstoy’s major works include "War and Peace" (1865–69) and "Anna Karenina" (1875–77), two of the greatest novels of all time and pinnacles of realist fiction. Beyond novels, he wrote many short stories and later in life also essays and plays.

"You always wished to appear original (...) but your originality is really nothing but excessive self-esteem."Nineteen-year-old Nekhlyudov writes to his aunt that he has given up his university studies and devoted himself entirely to the affairs of his estate. High on his own idealistic plan, he tells her that it is his sacred duty to improve the conditions for the hundreds of peasants working for him, and that he will devote his life to their happiness. Save to say, his aunt is not impressed by his plans and, as it turns out, it is all a lot easier said than done.A Landlord’s Morning is based on Tolstoy’s own experiences as a young man hoping to find happiness by doing good. An idea that never left him and which he revisited in Anna Karenina 20 years later through the character of Levin.Leo Tolstoy (1828-1910) was a Russian author, a master of realistic fiction and one of the world’s greatest novelists. Tolstoy’s major works include "War and Peace" (1865–69) and "Anna Karenina" (1875–77), two of the greatest novels of all time and pinnacles of realist fiction. Beyond novels, he wrote many short stories and later in life also essays and plays.

When captain James P. Orne and his crew kill a strange and enormous animal in the sea, they are confused. They have never seen anything like this before – the animal looks like a giant sea monster. They start to make money by letting people see the corpse of the animal. Animal experts, however, tell them that the monster was actually only a baby.One day, the corpse disappears... and the animal will have its revenge.H.P. Lovecraft (1890–1937) was an American horror writer. His best known works include ‘The Call of Cthulhu’ and ‘the Mountains of Madness’. Most of his work was originally published in pulp magazines, and Lovecraft rose into fame only after his death at the age of 46. He has had a great influence in both horror and science fiction genres.

"Strictly speaking, there were only six poor travellers; but, being a traveller myself, though an idle one, and being withal as poor as I hope to be, I brought the number up to seven."A poor traveller discovers a humble inn that offers six poor travellers a bit of money and free lodgings for the night of Christmas Eve. Though poor himself, the narrator is determined to contribute something as well and secures a delicious Christmas meal for everyone.The Seven Poor Travellers is a heart-warming Christmas story about sharing and helping others even you do not have much for yourself.Charles Dickens (1812-1870) was an English author, social critic, and philanthropist. Much of his writing first appeared in small instalments in magazines and was widely popular. Among his most famous novels are Oliver Twist (1839), David Copperfield (1850), and Great Expectations (1861).

When a writer named Carter meets his friend Manton in a cemetery, they are about to discuss prose writing and horror. Is there a good reason to leave some of the most horrifying things unnamable? Is that a good or bad thing for the reader? While the two of them are debating, they seem to forget that they are sitting in a cemetery – a place which lies between the two worlds...H.P. Lovecraft (1890–1937) was an American horror writer. His best known works include ‘The Call of Cthulhu’ and ‘the Mountains of Madness’. Most of his work was originally published in pulp magazines, and Lovecraft rose into fame only after his death at the age of 46. He has had a great influence in both horror and science fiction genres.

Kalos and Musides are two Greek sculptors who are asked to sculpt statues for a competition. But while they are preparing their statues, something terrible happens – Kalos becomes ill. As the two of them are very good friends, the sickness of Kalos makes Musides very unhappy.When Kalos is about to die, he asks Musides to bury olive branches with him. The result, however, is something beautiful and horrifying at the same time.H.P. Lovecraft (1890–1937) was an American horror writer. His best known works include ‘The Call of Cthulhu’ and ‘the Mountains of Madness’. Most of his work was originally published in pulp magazines, and Lovecraft rose into fame only after his death at the age of 46. He has had a great influence in both horror and science fiction genres.

"Romance is the privilege of the rich, not the profession of the unemployed."Hughie, a charming young man with no money, wants to marry a girl named Laura. But Laura’s father is concerned with Hughie’s lack of wealth and tells him he can only have his daughter if he comes up with 10,000 pounds. Defeated, Hughie visits his artist friend, who in painting a portrait of a beggar. Meeting the beggar outside, Hughie gives him some money. What he doesn’t know is that the man isn’t a beggar at all but a wealthy baron, and Hughie’s generosity might just be the thing to change his life.The Model Millionaire is a charming and funny little story, similar in setting to The Picture of Dorian Gray, but far more optimistic. A delightful read.Oscar Wilde (1854-1900) was an Irish playwright, novelist, essayist, and poet, famous for ‘The Picture of Dorian Gray’ and ‘The Importance of Being Earnest’ to name a couple. He was believed to be a homosexual and met a lot of resistance in his life on that account. He died in Paris at the age of 46.

O. Henry is deservedly famous for his vivacious, humorous, ironic, but utterly realistic short stories, and this collection is no exception. Offering deep insights into the human soul and the throbbing pangs of love, poverty, jealousy, and deception, O. Henry’s stories successfully present the contemporary predicaments of the characters.William Sidney Porter (1862-1919), known simply as O. Henry, was a prolific American author of humorous literary pieces. His fame came exceptionally quickly and he became a bestselling author of short story collections, among the most famous being "Cabbages and Kings", "The Voice of the City", and "Strictly Business." As a result of the outstanding literature legacy that O. Henry left behind, there is an American annual award after his name, given to exceptional short stories.

There are graves that should have never been opened... The narrator and his friend learn this only after they have robbed several graves and started an exhibition on the artifacts they have found.Everything started when they were robbing a grave in an old Dutch cemetery. While they were digging, they heard a strange voice – as if a giant hound was howling somewhere near. They didn’t care and robbed the grave anyway. Soon terrible things started to happen – a friend of theirs got attacked by a large, strange animal.‘The Hound’ is a terrifying short story by H.P. Lovecraft. It was first published in 1924.H.P. Lovecraft (1890–1937) was an American horror writer. His best known works include ‘The Call of Cthulhu’ and ‘the Mountains of Madness’. Most of his work was originally published in pulp magazines, and Lovecraft rose into fame only after his death at the age of 46. He has had a great influence in both horror and science fiction genres.

"He felt for the first time in his life that he—not his services, but he himself—was necessary to another human being."At 19, Alyosha’s father sends him off to work as a servant for a merchant family. Every day, Alyosha, a cheerful and obedient young man, does his job selflessly and without complaint while his father collects his pay. When Alyosha falls in love with the cook and wants to marry her his father makes the call as well. Will Alyosha ever get what he deserves?Alyosha the Pot is a powerful little masterpiece on resilience and obedience. A story that stays with you for a long time after you finish it.Leo Tolstoy (1828-1910) was a Russian author, a master of realistic fiction and one of the world’s greatest novelists. Tolstoy’s major works include "War and Peace" (1865–69) and "Anna Karenina" (1875–77), two of the greatest novels of all time and pinnacles of realist fiction. Beyond novels, he wrote many short stories and later in life also essays and plays.

Buck Duane, a good young man, is forced into a gunfight which leads to him killing a man in self-defense. Buck goes through many internal struggles as he strives to keep himself out of trouble which he mostly succeeds. Later he becomes a Texas ranger and helps to apprehend cattle rustlers and outlaws with the only hope to clear his name in the eyes of the law.Will Buck Duane however manage to become a redeemed man and is the love the only power which is strong enough to fight the blood-lust? "The Lone Star Ranger" is a Western novel about life choices, love and redemption and it takes place in Texas, called also "The Lone Star State".Pearl Zane Grey was an American author born in 1872. He is best known with his adventure novels which idealize the American frontier and which largely created a new genre called western. The novel "Riders of the Purple Sage", published in 1912, earned Grey wide popularity. The book turned to the author’s all-time-best seller and also one of the most successful Western novels. Zane Grey wrote more than 80 books which later inspired many Western writers who followed in Zane Grey’s footsteps.

"The Memoirs of Sherlock Holmes" is a collection of 12 short stories by Arthur Conan Doyle, the final one being the tragic and tearful "The Final Problem". Offering pretty good mysteries and fast-paced action, the collection poses baffling problems and highly sophisticated situations where Holmes has to harness his full deductive potential to solve the puzzle. Doyle has done a great job painting a pretty realistic and humane portrait of Holmes as a person of flesh and blood, not some detective demigod. Definitely recommendable to fans of Arthur Conan Doyle and genre aficionados.Sir Arthur Conan Doyle (1859-1930) was born in Scotland and studied medicine at the University of Edinburgh. After his studies, he worked as a ship’s surgeon on various boats. During the Second Boer War, he was an army doctor in South Africa. When he came back to the United Kingdom, he opened his own practice and started writing crime books. He is best known for his thrilling stories about the adventures of Sherlock Holmes. He published four novels and more than 50 short-stories starring the detective and Dr Watson, and they play an important role in the history of crime fiction. Other than the Sherlock Holmes series, Doyle wrote around thirty more books, in genres such as science-fiction, fantasy, historical novels, but also poetry, plays, and non-fiction.

"The Iron Heel" is a dystopian novel by Jack London, thought by some to be one of the earliest examples in the genre. Set in the United States, it deals with possible future changes in social and political terms. It is a prophetic tale, warning against the horrors of authoritarian power, awaiting classics like "1984" and "Brave New World". It is also a story of love, sacrifice, and downfall. The exploration of the class system with all its inequalities and inadequacies turn the novel into a rather political read, perfect for fans of social science fiction and dystopian literature in general.Jack London (1876-1916) was an American writer and social activist. He grew up in the working class, but became a worldwide celebrity and one of the highest paid authors of his time. He wrote several novels, which are considered classics today, among these 'Call of the Wild', 'Sea Wolf' and 'White Fang'.

Can children be even crueller than adults?Left without a father, Simon is being tortured by his peеrs to the point when he attempts a suicide. Luckily enough, the local blacksmith, Phillip Remy, takes him under his wing. In this heartbreaking drama, Guy de Maupassant, touches the readers’ feelings by exploring human cruelty and challenging societal stereotypes.Guy de Maupassant (1850 –1893) was a French author considered a father of the modern short story. During his prolific work life, he wrote 300 short stories, verse, travel books and novels. One of his most famous works, the novel Bel-Ami, inspired the 2012 movie with the same name, starring Robert Pattinson and Uma Thurman.

The short story collection "The Belkin Tales" consists of five unrelated stories told by various narrators to a landowner who has recently died. Ivan Belkin, the landowner, was a strange and mysterious man, who indulged in the collection of stories. Here, Pushkin has included military figures, rich businessmen and ordinary people, who find themselves in extraordinary situations. The Belkin Prize is also the most prestigious award for short fiction in Russia. The stories included are the autobiographically-themed "The Shot", the disastrous "The Blizzard", the delusional raving in "The Undertaker", the tragic tale of "The Station Master", and the deceptive "The Squire’s Daughter".Deservedly labelled "the best Russian poet", Pushkin’s short life (1799-1837) did not prevent him from ushering Russian literature into its modern era. A master of the vernacular language and multifarious and vivid writing style, Pushkin’s oeuvre was of great influence to a whole legion of Russian writers and literary styles. Among his best-known works are the narrative poems "Ruslan and Ludmila" and "Eugene Onegin", the drama "Boris Godunov", several novels, short stories, and fairy tales.

One of James’ most popular novellas, "The Aspern Papers" is based on the letters exchanged between the English Romantic poet Percy Bysshe Shelley and his wife’s stepsister Claire Clermont. An unnamed narrator sets on a journey to discover some long-lost letters, reaches Venice, and then has to decide what to do with his mission and life at the same time. A philosophically and psychologically engaging tale, "The Aspern Papers" can be read as a detective novel, romance, and a tragedy. The author pays special attention to the characters’ inner worlds, creating a compelling and intriguing tale, suitable for readers of James and short fiction alike.Henry James (1843 – 1916) is regarded one of the greatest novelists in the English language. Born in the United States, but mainly living and working in Europe, he was largely occupied with the clash of personalities and cultures between the Old World and the New World. He explored this topic in his famous novels 'The Portrait of a Lady' and 'The Wings of the Dove'. James was thrice nominated for the Nobel Prize in Literature.

"Mother had the gripe and clutch of poverty upon her face, upon her figure, and not least of all upon her voice."After a traumatic childhood spent locked in a cellar, the orphaned George Silverman embarks on adolescence with the belief that he is completely worthless and that the people he cares about are better off without him. Not even when he falls in love with his beautiful student does he allow himself the luxury of happiness. And people like George are easy to take advantage of...One of Dickens’ last writings, George Silverman's Explanation is one of his finest psychological achievements. A dark and fascinating story.Charles Dickens (1812-1870) was an English author, social critic, and philanthropist. Much of his writing first appeared in small instalments in magazines and was widely popular. Among his most famous novels are Oliver Twist (1839), David Copperfield (1850), and Great Expectations (1861).

"She would not hear a word. She has made her plans for living abroad, as if she were well. But if I should tell her what her real condition is, it would kill her."A sick noblewoman and her maid are riding in a carriage that soon makes a brief stop at a posting-station. When the noblewoman’s husband and a doctor come around to check on her and realize that she is close to dying, the husband suggests they postpone their journey and go back home. But the noblewoman refuses. At home there is nothing for her to do but die.Tolstoy himself called the noblewoman pathetic and disgusting. In this powerful short story he explores the inevitable death that awaits every living being, and how different social classes respond to it.Leo Tolstoy (1828-1910) was a Russian author, a master of realistic fiction and one of the world’s greatest novelists. Tolstoy’s major works include "War and Peace" (1865–69) and "Anna Karenina" (1875–77), two of the greatest novels of all time and pinnacles of realist fiction. Beyond novels, he wrote many short stories and later in life also essays and plays.