Bøger i World Classics serien

Why is it that people mistake sincerity, kindness and positivity as stupidness? Lev Myshkin has all these great character qualities and certainly is no idiot though everyone assumes him to be one."The Idiot" is one of Dostoevsky’s most emotional and private novels, where the author talks about intimate issues, often neglected or totally ignored in contemporary Russian society.Religious discussions and symbolism, philosophical endeavours, and existential ups and down mark the novel’s entirety, turning it into a compelling and remarkable read, perfect for fans of Dostoevsky and Russian literature in general.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.There have been at least 30 film and TV adaptations of Fyodor Dostoyevsky’s 1866 novel "Crime and Punishment" with probably the most popular being the British BBC TV series starring John Simm as Raskolnikov and Ian McDiarmid as Porfiry Petrovich."The Idiot" has also been adapted for films and TV, as has "Demons" and "The Brothers Karamazov".

‘The War of the Worlds’ is H. G. Wells’ most popular novel and is celebrated as one of the most influential and greatest science-fiction stories ever. Its popularity stems largely from the fact that it is one of the earliest stories dealing with an alien invasion on Earth. An army of Martians lands in England and their three-legged robots wreak havoc and destruction upon the unsuspecting civilians. The protagonist is separated from his wife during the onslaught and must defeat the invaders and find his wife. This thrilling novel features non-stop action from the start as the protagonist must journey through a nightmarish world in which aliens are not the only monsters. The novel remains timeless due to its critique of imperialism and its belief that civilisation will turn to other planets once their native resources have been plundered. Well’s vivid and terrifying imagery caused widespread panic when ‘The War of the Worlds’ was broadcast as a radio play in 1938 as people believed the invasion was real. The novel spawned an Academy Award-nominated movie adaptation directed by Steven Spielberg and starring Tom Cruise in 2005. It is clear to see why ‘The War of the Worlds’ remains influential as it is the definition of a page-turner and should be read by fans of authors such as George Orwell or Frank Herbert.H. G. Wells (1866-1946) was a celebrated English writer, remembered mostly for his science fiction works. Often described as a futurist, H. G. Wells’ influence cannot be overstated for his works foresaw many technological innovations such as space travel, the atomic bomb, and the Internet. A four-time Nobel Prize in Literature nominee, Wells explored a wide array of themes in his works, from religion to social criticism and beyond. Some of his best works include the time-travel novel ‘The Time Machine’, the sci-fi adventure novel ‘The Island of Dr. Moreau’, and the mankind-versus-aliens novel ‘The War of the Worlds’. Wells occupies one of the central seats in the canon of science-fiction literature and his writing inspired other celebrated authors such as Ray Bradbury and Philip K. Dick. Wells’ stories are still widely read to this day and have had numerous cinematic adaptations including ‘The Invisible Man’ starring Elisabeth Moss.

"I never travel without my diary. One should always have something sensational to read in the train."Jack Worthing is an important and respected person in Hertfordshire. Being a guardian to a young girl and an employer of many in the community, the list of his responsibilities is never-ending. His brother, Earnest, however, leads a scandalous life and Jack is often forced to leave for London to sort it out. What no one knows is that Earnest is not real, but Jack’s alibi, his way of creating havoc and blowing off some steam in the big city.The Importance of Being Earnest is Oscar Wilde’s most popular and enduring play. Poking fun at the ridiculousness of human nature, especially that of the Victorian elite, it is both incredibly clever and undeniably silly.It has been performed and made into films and for television many times, most recently in the 2002 film starring Colin Firth, Reese Witherspoon and Judi Dench.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 died in Paris at the age of 46. Oscar Wilde remains one of the best-loved authors in the English-speaking world.

‘A Garland for Girls’ is a collection of stories written by Alcott for her own amusement in a time of "enforced confinement". The collection is a wonderful assortment of hopelessly sweet tales of the everyday lives and troubles of a number of young girls. The girls are discovering who they are, how capable they are and learning some valuable life lessons along the way. It is a collection that exemplifies Alcott’s feminist beliefs, by highlighting the importance of virtue, patience and self-reliance. The collection offers a fantastic and compelling read, perfect for anyone who loved ‘Pride and Prejudice’ or ‘Sense and Sensibility’.Louisa May Alcott (1832-1888) was an author, abolitionist and proud feminist. Her family suffered financially while she was growing up and so she was forced to take on multiple jobs in her youth to help provide for her family. Her writing became her outlet, forming her ideas and beliefs in the empowerment of women and people into literature that reverberates to this day. Her most notable works include "Little Women", which is now a movie starring Saoirse Ronan and Timothée Chalamet, its sequel ‘Little Men’ and ‘An Old Fashioned Girl’.

‘A Strange Island’ is Alcott’s take on many Mother Goose characters and tales, Mother Goose being the anonymous poet and writer behind timeless pieces such as ‘Jack and Jill’, ‘Baa Baa Black Sheep’ and ‘Humpty Dumpty’. The tales are perfect for all ages and are jam packed with uplifting anecdotes and soothing moral messages. Alcott incorporates her own characters into these legendary tales to create something wholly new and fantastical, perfect for a quick, joyful nights reading or anyone looking for a trip down memory lane.Louisa May Alcott (1832-1888) was an author, abolitionist and proud feminist. Her family suffered financially while she was growing up and so she was forced to take on multiple jobs in her youth to help provide for her family. Her writing became her outlet, forming her ideas and beliefs in the empowerment of women and people into literature that reverberates to this day. Her most notable works include "Little Women", which is now a movie starring Saoirse Ronan and Timothée Chalamet, its sequel ‘Little Men’ and ‘An Old Fashioned Girl’.

It is the year 1800 and a young medical practitioner has opened his own surgery. Scalpel in hand, he eagerly awaits his first patient. Yet no one comes. Late one night a tall woman dressed all in black mourning attire, a veil covering her face, steps into his practice. The woman does not say a word. Dickens creates a palpable atmosphere with the inclement weather, the mourning clothes and the woman’s chilling request.In true Dickens style, The Black Veil is a Gothic thriller that is sympathetic, mysterious and has a twist you never saw coming.Charles Dickens (1812-1870) was an English author, social critic, and philanthropist. He achieved wide spread popularity and success during his lifetime , and is recognised as a literary genius to this day. He created some of the world’s best fictional characters and is regarded as the best writer of the Victorian era. His writing has inspired its own literary theme and genre with works today being described as ‘Dickensian’ thanks to his contribution to writing. His most famous novels include Oliver Twist (1839), David Copperfield (1850), and Great Expectations (1861), all of which have been adapted to majorly successful and beloved film adaptations.

‘The Time Machine’ is a celebrated sci-fi novella by H. G. Wells that was adapted into a movie starring Guy Pearce in 2002. It is the work that helped skyrocket Wells’ career and its impact on the sci-fi genre can still be felt as it is the first usage of the term ‘time machine’. The protagonist travels 800,000 years into the future, and he initially believes that Earth has become a utopia. However, he quickly discovers that Earth is more inequitable than ever as there is an underground race of ape-like creatures that ensure the society above remains blissful. These violent creatures capture the protagonist's time machine, and he must journey through the dark and dangerous underground caves to retrieve it. ‘The Time Machine’ is a gripping read as Wells’ descriptions of the futuristic world and its inhabitants are strikingly disturbing. This is an incredibly poignant story as Wells criticises the rising inequality of Victorian Britain which is still relevant to this day. The blend of adventure and sentimentality in this strange and dark future turns the novel into a remarkable read that fans of shows such as ‘Doctor Who’ and directors such as Jordan Peele will find difficult to put down.H. G. Wells (1866-1946) was a celebrated English writer, remembered mostly for his science fiction works. Often described as a futurist, H. G. Wells’ influence cannot be overstated for his works foresaw many technological innovations such as space travel, the atomic bomb, and the Internet. A four-time Nobel Prize in Literature nominee, Wells explored a wide array of themes in his works, from religion to social criticism and beyond. Some of his best works include the time-travel novel ‘The Time Machine’, the sci-fi adventure novel ‘The Island of Dr. Moreau’, and the mankind-versus-aliens novel ‘The War of the Worlds’. Wells occupies one of the central seats in the canon of science-fiction literature and his writing inspired other celebrated authors such as Ray Bradbury and Philip K. Dick. Wells’ stories are still widely read to this day and have had numerous cinematic adaptations including ‘The Invisible Man’ starring Elisabeth Moss.

"Women have a wonderful instinct about things. They can discover everything except the obvious."Sir Robert Chiltern is a moral and upstanding politician with a wife who adores and idolizes him, but when one of her old classmates shows up at their party the image of her perfect husband crumbles. She learns that, in the early days of her husband’s political career, he sold a state secret in order to advance his position. Now the couple has to deal with blackmail and their own moral failings.'An Ideal Husband' is a must-read for Wilde fans and anyone who appreciates wit and sarcasm. In 1999 an adaptation starring Julianne Moore, Minnie Driver and Cate Blanchett came out to great reviews.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 died in Paris at the age of 46.The Importance of Being Earnest is Oscar Wilde’s most popular and enduring play. Poking fun at the ridiculousness of human nature, especially that of the Victorian elite, it is both incredibly clever and undeniably silly.It has been performed and made into films and for television many times, most recently in the 2002 film starring Colin Firth, Reese Witherspoon and Judi Dench.

"What a silly thing Love is. It is not as useful as Logic, for it does not prove anything, and it is always telling one of things that are not going to happen, and making one believe things that are not true."A young man is in love with a girl who promises to dance with him at a ball if he brings her a red rose. The boy is at a loss because he does not know where to find a red rose. A nightingale overhears and decides to help. But is their love even worth the sacrifice of the nightingale?'The Nightingale and the Rose' is a heart-breaking fable by Oscar Wilde about the nature of love and sacrifice, and is so very captivating and emotional for such a short story.Fans of 'Aesop's Fables' will love discovering the moral of this story.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’. He died in Paris at the age of 46.'The Importance of Being Earnest' is Oscar Wilde’s most popular and enduring play. Poking fun at the ridiculousness of human nature, especially that of the Victorian elite, it is both incredibly clever and undeniably silly.It has been performed and made into films and for television many times, most recently in the 2002 film starring Colin Firth, Reese Witherspoon and Judi Dench.

France - Delicious food, beautiful buildings and an elegance of people rarely seen anywhere else!Dear reader, take my hand and enjoy this tour de France – with Henry James as your guide. Written as a first person narrative, "A Little Tour in France" is one of James’ most influential and interesting travel guides. Of course, the tour is not that "little" for the reader is invited to visit the Loire Valley, Britanny, the Bordeaux region, Provence, and Paris. And, in a typical Jamesian style, he never fails to describe the people he meets and their view of life and nature. A valuable book from James’ priceless treasure.Henry James (1843–1916) is regarded as 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."The Portrait of a Lady" has been adapted for the big screen many times with the most notable being from 1996 starring Nicole Kidman and John Malkovich.

‘An Old Fashioned Girl’ is a tale of the country girl in the big city before it had ever been done. Polly Milton, on a visit to her wealthy city dweller friend Fanny Shaw, is completely in awe at the splendour of their home and clothes. She is treated like a bumpkin, but soon wins the hearts of the family with her sweet heart and gentle honesty. When financial troubles arise, this country girl rises to the occasion to save her friends. It is a tale packed with romance, drama and hard hitting life lessons. Perfect for anyone that loved ‘Sex and the City’ just with frocks and corsets instead of Sarah Jessica Parker and Fendi.Louisa May Alcott (1832-1888) was an author, abolitionist and proud feminist. Her family suffered financially while she was growing up and so she was forced to take on multiple jobs in her youth to help provide for her family. Her writing became her outlet, forming her ideas and beliefs in the empowerment of women and people into literature that reverberates to this day. Her most notable works include "Little Women", which is now a movie starring Saoirse Ronan and Timothée Chalamet, its sequel ‘Little Men’ and ‘An Old Fashioned Girl’.

"La piel de zapa" se publicó por primera vez en 1831 y pertenece al grupo de "Estudios filosóficos" de "La comedia humana". Antes de terminar el libro, Balzac publicó diversos artículos y fragmentos de la novela en diarios de París para crear expectativa, y fue finalmente esta obra la que le llevó a la fama como escritor en Francia.Ambientada en el París de inicios del siglo XIX, "La piel de zapa" incluye elementos autobiográficos de la propia vida de Balzac, quien también luchó para que su carrera como escritor por fin despegara.La historia, divida en tres partes, se centra en el joven Raphaël de Valentin, un aspirante a escritor con poca suerte que pierde todo lo que le quedaba de su pequeña fortuna en una apuesta, y planea suicidarse en el Sena. De camino al río, Valentin encuentra la tienda de un comerciante local con objetos de todo el mundo. Allí, en contra de la recomendación del comerciante, adquiere un trozo de piel que promete satisfacer cualquier deseo de su dueño. Cada vez que Valentin pide un deseo, este se cumple, pero la piel se encoge y su salud empeora hasta llegar al punto en el que su vida corre peligro, y la piel está a punto de desaparecer de lo pequeña que es.La obra gira entorno a los excesos del materialismo burgués, a pesar de que la novela incluye elementos fantásticos. Aunque la piel es un elemento fundamental de la obra, y se puede afirmar que se trata de un elemento fantástico, la temática e historia realmente se centra en el interés de Balzac por la naturaleza humana y la sociedad de la época posterior a la Revolución de 1830.La obra ha sido adaptada a la gran pantalla en varias ocasiones, la primera siendo en 1909. También se ha adaptado para televisión en dos ocasiones, la primera en 1980 y la segunda en 2010, a manos de Alain Berliner, así como a obras de ópera y animación.Honoré de Balzac (1799-1850) fue un escritor y dramaturgo francés. Escribió sobre el panorama francés post-napoleónico y sobre la vida francesa.

1907. A sweet young girl named Elizabeth, alone and orphaned after the murder of her last living brother, arms herself and flees to Montana eastwards on horseback, hoping to find her last remaining blood relatives. Her extraordinary, humorous and spiritual plight will go on to propel her through harrowing encounters, struggles between good and evil, and the perils of romance. Difficulties arise that conspire to vanquish her future happiness, but in the end fate deals her a fair hand.For fans of 'Little Women' by Louisa May Alcott, and the movie adaption starring Emma Watson, Florence Pugh and Timothée Chalamet - a celebration of the strength of women in the least fortuitous of circumstances.Grace Livingston Hill was the pen name of American author Marcia Macdonald (1865-1947). She came from a family of authors and began writing short stories from a young age for her aunt’s weekly children magazine ‘The Pansy’. As a young woman she wrote to help bring funds in for her family. Funds became an even larger motivation following the loss of her first husband and then father only a year later. In her career, Hill published over 100 novels and short stories, they often featured young Christian women in love, the theme of good versus evil, and the importance of redemption.

The impetuous but nonetheless highly intelligent, street smart Patty Wyatt goes to a turn of the century, all-girls college where she studies here and there during whatever time remains after delivering scathing commentaries on dorm life, playing pranks on her friends and teachers, and, last but not least, soaring to the rescue of other girls in need. First published in 1903, Jean Webster’s debut novel 'When Patty Went to College' is a witty yet strikingly authentic account of going to college in Patty's day and age, to be fondly treasured by anybody who holds their college memories dear to their heart. If you enjoyed the 2012 musical comedy blockbuster 'Pitch Perfect' about a group of talented and free-spirited modern day college girls, starring Anna Kendrick, Brittany Snow and Rebel Wilson, you'll find this a highly fascinating and enthralling account of college girl life long before the advent of modern day pastimes. Jean Webster was the pseudonym of Alice Jane Chandler Webster (1876-1916), who was an American writer. Her novels are marked by bitter dialogue and socio-political themes such as: eugenics and heredity, institutional reform, and women’s rights. Webster herself was a suffragette, and as well as writing fiction, she also worked as a journalist. Some of her most famous works include: ‘When Patty Went to College,’ ‘Daddy-Long-Legs’ and ‘Dear Enemy’.

Tall, gangly, and tomboyish Katy was badly injured in an accident which has left her partially paralysed. This has been tough on the wild girl, who is no longer able to play with her siblings or roam around nature the way she used to. But Katy has now regained some feelings in her legs, and can finally start to slowly walk again. Her father feels she is healthy enough to start school, so he sends her off to be educated. It is with mixed emotions that Katy goes. Starting school will be exciting, but won’t she miss her siblings too much to learn anything?This is the second book in the Katy series, which has been elected one of the best children’s books by its readers. The series takes place in 1860's Ohio.Susan Coolidge (1835-1905) was an American children’s’ book author, best known for her novel ‘What Katy Did’ (1872), which was inspired by her own childhood. She started writing after working as a nurse during the American Civil War.

After the death of their mother, 10-year-old Meg is left to take care of the children until their father, who’s away at sea, returns. He is expected any day, yet when his ship finally arrives, he is not aboard. There will be good days and bad days, but Meg’s simple, childlike faith as well as the kindness of neighbours and friends will help her through her trials and ensure the survival of little Meg and "her" children. Sarah Smith (1832-1911), alias Hesba Stretton, was a British children’s books author. The daughter of a bookseller, Smith grew into one of the most popular Evangelical writers of her time. She first rose to fame with her "Jessica's First Prayer," which she later followed with the sequel "Jessica’s Mother."

In 'The Book of Clever Beasts', Myrtle Reed recounts the whimsical and humorous stories of Little Upsidaisi, Jagg the Skootaway Goat, Snoof, Kitchi-Kitchi, Jim Crow, Hoop-La, Jenny Ragtail and Hoot-Mon. An endearing tale of anthropomorphic animals similar to A. A. Milne's 'Winnie The Pooh' stories and Beatrix Potter's 'The Tale of Peter Rabbit'. 'The Book of Clever Beasts' was much loved by imaginative American children and by President Theodore Roosevelt who personally wrote Reed a letter expressing his adoration of the book.Myrtle Reed (1874-1911) was an American author, poet and journalist. A best-selling romance novelist and Chicago socialite, she was one of America’s best-known authors in the early 20th century. Her most famous works include 'Lavender and Old Lace' (1902), 'Threads of Grey and Gold' (1913) and 'A Weaver of Deams' (1911). Reed also wrote numerous cookbooks.

‘Aunt Crete’s Emancipation’ follows Miss Lucretia Ward or ‘Crete’ to her family, as she navigates life with her rude sister Carrie and her spoilt niece Luella. They treat the older Crete like a maid more than a family member but everything will change when cousin Donald Grant visits from out west. Carrie and Luella shun the ‘backwoods’ cousin but Crete welcomes him with loving and open arms, changing everyone’s lives forever. If you love Cinderella this story is perfect for you, it is a loving and relaxed read, full of brilliant characters and description, where goodness is satisfyingly rewarded and evil punished.Grace Livingston Hill was the pen name of American author Marcia Macdonald (1865-1947). She came from a family of authors and began writing short stories from a young age for her aunt’s weekly children magazine ‘The Pansy’. As a young woman she wrote to help bring funds in for her family. Funds became an even larger motivation following the loss of her first husband and then father only a year later. In her career, Hill published over 100 novels and short stories, they often featured young Christian women in love, the theme of good versus evil, and the importance of redemption.

Written when he was in his early twenties and after he had graduated Harvard, Roosevelt’s "The Naval War of 1812" recounts the war between Britain and the States of the early 19th century. In order to write this piece of military history Roosevelt embarked on a long and thorough research, and strove to present the events as they unfolded, with the neutrality and impartiality of a true historian. In this account, Roosevelt shows himself very critical of Thomas Jefferson’s actions, and of the United States’ lack of preparation for a war against the powerful British navy. He looks at each battle chronologically, giving thorough details about the equipment, the crews, and each military action.Theodore Roosevelt (1858 – 1919) was not only the 26th president of the United States but also a prolific writer. He lent his pen to many different topics, including history, biographies, autobiographies, and nature. He also wrote countless articles, letters, and even guide books. Some of his most famous works include: "The Rough Riders," "History of the Naval War of 1812," "African Game Trails," and "The Winning of the West."

The Rough Riders was the nickname for one of the three regiments of the First United States Volunteer Cavalry, which Roosevelt helped to form. It was the only regiment to see combat during the Spanish-American War of 1898, in Cuba. Roosevelt resigned his post as Assistant Secretary of the Navy to raise this army with men of very diverse background, ranging from Ivy Leaguers to Native Americans, from athletes to frontiersmen, etc.Theodore Roosevelt wrote about his Rough Riders that: "they were hardened to life in the open, and to shifting for themselves under adverse circumstances. My men were children of the dragon's blood, and if they had no outland foe to fight and no outlet for their vigorous and daring energy, there was always the chance of their fighting one another: but the great majority, if given the chance to do hard or dangerous work, availed themselves of it with the utmost eagerness."Theodore Roosevelt (1858 – 1919) was not only the 26th president of the United States but also a prolific writer. He lent his pen to many different topics, including history, biographies, autobiographies, and nature. He also wrote countless articles, letters, and even guide books. Some of his most famous works include: "The Rough Riders," "History of the Naval War of 1812," "African Game Trails," and "The Winning of the West."

In this classic of the French novelist Victor Hugo, we follow the adventures of the misshapen Quasimodo, who leads a solitary life in the bell tower of Notre-Dame de Paris. When his path crosses that of the beautiful gypsy Esmeralda, his world is turned upside down.With his romantic description of the cathedral, Victor Hugo sparked a new interest in France for medieval architecture, which led to a wave of renovations. Quasimodo´s story is mostly known through the famous Disney animated movie from 1996.Victor Hugo (1802-1885) is one of the most important writers in the history of French literature. During his lifetime, he was one the leading figures of Romanticism in France. In addition to his novels, he wrote a great many plays.Hugo´s most famous novels are "The Hunchback of Notre-Dame" about a young, misshapen boy living a solitary life in the Parisian cathedral, and "Les Miserable" which describes the hardships of Paris´ poorest. These two novels, and many others of Hugo´s works, have been adapted into movies, musicals and plays.

"Bartleby the Scrivener: A Story of Wall Street" is a short story from 1852 by Herman Melville.Bartleby is hired to work as a scrivener alongside two other clerks, Nippers and Turkey, for an unnamed, elderly lawyer in New York. At first, he produces high-quality work but suddenly his work ethic takes a turn, and Bartleby reply to every task he is given becomes "I would prefer not to."The story was in part inspired by Emerson’s essay "The Transcendentalist" and has been adapted to film twice: once in 1970, starring Paul Scofield, and again in 2001, starring Crispin Glover.Herman Melville (1819-1891) was an American writer, best known for his whaling novel, ‘Moby-Dick; or, The Whale’ (1851), which was poorly received at the time but is considered a classic today.Melville, along with authors such as Nathaniel Hawthorne, Ralph Waldo Emerson, Henry David Thoreau and Walt Whitman, was part of the American Renaissance, a literary movement that aimed to provide literature for the American democracy.

In "Iconoclastic Memories of the Civil War: Bits of Autobiography," Bierce recounts some of his experiences as a soldier. At the outset of the American Civil War, Bierce enlisted in the Union Army's 9th Indiana Infantry Regiment. In February 1862 he was commissioned First Lieutenant, and served on the staff of General William Babcock Hazen as a topographical engineer, making maps of likely battlefields. Bierce fought at the Battle of Shiloh (April 1862), a terrifying experience that became a source for several later short-stories as well as the memoir, "What I Saw of Shiloh". In June 1864, he sustained a serious head wound at the Battle of Kennesaw Mountain, and spent the rest of the summer on furlough, returning to active duty in September. He was discharged from the army in January 1865. Ambrose Bierce (1842-1914) was an American writer, journalist, critic, poet, and Civil War veteran, best known for "The Devil's Dictionary" (1911). He dominated the horror genre as the preeminent innovator of supernatural storytelling in the period between the death of Edgar Allan Poe and the rise of H.P. Lovecraft. Bierce’s death was as mysterious as his strange stories; sometime around 1914 he left for Mexico, wanting to experience the Mexican Revolution firsthand, and was never to be seen again.

Annað bindi hinna ævintýralegu fjölskyldu- og örlagasögu er spannar sögu Finna og Svía yfir tvær aldir. Meginþemað er hringur einn sem býr yfir töframætti, sem minnir um margt á annað frægt verk er kom út hátt í hundrað árum seinna.Sagan er sögð af herlækni einum í þessum stóra sögulega sagnabálki, stílbragð sem gengur fullkomlega upp í höndum hins sænskumælandi Finna, Zacharias Topelius, og býður frásögninni upp á ákveðið frelsi.Sagan birtist fyrst í dagblaðsútgáfu árið 1851 en íslensk þýðing er í höndum sjálfs Matthíasar Jochumssonar.Rithöfundurinn, ljóðskáldið og blaðamaðurinn Zacharias Topelius (1818-1898) var nokkuð víðförull á sínum ferli; var doktor í sagnfræði, áhrifamaður í frelsisbaráttu Finna gegn Rússum og gegndi meðal annars stöðu rektors við Háskólann í Helsinki.rnVerk hans báru með sér mikinn keim af fornum leyndardóm, dulspeki og jafnvel alkemískum fræðum. En styttri verk hans könnuðu þau miklu áhrif sem iðnbyltinginn hafði á finnskt samfélag.

Valerias ontdekking is een detective door de negentiende-eeuwse Britse schrijver Wilkie Collins. Zelfs zijn eigen familie probeert Valeria ervan te weerhouden dat ze trouwt met Eustace. Maar ze slaat alle waarschuwingen in de wind en trouwt toch. Al snel na het huwelijk krijgt Valeria het vermoeden dat haar man iets te verbergen heeft. Als ze ontdekt dat hij wegens gebrek aan bewijs is vrijgesproken van de moord op zijn ex-vrouw trekt ze erop uit om te bewijzen dat Eustace onschuldig is. Onderweg komt ze allerlei vreemde figuren tegen, die haar helpen om uiteindelijk achter de waarheid te komen.-

'Tales and Fantasies' is a short story collection by much-loved Scottish author Robert Louis Stevenson. Published posthumously in 1905, the collection included the farcical 'The Misadventures of John Nicholson', the supernatural 'The Body Snatcher' and the moralistic 'The Story of a Lie'. A humorous, charming collection from the famous 'Treasure Island' author. -

Pendant une revolte des Tartares, Michel Strogoff entreprend en tant que courrier du tsar Alexandre II un fascinant voyage, qui l'amene de Moscou a Irkoutsk, en Siberie de l'Est. Le tsar demande a Michel, un militaire de trente ans, d'apporter un message a son frere, mais les Tartares grouillent dans l'Est et ces insurges sont aide dans leur revolte par l'ex-officier tsariste, Ivan Ogareff. Strogoff doit prevenir le frere du tsar de cette trahison. Cette inoubliable histoire mene le lecteur a travers les hautes terres et les vastes plaines steriles et dangereuses de la Russie du XIXe, et est considere par beaucoup comme etant le chef-d'A uvre de Jules Verne. Michel Strogoff a ete mis en scene tant au theatre qu'au cinema, a la television, et est meme devenu un jeu de societe base sur le periple de Strogoff a travers la Russie. -

The trading ship Narcissus is sailing towards London, but long the way the ship and its crew pick up a West Indian black sailor, James, who shortly after falls ill. To prevent contamination aboard the ship, James must stay in his cabin.But as minutes turn into hours, and days into weeks, the rest of the crew starts doubting whether James is ill at all. And even if he is, can he be allowed to stay in his room when a violent storm is brewing, and every hand is needed on deck?This book has been said to be Joseph Conrad’s best work of his early period. For fans of ‘The Martian’ and ‘Project Hail Mary’ by Andy Weir.Joseph Conrad (1857-1924) was a Polish-British author, considered to be one of the best English novelists. His works included ‘Lord Jim’, ‘Nostromo’, and ‘The Secret Agent’. His most famous novel ‘Heart of Darkness' was inspired by his experiences on the open sea. His many written works have influenced numerous authors and films due to his unique narrative style and prominent anti-hero characters.

"e;To the Last Man"e; tells us the story of an ancient altercation between two frontier families - the Jorths, hardworking sheepherders led by Lee Jorth, and the Isbels, crooked cattle rustlers led by Jean Isbel. Despite the spiral of extermination, which the two families are plunged into after a reckless cattle theft, love begins to emerge between Ellen Jorth and Jean Isbel. Are they capable of preserving their love, despite the desperate war the two families are involved in? Do they have the strength and will to break the impassable barrier between them? Zane Grey's Western novel from 1921 is based on a factual event involving the Hashknife gang.-

"e;Eugene Onegin"e; is one of the most popular Russian classics of all time. Written in verse, it is Pushkin's answer to the Byronic hero in England, and further elevates Pushkin as the best Russian poet. A bored rich nobleman comes to rural Russia, where he meets a young woman with whom he falls in love. Some misunderstanding follows where Onegin kills a friend of his in a duel. The strictly conversational tone of the novel, as well as the careful depiction of characters, their inner worlds, and the natural surroundings create a symphony that has permeated all aspects of Russian culture since 1820. Its countless opera, ballet, and movie adaptations make "e;Eugene Onegin"e; an immortal classic that should be known by everyone.-