Engelske bøger

The Western novel "Riders of the Purple Sage" continues in its sequel from 1915 "The Rainbow Trail". The novel depicts the difference between older Mormon community and new generation of Mormons who stand against the polygamy. John Shefford, a disillusioned preacher, hears the story of Jim Lassiter, Jane Withersteen and their foster daughter Fay Larkin, who have been stuck in the Surprise Valley for many years. Without even seeing Fay, John fells in love with her, and he decides to head out West and rescue her from the life of imprisonment.Will his mission be successful? What type of evil practice will he witness? Who will prevail in this battle between the generations?Pearl Zane Grey was an American author born in 1872. He is best known with his adventure novels which idealize the American frontier and which largely created a new genre called western. The novel "Riders of the Purple Sage", published in 1912, earned Grey wide popularity. The book turned to the author’s all-time-best seller and also one of the most successful Western novels. Zane Grey wrote more than 80 books which later inspired many Western writers who followed in Zane Grey’s footsteps.

Embarking upon a journey to discover the limits of one’s sanity and guilty conscience, "The Black Cat" is a perfect example of how no bad deed goes unpunished. Obsessively dark and violent, the story draws a psychological portrait of Poe’s own miserable life spent in depression and alcoholism. Together with the superstitious symbolism of the black cat, Poe’s narrative teems with guilt, violence, and dark portents. Similar to "The Tell-Tale Heart" and "The Cask of Amontillado", the story shows to what extent can man’s barbarity and viciousness go, and how dire the consequences for his sanity can be.Edgar Allan Poe (1809-1849) was an American poet, author, and literary critic. Most famous for his poetry, short stories, and tales of the supernatural, mysterious, and macabre, he is also regarded as the inventor of the detective genre and a contributor to the emergence of science fiction, dark romanticism, and weird fiction. His most famous works include "The Raven" (1945), "The Black Cat" (1943), and "The Gold-Bug" (1843).

After "e;Little Women's"e; immediate commercial and critical success readers demanded to know more about Meg, Jo, Beth and Amy. In "e;Good Wives"e;, Louisa May Alcott follows the dinamic life of the beloved March sisters and their further character development. The novel together with its sequels "e;Little Men"e;, and "e;Jo's Boys"e;, has been one of the most widely read in the world. It has inspired numerous adaptations including a 2019 movie starring Emma Watson with six Academy Award nominations.-

'John Barleycorn' is a deeply personal novel by Jack London. The book tells about London's own struggles and problems with alcohol and alcoholism. It is a touching story of a young, sensitive man, who loses his battle against spirits. London had the feeling that alcohol made him able to write the way he did, but at the same time it was one of the reasons why the extremely talented writer died at the age of only 40. The book is an honest overview of an alcoholic mind, in which London confesses that he is against spirits - even though he himself was not strong enough to resist the King alcohol. -

"e;Tales of Space and Time"e; is a collection of three short stories and two novellas that can easily be classified as a mixture of science fiction and fantasy. The author's vivid mind takes you to the very end of the universe and at the same time - to the very beginning of time. This constant oscillation between past, present, and future cements Wells' belief, often seasoned with some humour and satire, that human kind is much the same across different eras. The last story, for example, "e;The Man Who Could Work Miracles"e; shows how man's sloppiness can easily ruin even miracles.-

From the mysterious marriage in "e;Morella"e;, to the satirical and secretive vistas of "e;The Man That Was Used Up"e;, or the depressed Roderick Usher, the reader is facing the first volume of E. A. Poe's tales. Teeming with melancholy and vampirism, verging on the sanity's uttermost rim, Poe's characters often fall victims to supernatural happenings. Men wishing for their wife's deaths, doppelgangers and hollow men, or bargains with the Devil - all these elements reveal the need for Poe's protagonists to discuss, mock, and curse their (ab)normal predicaments. E. A. Poe's immortal heritage in the horror genre is unquestionable and if the reader is not quite familiar with the atmosphere depicted, they could always give Roger Corman's movies from the Poe cycle a try: "e;House of Usher"e; (1960), "e;Pit and the Pendulum"e; (1961), "e;The Tomb of Ligeia"e; (1964) - all starring Vincent Price. -

Everybody hates the refreshment room at the junction, it's terrible. But the staff is convinced that they're running a great operation. When their boss returns from abroad to report that in French refreshment rooms they actually accommodate the guests as best they can, serve them edible food and are nice in general, the staff is shocked.And so unfolds The Boy at Mugby, one of eight short stories in Mugby Junction written by Charles Dickens and a handful of other authors. The collection also includes the famous ghost story The Signal-Man, which the ninth Doctor Who, played by Christopher Eccleston, called "e;The best short story ever written."e;-

"His Dog" is a story about Link Ferris who finds an injured dog on his way home one evening. He knows nothing about dogs, but nurses it back to health and the two form a bond such as only can be formed between human and canine. Unable to locate the collie's owner, Link christens his dog 'Chum', the latter becoming invaluable in tending to the daily needs of his meager farm.Unknown to Ferris however, Chum's original owners have been looking for their lost collie, and the story finds Link torn between that which he knows is morally right and his love for what he believes has become his dog. Albert Payson Terhune (1872 – 1942) was an American writer, journalist and dog breeder. He studied at Columbia University where he graduated with a Bachelor in Arts. As well as dog breeding, he also took part in boxing matches, and was a member of the Adventure’s Club of New York. He wrote a series of dog-focuses stories and novels, including the 1919 "Lad: A Dog". His novels were popular with both adults and children, and have inspired countless writers and screenwriters after him. His New Jersey estate, Sunnybank, still stands to this day and is maintained is in his memory.

‘Scruff’ McKenzie is a gold prospector and a practical man. If he wants a thing, he usually gets it. But when McKenzie lays his eyes on Zarinska, the daughter of the local indigenous chief, he might not get what he wants – as the Tanana tribe’s shaman is full of white men stealing their women.'The Son of the Wolf' is a short story by Jack London. The story takes place in Yukon, Canada.Jack London (1876–1916) was an American writer and social activist. He grew up in the working class, but became a worldwide celebrity and one of the highest paid authors of his time. He wrote several novels, which are considered classics today, among these 'Call of the Wild', 'Sea Wolf' and 'White Fang'.

"The silence was unbroken. I looked round, and the five couriers were gone: so noiselessly that the ghostly mountains might have absorbed them into its eternal snows."Thought recently married, the honeymoon fase of a young English couple is disrupted by the bride’s haunting dreams. Every time she closes her eyes, the vision of a dark and remarkable-looking man with a mysterious air appears before her. He says nothing. He does nothing. He just looks at her. One day the bride’s husband brings home a new acquaintance, an Italian man named Dellombra. And he looks precisely as the man of the bride’s nightmares.To Be Read at Dusk is an excellent and atmospheric ghost story, written by the best in the business.Charles Dickens (1812-1870) was an English author, social critic, and philanthropist. Much of his writing first appeared in small instalments in magazines and was widely popular. Among his most famous novels are Oliver Twist (1839), David Copperfield (1850), and Great Expectations (1861).

"Halloa! Below there!"Unable to sleep one cold winter’s night, a gentleman wanders aimlessly around the countryside and comes across the dark mouth of a railway tunnel. There he spots an old signal-man, but when he calls out to him the old man is unresponsive. Managing to convince the signal-man that he means no harm, the old man invites him to his small, lonely shack. There, the gentleman learns a horrifying secret. But how well can he really trust the old Signal-Man?The Signal-Man is a masterful ghost story which has been adapted for TV and radio several times. In a Doctor Who episode from 2005 called The Unquiet Dead, the Doctor, played by Christopher Eccleston, called it "The best short story ever written."Charles Dickens (1812-1870) was an English author, social critic, and philanthropist. Much of his writing first appeared in small instalments in magazines and was widely popular. Among his most famous novels are Oliver Twist (1839), David Copperfield (1850), and Great Expectations (1861).

While some try to get out of prison, Soapy, the only character in O. Henry’s short story, tries to get into it. Soapy is a homeless guy who prefers the warm cell to the cold night under the New York sky. He does everything he can think of in order to draw the attention of the police. However without any success. Until he hears a magical organ anthem.How will this story develop? Will Soapy manage to get into jail or he will find another way to sort out his life?"The Cop and the Anthem" is a comical short story with a touch of irony which emphatically presents the lower class and the obstacles man has to face.William Sidney Porter (1862-1919), known simply as O. Henry, was a prolific American author of humorous literary pieces. His fame came exceptionally quickly and he became a bestselling author of short story collections, among the most famous being "Cabbages and Kings", "The Voice of the City", and "Strictly Business." As a result of the outstanding literature legacy that O. Henry left behind, there is an American annual award after his name, given to exceptional short stories.

"Bruce" charts the story of an unwanted puppy who becomes loved by the mistress of the family. He is then enlisted as a carrier dog in World War I, completing heroic tasks and coming home a war hero. Albert Payson Terhune (1872 – 1942) was an American writer, journalist and dog breeder. He studied at Columbia University where he graduated with a Bachelor in Arts. As well as dog breeding, he also took part in boxing matches, and was a member of the Adventure’s Club of New York. He wrote a series of dog-focuses stories and novels, including the 1919 "Lad: A Dog". His novels were popular with both adults and children, and have inspired countless writers and screenwriters after him. His New Jersey estate, Sunnybank, still stands to this day and is maintained is in his memory.

Jean-Marie is a young boy, left homeless after the death of his previous protector. Doctor Desprez and his wife, the beautiful Anastasie, live in a French district called Gretz. They decide to adopt the boy and do their best to rehabilitate and educate him, whilst Desprez tries to regain his place in society.Will the couple succeed with the young Jean, or Doctor Desprez’s desire for wealth is going to ruin everything? Will the boy be able to adapt to his new family? Maybe he would prefer life on the street?This short story of philosophy, morality, family life and wealth is published in 1883.Robert Louis Stevenson (1850 – 1894) was a Scottish novelist, poet and travel writer. For most of his life, Stevenson suffered from serious bronchial trouble, but kept on travelling and writing. One of his first titles is "Treasure Island", which is among his most popular novels, along with "Strange Case of Dr Jekyll and Mr Hyde", "Kidnapped" and "A Child’s Garden of Verses". Stevenson’s works have been admired by many other authors.

Pearl buyer Charley has just boarded Petite Jeanne, a ship that is supposed to sail from Rangiroa to Tahiti. Charley starts to worry when some of the passengers get a smallpox – and die because of it. Soon, however, smallpox doesn’t seem like such a big problem as there is a hurricane ahead.Charley ends up in the sea with a Kanaka called Otoo – and their survival is a start of a beautiful friendship.‘The Heathen’ is a short story by Jack London.Jack London (1876–1916) was an American writer and social activist. He grew up in the working class, but became a worldwide celebrity and one of the highest paid authors of his time. He wrote several novels, which are considered classics today, among these 'Call of the Wild', 'Sea Wolf' and 'White Fang'.

"It is a grand thing to be mad"A rich, self-confessed madman meets a poor girl and, wishing to marry her, he puts on a "normal" persona and a fake smile. The girl’s family pushes her into his arms, but when the madman finds out that she is in love with someone else his true colours start to show.Similar to Joker (2019) starring Joaquin Phoenix, A Madman's Manuscript gives us an understanding of the inner workings of a seriously delusional and mentally ill person. Unnerving but very fascinating.Charles Dickens (1812-1870) was an English author, social critic, and philanthropist. Much of his writing first appeared in small instalments in magazines and was widely popular. Among his most famous novels are Oliver Twist (1839), David Copperfield (1850), and Great Expectations (1861).

"Can you suppose there's any harm in looking as cheerful and being as cheerful as our poor circumstances will permit?"Nell is a 14-year-old orphan girl who lives with her caring grandfather in his little shop of odds and ends. Though Nell doesn’t complain, she is lonely and friendless. What she doesn’t realise is that her grandfather is trying to secure her an inheritance through gambling. And when he is unable to pay his debts to the cruel moneylender Daniel Quilp, they are evicted from the shop.The heart-breaking story of Nell and Her Grandfather was an instant bestseller in Dickens’ time, and Queen Victoria called it "very interesting and cleverly written."Charles Dickens (1812-1870) was an English author, social critic, and philanthropist. Much of his writing first appeared in small instalments in magazines and was widely popular. Among his most famous novels are Oliver Twist (1839), David Copperfield (1850), and Great Expectations (1861).

Emil Gluck was a scientific genius, who had just gone to the electric chair because of the terrible, terrible things he had done between the years 1933 and 1941. However, life had not always been easy for Gluck – and the narrator can somehow understand why the maltreated genius ended doing what he did...'The enemy of all the world' is Jack London’s exciting short story of a mad scientist who invented something that he should never have invented.Jack London (1876–1916) was an American writer and social activist. He grew up in the working class, but became a worldwide celebrity and one of the highest paid authors of his time. He wrote several novels, which are considered classics today, among these 'Call of the Wild', 'Sea Wolf' and 'White Fang'.

"Lad: A God" was first published in 1919. It is made up of twelve short-stories, inspired by Terhune’s real-life Rough Collie, Lad. Through his dog’s fictional adventures, Terhune expresses his opinions on breeding and parenting. The book was a major hit, and has gone through multiple reprints. The twelves stories making up this novel are: "His Mate", "Quiet", "A Miracle or Two", "His Little Son", "For a Bit of Ribbon", "Lost!", "The Throwback", "The Golden Hat", "Speaking of Utility", "The Killer", "Wolf", and "In the Day of Battle".Albert Payson Terhune (1872 – 1942) was an American writer, journalist and dog breeder. He studied at Columbia University where he graduated with a Bachelor in Arts. As well as dog breeding, he also took part in boxing matches, and was a member of the Adventure’s Club of New York. He wrote a series of dog-focuses stories and novels, including the 1919 "Lad: A Dog". His novels were popular with both adults and children, and have inspired countless writers and screenwriters after him. His New Jersey estate, Sunnybank, still stands to this day and is maintained is in his memory.

A dog, named Lovey, tells us the story of his unpleasant mistress and dear owner. A couple in love struggle to find money for Christmas gifts for each other. Another married couple sacrifices their art and dreams in the name of love. A homeless guy tries badly to get himself into jail. Another poor man devotes his days to finding the girl he fell in love with at first sight.O. Henry’s second collection of stories "The Four Million" gives us the possibility to immerse ourselves in these tales about love and sacrifices, struggles and appreciation. The plot twists will however make you doubt how the story will develop until you reach the very last page.William Sidney Porter (1862-1919), known simply as O. Henry, was a prolific American author of humorous literary pieces. His fame came exceptionally quickly and he became a bestselling author of short story collections, among the most famous being "Cabbages and Kings", "The Voice of the City", and "Strictly Business." As a result of the outstanding literature legacy that O. Henry left behind, there is an American annual award after his name, given to exceptional short stories.

From time immemorial, men have trembled and withered before the power of the femme fatale. "Ligeia" is a story about a man, whose meeting with a strange, beautiful, and overly intellectual woman in an old city borders on the supernatural and even further into the realms of the unknown. Touching upon subjects like forbidden knowledge and bizarre beauty, Poe’s story serves as an example of what awaits men who are easily led astray and then lost in the labyrinthine vistas of female beauty. Famous movie adaptations include Alfred Hitchcock’s "Vertigo" (1958) and Roger Corman’s "The Tomb of Ligeia" (1964).Edgar Allan Poe (1809-1849) was an American poet, author, and literary critic. Most famous for his poetry, short stories, and tales of the supernatural, mysterious, and macabre, he is also regarded as the inventor of the detective genre and a contributor to the emergence of science fiction, dark romanticism, and weird fiction. His most famous works include "The Raven" (1945), "The Black Cat" (1943), and "The Gold-Bug" (1843).

In 1902 writer Jack London moved to live in the slums of East End of London. London could not understand the world where people, who produced the goods, lived in misery, whereas the factory owners lived in wealth. It was not right – but London could do nothing more than write about it.'The People of the Abyss' is an intriguing book about London’s observations and political thinking. He tried to live the life of a local poor – and sometimes even slept on the streets.Jack London (1876–1916) was an American writer and social activist. He grew up in the working class, but became a worldwide celebrity and one of the highest paid authors of his time. He wrote several novels, which are considered classics today, among these 'Call of the Wild', 'Sea Wolf' and 'White Fang'.

A gold prospector Mason, his wife Ruth and their friend Malemute Kid have noticed that their dogs are getting vicious – the dogs watch every food bite they take enviously. Life of a gold prospector is not easy, and it is definitely not easy for their dogs either.However, soon the dogs seem like a secondary problem – Mason has to give up his biggest dream and Malamute Kid has to make a decision no man would ever want to make.'The White Silence' is an exciting short story by Jack London.Jack London (1876–1916) was an American writer and social activist. He grew up in the working class, but became a worldwide celebrity and one of the highest paid authors of his time. He wrote several novels, which are considered classics today, among these 'Call of the Wild', 'Sea Wolf' and 'White Fang'.

Cyril, Anthea, Robert and Jane are "the sort of people that wonderful things happen to." And the children have yet more adventures ahead of them. Following up on "Five Children and It" and "The Phoenix and the Carpet", they once again meet the wish-granting Psammead fairy. This time, he guides them to an ancient Amulet that will help them find their hearts' desire, but it is only half an amulet, and the search for the other half will have them whizzing about through time.Edith Nesbit Bland (1858-1924) was a British author, activist and poet, who published an extensive amount of children’s books under the pen name "E. Nesbit", which are still widely read today. Amongst her most famous novels are "The Railway Children," "The Story of the Treasure Seekers," and "Five Children and It".

When Mr. Julius Slinkton walks into Mr. Sampson’s insurance office to fetch some forms for his friend, Sampson has a strange suspicion that something isn’t quite right. And when Slinkton continues to pop up in his life at random it’s starts to dawn on Sampson that a gruesome crime is about to be committed. Before long, Sampson’s entangled in a mess that might cost him his life.Told in the first person, Hunted Down is similar to the writing of Dickens’ friend, author Wilkie Collins, whose novel The Moonstone (1868) is considered the first modern English detective novel. With a masterful portrayal of character, intriguing mystery and insightful description, Dickens certainly excels in the detective genre.Charles Dickens (1812-1870) was an English author, social critic, and philanthropist. Much of his writing first appeared in small instalments in magazines and was widely popular. Among his most famous novels are Oliver Twist (1839), David Copperfield (1850), and Great Expectations (1861).

"How do you do, ma'am?" said the captain. "I am very glad to see you. I have come a long way to see you."Who hasn’t dreamt of finding an old bottle between rocks on a beach somewhere, and seeing it has a rolled-up letter inside it? A Message from the Sea is a fairy tale by Charles Dickens and it tells the story of an American captain who travels a long way to deliver a message he found in at bottle to a family in a small English fishing village. It’s a refreshing and happy read in which the impossible happens.Charles Dickens (1812-1870) was an English author, social critic, and philanthropist. Much of his writing first appeared in small instalments in magazines and was widely popular. Among his most famous novels are Oliver Twist (1839), David Copperfield (1850), and Great Expectations (1861).

After beating up a little boy on Christmas Eve – as you do – Gabriel Grub, a grumpy and mean-spirited gravedigger, goes to dig a grave in the churchyard. His work is interrupted when goblins come by to show him what a nasty and spiteful fellow he is.The Goblins Who Stole a Sexton is a quick and festive read which appeared in Charles Dickens’ first novel, The Pickwick Papers, Britain’s first publishing phenomenon. It’s a haunting and imaginative short story and readers familiar with Dickens will find many parallels to A Christmas Carol.Charles Dickens (1812-1870) was an English author, social critic, and philanthropist. Much of his writing first appeared in small instalments in magazines and was widely popular. Among his most famous novels are Oliver Twist (1839), David Copperfield (1850), and Great Expectations (1861).

You lose something. And only then you appreciate it. John Perkins has a peaceful and lovely life with his wife Katy. They live in a seeming harmony. However things turn upside down when one evening John comes home only to find it empty. Why is Katy gone? What has happened? John realizes how many important things he has lost, the most important of all – his precious Katy. Only if she could come back. Everything would be different and John would value her so much more. But will he actually?"The Pendulum" swings back and forth. It is up to John to grab the moment and appreciate it. Because some things cannot be reversed and only the regret is left.William Sidney Porter (1862-1919), known simply as O. Henry, was a prolific American author of humorous literary pieces. His fame came exceptionally quickly and he became a bestselling author of short story collections, among the most famous being "Cabbages and Kings", "The Voice of the City", and "Strictly Business." As a result of the outstanding literature legacy that O. Henry left behind, there is an American annual award after his name, given to exceptional short stories.

Inspired by Poe’s own tragic life, the short story clearly presages Freud’s method of psychoanalysis. In a very Fight-club-like plot and situations, "William Wilson" is a journey within the mind. Some sixty years prior to Freud’s clinical work and theoretical developments, Poe’s story is an example of the rise of the psychological genre in literature.A fruitful, and at the same time paranoid, the theme of the doppelganger runs strong in Edgar Allan Poe’s fiction. From "The Fall of the House of Usher" to "Morella" and "Ligeia", Poe’s characters are constantly harassed by conscious entities that mirror the chaos within the protagonists’ unconscious. The influence of "William Wilson" can be felt in the proliferation of contemporary movies exploring the idea of the double, such as Hitchcock’s "Vertigo" (1958), Basil Dearden’s "The Man Who Haunted Himself" (1970) or Darren Aronofsky’s "Black Swan" (2010).Edgar Allan Poe (1809-1849) was an American poet, author, and literary critic. Most famous for his poetry, short stories, and tales of the supernatural, mysterious, and macabre, he is also regarded as the inventor of the detective genre and a contributor to the emergence of science fiction, dark romanticism, and weird fiction. His most famous works include "The Raven" (1945), "The Black Cat" (1943), and "The Gold-Bug" (1843).

C. Auguste Dupin, the amateur detective from "The Murders in the Rue Morgue" and "The Mystery of Marie Roget" returns for the last time to solve a mystery involving a stolen letter, some blackmail, and the queen. In a series of fortunate and elaborate endeavours, Poe’s third detective story is an example of how professionals do not always have all the answers, and that from time to time one needs to think outside the box. The result is a complex situation that is resolved through clever and rational methods, illustrating Poe’s predisposition to mockery and simplicity.Edgar Allan Poe (1809-1849) was an American poet, author, and literary critic. Most famous for his poetry, short stories, and tales of the supernatural, mysterious, and macabre, he is also regarded as the inventor of the detective genre and a contributor to the emergence of science fiction, dark romanticism, and weird fiction. His most famous works include "The Raven" (1945), "The Black Cat" (1943), and "The Gold-Bug" (1843).