Engelske bøger

Courtney is a princess who accidentally gets sent to pop-star camp, and Erika is a pop star who ends up at princess camp. When the two camps plan to shut each other down, can the girls work together to save both camps?An amazing story told in short chapters to make it easy for kids to read on their own!Come on an amazing adventure with Barbie and all her friends! Solve mysteries with secret doors, sea monsters and messages in a bottle, catch the baddies as a secret agent, sing in Barbie’s rock band, celebrate Chelsea’s birthday in Dreamtopia and fly to tropical beaches and distant planets in far-away galaxies. Let’s go!Mattel’s Barbie doll is a fashion icon, world adventurer and every child’s best friend. Since the 1950’s she remains a popular toy in homes worldwide and the star of countless tv shows, movies, and books. The popular Netflix series Barbie Dreamhouse Adventures follows Barbie, her sisters and her boyfriend Ken, as they hang out in LA and travel the world in the Barbie camper van. For younger fans, Barbie’s little sister, Chelsea, takes centre stage in Barbie Dreamtopia as the sisters meet mermaids and fairies in a magical dreamland. In recent years, Barbie has taken YouTube by storm as a popular vlogger. She talks fashion, family, her life in Malibu but also sensitively tackles tough issues like racism, mental health and body image. Barbie’s new mission is to inspire girls to dream big. A recent line of empowering role model dolls includes Indian Paralympian, Manasi Joshi, and American soccer player, Alex Morgan. While Inspiring Women celebrates heroines such as Maya Angelou, Florence Nightingale and astronaut, Sally Ride.Barbie and associated trademarks are owned by Mattel and used under license from Mattel Europa. © 2021 Mattel

It is the day before her birthday and Chelsea is having fun with her friends Jace and Zoie in the garden. Chelsea is excited about her upcoming party, but what should her birthday wish be? Suddenly her neighbor Otto chimes in suggesting that she should wish for all the toys in the world, teasingly adding that he might blow out her candles and steal her wish for himself!That night, going to bed Chelsea fears that Otto will make true of this threat, and she tries to come up with a wish in a hurry. Maybe a short trip to Dreamtopia can help get her ideas going? Come on an amazing adventure with Barbie and all her friends! Solve mysteries with secret doors, sea monsters and messages in a bottle, catch the baddies as a secret agent, sing in Barbie’s rock band, celebrate Chelsea’s birthday in Dreamtopia and fly to tropical beaches and distant planets in far-away galaxies. Let’s go!Mattel’s Barbie doll is a fashion icon, world adventurer and every child’s best friend. Since the 1950’s she remains a popular toy in homes worldwide and the star of countless tv shows, movies, and books. The popular Netflix series Barbie Dreamhouse Adventures follows Barbie, her sisters and her boyfriend Ken, as they hang out in LA and travel the world in the Barbie camper van. For younger fans, Barbie’s little sister, Chelsea, takes centre stage in Barbie Dreamtopia as the sisters meet mermaids and fairies in a magical dreamland. In recent years, Barbie has taken YouTube by storm as a popular vlogger. She talks fashion, family, her life in Malibu but also sensitively tackles tough issues like racism, mental health and body image. Barbie’s new mission is to inspire girls to dream big. A recent line of empowering role model dolls includes Indian Paralympian, Manasi Joshi, and American soccer player, Alex Morgan. While Inspiring Women celebrates heroines such as Maya Angelou, Florence Nightingale and astronaut, Sally Ride.Barbie and associated trademarks are owned by Mattel and used under license from Mattel Europa. © 2021 Mattel

New job, New city...New man?To the world at large Melinda Pérez is at the top of her game. She’s just earned a promotion to her dream job, in her dream city. Melinda should be living her best life in New York City, and she is. At least according to her social media.The Diamond Dating League is the newest and most exclusive dating app on the market - curing loneliness is just one swipe away. It might be the answer to her prayers - if it weren’t for her driver. Her hot and obnoxious driver who she just can’t seem to get out of her head.Even under the best circumstances, you aren’t supposed to daydream about your driver. Even more so when he’s eight years younger than you.Liam Conlon is infuriating and makes it clear he thinks Melinda is a spoiled princess. Never being one to disappoint, she’s happy to step into the role. But despite all the ways they clash there is no denying the tension and attraction building between them.But can they find the courage to step out of their roles and find something real with each other?"Rebel Carter writes with wit, elegance and longing. Her love stories exist in a world of their own, and it's one I never want to leave." - Talia Hibbert, author of Get A Life, Chloe Brown.Rebel Carter is an award winning new voice in romance with diverse, multicultural characters and plots that readers yearn for. Fans of Beverly Jenkins, Alyssa Cole, and Talia Hibbert will find much to love in Rebel's strong willed heroines and the swoon-worthy men who love them!

When Aurora divorces her abusive ex, she is daunted by the prospect of starting all over again at 37 and decides to move to small-town Colorado to be closer to her best friend. Less than 24 hours after leaving sunny California, Aurora is stuck in a blizzard on a perilous mountain road wearing little more than her hot pink sandals and wondering whether this was such a great idea after all.Things start to look up however, when help arrives in the form of Grant St. John. He's handsome and charming alright, but also has an annoying habit of calling her "sweetheart". Ergh. And hold on a second, surely she's misreading the signs because this gorgeous guy can't be flirting with her...here, in the middle of a snowstorm. Can he?Sparks fly between the pair right away and the connection between them is intense – there’s just one problem. Grant is ten years younger than Aurora.Will the decade between them force them apart, or is age really just a number?‘New Girl in Town’ is a passionate romance novel from exciting author Rebel Carter.Rebel Carter is a romance novelist from Colorado, USA. Her books are packed with passion, intriguing and dynamic characters, and plenty of steamy scenes. A writer of both contemporary and historical romance fiction, Carter is an exciting new voice in the romance genre.

The deciding Battle of Naseby looms on the horizon in this historical adventure of the English Civil War.It is more than a year since printer’s apprentice turned Parliamentarian soldier William Sparrow and his Royalist rival Hugo Telling last came to blows. Parliament’s armies, bruised beaten and humiliated despite their ever-increasing numerical advantage, have been reconstituted as the New Model Army. Sparrow, a veteran of a dozen battles, sieges and scrapes, expects to be offered a commission in ‘Black Tom’s Red Army’ – but his past has caught up with him.As the political and religious divides which have convulsed the country for three years grow more bitter by the day, the New Model Army heads north to challenge the King’s field army, commanded by the brilliant but dangerously compulsive Prince Rupert. Two worlds will collide at Naseby, where history will be made...The sixth and final thrilling instalment of The Shadow on the Crown series, Black Tom’s Red Army is perfect for fans of Conn Iggulden, Bernard Cornwell and David Gilman.Shadow on the Crown author Nicholas Carter is based in the West Country and has been working on his English Civil War series – on and off – for more than 30 years. A writer and journalist since leaving school, Nicholas says joining the Sealed Knot gave him priceless insights into the period – and says many of the events and characters in the books are inspired by his experiences re-enacting battles from the Scottish Highlands to Cornwall. In addition to his English Civil war series Nicholas has written two novels based on the Italian Wars and also penned a brace of steampunk fantasy novels. He is working on volume seven of the Shadow on the Crown – Forlorn Hope – plotting the New Model Army's siege of Bristol.

Rockstar and member of Vixen’s Wail, musician Jordan finds herself falling for a fellow bandmate. To distract herself, she decides to pursue handsome stranger Étienne instead. When Étienne rejects Jordan’s no strings proposal however, it appears it may be harder than she thought to distract herself - and when Étienne joins the band as a guest vocalist Jordan must grapple with her vow never to fall for another musician, despite their growing desire for each other. The second novella in the Vixens Rock series by romance author Marie Lipscomb.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.

Despite the fame and fortune, rockstar and keyboard player for the Vixen’s Liz Larkin wants nothing more than to give it all up and pursue her dream career as a massage therapist. When she runs into the grumpy, bearded, and irresistible Jones backstage at a festival however, all her plans are turned upside down. What begins as a backstage fling soon turns into a tender and passionate love affair. The third in the Vixens Rock series by erotic romance author Marie Lipscomb.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.

Seeking peace and solitude, talented artist Beth has rented a remote mountain cabin to focus on her art. However, when her peace is disturbed by a heavy metal drummer named Finn, the two seem destined to clash with each other. When a storm forces them together, Beth and Finn soon find the tension between them too much to ignore. A steamy mountainside romance from author Marie Lipscomb.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.

It is the mid eighties and successful theatrical agent Clive Spoke embarks on a quest to find the truth about his ex-lover’s early death.Travelling to the US he uncovers a devastating and destructive conspiracy aimed at the burgeoning gay community.Could the government really be involved?Stuart Hopps is an eminent, award-winning choreographer. He has worked on many major feature films, including The Wicker Man with Robin Hardy, Sense and Sensibility with Ang Lee, and Much Ado About Nothing with Kenneth Branagh.He has produced work for Scottish Opera, Welsh National Opera, the Royal Opera and has worked for both the RSC and the National Theatre. He lives in Deal, Kent and "The Rainbow Conspiracy" is his first novel.

'Germinal', often considered Zola's masterpiece, tells the story of Etienne Lantier, a bright however uneducated young man with a volatile temperament who has just lost his job as a railway worker. He sets out for a small mining town where he finds a new job as a cart pusher. But the incessant clashes between the capitalists and the working class, alongside the appalling working conditions and dire poverty the workers are forced to endure, slowly but surely bring the narrative to its only possible denouement: revolution. Abounding with vivid descriptions of the miner's inner and outer worlds, as well as the violent and often unjustified impulses of man, 'Germinal' is a superbly written, unforgettable novel. 'Germinal' voices outrage at the downtrodding of the many by the few, but also displays humanity's limitless capacity for compassion and hope.Widely regarded as the founding father of scientific naturalism in literature, which aimed to describe the human condition as it really is, Zola was considered an influence by many prominent artists and writers of his time and the coming era, such as Vincent van Gogh, Tom Wolfe and John Steinbeck.-

"e;Guy Mannering"e; is the story of young Henry Bertram's kidnapping. The heir to a wealthy ancestral estate, his family's lawyer has him kidnapped in the hopes that with no male heir, the estate and its wealth, will revert to him. Henry is raised in Holland, with a new name completely unaware of the life stolen from him. In a globe-trotting adventure, filled with romance, conspiracy and violence, Henry will be forced to reckon with his past by fighting for what he loves. Scott has created a lovingly detailed tale, full of vivid and lively characters each with their own desires and machinations that culminate in a climactic, satisfying finale. This eternal classic, packed with humour and stark honesty deserves a place in your collection. If you loved Denis Villeneuve's award winning thriller 'Prisoners', or 'Taken' then this book is absolutely for you.-

"e;Whirligigs"e; is twenty-four tale powerhouse collection of short stories created by acclaimed author O.Henry. This collection focuses on the daring, the darling and the strangest amongst us, written with O.Henry's signature sharp wit and flair for satire, this is not a book that will have you bored. O.Henry's impressive ability for creating layered and intricate plots is on full display here, creating an offering that will have you marvelling at the wit and ingenuity of his plot creation. Typical of his work there is a wide array of tales to dive in to, cipher cracking journalists, reformed burglars and men intent on creating their own language. "e;Whirligigs"e; is a timeless collection with something for everyone - perfect for people who are fans of fast, punchy stories without the time for a whole novel.-

From the king of short stories comes another wonderful collection of twenty two tales. "e;Roads of Destiny"e; takes us on a globe-trotting adventure, visiting exotic locations and places dear to O. Henry's heart. His passion for life is imbued in these tales, lending it a wonderful air of authenticity and creativity. The humorous, often satirical nature, typical of O.Henry's work is combined with a level of thoughtfulness and consideration that creates a truly special read. Some of the best-known tales among them include "e;The Discounters of Money"e;, "e;A Retrieved Reformation"e;, and "e;Friends in San Rosario"e;. These tales will leave you very happy you picked this book up, but also with something to think on. A collection perfect for any fans with an adventurous streak, who loved 'Around the World in Eighty Days' or 'Jumanji'.-

A collection of twenty-three short stories, "e;Strictly Business"e; focuses on romance, toxic relationships, love, and social issues. A chronicler of human emotions and the workings of the heart, O. Henry's prose amazes in vivid, emotional, and at times cynical commentaries. Some of the best-known stories are "e;A Ramble in Aphasia"e;, "e;The Gold that Glittered"e;, and "e;A Bird of Bagdad"e;, telling of suitors, femme fatales, and hot-tempered exiles. A must for those with a love of dramatic romances, or those of you looking for a follow up to 'Gone Girl'.-

This collection of nineteen short stories from O.Henry beautifully captures the spirit of the American West, crystallising the era of gunslingers and cowboys in a extremely poignant manner. There are captivating moments of happiness, joy, love and sorrow throughout this tumultuous tour of brilliant characters. Nothing in the West is easy, and it becomes apparent that love is above all else the most important thing we can possess. This importance of love is the overarching theme present in this collection and its prevalence in even the most dire of places. These tales possess O. Henry's signature unexpected twists, and, in all, turn this collection into a compelling, and humorous read. Some of the stories included are "e;Hearts and Crosses"e;, "e;The Caballero's Way"e;, and "e;Christmas by Injunction"e;. For those with the Wild West spirit, from lovers of the 'Magnificent Seven' to 'Red Dead Redemption' this book is for you.-

"e;Rolling Stones"e; is a collection of 23 short stories, 12 poems, and letters by O. Henry providing a general overview of his literary career. The collection is important for it provides some deep insight into the author's later life. Filled with humorous, ironic remarks, and biting, though predominantly funny takes on life, society and its people, many of the collection's short stories were unfortunately left incomplete or without a proper ending. Some of the stories included are "e;The Dream"e;, "e;A Fog in Santone"e;, "e;The Prisoner of Zembla"e;, and the laughable spoof "e;A Snapshot at the President"e;, where a reporter from Texas gets an interview with president Grover Cleveland. "e;Rolling Stones"e; provides a wondrous collection of thought provoking and vivid stories for reading or relaxation, perfect for a commute home or a cozy night by the fire.-

'Eugenie Grandet' is one of the earliest and most famous novels in Balzac's 'The Human Comedy' cycle. The dreary Grandet household, inundated by the overwhelming greed and miserliness of Grandet himself, is rudely awakened from its suffocating bleakness by the arrival of young Eugenie's elegant and coiffed Parisian cousin Charles. Newly orphaned and without a cent to his name. Eugenie Charles' arrival is a light at the end of the tunnel and the start of an amorous blossoming. For the provincial Midas Grandet, it's the perfect opportunity to test the limits of his callousness. Little does Eugenie suspect, Grandet will not be the last unscrupulous individual close to her that she will have to grapple with.An extraordinarily incisive, moral yet entertaining story struck by tragedy, Balzac's 'Eugenie Grandet' presents a scathing social critique of provincial attitudes and greed in the aftermath of the French Revolution that still remains relevant today. It summons to mind the Charles Dickens classic 'Oliver Twist', but infused far more strongly with Balzac's trademark scathing sardonic wit. -

'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.-

'David Copperfield' features Dickens' most popular protagonist and is often described as the author's masterpiece. The novel follows the life of the titular hero, who battles hardship and villainous characters as he attempts to achieve his dreams of becoming an author and finding true love. It is a panoramic novel, as Copperfield embarks on a marvellous journey across England and Europe, encountering many memorable characters and humorous situations along the way. Dickens drew from his own life experiences to create a deeply personal and poignant novel that has been embraced and adored by readers around the globe for generations. 'David Copperfield' expertly blends comedy and tragedy, creating an entertaining and compelling story that is suitable for readers of all ages and preferences. This classic novel was adapted by the creator of 'Veep' into the critically acclaimed movie 'The Personal History of David Copperfield' starring Academy Award-nominated actor Dev Patel in 2019.-

'Are there not books that can make us live more in one single hour than life can make us live in a score of shameful years?' In this brilliant collection of essays, Oscar Wilde talks about art, literature, and criticism as only he can. The topics range from discussions of Shakespeare's use of costumes and stage design to elevate his dramas, to condemnations of realism, and celebration of criticism as an art form in itself. 'Intentions' is bold, insightful, and witty. Its ideas show why Wilde was considered one of the most unique voices of his time and many of the topics are still fiercely debated today, such as whether art should have a moral message or simply exist to be artistic. These essays truly show Wilde at his best and lay a clear foundation for the ideas and beliefs that would shape his later writings. 'Intentions' provides an unparalleled look into the mind of a great artist and should be read by any fans of Wilde or aspiring artists.-

‘The Life and Adventures of Nicholas Nickleby’ is a sprawling adventure that follows young Nicholas’ journey across England to defend his family’s honour and regain their lost fortune. After the death of Nicholas’ father, the Nickleby family is on the brink of collapse, and they must rely on their treacherous uncle Ralph to survive. Nicholas is sent to work at a Yorkshire school but quickly learns that it is run by belligerent ghouls. After a violent confrontation, Nicholas and his friend Smike flee the school and embark on a marvellous misadventure to rescue Nicholas’ family and find love. While remaining true to Dickens’ celebrated social criticism, this novel also portrays the author’s incredible comedic abilities as the protagonists find themselves in many accidentally absurd situations. ‘The Life and Adventures of Nicholas Nickleby’ is a drama teeming with humour, romance, revenge, and murder. The story’s narrative scope and memorable cast of characters make it the perfect read for fans of Shakespeare, and it was adapted into a film starring Anne Hathaway and Charlie Hunnam in 2002.Charles Dickens (1812-1870) was a widely popular English author and social critic. Among his most famous novels are ‘Oliver Twist’, ‘A Christmas Carol’, and ‘Great Expectations’. Dickens is best known for his depictions of poor Victorian living conditions and his unforgettable characters, some compassionate and others grotesquely malicious. Dickens’ timeless tales are still as celebrated today as when they were written, and his literary style is so influential that the term Dickensian was coined to describe the literature he inspired. Many of Dickens’ novels have been adapted for movies and television, including the Academy Award-winning musical ‘Oliver’.

Rancher Dick Forrest finds himself in the midst of a horrific and utterly unexpected predicament - his wife Paula has fallen in love with another man. The man who has become the object of Paula's affections is in fact a close friend of Forrest which makes the affair virtually unbearable.Paula can’t have her cake and eat it too – but can she find a way out of the present dire circumstances without inflicting irrevocable damage or death?'The Little Lady of the Big House' is a tragic novel by Jack London first published in 1916. A world-renowned author who took the world by storm following the release of the 'Call of The Wild'. London's naturalistic style exerted an enormous influence upon future novelists such as Ernest Hemingway, Cormac McCarthy, and William Faulkner.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 Old Curiosity Shop’ is one of Charles Dickens’ most beloved novels about a poor orphan girl, Nell, and her caring grandfather. In an attempt to improve Nell’s life, her grandfather accepts a loan from the cruel and conniving landlord, Quilp, and begins gambling but this only worsens their fortune. After issues with the police, Nell and her grandfather set out on a grand adventure and meet many of Dickens’ most memorable characters as Nell’s health deteriorates. ‘The Old Curiosity Shop’ is an incredible drama involving love, betrayal, and death that blends the fantastical nature of Nell’s journey with Dickens’ realistic criticism of living conditions in Victorian slums. The story caused mania at the time as Little Nell captured the hearts of readers around the globe including Queen Victoria. Nell and her grandfather have captivated audiences for generations in this timeless story that is equally as heart-warming as it is heart-breaking, and it is recommended for readers of all ages.Charles Dickens (1812-1870) was a widely popular English author and social critic. Among his most famous novels are ‘Oliver Twist’, ‘A Christmas Carol’, and ‘Great Expectations’. Dickens is best known for his depictions of poor Victorian living conditions and his unforgettable characters, some compassionate and others grotesquely malicious. Dickens’ timeless tales are still as celebrated today as when they were written, and his literary style is so influential that the term Dickensian was coined to describe the literature he inspired. Many of Dickens’ novels have been adapted for movies and television, including the Academy Award-winning musical ‘Oliver’.

'The Ball at Sceaux' is one of the oldest books in Balzac's 'The Human Comedy' series. It tells the story of Émilie de Fontaine, a pretentious and spoiled young lady who refuses to love anyone who is not known in French high society. At the ball she falls in love with a handsome and mysterious young man, who is revealed to be the taciturn Maximilien Longueville. Émilie's family later discovers that Maximilien is concealing the fact that he is a shopkeeper at a Paris marketplace, which horrifies Émilie. But all is not what it seems, as Émilie is soon to find out after she abandons Maximilien for a rich man she does not love.Inspired by Aleksandr Pushkin’s 'Eugene Onegin' and the fables of La Fontaine, in particular 'The Girl' and 'The Heron'. This Balzacian novella is a wonderful and enthralling read, where the mysterious and unknown tightly grips the reader well past the final page. It is one of the sheer joys of 'The Human Comedy' that we will meet these characters again in other stories.Honoré de Balzac (1799-1850) was a French novelist and playwright, most famous for his collection of novels and plays, collectively called 'The Human Comedy'. His detailed observation of humanity and realistic depiction of society makes him one of the earliest representatives of realism in Europe. He was a master-creator of complex characters that often found themselves in ambiguous moral dilemmas.

From the author of ‘Little Women’, this Christmas story follows the young Maurice Treherne, who has recently become crippled after saving his friend Jasper’s life. Falsely accused of fraud and suddenly disinherited of the wealth promised to him by Jasper’s family, Maurice finds himself in a thrilling mystery plot. All the while, Maurice is in love with Jasper’s sister, Octavia, whose mother tries everything to keep them apart.‘The Abbot’s Ghost’ is one of Louisa May Alcott’s hidden gems, full of heart-warming moments, scandals, and perhaps even a real ghost...Louise May Alcott was an American writer who is most famous for her novel 'Little Women' (1868). Her heartwarming and heartbreaking stories typically follow young girls on their journeys to becoming young women. 'Little Women' was recently adapted into film for the seventh time in 2019, starring Saorise Ronan and Timothée Chalamet.

Exquisitely deploying the story-within-a-story narrative, 'Honorine' is a tale casting piercing insight into the fabric of the human condition.Comtesse Honorine de Bauvan was married off to the Comte at the age of nineteen. After being unfaithful, she is abandoned by her lover when she falls pregnant. She leads a simple but comfortable life and earns a living by crafting artificial flowers. What she doesn't know is that her comfort is assured by way of her husband paying exorbitant prices to buy her flowers.Described as a psychological novel that delves into the differences between a man's love and a woman's love, it is one of Balzac's more mature works. Guy de Maupassant, Flaubert and Emile Zola were naturalist writers who were directly influenced by Balzac.A must-read for fans of the 2004 movie 'Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind' starring Jim Carrey and Kate Winslet which explores similar themes of lost love from a psychological perspective.Honoré de Balzac (1799-1850) was a French novelist and playwright, most famous for his collection of novels and plays, collectively called 'The Human Comedy'. His detailed observation of humanity and realistic depiction of society makes him one of the earliest representatives of realism in Europe. He was a master-creator of complex characters that often found themselves in ambiguous moral dilemmas.

Jerry has been left in charge of a cable-rig across the Sacramento River when his father is forced to visit San Francisco. He is proud of his new responsibility, but when a surprising turn of events takes place, he is required to make quick decisions and face great danger. Is he up to the task, with no one there to help or guide him?This dramatic short story written by Jack London dates back to the early 20th century and is set in the San Francisco Bay Area where the author was born. It proffers titillating suspense along with the hallmark descriptive vibrancy and vividness for which London is adored across the world.Jack London has proven a timeless influence for writers such as Ernest Hemingway, Jack Kerouac, and Robert Ruark.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'.

‘Lord Arthur Saville’s Crime’ is a darkly comic short story by Oscar Wilde. The story follows Lord Arthur, who is informed by a fortune teller that he will become a murderer. This revelation deeply disturbs Lord Arthur and to unburden his mind, he decides to murder someone at once and forget the whole ordeal. However, Lord Arthur discovers that this task is not as simple as it seems, and a comedy of errors ensues as he concocts more and more ludicrous schemes to achieve his goal, from poison to dynamite and beyond. This short is social satire at its finest as the nobleman travels further into a labyrinth of insanity and murder simply because it is his supposed fate to do so. ‘Lord Arthur Savile's Crime’ is a hilarious parody of the Gothic genre and portrays Oscar Wilde as a comedic genius. This wickedly entertaining short is recommended for fans of Franz Kafka.Oscar Wilde (1854-1900) was a popular Irish playwright, novelist, essayist, and poet. Some of his most celebrated and well-read works are ‘The Picture of Dorian Gray’ and ‘The Importance of Being Earnest’. Wilde’s life ended in tragedy as he was sentenced to prison due to acts of gross indecency with men and died at a young age shortly after being released. Although Wilde’s life was cut short, his influence lives on to this day and he is celebrated as one of the finest writers of his time. His work has been adapted for stage and screen many times, including an announced ‘Dorian Gray’ film directed by musician St. Vincent.

When the narrator and his wife visit an idyllic and picturesque town near the sea they meet a fisherman and a hermit. The ubiquitous poverty and squalor of the seaside town spills over into the lives of its inhabitants. It is only to be expected that the two spouses are moored by the talkative fisherman in a manner invoking 'The Rime of The Ancient Mariner' by English poet Samuel Taylor Coleridge.Gleaming with descriptive language depicting the daily tribulations of post-Napoleonic France, 'A Drama on the Seashore' is an absolute must-read for fans of other books in 'The Human Comedy' series. But there is no need for prior acquaintance with the series in order to enjoy this evocative and elegant novel.Guy de Maupassant, Flaubert and Emile Zola were naturalist writers who were directly influenced by Balzac.Honoré de Balzac (1799-1850) was a French novelist and playwright, most famous for his collection of novels and plays, collectively called "The Human Comedy". His detailed observation of humanity and realistic depiction of society makes him one of the earliest representatives of realism in Europe. He was a master-creator of complex characters that often found themselves in ambiguous moral dilemmas.

"Waifs and Strays" is a collection of short stories by O. Henry that focuses on the outcasts in society, the charlatans, the humourists, and all of the other wonderous people that populate O. Henry’s universe. Teeming with anecdotal wit, humour, and satire, often verging on the tragic, the collection is diamond in O. Henry’s treasure trove of work. In "Out of Nazareth", we come across a swindler-businessman selling false plots of land for a living, ripping off elderly couples that have put their lives in to his bogus plans. In another tale, "The Red Roses of Tonia", two men compete for the heart of the eponymous heroine, bringing the tale to a tragic conclusion. It is a truly well rounded and diverse collection, perfect for readers that enjoy the stories of Oscar Wilde and Mark Twain.William Sidney Porter (1862-1919), known simply as O. Henry, following his stint in prison, was a prolific American short story writer. His fame came exceptionally quickly and he became a bestselling author of short story collections, the most famous being "Cabbages and Kings", "The Voice of the City", and "Strictly Business." As a result of the outstanding literature legacy that O. Henry left behind, there is an annual award named after him, given to the authors of exceptional short stories.