Bøger i World Classics serien

"La desgracia se había abatido sobre ellos con gentileza, truncando sus erráticas historias con una catástrofe, en vez de, como ocurre en muchos casos, menguando sus vidas hasta llegar a convertirlas en una nadería carente de interés merced a largos años de arrugas, abandono y decrepitud"."El regreso del nativo" es la sexta novela del autor británico Thomas Hardy y fue publicada en doce mensualidades a lo largo de 1878. Hardy experimentó múltiples problemas para encontrar un editor, ya que la temática del libro era altamente controvertida en su época, pero el libro alcanzó un gran éxito durante el siglo siguiente."El regreso del nativo" está ambientada en la zona rural ficticia de Edgon Heath, en Inglaterra, llena de lagunas, senderos y bosques, y donde vive Eustacia, una bella joven que sueña con huir de ese lugar y vivir una vida de ensueño en París. Paralelamente, Clym Yeobrigth vuelve a su tierra natal tras haber vivido en la capital francesa.La mayoría de críticos literarios coinciden en que "El regreo del nativo" es un ejemplo de novela modernista en base a su temática centrada en la sociedad, la política sexual y el deseo, pero más allá de ello, esta obra es una tragedia en el más puro sentido clásico que explora la posición de aquellas personas consideradas inadaptadas a la sociedad en la que viven. Toda una obra maestra de uno de los mejores autores de su época, conocido por sus temáticas controvertidas y su trato complejo de los personajes, así como el lugar en el que viven."El regreso del nativo" ha sido llevada a la pequeña y gran pantalla varias veces y ha aparecido en uno de los sketch del conocido grupo de humoristas británico Monthy Python.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).

"Aunque supongo que el terror de la isla no me abandonará nunca, a veces se oculta en lo más recóndito de mi mente: una nube lejana, un recuerdo, una leve desconfianza; pero hay momentos en que la nubecilla se extiende y oscurece el cielo por completo. Entonces miro a la gente que me rodea y el miedo se apodera de mí. Veo unos rostros resplandecientes y animados, otros sombríos o peligrosos, otros inseguros, insinceros; ninguno que tenga la reposada autoridad de un alma sensata. Siento que el animal se está apoderando de ellos, que en cualquier momento la degradación de los isleños va a reproducirse a gran escala."En la isla que da título a esta novela ocurren unos siniestros acontecimientos que son la metáfora que H.G. Wells usa para introducirnos al lado oscuro de la ciencia y al cuestionamiento de la ética que hay detrás de los avances científicos y la verdadera esencia de la naturaleza humana.Con el naufragio del protagonista, que llega tras varios días a la deriva a esta isla perdida en medio del Pacífico, descubrimos el recóndito laboratorio donde el Doctor Moreau juega con los límites de la naturaleza humana.Tras haber sido desterrado de la comunidad científica de Londres, cree que aquí está a salvo para llevar a cabo su experimento y transformar en humanos a los animales, a los que denomina " humananimales", engendrando así unas bestias que planean en secreto su levantamiento contra su creador. El Doctor Moreau ignora las consecuencias que sus experimentos le traerán...Considerada un clásico universal, son varias las versiones cinematográficas que se han hecho de ella, destacando la película de 1996 protagonizada por Marlon Brando y Val Kilmer.H. G. Wells fue un reconocido escritor y biólogo inglés. Entre sus obras más reconocidas están La Máquina del Tiempo, La Guerra de los Mundos y la Isla del Dr. Moreau. Fue nominado cuatro veces al premio Nobel de Literatura, y predijo el descubrimiento de aviones, tanques, viaje espacial y la televisión satelital años antes de su existencia.

El gran maestro del retrato del alma humana y uno de los escritores más aclamados de la literatura rusa de todos los tiempos expone en esta novela, la última que escribió, todos los dilemas y cuestiones éticas y morales que le obsesionaron a lo largo de su muy atormentada vida.En el contexto social habitual en que sitúa sus obras, la Rusia del siglo XIX, Dostoievsky nos hace partícipes de un crimen, el del padre de la familia Karamazov, y a través de él nos hace llegar el cuestionamiento del aspecto moral del crimen (el delito) y de su aspecto religioso (el pecado). Moral y religión, pues, son sus dos grandes temas a los que da cabida de forma magistral en su última obra.Las sospechas del asesinato del patriarca de los Karamazov recaen sobre uno de los hijos, Iván Karamazov, que afirma que "todos somos culpables de la muerte del padre, todos: Mitia, yo, Smerdiakov, todos vosotros, porque todos deseamos su muerte; todos somos parricidas".Siendo el padre un terrateniente cruel, inhumano, borracho e hipócrita, el autor aprovecha para plantear la profunda necesidad de un cambio radical en la sociedad del momento, corrupta por el ansia de poder y el dinero, elementos que llevan a sus ciudadanos a establecer relaciones carentes de contenido humano y basadas en motivos y sentimientos oscuros.En el personaje de Aliosha, otro de los hijos, sin embargo, que se presenta como un ser bondadoso y puro que está libre de cualquier sospecha, Dostoievsky quiso simbolizar el futuro, la hermandad de todos los hombres, la religión como camino hacia la verdad del alma humana y el final de la Rusia embrutecida.Esta novela fue adaptada a la gran pantalla en una película de 1958 dirigida por Richard Brooks.Fiódor Dostoievski (1821 – 1881) es considerado el autor más destacado de la literatura realista de la Rusia zarista y uno de los autores más influyentes de la literatura occidental. Precursor del existencialismo y máximo representante de la «novela de ideas», sus obras exploran la psicología humana. Sus novelas y su vida están fuertemente enlazadas debido a que usó diversas experiencias personales para dar mayor realismo a las historias, lo que a su vez les dio un tono semi-autobiográfico.

Esther Summerson, abandonada al nacer por sus padres, es la protegida de John Jarndyce, un poderoso bienhechor de buen corazón que lleva años pleiteando a causa de una herencia. Esther vive en la residencia de Jarndyce, Casa Desolada, desde los dieciocho años, junto con Ada Clare y Richard Carstone, primos adolescentes de John, huérfanos e indigentes a causa de la disputada herencia, a los que éste trata de orientar en la vida. Antes de alcanzar la absurda resolución jurídica, los jóvenes experimentan numerosas y dispares aventuras, de lo cómico a lo trágico pasando por lo melodramático y lo policíaco. Entre el humor y la gravedad, y los juegos y trampas de la intriga policial, Dickens logra en estas páginas momentos inolvidables.Casa desolada es sin dudas una de las mejores novelas de Charles Dickens, a través de la cual el autor construye una sátira acerca del sistema judicial inglés de aquellos años. Esta obra sirvió para apoyar el movimiento de reforma judicial, que culminó en la promulgación de una reforma legal en la década de 1870.Reconocido como uno de los mejores escritores de la era Victoriana, Charles Dickens (1812-1870) es recordado por sus personajes icónicos, desde el pequeño e inocente Oliver Twist a el viejo y amargado Ebenezer Scrooge. Sus cuentos han sido adaptados a la pantalla grande incontables veces, y son leídos alrededor del mundo hasta el día de hoy. Gozó de una popularidad inmensa mientras vivía, y los más grandes escritores del siglo XX alabaron su estilo realista y cómico, sus personajes extravagantes y su crítica social.

La novela de la autora norteamericana Edith Wharton, pese a no ser tan conocida a nivel popular, ha sido considerada por la crítica y su público como una joya dentro de su producción literaria y dentro de la literatura de la época.En sus páginas hay una reflexión conmovedora acerca de la lucha de clases, la pobreza, la soledad, las relaciones familiares, y, en general, el significado de la existencia.Con una prosa y una narración impecable, la autora nos muestra cómo la vida cotidiana de estas dos hermanas, dos solteronas que apenas logran escapar de la pobreza y llegar a fin de mes con los beneficios que les deja su tienda orientada al público femenino de clase alta de Nueva York, se verá alterada con un acontecimiento tan inocente como el regalo de un reloj que Anne Elisa, la mayor de las hermanas, le entrega a Evelina, la menor de ellas.Este insignificante objeto, un reloj, llevará a las hermanas a entablar una relación con el relojero Herbert Ramy, dueño de la tienda de curiosidades más extravagante que uno se pueda encontrar... Y es así como su apacible rutina y tranquilo devenir de los días, hora a hora, día a día, mes tras mes, se tambaleará, así como el equilibrio de su relación fraternal, y el fantasma de la monotonía hace su aparición:"Ahora se dio cuenta de que rechazar los dones de la vida no asegura su transmisión a aquellos por quienes se han entregado; y su cielo familiar estaba despoblado."Edith Wharton (1862-1937) fue una escritora, paisajista y diseñadora estadounidense. Nacida en el seno de la clase alta norteamericana, su obra más conocida es La edad de la inocencia publicada en 1920 y ganadora del premio Pulitzer en 1921. En 1923 fue la primera mujer nombrada Doctor honoris causa por la Universidad de Yale.

Undine es la hija de la familia Spragg, que no logra encontrar su camino en la ascensión social en el intrincado y enmarañado sistema de jerarquías neoyorquino. Pese a haber hecho fortuna en su pequeño pueblo del medio Oeste y estar lejos de ser una familia pobre, Undine, una mujer extremadamente bella, se siente apenas un trozo de carne ante la mirada de los hombres con los que se encuentra.Divorciada además de su primer matrimonio, decide casarse con Ralph Marvell, una decisión que tampoco resultó ser muy acertada, y así los conflictos matrimoniales no tardan en aparecer.El conflicto interno de Undine, sin embargo, es que no quiere renunciar al status y el dinero que su matrimonio le proporciona, al mismo tiempo que tampoco quiere renunciar al amor, y a lo largo de las páginas de esta novela nos encontraremos con la cuestión de cómo separar la vida privada de la vida pública, e incluso de si se puede vivir la vida privada bajo los mismos parámetros y expectativas que una carrera social."Pese a que tenía todo lo que quería, a veces aún sentía que había otras cosas que podría desear si supiese de su existencia".Después de dar a luz a su primer hijo, Undine se encuentra en Paris con un amor que esta vez no puede dejar pasar de largo...Como suele ocurrir con las novelas de Edith Warton, la crítica social, las jerarquías sociales y el papel de la mujer en la sociedad norteamericana de principios del siglo XX son los verdaderos protagonistas, demostrando aquí una vez más por qué su autora es una maestra en la profundidad del retrato de los personajes femeninos.La directora Sofia Coppola se encuentra en el año 2020 trabajando en el rodaje de una adaptación de esta novela al formato de miniserie para tv en la que los espectadores podrán seguir los acontecimiento de la vida de Undine y su familia.Edith Wharton (1862-1937) fue una escritora, paisajista y diseñadora estadounidense. Nacida en el seno de la clase alta norteamericana, su obra más conocida es La edad de la inocencia publicada en 1920 y ganadora del premio Pulitzer en 1921. En 1923 fue la primera mujer nombrada Doctor honoris causa por la Universidad de Yale.

"En este feliz país nuestro hay medio millón más de mujeres que de hombres. ... Tantas mujeres solteras para las que no existe posibilidad de pareja. Los pesimistas las llaman vidas inútiles, perdidas y vanas. Ni que decir tiene que yo, como parte integrante de ese grupo, no pienso así"Son las palabras de una de las protagonistas y heroína de esta insólita novela de Gissing escrita a finales del siglo XIX. Insólita porque sus dos personajes femeninos centrales, Rhoda y Monica, son mujeres que ansían la independencia, económica, social e intelectual. Son mujeres que, de hecho, piensan.Ambientada en el escenario gris, mugriento y con la niebla de fondo de Londres, el autor nos lanza con un estilo de desapego narrativo un alegato feminista que se entrelaza con la trama romántica a través de la que seguimos las historias de amor de estas dos mujeres: Rhoda que se siente halagada por el cortejo de un hombre liberal y moderno; Monica que se casa con un hombre al que no ama, llegando a considerar la posibilidad de fugarse con un amante para librarse de un matrimonio que no le satisface.La primera representa la independencia financiera y el poder adquisitivo, mientras que la segunda, como toda su familia, apenas logra subsistir con un trabajo mal pagado. Juzgada por sus contemporáneos como una obra tan provocativa como lo fueron los trabajos de Zola o Ibsen, Gissing logra una novela increíblemente moderna que toca temas que continúan aún hoy en día siendo vigentes y relevantes en nuestra sociedad.George Gissing (1857 - 1903) es un escritor británico del final del periodo victoriano.

"Retrato de una dama" es sin duda una de las obras capitales de la literatura norteamericana, además de ser una de las novelas más aclamadas de Henry James, que nos presenta aquí un demoledor retrato de la mujer del siglo XIX.Para su construcción el autor se inspiró inicialmente en una persona real, su prima Minny Temple, a la que transformó en un personaje de ficción, Isabel, que es la representación de una mujer moderna libre de prejuicios morales.Isabel es una chica huérfana a su llegada a Londres, más inteligente que la media, así que suple su falta de patrimonio económico con otro capital: su inteligencia. Esta libertad, que depende paradójicamente de su pobreza, se ve truncada cuando hereda una fortuna de su primo, convirtiéndose así en una mujer independiente pero vulnerable, ya que ahora su posición económica suscitan un interés para los que quieran aprovecharse de su estatus.«Ella era inteligente y generosa; era de natural noble y abierto; pero ¿qué iba a hacer consigo misma? La pregunta era peculiar, porque con la mayoría de las mujeres uno no tenía ocasión de formularla. La mayoría de las mujeres no hacían consigo mismas nada en absoluto. Esperaban, en actitudes pasivas más o menos airosas, a que pasara un hombre y les proporcionara un destino. La originalidad de Isabel consistía en que le daba a uno impresión de tener intenciones propias.»Al igual que el resto de personajes femeninos que aparecen en la obra, Isabel es una heroína moderna que se enfrenta al choque cultural al casarse en Inglaterra y verse sometida a las leyes decimonónicas que rigen la figura de la mujer en el matrimonio en ese país, siendo este enfrentamiento entrecultura norteamericana y europea uno de los temas centrales de la obra del autor.Nosotros, los lectores, nos vamos enterando de lo que le ocurre a Isabel a través de un narrador en tercera persona, pero que a diferencia del estilo de la época y la literatura anterior, no lo sabe todo ni está por encima de todo, y nos va dando tan sólo lo que el personaje deja salir a la superficie en ese momento, generando la ambigüedad y profundidad psicológica en los personajes que caracterizan la obra de Henry James.Henry James (1843 - 1916) fue un escritor y crítico literario estadounidense y nacionalizado británico, conocido por sus novelas y relatos basados en el punto de vista, técnica que le permitió el análisis psicológico de sus personajes. Narrador de dramas costumbristas, también se interesó por el género de intriga, suspenso y lo sobrenatural.

Katri Vala (1901-1944) (alkujaan Karin, Alice, Heikel Wadenström) oli arvostettu suomalainen runoilija. Hän valmistui kansakoulunopettajaksi ja kuului Tulenkantajat-ryhmään. Valan ensimmäinen runokokoelma ilmestyi 1924. Hän oli myös perustamassa taiteilijaryhmä Kiilaa.Ilomantsissa on Katri Vala –kulttuurikeskus, joka sijaitsee entisessä kirkonkylän kansakoulussa, jossa Vala opetti vuosina 1925-1929.Vala asui Espoon Lintuvaarassa, jossa on hänen nimensä mukaisesti nimettyjä katujen nimiä. Hänestä on myös oma postimerkki.Katri Valalta ilmestyi viisi runokokoelmaa:- Kaukainen puutarha (1924)- Sininen ovi (1926)- Maan laiturilla (1930)- Paluu (1934)- Pesäpuu palaa (1942) Tällä äänikirjalla on runokokoelma "Kaukainen puutarha", joka sisältää 41 runoa.

Korolenko’s answer to the growing antisemitism of the 1880s, ‘The Day of Atonement is an integral part of Ukrainian folklore. It is centred on the Jewish holiday ‘Yom Kippur’ and tells the tale of Yankel, an entrepreneur who makes a deal with the devil in order to save his soul. Korolenko uses a strong, almost caricaturistic tone in order to remind us that Jew’s were not inherently sinful, but rather innocent products of a dysfunctional society. His thoughtful commentary on religion and exclusion is reminiscent of Dostoyevsky and unmissable for fans of Russian literature.Vladimir Korolenko (1853-1921) was a Ukrainian-born Russian short-story writer, an open critic of the Tsarist regime, and later an anti-Bolshevik. His writing boasts harsh, hostile and powerful descriptions, as he investigates the simple lives of even simpler people. The most notable of his work is "The Blind Musician" (1886), alongside numerous short stories, mostly based upon his own experience of exile in Siberia.

Both Cassisus Calhoun and Maurice Gerald would love to marry Louise Poindexter. Louise, however, is preoccupied by the murder of her brother, and marriage is the last thing on her mind. All signs suggest that the assassin of Henry Poindexter is none other than Maurice Gerald, and as if this was not enough for Louise to contend with, a horse with a headless rider is seen visiting the Poindexter plantations.‘The Headless Horseman’ is a novel written by Mayne Reid, based upon south Texas folklore and Reid’s own adventures in the United States.Thomas Mayne Reid (1818 - 1883) was an Irish-American writer. He spent many years in the United States and fought in the American-Mexican war, an experience that inspired much of his work. Most of his novels focus upon American life, colonial policy, slave labour and the lives and treatment of American Indians. In fact, he is regarded as one of the first novelists to write about the ‘Wild West’, and his adventure novels are often described as akin to those written by Robert Louis Stevenson. Amongst his most famous novels are ‘The White Chief’ and ‘The Headless Horseman’, and the latter was adapted to screen in 1972.

Saveliy is highly suspicious that his wife, Raisa is a witch. She is constantly luring people into their poverty-ridden house, under the pretence of shelter from a storm, in order to seduce them. His suspicions seem to be confirmed as a mailman and his coachman appear at their doorway, unable to contend with the harsh winds outside. Bursting with dialogue, and modelled on the real-life, secluded church that fascinated Chekhov himself, the tale of this sexton and his reluctant wife is widely considered to be one of Chekhov’s most successful short stories.A prolific writer of seven plays, a novel and hundreds of short stories, Anton Chekhov (1860 -1904) is considered to be a master of the short story as a genre. His detailed and often miserable descriptions of everyday Russian life speak to his own experiences, and his characters drift between humour, melancholy, artistic ambition and death, no matter their storyline. In his plays, he tends to dramatize and explore social and existential problems, whilst his short stories focus more on the horror present in everyday life, and the mystery that cloaks monotony. The majority of his popular plays, such as ‘Uncle Vanya’, ‘The Seagull’, and ‘A Hunting Accident’ have been adapted into movies, giving fans of his literature a fresh avenue to explore his perspectives.

A modern-day Hamlet, Laevsky enjoys blaming his issues on the corrupting influence of his time and civilization. Van Koren, on the other hand, believes strongly in the survival of the fittest. When the two of them become tangled in a game of infidelity, debts, and deception, it is not long until a physical duel ensues. A complex tale of transformation, human fragility and forgiveness, it was adapted to screen as a historical drama in 2010.A prolific writer of seven plays, a novel and hundreds of short stories, Anton Chekhov (1860 -1904) is considered to be a master of the short story as a genre. His detailed and often miserable descriptions of everyday Russian life speak to his own experiences, and his characters drift between humour, melancholy, artistic ambition and death, no matter their storyline. In his plays, he tends to dramatize and explore social and existential problems, whilst his short stories focus more on the horror present in everyday life, and the mystery that cloaks monotony. The majority of his popular plays, such as ‘Uncle Vanya’, ‘The Seagull’, and ‘A Hunting Accident’ have been adapted into movies, giving fans of his literature a fresh avenue to explore his perspectives.

Olga Mikhaylovna is pregnant, and she has spent the day plodding through her husbands name-day party, waiting on their guest's hand and foot. Tired of being pleasant to everyone, she takes a moment to herself in the garden. Her peace is shattered as she spots her husband talking to another woman, and as her suspicions begin to mount, Anton Chekhov creates a moving, gut-wrenching portrait of the destructive forces of our dark thoughts.A prolific writer of seven plays, a novel and hundreds of short stories, Anton Chekhov (1860 -1904) is considered to be a master of the short story as a genre. His detailed and often miserable descriptions of everyday Russian life speak to his own experiences, and his characters drift between humour, melancholy, artistic ambition and death, no matter their storyline. In his plays, he tends to dramatize and explore social and existential problems, whilst his short stories focus more on the horror present in everyday life, and the mystery that cloaks monotony. The majority of his popular plays, such as ‘Uncle Vanya’, ‘The Seagull’, and ‘A Hunting Accident’ have been adapted into movies, giving fans of his literature a fresh avenue to explore his perspectives.

A short story collection from much loved American author William Sidney Porter, better known as ‘O. Henry’, ‘The Gentle Grafter’ is a wonderful array of some of his classic short stories. Tales in the collection include, ‘The Octopus Marooned’, ‘A Midsummer Masquerade’ and ‘Innocents of Broadway’. As always, O. Henry’s focus on the outcasts of society, his warm characterisation, and humorous twists and turns make this a fascinating selection of the popular authors’ works - a joy for both established fans as well as those discovering his stories for the very first time.William Sidney Porter (1862-1910) was an American writer best-known for his short stories. Born in North Carolina, Porter moved to Texas in his early twenties where he began his literary career contributing to newspapers and magazines such as ‘The Houston Post’. During this period he also began work at a bank where he was accused of embezzlement, lost his job and was arrested a year later. Growing fearful of his upcoming trial, Porter escaped to New Orleans and then Honduras while on bail, where he hid for several months. It was here that he was inspired to write one of his famous short story collections ‘Cabbages and Kings’. In 1897 Porter returned to the US and was sentenced to five years in prison. He continued to write and had several stories published from prison under various pseudonyms, the most famous of which was ‘O. Henry’ – a name by which he is better known. Upon release Porter moved to New York where his most intense period of writing began, authoring hundreds of short stories mostly for the New York World Sunday Magazine. His witty narration and plot twists made his stories a huge hit with readers, a legacy which endures to this day. Some of his most popular short stories include, ‘The Gift of the Magi’, ‘The Cop and the Anthem’ and ‘The Caballero’s Way’. 1952 film ‘O. Henry’s Full House’ featured five of his short stories and starred Marilyn Monroe and Charles Laughton. Annual American literary prize ‘The O. Henry Award’ was established in his honour in 1919.

Published posthumously in 1920, ‘O. Henryanya’ is a collection of short stories and poetry from much-loved American author William Sidney Porter, better known as ‘O. Henry’. This collection features the poem ‘The Crucible’, as well as short stories including, ‘Bulgar’s Friend’, ‘A Professional Secret’ and ‘The Elusive Tenderloin’. Full of charismatic characters and surprises typical of Porter’s literary style, this collection of his work will delight established O. Henry fans as well as those new to his writing.William Sidney Porter (1862-1910) was an American writer best-known for his short stories. Born in North Carolina, Porter moved to Texas in his early twenties where he began his literary career contributing to newspapers and magazines such as ‘The Houston Post’. During this period he also began work at a bank where he was accused of embezzlement, lost his job and was arrested a year later. Growing fearful of his upcoming trial, Porter escaped to New Orleans and then Honduras while on bail, where he hid for several months. It was here that he was inspired to write one of his famous short story collections ‘Cabbages and Kings’. In 1897 Porter returned to the US and was sentenced to five years in prison. He continued to write and had several stories published from prison under various pseudonyms, the most famous of which was ‘O. Henry’ – a name by which he is better known. Upon release Porter moved to New York where his most intense period of writing began, authoring hundreds of short stories mostly for the New York World Sunday Magazine. His witty narration and plot twists made his stories a huge hit with readers, a legacy which endures to this day. Some of his most popular short stories include, ‘The Gift of the Magi’, ‘The Cop and the Anthem’ and ‘The Caballero’s Way’. 1952 film ‘O. Henry’s Full House’ featured five of his short stories and starred Marilyn Monroe and Charles Laughton. Annual American literary prize ‘The O. Henry Award’ was established in his honour in 1919.

"Ivanhoe" is a historical romance about heroism, loyalty and betrayal. The tension between Saxons and Normans, gentiles and Jews starts to mount, after King Richard the "Lionheart" has been taken captive on his way home from the Third Crusade.Will King Richard be rescued or Prince John’s vicious plan of stealing the throne will succeed? Which will prevail - the Saxon's will of liberty or the Norman's thirst of tyranny? What is the destiny of medieval England?This novel is published in 1820 and it is among Scott’s most popular titles. It sends us back to the late 12th century renaissance – times of social transformations, chivalry, romance and adventure. Sir Walter Scott (1771 – 1832) was a Scottish writer, poet and historian who is considered as the creator of the historical novel. By profession Scott was a lawyer and legal administrator, but the fascinating history and culture of his native Scotland inspired him to become a writer. Some of his most popular titles are "Waverley", "Ivanhoe", "The Lady of the Lake" and "Redgauntlet", which has also served as an inspiration for many authors.

"Creatures that Once Were Men" is a short story by Maxim Gorky about the residents of a lodging house who start a conflict with their landlord, resulting in a rather inhumane outcome.Gorky is arguably one of the most celebrated literary characters of the 20th century. Painting a vivid image of the dark, grueling and cruel peasant life of 20th century Russia, "Creatures that One Were Men" is a daunting and comical commentary on social injustice that has touched people across the world.Maxim Gorky (1868-1936) has its place among the most talented and original Russian modern writers. A five-time Nobel Prize nominee, Gorky’s position in Russian literature is undisputable. He led a turbulent life of an exile, a dissenter, and a Bolshevik associate, which severely marked his literary endeavours. A strong supporter of Russia’s political, social, and cultural transformation, Gorky’s name still echoes in the annals of history. His best-known works include "The Lower Depths", "My Childhood,", "Mother", and "Children of the Sun".

"Anathema" is a tragedy by Leonid Andreyev in seven scenes, often labelled as his most atheist one. It follows the dispute between the devil (called Anathema) and God about the limitations of reason and the secrets of the universe. At the same time, the Jewish protagonist David Leizer is suffering his ascent from rags to riches. For Andreyev, the human mind cannot comprehend a lot of things, such as the meaning of life, immortality, or love. The play explores the arrogance and restlessness of the characters, locked in often futile existential battles with their own selves. Definitely recommendable to fans of Andreyev – and not only.Leonid Andreyev (1871-1919) has a special place in Russian literature. Labeled by many as the father of Russian expressionism, Andreyev’s style is rich and diverse, blending literary traits from the schools of Symbolism, Naturalism, and Realism. The writer’s fame is mostly felt in his translations of H. P. Lovecraft and Robert E. Howard, and through his stories, written in the vein of Edgar Allan Poe. His works, often haunting, dark, and controversial, reaching for the fantastic and the grotesque, include two novels, five novellas, and a number of short stories. The most well-known of them include the story "The Seven Who Were Hanged", the play "Tsar Hunger", and his novel "Sashka Zhegulev".

In a hypnotizingly crazy daily routine, twenty-six men are locked in the production of kringles (a typical Scandinavian pastry) in a basement kitchen. Their only real connection with the life outside is Tanya, a sixteen-year-old girl who visits them for baked goods. One day, one of the bun bakers, who stand higher than the kringle bakers, tells them that he seduced Tanya, shattering their vision of the girl and the world. The idolization of innocence and beauty clashes with the harsh reality of life, reflecting the stillborn hopes and desires of the twenty-six men. A painful and terribly realistic story that deserves to be read by everyone.Maxim Gorky (1868-1936) has its place among the most talented and original Russian modern writers. A five-time Nobel Prize nominee, Gorky’s position in Russian literature is indisputable. He led a turbulent life of an exile, a dissenter, and a Bolshevik associate, which severely marked his literary endeavours. A strong supporter of Russia’s political, social, and cultural transformation, Gorky’s name still echoes in the annals of history. His best-known works include "The Lower Depths", "My Childhood,", "Mother", and "Children of the Sun".

First published in 1910, ‘The Two Women’ is a collection of two short stories from revered American author William Sidney Porter, better known by his pseudonym ‘O. Henry’. The two stories include ‘Fog in Santone’ and ‘A Medley of Moods’. Set in San Antonio, ‘Fog in Santone’ explores how the city has become a haven for tuberculosis patients and follows the experiences of a prostitute as one of the central characters. The second story draws on some of O. Henry’s own life experiences and follows the tale of a man in New Orleans accused of embezzlement. With his usual warm style, and focus on the outcasts and underdogs of society, this is an intriguing pair of classic O. Henry tales.William Sidney Porter (1862-1910) was an American writer best-known for his short stories. Born in North Carolina, Porter moved to Texas in his early twenties where he began his literary career contributing to newspapers and magazines such as ‘The Houston Post’. During this period he also began work at a bank where he was accused of embezzlement, lost his job and was arrested a year later. Growing fearful of his upcoming trial, Porter escaped to New Orleans and then Honduras while on bail, where he hid for several months. It was here that he was inspired to write one of his famous short story collections ‘Cabbages and Kings’. In 1897 Porter returned to the US and was sentenced to five years in prison. He continued to write and had several stories published from prison under various pseudonyms, the most famous of which was ‘O. Henry’ – a name by which he is better known. Upon release Porter moved to New York where his most intense period of writing began, authoring hundreds of short stories mostly for the New York World Sunday Magazine. His witty narration and plot twists made his stories a huge hit with readers, a legacy which endures to this day. Some of his most popular short stories include, ‘The Gift of the Magi’, ‘The Cop and the Anthem’ and ‘The Caballero’s Way’. 1952 film ‘O. Henry’s Full House’ featured five of his short stories and starred Marilyn Monroe and Charles Laughton. Annual American literary prize ‘The O. Henry Award’ was established in his honour in 1919.

The Blind Musician follows the lives of a young girl, a boy, and a professional musician. All of whom are blind. Korolenko paints a moving, sympathetic and careful psychological portrait of these three characters as he explores the different ways in which they experience blindness. As he attempts to explain the various actions and decisions of these characters, as inherently linked to their disability, Korolenko investigates the power of sight in both a literal and symbolic sense. His realistic, moralistic and mindful approach to such heavy themes is ideal for fans of Tolstoy and unmissable for fans of Russian literature.Vladimir Korolenko (1853-1921) was a Russian short-story writer, an open critic of the Tsarist regime, and later an anti-Bolshevik. His writing boasts harsh, hostile and powerful descriptions, as he investigates the simple lives of even simpler people. The most notable of his work is "The Blind Musician" (1886), alongside numerous short stories, mostly based upon his own experience of exile in Siberia.

What would you give for a conversation with Socrates? Vladimir Korolenko’s short story ‘The Shades’ is as close as it gets. It follows a conversation between Socrates and Eldipias as they discuss themes such as the truth, the nature of the one, true God, as well as the eternal topics of life and death. A masterful exploration of how the fear of changing one’s beliefs can lead to the loss of truth, this is an essential read for anyone interested in philosophy. Korolenko's intimate manner of discussing 'big topics' is similar to the lighthearted nature of NBC's 'The Good Place'.Vladimir Korolenko (1853-1921) was a Ukrainian-born Russian short-story writer, an open critic of the Tsarist regime, and later an anti-Bolshevik. His writing boasts harsh, hostile and powerful descriptions, as he investigates the simple lives of even simpler people. The most notable of his work is "The Blind Musician" (1886), alongside numerous short stories, mostly based upon his own experience of exile in Siberia.

When thousands are being executed, would you risk your life to save a stranger? That’s the choice faced by Dr. Ledru in Alexandre Dumas’ "Solange".It’s the time of The Terror, and across France, the nobility are being put to the guillotine. So when a beautiful young aristocrat begs for his help, Dr. Ledru must choose which side of the Revolution he is on.Set during the French Revolution’s bloodiest period, "Solange" is a tightly-wound short story from the author of "The Three Musketeers". It will keep you guessing right up until the shock twist ending. A must for Dumas fans and lovers of suspense.Alexandre Dumas (1802 - 1870) was a hugely popular 19th Century French writer. Born of mixed French and Haitian heritage, Dumas first rose to prominence in Paris as a playwright, but later gained international fame with his historical fiction.Often co-authored with other writers, these stories wove together swashbuckling adventure, romance, and real events from France’s past. Among the best known are "The Three Musketeers", and its sequels "Twenty Years After" and "Le Vicomte de Bragelonne: Ten Years Later". Set across four decades, this trilogy follows the rise of the dashing D’Artagnan—from hot-headed soldier to trusted captain under Louis XIV.Dumas’ other novels include "The Count of Monte Cristo" and "The Black Tulip". His works have been adapted into more than 200 movies, including "The Man in the Iron Mask" starring Leonardo DiCaprio.

Chained up in the hold of a French warship, Lusignan’s only hope of escape rests with his captor - Captain Paul.A man with a mysterious past, Captain Paul is transporting Lusignan to exile in the West Indies. Little does he know that his mission is a sham. His prisoner is an innocent man, framed because he fell in love with a Count's daughter. Once the truth is revealed, Paul and Lusignan return to France, determined to seek justice.Inspired by the real life of American Revolutionary War hero John Paul Jones, "Captain Paul" is a rollicking melodrama, packed with action and romance. A fine precursor to Dumas’ later classics, it's especially recommended for fans of naval adventures, like C.S. Forester’s "Hornblower" series.Alexandre Dumas (1802 - 1870) was a hugely popular 19th Century French writer. Born of mixed French and Haitian heritage, Dumas first rose to prominence in Paris as a playwright, but later gained international fame with his historical fiction.Often co-authored with other writers, these stories wove together swashbuckling adventure, romance, and real events from France’s past. Among the best known are "The Three Musketeers", and its sequels "Twenty Years After", and "Le Vicomte de Bragelonne: Ten Years Later". Set across four decades, this trilogy follows the rise of the dashing D’Artagnan—from hot-headed soldier to trusted captain under Louis XIV.Dumas’ other novels include "The Count of Monte Cristo" and "The Black Tulip". His works have been adapted into more than 200 movies, including The Man in the Iron Mask starring Leonardo DiCaprio.

Two brothers, blessed with a telepathic connection, living under the shadow of a family vendetta. Can their strange power protect them?In "The Corsican Brothers", Alexander Dumas ventures into the supernatural. The brothers of the title, Lucien and Louis, are born as conjoined twins, but then separated. Despite this, they can still sense what the other is feeling, no matter the distance between them. This mysterious bond is tested when a centuries-old feud erupts into violence.A sprightly novella, "The Corsican Brothers" has been adapted multiple times for the screen. Matinee idol Douglas Fairbanks Jr. played the dual roles of the brothers in a 1941 movie version. And the book also partly inspired the Gene Wilder comedy "Start the Revolution Without Me".Alexandre Dumas (1802 - 1870) was a hugely popular 19th Century French writer. Born of mixed French and Haitian heritage, Dumas first rose to prominence in Paris as a playwright, but later gained international fame with his historical fiction.Often co-authored with other writers, these stories wove together swashbuckling adventure, romance, and real events from France’s past. Among the best known are "The Three Musketeers", and its sequels "Twenty Years After", and "Le Vicomte de Bragelonne: Ten Years Later". Set across four decades, this trilogy follows the rise of the dashing D’Artagnan—from hot-headed soldier to trusted captain under Louis XIV.Dumas’ other novels include "The Count of Monte Cristo" and "The Black Tulip". His works have been adapted into more than 200 movies, including The Man in the Iron Mask starring Leonardo DiCaprio.

First published in 1870 ‘King Lear of the Steppes’ is a novella by Russian writer Ivan Turgenev, loosely based on Shakespeare’s tragedy. The story takes place in the Russian countryside, where a trusting father decides to retire and divide his property between his two daughters. The move proves to be a mistake however, and throughout the story Turgenev raises questions about love, life, and family. A captivating read for fans of Russian literature.Ivan Turgenev (1818-1883) was a Russian novelist, playwright, poet, and short story writer. Born in Oryol, Turgenev spent time studying at the University of Moscow, the University of St. Petersburg, and the University of Berlin. His 1852 collection of short stories, ‘A Sportsman’s Sketches’ catapulted him into the literary limelight - a series of observations on nature and the evils of serfdom, Turgenev regarded it as one of his most important moral works. In 1854 amidst an oppressive atmosphere in Russia for writers and artists, Turgenev emigrated to Western Europe where he would spend a great deal of time throughout the latter part of his life, and which would lead to his belief in Russia’s need to westernise – an outlook which set him apart from his contemporaries Dostoevsky and Tolstoy. Some of Turgenev’s best-known works include ‘Rudin’, ‘A Nest of the Gentry’ and ‘Fathers and Sons’. He died in Paris in 1883.

First published in 1903 and hugely popular at the time, ‘The Private Papers of Henry Ryecroft’ by George Gissing is structured as a series of diary entries. The diary keeper is the fictional former writer Henry Ryecroft, now in his fifties. An unexpected inheritance has allowed him to enjoy a slow, solitary life in Devon, where he muses about art, nature, and society through his diary. Although this is a work of fiction, there are clear parallels between the narrator's life and Gissing's own life, which has led many commenters to view it as semi-autobiographical.George Gissing (1857-1903) was a British author from Wakefield, Yorkshire. A studious child, his love of fiction was sparked when he first read Charles Dickens, who would prove to be a lifelong inspiration for Gissing. He would go on to write ‘Charles Dickens: A Critical study’ in 1898. At the age of just fifteen Gissing was awarded a scholarship to Owen’s College University, where he won a number of prizes for his writing. His university education was cut short however when Gissing was found guilty of stealing from fellow students. Following his expulsion and punishment of a month’s hard labour, Gissing travelled to America where he worked as a writer, teacher, and travelling salesman before returning to Britain. His first novels, ‘Workers in the Dawn’ and ‘Mrs Grundy’s Enemies’ were self-published, and Gissing had to supplement his income through teaching. He wrote over twenty novels during the course of his literary career, which all drew on his own experiences of near-poverty, hardship, and his deeply unhappy personal life. His most famous works include, ‘The Nether World’, ‘New Grub Street’ and ‘The Odd Women’. He died in France in 1903.

Two white men. Gold on indigenous land. An indigenous chief who is tired of exploitation. Based upon Jack London’s own experiences with the Klondike gold rush in 1987, ‘The God of His Fathers’ is a collection of short stories detailing the brutality and adversity that awaited men in the unforgiving expanses of the Yukon. Described by many as London’s best and most defining work, his remarkable insight and unflinching realism appeal to fans of both adventure and historical novels.Jack London (1876–1916) was an American writer and social activist. He grew up in the working class, but his unflinching realism eventually earned him the status of one of the highest-paid authors of his time. Many of his novels are considered classics today, his most notable being ‘Call of the Wild’, ‘Sea Wolf’, and ‘White Fang’. Fans of Mark Twain, Rudyard Kipling, and Charles Dickens will enjoy his ability to make the mundane captivating.

Loretta is a young woman, and seriously heartbroken. She seeks for comfort in her older sister Daisy. Daisy’s husband decides to send Loretta to live with another couple; that way Loretta will gain enough distance to the man who broke her heart. Loretta, however, has a secret that worries her and keeps her up at night.‘A Wicked Woman’ is one of the short stories in Jack London’s collection ‘When God laughs and Other Stories’. The collection includes 12 exciting short stories that focus on the layers of the human mind.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'.