Bøger i World Classics serien

Imagine being torn away from the person you love most in the world! The pain would be just too terrible to bear! This is exactly what happens to Shah Mah Phru after she falls passionately in love with King Meng GengThe king promises to return but time passes, and he never does. One day, Shah Mah Phru spots a group of horsemen riding her way, and she is overcome with joy thinking her lover has finally returned, however the horsemen bring news she could never have predicted.Oscar Wilde wrote 'For Love of the King' for his friend Mabel Cosgrove, and it was not published until after his death, in the 1920's. Its publication sparked a great deal of controversy that resulted in a trial because Mabel Cosgrove was accused of having written the play herself.A great read for any short story and Oscar Wilde fan.-

D'Artagnan, 18 ans, quitte la Gascogne pour Paris, afin de se joindre au corps des mousquetaires du roi Louis XIII. C'est la qu'il rencontre et se lie d'amitie avec Arthos, Porthos et Aramis. Dans cette histoire pleine d'aventures rocambolesques et de suspens, les quatre compagnons vont defendre l'honneur de leur reine, Anne d'Autriche, et affronter le cardinal de Richelieu, le comte de Rochefort et Milady de Winter. "e;Les Trois Mousquetaires"e; (1844) est suivi de "e;Vingt ans apres"e; (1845) et "e;Le Vicomte de Bragelonne"e; (1847). Ces romans s'inspirent de faits reels et de personnages historiques. Dumas s'est notamment base sur les memoires de Charles de Batz de Castelmore, dit d'Artagnan, pour la creation de son personnage principal.Ce roman de cap et d'epee, se deroulant au cA ur de la cour francaise, est le roman le plus connu d'Alexandre Dumas, suivi de pres dans sa popularite par le plus sinistre "e;Le Comte de Monte-Cristo"e;. Il a ete adapte a de nombreuses reprises au cinema, tant en France qu'a l'etranger, notamment en 2011, avec les acteurs Logan Lerman, Luke Evans, Milla Jovovich, Mads Mikkelsen et Orlando Bloom.-

You might be familiar with modern-day tragedies such as "e;The Atonement"e; by Ian McEwan, "e;Lord of the Flies"e; by William Golding or "e;Thirteen Reasons Why"e; by Jay Asher. If so, then William Shakespeare's "e;Julius Caesar"e; should be your next must-read. This historical play will take you through all the complicated friendship dynamics and political conspiracies your heart desires. You will be drawn into the ultimate battle for power at hand, enthralling and topical, this is a play for today.First performed around 1599, as the successor of the British monarchy was on uncertain grounds, Julius Caesar is confronted by the dangers of political turmoil. Will Caesar achieve his desire to become an unassailable dictator, or will his aspirations only be in vain? This play stands, not only at the turn of a century but at the point in which Shakespeare emerged as the leading English language writer.-

Apres deux annees passees dans l'armee en Algerie, George Deroy, dit Bel-Ami, un beau jeune homme sans scrupules, arrive a Paris a la recherche d'un avenir meilleur. Rapidement, via le journalisme et son charme, il entre dans le grand monde. Avec l'aide de cinq heroines, l'arriviste grimpe l'echelle sociale, mais il en veut toujours plus, quel que soit le prix.Publie en 1885, Bel-Ami est une A uvre emblematique de Guy de Maupassant, qui fut l'un des ecrivains francais les plus importants du XIXe siecle. Avec cette intrigue fascinante, il raconte l'histoire d'un homme pret a tout pour atteindre son but. Ce roman a ete adapte a de nombreuses reprises, tant au theatre qu'au cinema, dont recemment dans le film eponyme de 2012, avec Robert Pattison, Uma Thurman et Christina Ricci dans les roles principaux. -

'Barnaby Rudge' is a historical novel by Charles Dickens, depicting the anti-Catholic Gordon Riots of 1780 in England. It is a novel in which danger lurks around every corner, as the titular character and his mother venture across England to evade a mystery man that is haunting them. After arriving in London, the protagonists are swept up in the vortex of violence surrounding them as Barnaby is mistakenly captured by a group of soldiers and must escape before he is sentenced to death. 'Barnaby Rudge' is not simply a recollection of the riots but a sprawling story about lovers torn apart by their families and unsolved murders. Dickens' celebrated social criticism is portrayed in this novel as the urban decay in the London slums fosters 'the very scum and refuse' that return as a violent mob to destroy it. A terrifying addition to Dickens' collection, 'Barnaby Rudge' is recommended for fans of Dickens and Shakespeare.-

Fjórða bindi sögulegra skáldsaga eftir hinn sænskumælandi Finna, rithöfundinn og sagnfræðinginn, Zacharias Topelius.Sögur herlæknisins birtust fyrst í blaðaútgáfu árið 1851 en í þessari ævintýralegu fjölskyldusögu segir frá hring einum sem bar með sér ákveðinn töframátt, sem minnir um margt á Hringadróttinssögu Tolkiens sem kom út tæpri öld síðar.Saga herlæknisins birtist Íslendingum fyrst fyrir sjónir árið 1898 og er þýðing verkanna 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.

In this brilliant play by William Shakespeare, meet Vincentio, the Duke of Vienna. Setting out for a diplomatic mission, he must leave the city and puts Angelo, the strict judge in charge in the meantime. Little does Angelo know that Vincentio simply pretends to leave the city and really only dresses up as a friar in order to observe the city in his absence.Angelo decides in his strict and moralistic ruling that Vienna is filled with too much freedom and take sit upon himself to rid the city of unlawful activities. Unfortunately for the character Claudio, he is the one Angelo uses to enforce the law. Claudio is immediately arrested for impregnating his lover Juliet outside of marriage. Sentenced to death, will Claudio be pardoned or. Will he be facing death under the ruling of Angelo? This classic play is a must-read forany historical fiction lover. For lovers of the movie 'A Thousdand Miles Behind' and 'The Last Kingdom' book series by Bernard Cornwell.-

Richard Gale is a young man who wants to prove his father wrong. He decides to seek new chances in the border town Casita. However he suddenly finds himself in trouble by stepping in to help an old friend, George Thorne, who is striving to rescue his fiancee Mercedes from the local Mexican bandit Rojas. Will Gale manage to escape from the danger he finds himself in? Will he meet the real love during this rescue mission? Zane Grey's "e;Desert Gold"e; is a Western novel from 1913 which successfully combines adventures and romance, dangers and courage. -

The water is crystal clear. The sun is blazing. And there's death on the horizon. Set at the turn of the 20th century, "e;Victory"e; takes place in the Dutch East Indies, now Indonesia. Its tortured hero is Axel Heyst, a loner whose empty life is turned around when he meets the beautiful musician Lena. They fall in love, but there's danger looming. A trio of violent desperadoes are headed to their island, convinced that Heyst has a stash of hidden treasure. A sun-drenched psychological thriller, "e;Victory"e; was one of Conrad's most commercially successful novels. And one that still shimmers with his masterful style and narrative rule-breaking.-

'Work: A Story of Experience' is a semi-autobiographical novel loosely based on Alcott's own life, which explores the social standing of women in the US, in the years around the Civil War. Christie, our heroine, is a single woman who works outside the home doing a number of odd jobs to make ends meet. This story tracks the change in women's work with the dawn of the new industrial age, the meaning of work to women and the tension and dilemmas that came with this work. It is a story of women trying to find their place in the world, in a society that continually hampers their progress. It is a mature story full of insightful and uplifting anecdotes, that gives an excellent window in to Alcott's own life as well. It is a profoundly uplifting read, with a triumphant conclusion that makes perfect reading for any fans of underdog stories.-

'Options' is a collection of 16 short stories from much-loved 20th century American author William Sidney Porter, better known as 'O. Henry'. Stories from the collection include brave and ambitious 'The Moment of Victory', a strange encounter with a homeless man in 'The Higher Pragmatism', and a North versus South clash in 'The Rose of Dixie'. O. Henry's realistic portrayal of the human condition, his focus on the strange and unexpected, and his witty plot twists make him a favourite with established O. Henry readers and those new to his work. Fans of authors such as Mark Twain, Guy de Maupassant and Kate Chopin will appreciate O. Henry's style.-

Teenage angst and rebellion might feel like a modern phenomenon but, Bella and Edward, Ferris Bueller and Mean Girls couldn't have happened without 'Hard Times'. Family, work and rebellion are all at the heart of this, one of Dickens' shortest works. Mr Gradgrind gives his two children Tom and Louisa a totally Utilitarian upbringing, disregarding the value of the human heart. What this creates, is the first traces of the modern teenager - rebelliousness and emotional turmoil create more problems than he could have imagined. Louisa, living in a loveless marriage to the greedy Josiah, and Tom, a hardened and unfeeling criminal - leaves their father questioning everything he believes in. A strong critique of industrialisation, full of passionate characters and tempestuous social clashes, this novel still resonates in the modern day.No one writes about the gulf between rich and poor as passionately as Charles Dickens. Full of controversy, arguments and social insight. -

When a family catastrophe strikes, Lucy Snowe leaves England to teach English in a small Belgian town. Immediately after arriving in Villette, Lucy is drawn into the town's charm, adventure, and romance. Bronte's characteristic episodes of social challenges, meticulous creation of intimacy, and realism make 'Villette' a wonderfully passionate and psychological novel. Charlotte Bronte's unromantic view on the world around her, and her outspoken opinions make this novel perfect for fans of Virginia Woolf's 'Miss Dalloway'. -

What to expect when you're reading "e;Great Expectations"e; may sound like a sequel to the American pregnancy bible "e;What to Expect When You're Expecting"e; (1984), but for new readers whose familiarity with the novel might start and end with that one terribly received "e;South Park"e; (1997-) episode centered around it, it is intriguing to learn whether Dickens manages to eventually meet the eponymous expectations or crush them in a stroke of social commentary. Speaking of crushing expectations, this book will ultimately answer no such question - being part I of II. For now, meet Pip - a li'l orphan boy around the time of the War of 1812, 1812, with big aspirations despite him being used and abused both at home and on the street. Part I is mainly an introduction to the novel's large host of peculiar characters - one of the first being an escaped convict, and how they affect the lives of a pliable lad of modest means whose only crime it is to dream(!) A textbook coming-of-age story, "e;Great Expectations"e; is quite literally one of the great literary classics and has been adapted for film, television and stage numerous times... and at least one time too many (see above).-

Being Maupassant's second-published novel, "e;Bel Ami"e; follows the vile and corrupt rags-to-riches rise to power of Georges Duroy, a young man of endless opportunities, but easily corrupted by the shining facade of power. The protagonist's self-centred way of life involves his derogatory attitude towards women, sexual encounters, corrupt politicians, and money. The novel is a strong social critique of Maupassant against the egotistical urges in a money- and power-driven society. A Hollywood production came in 2012, starring Robert Pattinson and Uma Thurman. -

Timid Caroline Helstone could not be any more opposite to the lively Shirley Keeldar. Nor could their lives be any more dissimilar. Whilst Shirley has just inherited a local estate, Caroline is trapped in a bleak Yorkshire rectory. Using the Luddite uprisings as an oppressive backdrop for her story, Charlotte Bronte explores the consequences of the Napoleonic wars on the English industry. Her second novel offers a nuanced, realistic, and unromantic social commentary on nineteenth-century England. Its strong feminist message is an unmissable introduction to the classics for fans of novels such as Sally Nicholls' 'Things A Bright Girl Can Do'.-

There comes a time in the course of a battle when a soldier leaves his fate in the hands of the Gods of war. He carries on with the battle at hand, the only way he knows how - fight now, think later. Stephen Cranes’ classic novel ‘The Red Badge of Courage’ offers us an insight into the mind of a young soldier. As he delves into the black depths of both PTSD and trauma, Cranes’ striking descriptions and masterful prose make this captivating novel unmissable for fans of Jack London, John Steinbeck, and Edith Wharton. Stephen Crane (1871-1900) was an American naturalist writer and journalist. He began writing as a child, but quit in favour of journalism following the death of his parents. He wrote mainly for New York magazines and newspapers, with specific focus on life in the slums. He used this experience as a starting point for his first novel ‘Maggie: A Girl of the Streets’ (1893), but his breakthrough as an author did not come until his novel ‘The Red Badge for Courage’ (1895). He later became a war correspondent, dying of tuberculosis at the age of 28. His striking descriptions, captivating plots, and masterful prose make him perfect for fans of Jack London, John Steinbeck, and Edith Wharton.

In a series of biographical sketches, Stowe weaves a story of womanhood, describing Christianity's influence on the female image.This religious portrayal begins with the Biblical story of Abraham's wife Sarah, working its way up to the heroines of the New Testament, most notably King Herod's Daughter, Mary Magdalene and Mary, mother of Jesus.The book portrays the relentless spirit of females in everything they have had to endure and conquer throughout history. While at the same time creating a connection between these historical figures and modern day women in the exploration of themes such as family and identity.Preceding any modern feminist revolutions, Stowe's collection is a must read for anyone who wants to learn about the history and expectations of half the population: women. -

'Little Dorrit' is a highly personal novel by Charles Dickens that many critics state is one of his finest later works. The story revolves around Amy Dorrit, a kind-hearted young woman who resides in Marshalsea prison as her family cannot afford to pay their debts. Amy and her family's fortune changes as Arthur Clennam, a wealthy businessman, takes an interest in her family while attempting to solve a mystery about his lineage. 'Little Dorrit' is a sprawling family saga that involves unrequited love, blackmail, and a timeless rags-to-riches story with a twist. Dickens' celebrated social satire is displayed in this tale as he criticises the cruel prison system of Victorian England which his father spent many years in, unable to work or repay his debts. While this is a darker novel than Dickens' early work, it still entertains through its cast of comical characters and lyrical prose. A thrilling novel that is equally poignant and entertaining, 'Little Dorrit' is still as relevant today as when it was written and is a must-read for fans of Dickens and 'The Shawshank Redemption'.-

Nicknamed 'Burning Daylight', Harnish is a decent, hard-working, and honest man. One of the few men to ever make a fortune in Yukon, Canada, his life is comfortable and safe. However, as his attraction to the world of business grows and he moves to California, he begins to wonder if he made the right decision. Could a miner ever survive the cruel world of business, money, and corruption? Inspired by the life of miner Francis Marion Smith, 'Burning Daylight' is one of Jack London's most successful novels.-

'Hospital Sketches' is a collection of four sketches based on Alcott's time as a nurse for the Union during the American Civil War. The sketches follow Tribulation Periwinkle a bored city girl who decides against being a teacher, acting or getting married to instead serve on the front nursing the soldiers. It is a sensitive, heart-warming, humorous collection that made Alcott an overnight sensation. The horrors of war contrasted with the human goodness in these dark times make the collection incredibly compelling, creating an intelligent and remarkable insight in to the horrors of the civil war. It is a collection perfect for lovers of short stories and history buffs alike.-

E la vigilia di Natale a Londra e il rabbioso, infelice Ebenezer Scrooge e solo, senza la minima traccia di spirito natalizio. Non ha idea di quello che gli sta per succedere, di quali spettrali visitatori stanno per arrivare a insegnargli il vero significato delle feste. Un magico classico di Natale, questa commovente storia di Charles Dickens ha contribuito a dipingere le feste natalizie come una celebrazione della carita, della gentilezza, della riflessione. "e;Canto di Natale"e; e stato adattato innumerevoli volte, di cui due volte dalla Disney, e chiunque da Jim Carrey, Albert Finney e Michael Caine a Zio Paperone ha interpretato il miserabile vecchietto.-

An ancestors legacy. The promise of gold. The excitement of adventure. Who could resist? When young heir Francis Morgan receives an offer to hunt for the lost treasure of his ancestor, the pirate Henry Morgan, he seems to have hit the jackpot. It soon becomes clear, however, that Francis is in way over his head, and the promise of gold becomes the least exciting thing about this proposition. Written shortly before his death in 1920, Hearts of Three is one of Jack London's finest novels, unmissable for fans of classic adventure.-

'Jack and Jill' is a children's book set in a small New England town after the Civil War, following Jack and Jane, who are so close everybody calls them Jack and Jill, to mimic the old rhyme. One winter day the two suffer terrible injuries in a sledding accident and face a tremendous up-hill battle to recover. As they recover they are learning and growing as people, taking their first steps in to adulthood and leaving their childhood behind. It is an incredibly heart-warming story brimming with kindness and love, but it doesn't shy away from serious topics either, creating a powerful tale that highlights the importance of family and friends. It is a story perfect for family reading on a quiet night in, or anyone who wants to see a new take on the classic children's rhyme.-

Henrik Ibsens drama "Hedda Gabler" fra 1890 er et studie af en kvinde, som er stærkt optaget af at lykkes i det sociale liv. Hvor en anden af Ibsens store kvinderoller, Nora fra "Et dukkehjem", ti år tidligere fik øjnene op for borgerstandens hykleri og brød med mand og børn, bevæger hendes modsætning Hedda Gabler sig ind i denne verden med vidt åbne øjne og uden at gøre sig nogen illusioner om, at livet i det bedre borgerskab skulle kunne gøre hende lykkelig. Et valg, der selvfølgelig får tragiske konsekvenser.Den norske dramatiker og digter Henrik Ibsen (1828-1906) er én af de vigtigste forfattere i Det Moderne Gennembrud og regnes som grundlæggeren af det moderne drama med skuespil, der sætter den menneskelige psykologi i centrum og kredser om den fortid, det er så umuligt at flygte fra. Ibsen er verdensberømt for skuespil som "Et dukkehjem", "Peer Gynt" og "Hedda Gabler", men producerede i alt over tyve dramaer, der stadig opføres på teatre over hele verden.

"Present at a Hanging and Other Ghost Stories" features fifteen ghost and horror stories. Included in this collection are: "The Way of Ghosts", "Soldier Folk", "Some Haunted Houses" and "Mysterious Disappeances".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.

"The Monk and the Hangman's Daughter" tells the tale of 17th century monk Ambrosius, who meets a young girl named Benedicta, a hangman’s daughter, who is shunned by her community because of her father’s profession. A friendship develops between the two, and when the girl’s virtue gets corrupted, Ambrosius is ready to fight for her. It is a story of friendship, love, morality, and redemption.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.

The stories featured in this collection detail the lives of soldiers and civilians during the American Civil War. Bierce served as a union soldier during the Civil War and his experiences as a soldier served as an inspiration for his writing, particularly for the Soldiers section. In this way, Bierce's anticipates and parallels the work of Ernest Hemingway's, just as his civilian tales later influenced horror writers.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.

In this collection of satiric essays, Ambrose Bierce offers his provoking outlook on a series of subjects. This collection includes, "Civilization", "Immortality", "The Death Penalty", "The Gift o' Gab", "Natura Benigna", "Emancipated Woman", "A Mad World", and "Epigrams of a Cynic".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.

"Five Little Peppers Grown Up" continues the story of Ben, Polly, Joel, David, and Phronsie Pepper. Together with the Kings, the Whitneys, and other friends old and new, the Peppers learn and teach about life and love as they grow into adulthood.Margaret Sidney was the pen name of Harriett Mulford Lothrop, née Stone (1844-1924). She was first published at age 34, when two of her stories came out in the Boston children’s magazine "Wide Awake". Following their success, the editor asked her to write more. This led to the publication of her 12 book series "Five Little Peppers". She married her publisher Daniel Lothrop, and after his death, she ran his publishing firm. She later sold it so as to have more time to write, though the company kept publishing her work. Together, the couple had also bought the mansion "The Wayside" in Massachusetts, where both Louisa May Alcott and Nathaniel Hawthorne had previously lived. Sidney was a member of the Daughters of the American Revolution, and the founder of the Children of the American Revolution. She wrote over 30 novels.