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Set against a backdrop of the Chilean War of Independence, 'Gaspar Ruiz' is the story of the tumultuous rise and fall of a local peasant turned rebel soldier. An epic tale of remarkable irony and adventure, we follow Ruiz - who possesses an almost Herculean strength - from soldier to prisoner, to fugitive and finally colonel of the Spanish Army. Sardonically, his strength proves invaluable at saving his life multiple times, but is also ultimately the vehicle of his peril.Joseph Conrad's work went on to influence authors like George Orwell, John le Carré and F. Scott Fitzgerald.Joseph Conrad (1857-1924) was a Polish-born author who left Poland in his teens to avoid enlistment in the Russian Army. He learned English aboard British ships and started writing in the language after settling in England. His most famous novel is ‘Heart of Darkness’ (1899), which was inspired by his experiences on the open sea.

Someone has stolen a big grey rabbit from under the mayor’s nose, and suspicion immediately falls on the loafer Polyte. Mayor Lecacheur immediately sends the gendarmes to find the culprit, and feels that justice is just round the corner. However, the gendarmes find Polyte under the bed of Severin the farmer, and then the situation grows even stranger and funnier. An entertaining and fast-paced tale, "The Rabbit" is a simple story, told in an amusing manner that awards its readers with a hilarious twist in the end.Guy de Maupassant (1850-1893) was a famous French writer, best known as one of finest practitioners of the short story. Master of style and dramatic narrative, Maupassant’s stories are mainly interested in the relationships between men and women, often found at the crossroads of life. One of his greatest influences was Gustave Flaubert, who introduced him to some of the central names of the time such as Emile Zola, Henry James, and Ivan Turgenev. Some of his best known works include the novels "Bel Ami" and "Une Vie", more than 300 short stories, travel books, and even an attempt at poetry.

‘At Christmas Time’ is a masterful short story written late in Chekhov’s career that is divided into two parts. The first half follows an illiterate peasant family hiring an ex-soldier to write a letter to their estranged daughter as they ponder the mystery of her life. Chekhov’s wit is on full display here as the former soldier writes about the army instead of informing the daughter about her parents and hometown. The second part is more sombre as the letter is delivered to the daughter by her abusive husband and we learn what has transpired in her life. Chekhov’s fiery social critique is present in this short as he contrasts the warmth and love of hard village life with the coldness of upper-class luxury. ‘At Christmas Time’ displays Chekhov’s ability to combine irony and melancholy into an incredible work of art that distils a family saga across time and place into a few pages. This short story is Chekhov at his best and should be read by fans of Russian literature and beyond.A prolific writer of seven plays, a novel and hundreds of short stories, Anton Chekhov (1860-1904) is considered one of the best practitioners of the short story genre in literature. True to life and painfully morbid with his miserable and realistic depictions of Russian everyday life, Chekhov’s characters drift between humour, melancholy, artistic ambition, and death. Some of his best-known works include the plays 'Uncle Vanya', 'The Seagull', and 'The Cherry Orchard', where Chekhov dramatizes and portrays social and existential problems. His short stories unearth the mysterious beneath the ordinary situations, the failure and horror present in everyday life.

Follows Maria’s tumultuous journey home after receiving her salary from the school board. 'The Schoolmistress' features Chekhov’s much-celebrated realist prose as he illustrates the misery of the poor schoolmistress and her surroundings.While Maria must fight for respect from her superiors and the townsfolk, she dreams of a better life with the wealthy and handsome Hanov. Chekhov’s social commentary is timeless as Maria longs to have a higher social standing, whereas the wealthy Hanov does not appreciate his fortune. This character-driven drama tells an engaging tale of the struggle between accepting your situation and yearning for more. Fans of Jane Austen should read this short story for its poignant portrayal of a woman’s desires in an unequal society.A prolific writer of seven plays, a novel and hundreds of short stories, Anton Chekhov (1860-1904) is considered one of the best practitioners of the short story genre in literature. True to life and painfully morbid with his miserable and realistic depictions of Russian everyday life, Chekhov’s characters drift between humour, melancholy, artistic ambition, and death. Some of his best-known works include the plays 'Uncle Vanya', 'The Seagull', and 'The Cherry Orchard;, where Chekhov dramatizes and portrays social and existential problems. His short stories unearth the mysterious beneath the ordinary situations, the failure and horror present in everyday life.

‘Neighbours’ is a short drama by Chekhov about Zina, a young woman who leaves her home for a married man. This scandalous behaviour plagues the mind of Zina’s brother, Pyotr, who believes that she has been abducted and deceived but is too fearful to help her. As Zina’s family is ashamed of her behaviour, Pyotr sets out to bring her home before news of her affair is widely known. Pyotr confronts his sister and her lover but to achieve his goal he must overcome his cowardice. A story that explores the eternal clash between conservative and liberal values, ‘Neighbours’ is a social critique that contrasts Zina’s freedom and joy with the timid Pyotr’s fear of breaking social conventions. ‘Neighbours’ portrays Chekhov’s lyrical prose at its finest and features some of his most memorable characters. This dramatic and poignant short should be read by fans of Raymond Carver and John Cheever.A prolific writer of seven plays, a novel and hundreds of short stories, Anton Chekhov (1860-1904) is considered one of the best practitioners of the short story genre in literature. True to life and painfully morbid with his miserable and realistic depictions of Russian everyday life, Chekhov’s characters drift between humour, melancholy, artistic ambition, and death. Some of his best-known works include the plays 'Uncle Vanya', 'The Seagull', and 'The Cherry Orchard', where Chekhov dramatizes and portrays social and existential problems. His short stories unearth the mysterious beneath the ordinary situations, the failure and horror present in everyday life.

"The Relic" is a love story in which Henry Fontal, a young man, writes to his old friend Abbe to help him in a very strange predicament. His engagement to Abbe’s niece has collapsed due to a present he has brought back from his trip. Now he wants Abbe to assist him in any way possible in order for his beloved to fall in love with him once again. A light-hearted, entertaining, and somewhat religious tale, "The Relic" is about ordering one’s priorities and testing man's capabilities to love and understand.Guy de Maupassant (1850-1893) was a famous French writer, best known as a master of the short story. Master of style and dramatic narrative, Maupassant’s stories are mainly interested in the relationships between men and women, often found at the crossroads of life. One of his greatest influences was Gustave Flaubert, who introduced him to some of the central names of the time such as Emile Zola, Henry James, and Ivan Turgenev. Some of his best known works include the novels "Bel Ami" and "Une Vie", more than 300 short stories, travel books, and even an attempt at poetry.

"Lady Susan" is perhaps the shortest and least known of Austen’s novels, dealing with the obnoxious flirting and social manners of Susan Vernon, a young widow who comes to visit her in-laws. Soon, a romance with a young man begins, and Lady Susan becomes indirectly responsible for the 16-year-old daughters attempt to escape from school due to an arranged marriage that is brewing.An entertaining and fast-paced novel about flirtatious machinations and cunning plans, "Lady Susan" is a petite, but extremely valuable gem in Austen’s treasury of novels. Recommended for fans of Jane Austen and readers in general.Jane Austen (1775-1817) is one of the most beloved British writers of all time. During her short life she published six novels: ´Sense and Sensibility´, ´Pride and Prejudice´, ´Mansfield Park´, ´Emma´, ´Northanger Abbey´ and ´Persuasion´, that are all considered as literary classics today. Her writing is full of sharp observations on the society in which she evolved, as well as ripe with timeless irony, and a solid dose of humour. She has created immortal characters that have inspired countless authors, novels, and movies such as Bridget Jones and Clueless.The most notable film adapted from a Jane Austen novel is Pride and Prejudice from 2005 starring Keira Knightley (Pirates of the Caribbean) and Matthew Macfadyen.

‘Gone Astray’ is one of Chekhov’s earlier comedic short stories that is a light-hearted romp about two drunken lawyers trying to find their way home at night. Chekhov’s masterful use of irony is present here as one of the lawyers, Kozyavkin, accidentally violates the law by breaking into a house he believes to be his own. The short features some of Chekhov’s most farcical images, such as the overly confident Kozyavkin blindly stumbling through a chicken coop to find his misplaced belongings. ‘Gone Astray’ is a hilarious short story that is an interesting bridge between Chekhov’s earlier comedic work and later melancholy stories as his satirical view of the upper classes is a constant theme throughout. Featuring terrific characters and slapstick comedy, ‘Gone Astray’ should be read by fans of Chekhov or the television series ‘Curb Your Enthusiasm’.A prolific writer of seven plays, a novel and hundreds of short stories, Anton Chekhov (1860-1904) is considered one of the best practitioners of the short story genre in literature. True to life and painfully morbid with his miserable and realistic depictions of Russian everyday life, Chekhov’s characters drift between humour, melancholy, artistic ambition, and death. Some of his best-known works include the plays 'Uncle Vanya', 'The Seagull', and 'The Cherry Orchard', where Chekhov dramatizes and portrays social and existential problems. His short stories unearth the mysterious beneath the ordinary situations, the failure and horror present in everyday life.

"El capitán volvió a ponerse el guante amarillo de la mano diestra y, sin preguntar nada al portero, dirigirse hacia la gradería del piso bajo del palacio, con un aire que parecía querer decir: "esta mujer es mía". Los porteros de París tienen un golpe de vista certero y no detienen nunca a las gentes condecoradas, vestidas de azul y de grave andar; ensuma, conocen a los ricos".Es una de las escenas del cuadro de costumbres en el que el gigante de la literatura realista Balzac nos deleita con su descripción de la condición humana.A lo largo de sus páginas desfilan personajes de obreros, clase noble, capitanes o cortesanas, y lo que tienen en común todos ellos es el estar dotados de un gran carácter humano.Esta novela es una de las últimas de Balzac y forma, junto con "El primo Pons", la obra "Los parientes pobres", parte del conjunto de la famosa "Comedia Humana" que Balzac acabó de publicar en 1846.Nos cuenta la historia de una mujer de mediana edad, soltera, la pariente pobre de la familia a la que se describe como «una de esas existencias anónimas, entomológicas», que vive en el Paris de mediados del siglo XIX.Sin embargo, esta criatura que es aparentemente inofensiva, aliada con la infeliz Valerie está planeando la destrucción de toda su familia a través de seducir y atormentar a varios hombres. Uno de ellos es el marido de una prima de Bela, que sacrificará su fortuna, patrimonio y reputación por podercomplacer a la pérfida Valérie...Las intrigas familiares se entremezclan magistralmente con el escenario de fondo de un Paris babilónico donde conviven el despilfarro con la miseria, las esposas con las amantes, los inframundos del hampa con la alta política.De ella dijo André Maurois que "Balzac nunca ha escrito nada más atroz ni más bello".Honoré de Balzac (1799-1850) fue un escritor y dramaturgo francés. Escribió sobre el panorama francés post-napoleónico y sobre la vida francesa.

En esta novela publicada en 4 entregas que acabó de ver la luz en 1909, el conocido escritor de ciencia ficción H.G. Wells nos deleita con un ensayo que pretende contener todas las disciplinas de su interés: ciencia ficción , realismo, comedia y ensayo sociológico.Con el pretexto narrativo de la comercialización de la sustancia que da título a la novela, Wells expone su defensa del gobierno de la mayoría proletaria en lugar de un gobierno elitista intelectual. De esta manera, una vez más nos trae aquí un análisis sociológico y una descripción realista de la Inglaterra de principios del siglo XX que caracterizan su obra literaria.La pertenencia a una clase social y los choques entre clases están plasmados en la figura del protagonista, el narrador en primera persona George Penderevo, un aprendiz de farmacéutico cuya vida está condicionada por la marca de nacimiento que imprime el haber alumbrado perteneciendo a la clase social baja, y cómo el resto de su existencia girará en torno a la superación de esta premisa y su intento de escalar posicionesen la escala social.Además de la historia de su vida, George nos hace partícipes de la historia de su tío, el comerciante de este tónico que da título a la obra, Tono Bungay, una sustancia que pese a no tener ningún efecto positivo, gracias a una campaña publicitaria extremadamente inteligente y exitosa ha logrado convencer a toda la sociedad británica de sus propiedades curativas y milagrosas. George se verá en medio de una lucha interna cuando, gracias a ayudar a su tío en la comercialización del producto, se va lucrando económicamente, pese a que, según sus propias palabras: "la venta de Tono-Bungay es un procedimiento completamente deshonesto".Las apreciaciones de Wells acerca del significado de clase, dinero, publicidad o el poder de los medios de comunicación permanecen asombrosamente vigentes más de cien años después en nuestra sociedad occidental, haciendo de esta crónica acerca de la credulidad y esencia humana una de sus mejores obras literarias.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.

Wells es el escritor conocido mundialmente por sus historias de ciencia ficción y con esta nos trae una historia de amor al uso pero que tiene lugar en un escenario futurista: la ciudad de Londres dentro de mil años.La premisa al comienzo de su historia es que la humanidad se encuentra ahora dividida de forma vertical en 3 "niveles" atendiendo a criterios de poder económico: los ricos son los que controlan la industria y viven en la parte superior de los rascacielos, en contacto así con el aire puro y los vehículos que vuelan; los abogados, médicos, funcionarios y demás empleados viven en los niveles intermedios; finalmente los obreros y obreras, población miserable que apenas logra sobrevivir, que viven en los pisos bajos.Teniendo en cuenta su pertenencia a una de las clases descritas, la pareja protagonista de la historia, Elizabeth y Denton, carentes de recursos económicos para poder casarse, deberán marcharse fuera de la ciudad y abocarse a lo desconocido.Además de lo innovador y vanguardista del argumento, el autor se distingue también por su cuidado en el uso de un lenguaje que sugiere también una época futura, lo que quizás en parte ocurre debido a la fascinación que el autor tenía por el lenguaje y su poder para moldear la sociedad y cultura de aquéllos que lo usan.Es éste el primer volumen de una historia que tendrá una segunda parte formada por 5 relatos, en los que Wells se vale de la fantasía y la parodia para cuestionar los problemas sociológicos del momento, que quizás tampoco nos resultan tan alejados a nosotros más de un siglo después.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.

'The Abbess of Castro' is a novella by Stendhal which recounts the untimely tragic romance between the daughter of the wealthiest man in Lazio and a penniless gangster. It may be a tale of star-crossed lovers set in Italy, but this novella is so much more than an alternative Romeo and Juliet. Beneath the surface lies an eye-opening tale of political machinations that Machiavelli would be proud of, violent family feuds and swashbuckling adventures.Claimed to be translated from 16th Century manuscripts, 'The Abbess of Castro' packs an extra punch with its extremely unsympathetic view on warfare and an acute critique on ardent individuals undone by passion.Stendhal is widely regarded to be an eminent example of Romantic Realism throughout his work and directly influenced the world-famous Russian author Leo Tolstoy in his depictions of war, especially in Tolstoy's works 'Sevastopol Sketchers', 'The Invaders', 'The Cossacks' and 'Youth and Childhood'.Stendhal (1783-1842), the pseudonym of Marie-Henry Beyle, was a French writer. A pioneer of literary realism and master of the psychological portrayals of his characters, he is best known for his novels 'The Red and the Black' (1830) and 'The Charterhouse of Parma' (1839).

"The Road" is an autobiographical memoir recounting London’s time as a vagabond in America in the 1890’s during the worst economic depression the nation had ever seen.It is a wild ride providing a window in to a life many of us will never have experienced. In this journey we are hopping trains, outsmarting the police, going to prison, joining Coxey’s ragtag ‘army’ and marching on Washington, and that’s just a fraction of it. This book will leave you breathless as you follow along on a truly incredible journey, experiencing a foundational part in the life of one of America’s literary icons.This is one train ride you’ll be happy you bought a ticket for.Jack London (1876–1916) was a pioneer, novelist, journalist and social activist. London was one of the first American authors to become an international celebrity thanks to his pioneering work in commercial fiction and magazines. Additionally he is accredited as a major innovator in the genre we now know as science fiction. Growing up in a working class background and spending several years homeless, he was a passionate fighter for workers’ rights, socialism, unionisation and animal rights. He would go on to be one of the highest paid authors in America thanks to his classics such as ‘Call of the Wild’, ‘White fang’ and ‘Sea Wolf’.

‘A Nasty Story’ is a hilarious look into the world of humanitarian high society by Dostoevsky. This farcical story revolves around Pralinski, a kind-hearted aristocrat, who decides to attend the wedding of one of his subordinates while in a drunken stupor. What ensues is a comedy of errors as Pralinski wanders through the wedding in a dream-like state. As the situations he finds himself in becomes more absurd, it eventually reaches a calamitous and hilarious climax. ‘A Nasty Story’ illustrates Dostoevsky’s celebrated satire as by attempting to be a moralistic man, Pralinski consistently acts in comically shameful ways. The story’s social commentary is as relevant today as when it was written with the buffoonish behaviour of the upper class being sharply contrasted with the respectful working-class wedding guests. ‘A Nasty Story’ is as sorrowful as it is comical and is perfect for fans of Monty Python.Fyodor Dostoevsky (1821-1881) was a famous Russian writer of novels, short stories, and essays. A connoisseur of the troubled human psyche and the relationships between the individuals, Dostoevsky’s oeuvre covers a large area of subjects: politics, religion, social issues, philosophy, and the uncharted realms of the psychological. He is most famous for the novels ‘Crime and Punishment’, ‘The Idiot’, and ‘The Brothers Karamazov’. James Joyce described Dostoevsky as the creator of ‘modern prose’ and his literary legacy is influential to this day as Dostoevsky’s work has been adapted for many movies including ‘The Double’ starring Jesse Eisenberg.

Sibling rivalry was no joke in 16th Century Italy.Giovanni Carafa is the Duke of Palliano and one of the heirs to the throne. He and his two brothers, Carlo and Antonio, achieve fame in their society when their uncle, Cardinal Giovanni Pietro Carafa, is elected for Pope Paul IV. Under the influence of their uncle, the three brothers will stop at nothing to gain as much power as possible. The competition between them grows fierce and all-encompassing, and it's only a matter of time until they sink into clandestine lies, vile affairs and heinous conspiracies.Who will gain most power and influence, and in what way will these be deployed? What will happen to the losers?Stendhal’s dramatic and intriguing novel 'The Duchess of Palliano' was originally published in 1838 and offers a gripping insight into Renaissance Italy.Stendhal is widely regarded to be an eminent example of Romantic Realism throughout his work and directly influenced the world-famous Russian author Leo Tolstoy in his depictions of war, especially in Tolstoy's works 'Sevastopol Sketchers', 'The Invaders', 'The Cossacks' and 'Youth and Childhood'.Stendhal (1783-1842), the pseudonym of Marie-Henry Beyle, was a French writer. A pioneer of literary realism, he is best known for his novels 'The Red and the Black' (1830) and 'The Charterhouse of Parma' (1839).

‘Novel in Nine Letters’ is an incredibly inventive short story by Dostoevsky about a comical miscommunication between two friends. The story unfolds through letters as we learn that Ivan is unsuccessfully trying to collect money that he loaned to Pyotr. A comedy of errors ensues as neither man understands the other and Ivan becomes paranoid that Pyotr is avoiding him. Their world becomes a labyrinth as they attempt to connect but consistently fail due to unfortunate mishaps until a shocking final letter reveals what their previous correspondence could not. This story, which is one of Dostoevsky’s earliest, shows why he would become one of the most celebrated Russian writers of all time. It creatively blends farce and social commentary and has two compelling characters that readers can root for and against. ‘Novel in Nine Letters’ is as relevant in the social media age as when it was written, and its satirical nature makes it a perfect read for fans of ‘A Confederacy of Dunces’.Fyodor Dostoevsky (1821-1881) was a famous Russian writer of novels, short stories, and essays. A connoisseur of the troubled human psyche and the relationships between the individuals, Dostoevsky’s oeuvre covers a large area of subjects: politics, religion, social issues, philosophy, and the uncharted realms of the psychological. He is most famous for the novels ‘Crime and Punishment’, ‘The Idiot’, and ‘The Brothers Karamazov’. James Joyce described Dostoevsky as the creator of ‘modern prose’ and his literary legacy is influential to this day as Dostoevsky’s work has been adapted for many movies including ‘The Double’ starring Jesse Eisenberg.

"The Question of Latin" follows the narrator and his memories of the olden days, when Father Piquedent used to teach him Latin. The two become friends, but soon the teacher reveals that he is not good at anything else but teaching Latin, and thus he is having financial problems. The narrator has to think of a way to help his teacher and get him out of this predicament. A tale that explores the solitude and shortcomings of an academic career, "The Question of Latin" is a rather positive story that shows how true friendship and good deeds seldom remain unrewarded.Guy de Maupassant (1850-1893) was a famous French writer, best known as one of finest practitioners of the short story. Master of style and dramatic narrative, Maupassant’s stories are mainly interested in the relationships between men and women, often found at the crossroads of life. One of his greatest influences was Gustave Flaubert, who introduced him to some of the central names of the time such as Emile Zola, Henry James, and Ivan Turgenev. Some of his best known works include the novels "Bel Ami" and "Une Vie", more than 300 short stories, travel books, and even an attempt at poetry.

Francois is a lonely and mediocre man. He rides the horse-drawn cart every day and regularly sees an attractive girl riding with him. They begin to get to know each other, go out, and then the inevitable happens. "The Father" is the story of a man who loses everything because of his apprehensions, uncertainties, and unbalanced emotions.Guy de Maupassant (1850-1893) was a French writer. Famed for being a master of the short story, he also wrote travel books and occasionally dabbled in poetry. His stories mainly focus on the relationships between men and women sitting at crossroads in their lives - whether personal or professional. His dramatic flair is largely influenced by French novelist Gustave Flaubert and is perfect for fans of Anton Chekhov's short stories. The most notable of the 300 short stories that he wrote include 'Bel Ami', 'Une Vie', and 'The Dumpling'.

On their trip to a Norman hunting ground, our narrator and Baron Rene du Treilles encounter a local farmer. His apparent devotion to the baron shocks the narrator. As they retire for the day, the Baron settles down to tell the story of their profound connection. Splendid descriptions, emotional musings, and captivating characters make this short story an immersive read.Guy de Maupassant (1850-1893) was a French writer. Famed for being a master of the short story, he also wrote travel books and occasionally dabbled in poetry. His stories mainly focus on the relationships between men and women sitting at crossroads in their lives - whether personal or professional. His dramatic flair is largely influenced by French novelist Gustave Flaubert and is perfect for fans of Anton Chekhov's short stories. The most notable of the 300 short stories that he wrote include 'Bel Ami', 'Une Vie', and 'The Dumpling'.

When Jeanne’s husband shaves off his mustache, she sees it as a vile, rebellious act committed specifically to upset her, and becomes impatient to embark on a journey of praising its virtues. Eroticism and sexual descriptions make this single epistolary conversation between the two women into an intriguing, humorous piece of art. Maupassant's distinctive voice shines throughout this short story, and it raises an important question - are mustaches more interesting than most people?Guy de Maupassant (1850-1893) was a French writer. Famed for being a master of the short story, he also wrote travel books and occasionally dabbled in poetry. His stories mainly focus on the relationships between men and women sitting at crossroads in their lives - whether personal or professional. His dramatic flair is largely influenced by French novelist Gustave Flaubert and is perfect for fans of Anton Chekhov's short stories. The most notable of the 300 short stories that he wrote include 'Bel Ami', 'Une Vie', and 'The Dumpling'.

‘The Possessed’ is considered to be one of the four masterpieces written by Dostoevsky after he returned from his Siberian exile. The story takes place in a small Russian town that is thrown into chaos by the arrival of a mystery man, Pyotr Stepanovich. Paranoia grips the town as family and friends betray one another while Pyotr plans a violent political uprising. The novel builds to a brutal and bloody climax, as the town is engulfed by flames and the death toll rises. ‘The Possessed’ displays Dostoevsky’s mastery of tragedy and social satire as the established political and familial norms of the town are uprooted and destroyed by the young revolutionaries. Dostoevsky explores the loss of morality in 19th Century Russia, as a society without a moral grounding tragically turns to nihilism and violence, but its ideas are just as resonant in today’s secular world. Celebrated author Joyce Carol Oates described ‘The Possessed’ as a work of ‘unparalleled genius’ and its epic scope and blend of political intrigue and familial tragedy make it the perfect read for fans of classic Russian or Greek literature.Fyodor Dostoevsky (1821-1881) was a famous Russian writer of novels, short stories, and essays. A connoisseur of the troubled human psyche and the relationships between the individuals, Dostoevsky’s oeuvre covers a large area of subjects: politics, religion, social issues, philosophy, and the uncharted realms of the psychological. He is most famous for the novels ‘Crime and Punishment’, ‘The Idiot’, and ‘The Brothers Karamazov’. James Joyce described Dostoevsky as the creator of ‘modern prose’ and his literary legacy is influential to this day as Dostoevsky’s work has been adapted for many movies including ‘The Double’ starring Jesse Eisenberg.

‘A Faint Heart’ is one of Dostoevsky’s earliest short stories and it focuses on the tragedy of Vasya Shumkov, a passionate but naïve young man. The tale begins with Vasya informing his best friend, Arkady, that he is engaged to a woman he courted secretly out of fear that bad luck would befall the relationship. Dostoevsky writes tenderly about the men’s friendship as they find themselves in many hilarious situations while celebrating the engagement, but tragedy soon strikes. In a cruel twist of fate, Vasya’s fear of losing his happiness causes him to fall into a pit of misfortune that he struggles to free himself from. What follows is a gripping and heartbreaking tale as Arkady rushes around the city to find and rescue Vasya before it is too late. This short portrays the combination of irony and tragedy that would define Dostoevsky’s later works and has some of the celebrated author’s most poignant and romantic images. ‘A Faint Heart’ is a must-read for fans of Dostoevsky’s well-known novels such as ‘The Idiot’.Fyodor Dostoevsky (1821-1881) was a famous Russian writer of novels, short stories, and essays. A connoisseur of the troubled human psyche and the relationships between the individuals, Dostoevsky’s oeuvre covers a large area of subjects: politics, religion, social issues, philosophy, and the uncharted realms of the psychological. He is most famous for the novels ‘Crime and Punishment’, ‘The Idiot’, and ‘The Brothers Karamazov’. James Joyce described Dostoevsky as the creator of ‘modern prose’ and his literary legacy is influential to this day as Dostoevsky’s work has been adapted for many movies including ‘The Double’ starring Jesse Eisenberg.

A group of old friends gathers for their annual hunting rendezvous on the coast of Normandy. Time may have passed, but their passion remains strong. One of them arrives dressed in black from head to toe, insisting that he must leave soon. Pressed for answers, he tells them his story. Fast-paced and mysterious, this is a story of priorities, friendship, and the human condition. Maupassant's musings on our inability to understand fellow humans make this perfect for fans of Anton Chekhov.Guy de Maupassant (1850-1893) was a French writer. Famed for being a master of the short story, he also wrote travel books and occasionally dabbled in poetry. His stories mainly focus on the relationships between men and women sitting at crossroads in their lives - whether personal or professional. His dramatic flair is largely influenced by French novelist Gustave Flaubert and is perfect for fans of Anton Chekhov's short stories. The most notable of the 300 short stories that he wrote include 'Bel Ami', 'Une Vie', and 'The Dumpling'.

We all know what it’s like to be in love, but when love is placed within the context of anxieties, desires and beliefs, will it survive?The sisters Bianca and Katherine might be as opposite as chalk and cheese, yet marriage finds its way into both their lives. Prompted by the notion of a love free of idealism, Petruchio is ready to marry Katherine with or without her will. Can she learn to love him? Or will marriage without love always be filled with terror and deception?Although believed to be written in the late 1500s, this classic romance is still very relevant today. Whether you will perceive Katherina and Petruchio’s relationship as romantic and energetic or violent and oppressive, this play unmistakably offers us a perpetual take on the major theme: the battle of the sexes. But unlike most modern day romances emotional desires are put second in this play’s exploration of love, marriage and courtship.If you saw and loved director Gil Junger’s "10 Things I Hate About You", this is the best-seller behind the film.William Shakespeare (1564-1616) is widely considered the world's greatest dramatist and is often referred to as England's national poet or the Bard. Most famous for his timeless plays, he also wrote a multitude of poems and sonnets. Shakespeare was the blockbuster writer of his day, his many works concerning universal themes of life, love, death, revenge, grief, jealousy, murder, magic and mystery. Among some of his most famous are "Macbeth", "Romeo and Juliet", and "Hamlet", but the list is long, and many continue to be studied and performed, both their original form and modern adaptations.

An aristocratic lady travels alone to picturesque Monaco, expecting a peaceful vacation. It turns into a place of horror for the woman, however, as she experiences something unspeakable at the artificial lake. She details her experiences in a letter to a dear friend. This grim tale was Maupassant's dive into something new, and his experiment paid off - creating a chilling story that rivals even the masters of the supernatural genre.Guy de Maupassant (1850-1893) was a French writer. Famed for being a master of the short story, he also wrote travel books and occasionally dabbled in poetry. His stories mainly focus on the relationships between men and women sitting at crossroads in their lives - whether personal or professional. His dramatic flair is largely influenced by French novelist Gustave Flaubert and is perfect for fans of Anton Chekhov's short stories. The most notable of the 300 short stories that he wrote include 'Bel Ami', 'Une Vie', and 'The Dumpling'.

A farmer's father is on his deathbed the day before the harvest. A local priest is summoned, and funeral preparations begin. The funeral feast is cut short when the dying man appears to still be breathing. When the 'dead' body lets out a startling moan, it is certain that the man is still alive. The solution is left in the hands of the eccentric local peasants. A matter of life and death, this dark comedy is perfect for those who enjoyed NBC's 'The Good Place'.Guy de Maupassant (1850-1893) was a French writer. Famed for being a master of the short story, he also wrote travel books and occasionally dabbled in poetry. His stories mainly focus on the relationships between men and women sitting at crossroads in their lives - whether personal or professional. His dramatic flair is largely influenced by French novelist Gustave Flaubert and is perfect for fans of Anton Chekhov's short stories. The most notable of the 300 short stories that he wrote include 'Bel Ami', 'Une Vie', and 'The Dumpling'.

Jean Marin has always been diligent. Not just in his studies but in his job as a handyman too. He is by no means used to luxury. When he lands a government job, it's like a dream come true. Problems arise, however, and his resilience is truly tested. 'The Patron' is a short piece of satire exploring the aspirations of a small but energetic man striving to find peace both within his life and within himself.Guy de Maupassant (1850-1893) was a French writer. Famed for being a master of the French short story, he also wrote travel books and occasionally dabbled in poetry. His stories mainly focus on the relationships between men and women sitting at crossroads in their lives - whether personal or professional. His dramatic flair is largely influenced by French novelist Gustave Flaubert and is perfect for fans of Anton Chekhov's short stories. The most notable of the 300 short stories that he wrote include 'Bel Ami', 'Une Vie', and 'The Dumpling'.

Money gets you everywhere, it can even buy happiness - if you have enough. It is a fragile thing, though, and you must be careful what you do with it. When Mademoiselle Source, a wealthy woman who has been maimed in a tragic accident, adopts an orphaned baby, she could never have predicted that the young boy would make her life a living hell. She grows more and more afraid, until one day she decides to run away from him. But is it really so easy? Maupassant's dive into an unfamiliar genre, this fast-paced crime novel is unmissable for those who enjoyed James Patterson's 'Invisible'.Guy de Maupassant (1850-1893) was a French writer. Famed for being a master of the French short story, he also wrote travel books and occasionally dabbled in poetry. His stories mainly focus on the relationships between men and women sitting at crossroads in their lives - whether personal or professional. His dramatic flair is largely influenced by French novelist Gustave Flaubert and is perfect for fans of Anton Chekhov's short stories. The most notable of the 300 short stories that he wrote include 'Bel Ami', 'Une Vie', and 'The Dumpling'.

A drunkard and a brute, Patin's marriage to Désireé is an unhappy one. He leaves to go fishing one night during a terrible storm, and never returns. Désireé is convinced he has somehow managed to cheat death and lives in constant fear of his return. Some years later she buys a parrot, and her nightmare begins anew. Amusing and humorous, "The Parrot" is a short comedy in which Maupassant holds his cards close to his chest, keeping his readers guessing until the final page.Guy de Maupassant (1850-1893) was a French writer. Famed for being a master of the short story, he also wrote travel books and occasionally dabbled in poetry. His stories mainly focus on the relationships between men and women sitting at crossroads in their lives - whether personal or professional. His dramatic flair is largely influenced by French novelist Gustave Flaubert and is perfect for fans of Anton Chekhov's short stories. The most notable of the 300 short stories that he wrote include 'Bel Ami', 'Une Vie', and 'The Dumpling'.

Another poignant short story collection from the famed writer, formed as an ode to O. Henry’s favourite place, New York City. Seeking to find the genuine voice of this megapolis, O. Henry portrays a variety of characters in their own peculiarity and uniqueness . In the first short of the same name, we are brought to the cacophonous chanting of a New York class room where students eagerly recite their lessons, before we are brought on a sweeping journey throughout the city. We meet policemen, poets and newsboys who each eagerly accounts for the true voice of their famed city. It is an excellent read, that constitutes essential reading for any fan of O. Henry, or those of you with a big love for the Big Apple who want to see just exactly how this wondrous city came to captivate the world.William Sidney Porter (1862-1919), known simply as O. Henry, following his stint in prison, was a prolific American short story writer. His fame came exceptionally quickly and he became a bestselling author of short story collections, 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 annual award named after him, given to the authors of an exceptional short stories.