Engelske bøger

Palace intrigues abound in the story of the first calender, a wandering Sufi of royal birth: on a visit to his uncle’s kingdom, the young prince is sworn to secrecy by his cousin, who then disappears; on his return home, he finds that his father has been overthrown by the grand-vizir, who harbours a special grudge against the prince. The mystery of his cousin’s disappearance and his escape from the treacherous vizir are revealed in this, the eleventh of 34 tales in the classic "Arabian Nights" collection translated by Andrew Lang.A treasure-trove of timeless stories, the One Thousand and One Nights or Arabian Nights have been loved, imitated, and added to over many centuries. Similar to the fairy tales collected by the Brothers Grimm, the Arabian Nights are drawn from the folklore of India, Iran and the Middle East, and were collected in Arabic versions throughout the medieval period; others were added as recently as the eighteenth century. These stories of the exotic East have been popularised for new generations by film adaptations such as Disney’s Aladdin, starring Robin Williams and Gilbert Gottfried in 1992, and Will Smith in 2019, and Dreamworks’ Sinbad, starring Brad Pitt and Michelle Pfeiffer. They continue to inspire writers as varied as Marcel Proust and Neil Gaiman, while numerous Bollywood and manga versions attest to their popularity around the world. These stories of magic, adventure and romance have shaped readers’ imaginations for generations, and are sure to be retold for years to come.This selection was translated by Andrew Lang from the French versions by Antoine Galland, who was the first to include the stories of Aladdin and Ali Baba. Born in Scotland in 1844, Lang was a scholar of ancient Greek, a journalist, historian, novelist and poet, and the author of 25 popular collections of fairy tales; his edition of the Arabian Nights’ Entertainment was published in 1898. He became a Fellow of the British Academy in 1906, and died in 1912.

‘The Vital Message’ is an essay on spiritualism by famous ‘Sherlock Holmes’ author Sir Arthur Conan Doyle. Doyle had publicly professed his belief in spiritualism many years earlier and was a keen proponent of the movement despite much public opposition and ridicule. In this essay, Doyle lays out his thoughts on religion and Christianity. He details his absolute belief in spiritualism through case studies and his own personal experiences. A fascinating insight into the world-renowned author.Sir Arthur Conan Doyle (1859-1930) was a British author, best known as the creator of the world-famous detective Sherlock Holmes. Born in Edinburgh, he was educated in England and Austria before studying medicine at the University of Edinburgh. It was during his time at university that Doyle began writing short stories, submitting them to magazines and journals. His first Sherlock Holmes novel, ‘A Study in Scarlet’ was written in just three weeks and published in 1887 to favourable reviews, and more Sherlock adventures followed. By 1893, Doyle was growing tired of Sherlock and attempted to kill him off in the story ‘The Final Problem’, but public outcry caused him to resurrect the famous detective. He featured in a total of 56 short stories and four novels along with his trusty sidekick Dr Watson and made Doyle one of the best-paid authors of the time. The stories have been adapted multiple times; most recently in the successful BBC series ‘Sherlock’ starring Benedict Cumberbatch and Martin Freeman. Later literary works included the Professor Challenger series which began with ‘The Lost World’, in which Challenger sets out to find evidence of prehistoric life. The book inspired numerous adaptations, including the films ‘Jurassic Park’ and ‘The Lost World’. In later life Doyle became captivated by the world of spiritualism and the occult and published non-fiction works about his beliefs including ‘The Coming of the Fairies’. Arthur Conan Doyle died at home in 1930.

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."

An old man leads a deer that appears completely tame; stranger still, he claims that it is really his wife. Nor is she the first of his household to have been turned into an animal: her current state is poetic justice for her own jealous actions. A story of magic and metamorphosis, "The Story of the First Old Man and of the Hind" is the third of 34 tales in the classic Arabian Nights collection translated by Andrew Lang.A treasure-trove of timeless stories, the One Thousand and One Nights or Arabian Nights have been loved, imitated, and added to over many centuries. Similar to the fairy tales collected by the Brothers Grimm, the Arabian Nights are drawn from the folklore of India, Iran and the Middle East, and were collected in Arabic versions throughout the medieval period; others were added as recently as the eighteenth century. These stories of the exotic East have been popularised for new generations by film adaptations such as Disney’s Aladdin, starring Robin Williams and Gilbert Gottfried in 1992, and Will Smith in 2019, and Dreamworks’ Sinbad, starring Brad Pitt and Michelle Pfeiffer. They continue to inspire writers as varied as Marcel Proust and Neil Gaiman, while numerous Bollywood and manga versions attest to their popularity around the world. These stories of magic, adventure and romance have shaped readers’ imaginations for generations, and are sure to be retold for years to come.This selection was translated by Andrew Lang from the French versions by Antoine Galland, who was the first to include the stories of Aladdin and Ali Baba. Born in Scotland in 1844, Lang was a scholar of ancient Greek, a journalist, historian, novelist and poet, and the author of 25 popular collections of fairy tales; his edition of the Arabian Nights’ Entertainment was published in 1898. He became a Fellow of the British Academy in 1906, and died in 1912.

‘The Buffalo Runners’ is a pioneering adventure story by prolific author R.M. Ballantyne. Set in Canada, a country where Ballantyne had lived, worked, and adventured as a young man, the story is full of realistic details no doubt drawn from the author’s own experiences. The tale centres around a new settlement which is trying to establish itself in a hostile and as yet unsettled part of Canada. The community must contend with all sorts of dangers – from plagues of locusts, to kidnappings and famine - this is an adventure story full of the extremes of pioneer life.R.M. Ballantyne (1825-1894) was a Scottish artist and prolific author of mostly children’s fiction. Born in Edinburgh, Ballantyne was the ninth of ten children. At the age of 16 Ballantyne moved to Canada, where he worked for the Hudson’s Bay Company, travelling all over the country to trade for fur. He returned to Scotland in 1847 following the death of his father, and it was then that he began his literary career in earnest, writing over 100 children’s adventure books over the course of his life. Stories such as ‘The Coral Island’ and ‘The Young Fur Traders’ were hugely popular, and many of them drew on his own experiences of travelling throughout Canada. A stickler for detail, Ballantyne continued to travel widely to research the backgrounds and settings for his exciting stories. His tales became an inspiration for authors of the future, including ‘Treasure Island’ novelist Robert Louis Stevenson. Ballantyne spent the latter period of his life living in London and Italy for the sake of his health. He died in Rome in 1894 at the age of 68.

First published in 1867, ‘Fighting the Flames’ by R.M. Ballantyne is set against the backdrop of the busy and newly formed London Fire Brigade. Recent recruit Frank Wilders is proving himself to be something of a hero of the brigade as he bravely faces all sorts of dangerous situations, making his mischievous younger brother Willie incredibly proud. Through the brothers story we encounter a range of fascinating characters as the London Fire Brigade touches the lives of people from all reaches of society. An intriguing, charming tale from the popular author.R.M. Ballantyne (1825-1894) was a Scottish artist and prolific author of mostly children’s fiction. Born in Edinburgh, Ballantyne was the ninth of ten children. At the age of 16 Ballantyne moved to Canada, where he worked for the Hudson’s Bay Company, travelling all over the country to trade for fur. He returned to Scotland in 1847 following the death of his father, and it was then that he began his literary career in earnest, writing over 100 children’s adventure books over the course of his life. Stories such as ‘The Coral Island’ and ‘The Young Fur Traders’ were hugely popular, and many of them drew on his own experiences of travelling throughout Canada. A stickler for detail, Ballantyne continued to travel widely to research the backgrounds and settings for his exciting stories. His tales became an inspiration for authors of the future, including ‘Treasure Island’ novelist Robert Louis Stevenson. Ballantyne spent the latter period of his life living in London and Italy for the sake of his health. He died in Rome in 1894 at the age of 68.

A precocious take on the science fiction genre well before it rose to prominence - 'The Inheritors' single-handedly tackles the complex themes of corruption, social matters and traditionalism versus the encroachment of the technological age. Conrad successfully does so while describing the Inheritors as inter-dimensional beings that bear a close resemblance to modern-day terrorists as they aspire to a violent and chaotic takeover of the world.Social and colonial critique is intricately spun into the storyline with particularly potent criticism of humanity's greed and easily corruptible condition.A highly recommended read for those interested in classical novels that proffer a unique and enticing glimpse into the essence of life itself as viewed through a kaleidoscope of various contemporary issues.Joseph Conrad’s work and his compact, realist style went on to influence many noteworthy writers, including 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 the UK. His most famous novel is ‘Heart of Darkness’ (1899), which was inspired by his experiences on the open sea.

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.

Young Jeffry Childers is an inquisitive, curious young boy with a keen interest in science and explosives. His experiments with explosions and torpedo designs get him into all kinds of trouble, but when war breaks out Jeffry finds himself caught up in the heart of it. An exciting and intriguing tale from the prolific author R.M. Ballantyne.R.M. Ballantyne (1825-1894) was a Scottish artist and prolific author of mostly children’s fiction. Born in Edinburgh, Ballantyne was the ninth of ten children. At the age of 16 Ballantyne moved to Canada, where he worked for the Hudson’s Bay Company, travelling all over the country to trade for fur. He returned to Scotland in 1847 following the death of his father, and it was then that he began his literary career in earnest, writing over 100 children’s adventure books over the course of his life. Stories such as ‘The Coral Island’ and ‘The Young Fur Traders’ were hugely popular, and many of them drew on his own experiences of travelling throughout Canada. A stickler for detail, Ballantyne continued to travel widely to research the backgrounds and settings for his exciting stories. His tales became an inspiration for authors of the future, including ‘Treasure Island’ novelist Robert Louis Stevenson. Ballantyne spent the latter period of his life living in London and Italy for the sake of his health. He died in Rome in 1894 at the age of 68.

Edgar Wallace was well-known for his passion for war fiction, no doubt inspired by his time as a journalist covering the Second Boer War. Wallace took his obsession with alternate realities to task in creating this stunning novel which imagines the world ten years after the First World War, where Germany is intent on breaking an uneasy peace. Rather prophetic. In this reality the Allies do not wait to be struck first and instead concoct a plan to draw the German army out, leaving their homeland completely defenceless. It is an incredibly fascinating read perfect for anyone who enjoyed ‘The Man in the High Castle’ or the YouTube series on ‘Alternate History Hub’.Edgar Wallace (1875-1932) was an English writer, poet and journalist. He was such a prolific writer that his publisher claimed his work could account for a quarter of all books sold in England. He wrote countless books, screenplays, poems and historical non-fiction, spawning over one hundred and sixty films based on his work. He unfortunately passed away suddenly before he could see his most famous creation ‘King Kong’ come to life. It has been adapted several times over the years, notably by Peter Jackson of Lord of the Rings fame, and more recently in ‘Godzilla vs Kong’ starring Millie Bobby Brown.

The prince of the Black Isles and the inhabitants of his city have suffered under the magical power of his cousin, whom he married not knowing she was an enchantress—until the sultan from "The Story of the Vizir Who Was Punished" comes to the prince’s aid. Completing the cycle of tales that began with "The Story of the Fisherman", this is the eighth of 34 tales in the classic "Arabian Nights" collection translated by Andrew Lang.A treasure-trove of timeless stories, the One Thousand and One Nights or Arabian Nights have been loved, imitated, and added to over many centuries. Similar to the fairy tales collected by the Brothers Grimm, the Arabian Nights are drawn from the folklore of India, Iran and the Middle East, and were collected in Arabic versions throughout the medieval period; others were added as recently as the eighteenth century. These stories of the exotic East have been popularised for new generations by film adaptations such as Disney’s Aladdin, starring Robin Williams and Gilbert Gottfried in 1992, and Will Smith in 2019, and Dreamworks’ Sinbad, starring Brad Pitt and Michelle Pfeiffer. They continue to inspire writers as varied as Marcel Proust and Neil Gaiman, while numerous Bollywood and manga versions attest to their popularity around the world. These stories of magic, adventure and romance have shaped readers’ imaginations for generations, and are sure to be retold for years to come.This selection was translated by Andrew Lang from the French versions by Antoine Galland, who was the first to include the stories of Aladdin and Ali Baba. Born in Scotland in 1844, Lang was a scholar of ancient Greek, a journalist, historian, novelist and poet, and the author of 25 popular collections of fairy tales; his edition of the Arabian Nights’ Entertainment was published in 1898. He became a Fellow of the British Academy in 1906, and died in 1912.

It’s Christmas morning and Jack Frost and his sons Colonel Wind and Major Snow are causing havoc in the streets of London – their bitter winds and cold assaulting everyone they encounter. In the midst of this freezing wintry weather, siblings Tom and Matty decide to head out to bring Christmas cheer to one and all. A charming festive tale by children’s author R.M. Ballantyne.R.M. Ballantyne (1825-1894) was a Scottish artist and prolific author of mostly children’s fiction. Born in Edinburgh, Ballantyne was the ninth of ten children. At the age of 16 Ballantyne moved to Canada, where he worked for the Hudson’s Bay Company, travelling all over the country to trade for fur. He returned to Scotland in 1847 following the death of his father, and it was then that he began his literary career in earnest, writing over 100 children’s adventure books over the course of his life. Stories such as ‘The Coral Island’ and ‘The Young Fur Traders’ were hugely popular, and many of them drew on his own experiences of travelling throughout Canada. A stickler for detail, Ballantyne continued to travel widely to research the backgrounds and settings for his exciting stories. His tales became an inspiration for authors of the future, including ‘Treasure Island’ novelist Robert Louis Stevenson. Ballantyne spent the latter period of his life living in London and Italy for the sake of his health. He died in Rome in 1894 at the age of 68.

Monsters created in laboratories, love triangles, pirate attacks, shipwrecks and damsels in distress. Arthur Maxon has way too much to deal with, but ultimately he bought it all on himself!'The Monster Men' is a science-fiction novel by Edgar Rice Burroughs that depicts a scientist (Maxon) who wants to create artificial life. Set in the South Pacific, the story very much resembles H. G. Wells’ 'The Island of Dr. Moreau' and even Shelley’s 'Frankenstein'.Burroughs explores the social theme of racial bettering, also known as eugenics, and the moral theme of having a soul. A work of vast imagination, fast-paced narration, and suspense-packed episodes, 'The Monster Men' is a gem in Burroughs’ fictional pantheon, recommended to fans of sci-fi and adventure fiction.Edgar Rice Burroughs (1875-1950) was an American author, best known for his novel ‘Tarzan of the Apes’ (1914) and its sequels as well as the Barsoom series. During World War II, he was one of the oldest U.S war correspondents.Tarzan and his adventures are loved by both young and old, and are evergreen classics. Many have watched at least one Tarzan tv series or movie with the most popular probably being the Disney animation film from 1999 and 'The Legend of Tarzan' from 2016 starring Alexander Skarsgård and Samuel L. Jackson.

‘The Council of Justice’ is the second book in the ‘Four Just Men’ universe, which follows a group of wealthy vigilantes doling out justice. In this entry the vigilante group must face down the Red Hundred, a Bolshevik terrorist cell intent on wreaking havoc in London. However the Councils plans are thrown off the rails when one of their members is arrested by the very people they are fighting to protect. It is a roaring short packed with action, from assassinations to jail breaks and everything in between. If you loved Alexander Dumas’ ‘The Three Musketeers’ you’ll love this explosive short story.Edgar Wallace (1875-1932) was an English writer, poet and journalist. He was such a prolific writer that his publisher claimed his work could account for a quarter of all books sold in England. He wrote countless books, screenplays, poems and historical non-fiction, spawning over one hundred and sixty films based on his work. He unfortunately passed away suddenly before he could see his most famous creation ‘King Kong’ come to life. It has been adapted several times over the years, notably by Peter Jackson of Lord of the Rings fame, and more recently in ‘Godzilla vs Kong’ starring Millie Bobby Brown.

‘The Battle and the Breeze’ is a historical adventure story from the much-loved children’s author R.M. Ballantyne. Bill Bowls is a member of the British Navy, along with friends Ben Bolter and Tom Riggles. Together the trio find themselves caught up in all kinds of incidents whilst serving with the Navy, and even find themselves involved in the infamous Battle of the Nile, in which the British forces under Admiral Nelson engaged in a terrifying battle with the French. A fascinating and gripping tale from the prolific Scottish author.R.M. Ballantyne (1825-1894) was a Scottish artist and prolific author of mostly children’s fiction. Born in Edinburgh, Ballantyne was the ninth of ten children. At the age of 16 Ballantyne moved to Canada, where he worked for the Hudson’s Bay Company, travelling all over the country to trade for fur. He returned to Scotland in 1847 following the death of his father, and it was then that he began his literary career in earnest, writing over 100 children’s adventure books over the course of his life. Stories such as ‘The Coral Island’ and ‘The Young Fur Traders’ were hugely popular, and many of them drew on his own experiences of travelling throughout Canada. A stickler for detail, Ballantyne continued to travel widely to research the backgrounds and settings for his exciting stories. His tales became an inspiration for authors of the future, including ‘Treasure Island’ novelist Robert Louis Stevenson. Ballantyne spent the latter period of his life living in London and Italy for the sake of his health. He died in Rome in 1894 at the age of 68.

When feisty chambermaid, Annora, is imprisoned in a dungeon for striking her noble lord and master, she wastes no time in formulating a plan to escape. Unfortunately, that plan involves bringing her odious, yet undeniably handsome, fellow prisoner, Henry Percille, along with her.Before long, desire overcomes irritation and the cracks in Henry’s armour begin to expose the man he truly is. He may be a monster, but it would take nothing less to tempt her.Henry Percille, the disgraced champion once known as the Dragon, has sat in the dungeons for ten years, haunted by his crimes. But when a foul-tempered chambermaid is thrown into the opposite cell, he finds not only freedom, but also his match.Annora is grumpy, vicious, and undeniably beautiful - and he can’t seem to convince himself to be rid of her no matter how hard he tries. When danger closes in, Henry becomes all that stands between her and the nobleman who wants them both dead. He must choose between vengeance or his glorious harpy- the woman he burns for.***The Harpy and the Dragon is the 4th book in the "Hearts of Blackmere" series but can be read as a standalone. Part of Marie Lipscomb's "Plus-sized Happily Ever Afters", "The Harpy and the Dragon" is a slow-burn, enemies to lovers, steamy historical romance.Marie Lipscomb is a romance author from the north of England. Now based in the USA where she lives with her husband, Marie first fell in love with storytelling when she studied creative writing at the University of Cumbria. Her stories are full of unlikely heroes, fantastical elements, and steamy romance. She is the author of the ‘Hearts of Blackmere’ and ‘Vixens Rock’ series.

‘A Daughter of the Snows’ is acclaimed author Jack London’s debut novel as well as the novel that began his trademark passion for the frozen Yukon. In this powerful debut, we follow Frona Welse, an incredibly determined and forthright woman as she returns to her small Canadian home town after graduating from Stanford. In this small community she faces prejudice, harassment and exclusion, but her impressive personality soon attracts many suitors and she finds herself in the midst of a love triangle.When she upsets her father’s wealthy community after befriending the local prostitute, she takes to the trail to find herself among the mountains. It is a brilliant read, particularly for its brilliant heroine and the beautiful world building emblematic of London’s writing mastery. If you love strong heroines like Charlize Theron’s ‘Furiosa’ in Mad Max, you’ll love this novel.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’.

Set on a plantation in the Solomon islands in the 1900s this gripping novel explores the themes of domination, racial inequality, the emancipation of women and the strength of the human spirit. The backdrop of the story is the struggle between the natives and colonials, the loss their beautiful home for the sake of human expansion on a global scale. With an incredible cast of vibrant characters and beautiful world building this inspired novel is perfect for anyone who loved Meryl Streep’s ‘Suffragette".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’.

‘Before Adam’ is an interesting entry in London’s body of work because of how distinctly different it is. Told through the visions of a young boy’s past life we follow Big Tooth, an early cave man as he learns to walk upright, make fire and fight off rival tribes. London’s trade mark world building is on full display however, building a luscious and vibrant world, where behind its beautiful veneer hides the deadly reality of pre-historic times. Big Tooth must hunt for his food facing down great mammoths and even sabre-cats to provide for his tribe and to impressive his budding love interest. It is an incredibly fascinating and engaging read, with beautiful description and compelling characters, perfect for anyone who is a fan of the ‘Assassins Creed’ series.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’.

Murder and madness, emotions and mystery, honour and deceit. This well known novel has it all.Why does Raskolnikov think he is within his rights to kill other people? Is there anyone that can stop him? Suspense and drama just waiting to be devoured by youOften labelled as Dostoevsky’s masterpiece and most popular work, 'Crime and Punishment' explores the life choices and tribulations of Radion Raskolnikov, a young student who decides to kill an old pawnbroker for money. His plan succeeds, but what follows is, to put it mildly, a descent into madness.It is a novel about guilt – creeping and inevitable guilt that threatens to devour the protagonist. Haunting, maniacal, and absorbing, "Crime and Punishment" is an eternal tale for all kinds of readers, touching upon those traits from our human nature that make us tick and act.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.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 novels inlcuding 'Crime and Punishment', 'The Idiot', 'Demons' and 'The Brothers Karamazov'.

"Respectable people...What bastards!"Rake-thin and exhausted prisoner Florent, wrongly convicted during the 1848 Revolution, escapes and seeks refuge with his half-brother in Paris. Florent finds a job at the local central market Les Halles. Initially he is met with a baffled but friendly warmth. But this warmth soon erodes into a poisonous animosity in an atmosphere shot with insidious political intrigue, petty rivalries and perfidious gossip from the "respectable people", that impinge upon the Florent's safety and wellbeing.'The Fat and the Thin' is the third installment of the 'Les Rougon-Macquart' series packed with powerful social commentary comparing those in power (the fat) to those in the lower classes (the thin).The allegories of the burgeoning Parisian market stalls are so poignant that the reader would be forgiven for thinking this is a story of anthropomorphism, where the characters have turned into the food they buy and sell. Yet, simultaneously rebuffed with depictions of abject poverty, this is an unforgettable novel reminiscent of 'The Ladies’ Paradise' and 'Nana'. It comes as little surprise that literary icons Charles Dickens and Anthony Bourdain cited Zola among their favourite authors.Émile Zola (1840-1902) was a French novelist, journalist, and playwright, and one of the most prolific purveyors of French naturalism. His primary literary topics include violence and its repercussions, alcoholism and issues within the nuclear family.

Joe Bronson a young, adventurous boy more interested in exploring than school is threatened with military school by his father when he fails an important exam. Taking his future in his hands, he leaves a farewell note for his father and escapes to Oakland where he joins the crew of the Dazzler under it’s mysterious captain French Pete. In a rapturous sea faring adventure, Joe will be dragged in to a seedy world of crime and violence where he’ll have to use his wits if he hopes to survive. With a thoughtful and compelling ending, this brilliant adventure novel with it’s wonderfully constructed cast is perfect reading for anyone who loved ‘Hook’.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’.

Pirates, shipwrecks, terrible storms, and cannibals! Why would anyone ever want to Sail the Seven Seas? You will find all this and much more in Jack London's adventure novel 'A Son of the Sun.'Set in the Pacific Ocean, these eight different stories are told from the point of view of David, a businessman who once traveled the South Seas. The narrative is largely influenced by London’s own voyages, some of which proved rather dark and horrifying. The vivid natural descriptions and realistic character portrayal make 'A Son of the Sun' an entertaining and haunting sea novel, perfect for readers and fans of marine adventures.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 are 'Call of the Wild', 'Sea Wolf' and 'White Fang'.Recent film adaptations include 'Call of the Wild' 2020 starring Harrison Ford and Dan Stevens and 'White Fang' from 1991.

‘Taras Bulbas’ is a literary epic following an older Cossack named Taras Bulba who takes his sons to war with him against the Poles who rule all of Ukraine. It is a piece of romantic nationalism, inspired by the historical cultural identity of Ukraine and some of it’s most famous heroes. Taras himself is inspired by multiple famous Ukrainians in history, seen as a paragon of civic virtue, he will do anything for the Ukrainian cause. He is unflinching in his loyalty and kill anyone in his path towards national liberation, friend or foe, and even family. It is an action packed novel, fast paced and powered by the strength of it’s main characters, if you loved the action of ‘Dracula Untold’ you will love this epic.Nikolai Vasilievich Gogol was one of the first writers to adopt surrealism and the grotesque in his work as well as being one of Russia’s most acclaimed authors. He is acknowledged as one of the founders of the short story genre alongside Nathaniel Hawthorne and E.T.A Hoffman. His early writing was largely inspired by his time spent growing up in Ukraine, it’s culture and it’s folklore, while his later writing targeted and satirised the political corruption of the Russian Empire. His unique and strange form of writing similar to the ‘ostranenie’ technique, allowed his audience to see familiar topics and stories from a completely new perspective. Acknowledged for his brilliance by many acclaimed authors such as Fedor Dostoevsky his best works include ‘Dead Souls’, ‘Taras Bulba’ and ‘Evenings on a Farm Near Dikanka’.

‘A Love Episode’, the eighth entry in the ‘Les Rougon-Marquart- cycle is unusual in Zola’s collection as it seemingly does not contain a social critique but instead focuses intensely on our protagonist, Helene. Helene is a widow caring for her sickly daughter on a daily basis who gradually falls in love with her doctor. It is an intense character study of a dutiful woman who refuses her happiness at every turn, constantly torn between her duties as a mother and her own personal needs. It is a maelstrom of love, affairs and heartbreak in the City of Lights, powered by it’s brilliantly written protagonist and bookended by a profound conclusion. It is a wonderful read, perfect for anyone who loved Netflix’s ‘Bridgerton’.Émile Zola (1840-1902) was a French novelist, journalist, playwright, two time Nobel Prize nominee and one of the most important representatives of French naturalism. He was a very influential figure in France’s liberalisation, as well as in the exoneration of the falsely accused French officer Alfred Dreyfus. More than half of his published work was dedicated to the ‘Les Rougon-Macquart’ cycle, detailing the growth of a single family under the second French Empire and the repercussions of alcoholism and violence on subsequent generations. Zola influenced many writers from the "new journalism" wave of writing, including Tom Wolfe, Truman Capote, and Gay Talese. Some of his best known works include "Germinal", "Nana", and "Work".

‘Abbe Mouret's Transgression’ is the fifth novel in the ‘Les Rougon-Marquart’ cycle, following the overly zealous priest Serge Mouret in his search for spiritual purity. He lives in a near constant state of prayer, neglecting his worldly needs until he becomes gravely ill and begins to suffer from Amnesia. In this state of amnesia he forgets his priestly vows, becoming a whole other person and experiencing the world in a completely new and profound way. This novel draws numerous biblical parallels, exploring the meaning of innocence and sin as well as the relationship between the Church and Nature. It is an incredibly compelling and thoughtful read with truly beautiful moments thanks to the strength of it’s cast of characters.Émile Zola (1840-1902) was a French novelist, journalist, playwright, two time Nobel Prize nominee and one of the most important representatives of French naturalism. He was a very influential figure in France’s liberalisation, as well as in the exoneration of the falsely accused French officer Alfred Dreyfus. More than half of his published work was dedicated to the ‘Les Rougon-Macquart’ cycle, detailing the growth of a single family under the second French Empire and the repercussions of alcoholism and violence on subsequent generations. Zola influenced many writers from the "new journalism" wave of writing, including Tom Wolfe, Truman Capote, and Gay Talese. Some of his best known works include "Germinal", "Nana", and "Work".

In Edgar Rice Burroughs’ seventh book about ape-man Tarzan, World War I rages through East Africa. While away in Europe fighting for England, Tarzan is unaware of the evil descending upon his plantation in British East Africa. When he returns, it is too late. German colonial forces have ransacked and destroyed his entire home, leaving nothing but disaster behind. In the wreckage, Tarzan finds the charred, blackened corpse of his beloved wife Jane. Consumed with grief and thoughts of vengeance, he sets out to wage a bloody guerilla war against all Germans troops that stand in his way on his path to ultimate revenge on German officer Captain Fritz Schneider. Will Tarzan succeed through harsh desert and wasteland with the help of his untraditional army of gorillas and lions?Edgar Rice Burroughs (1875-1950) was an American author, best known for his book series about Tarzan, an English infant abandoned in the African jungle and brought up by apes. The first novel, "Tarzan of the Apes", was published in 1914 and was succeeded by a total of 24 books about the ape-man. The Tarzan stories have been translated into more than 56 languages and gained popularity in both film, television and radio. During World War II, after the attack on Pearl Harbor, Burroughs, aged 66, became one of the oldest U.S war correspondents to cover the South Pacific theatre.

'The Trimmed Lamp & Other Stories' is a short story collection that explores the themes of the human condition and the often mysterious nature of human relationships. Veering on the verge of ordinariness but never becoming so. O. Henry’s stories have a knack for transforming the expectations of the reader before the narrative has a chance to grow dull.Replete with sharp wit and a celebration of the English language incorporating unique spins on existing words and expressions. These playful and humourous stories represent a New York-ish social experiment that stands the test of time.American short story master O. Henry is best known for his pithy, witty scores and surprise endings. In doing so he made commonplace experiences extraordinary and memorable. His work has been immortalised in the popular 1952 film 'O. Henry's Full House' starring Fred Allen, Anne Baxter, Marilyn Monroe and Jeanne Crain.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. Perhaps the most famous of these are, 'Cabbages and Kings,' 'The Voice of the City' and 'Strictly Business.' The immensity of O. Henry's impact on the American short story genre for time to come is evidenced by the fact an annual award in his name is given out each year in the United States. O. Henry's work is a must read for fans of Hemingway, Guy de Maupassant and Anton Chekhov.

Who doesn't love the magic of Christmas? Waiting for presents and enjoying the taste of the delicious food? Though the poor can't afford all this they still have the closeness of their families to treasure, unless that family is now dead!'The Heavenly Christmas Tree' is a short story by Dostoevsky that very much resembles Hans Christian Andersen’s 'The Little Match Girl'.In St. Petersburg, on Christmas Eve, a poor boy wakes up in a damp and gloomy cellar, oblivious to the tragedy that has befallen his poverty-stricken family. The boy’s meandering through the cold, empty streets while looking thorugh windows into the warm interiors of houses depicts a rather horrific and shiveringly depressive picture of sadness and inevitability. The story offers sharp social criticism and speaks for the voiceless. Above all, it remains a compelling and unforgettable short read.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'.

I am "a sick man . . . a wicked man . . . an unattractive man" I am corrupted by self-loathing and spite!"Notes from the Underground" is a novel by Fyodor Dostoevsky, delivered as a series of delusional memoirs of an angry and spiteful narrator. Often presented as Dostoevsky’s most revolutionary novel, the social isolation and alienation of the character is depicted not only as rebellious, but as transformative as well.Misanthropy, disturbing episodes, existential squalor, and unpleasant interior portrayal turn the novel into a double-edged tool: both to humiliate and be humiliated; both to suffer and inflict suffering. The quite humane portrait of the character is also very disturbing – it is a person you can meet today at the station, in the queue behind you or sitting next to you on the bus.Fans of serious literature, the classics and of Dostoevsky will not be disappointed.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'.