Engelske bøger

In case you've never taken a moment to stop looking at cat videos and arguing with strangers on the Internet to appreciate the readily accessible cornucopia of collected human knowledge that your phone *also* provides, reading classic literature really puts the global network into perspective. Dickens, Bronte, Austen, Conan Doyle, Nesbith... all sitting huddled over their desks in either London or the English countryside, writing stories set in the great manors of Yorkshire, on the shores of Sussex or in the working-class district of the capital. And in addition to all taking place a stone's throw away, they are all pretty much contemporary. Sure, write what you know, but still... tis a bit boring, innit? Can't *somebody* expand the world just a tiny bit for an audience with neither affordable travel or a 5G connection? Enter Big Willy C.In this his first published novel, Collins tackles two conflicts in the Rome of 408 AD: Paganism vs. Christianity and the titular hero, the daughter of a Christian Roman zealot, Antonia vs. Goisvintha - a Goth survivor of a Roman massacre. And when mild-mannered Antonia ends up captured by Goisvintha's brother during a siege, a tale of betrayals, sex and cat and mouse can truly unfold. It's not giant mech battles on distant planets exactly, but for 1850 English literature, this is pretty darn exotic.-

'Marjorie's Maytime' is the fifth in Carolyn Wells 'Marjorie Maynard' children's series. We re-join Marjorie and her family as they take a motor holiday together in the family's new car. Out in the countryside, the irrepressible Marjorie makes lots of new friends and still manages to get up to plenty of mischief. -

Orphan Warble Mildew has successfully managed to get herself expelled from school. She becomes a waitress and learns how to make the best cream pie around, attracting the attention of the wealthy Mr Petticoat. Winning over his heart with her pies, Warble soon becomes Mrs Petticoat and has to learn how to adjust to her new surroundings and position in life, with often hilarious consequences. Carolyn Wells' 'Ptomaine Street' is widely regarded to have been a parody of the hugely successful novel 'Main Street' by Sinclair Lewis, published a year earlier.-

The sixth in the 'Patty Fairfield' series of children's books by Carolyn Wells, we re-join Patty as she continues her European travels, relocating from Paris to the UK for the summer. There are plenty of adventures to be had - from trying to reconcile an estranged father and daughter, to searching for mysterious hidden treasure, and even Patty's first proposal - this is a delightful addition to the series. -

'Patty's Summer Days' is the fourth in author Carolyn Wells 'Patty Fairfield' series of novels for children. With graduation looming, Patty is trying desperately to keep up with her schoolwork in order that she can graduate early. Exhausted as a result of her over-exertions, Patty's doctor recommends she takes a long vacation and so she spends the summer on a motor holiday having fun and adventures with her friends the Farringtons.-

A collection of three long stories, 'Twixt Land and Sea' explores the troubled life of young captains at sea. Mired by dire circumstances and moral dilemmas, Conrad's characters are no longer consoled by the sea, and their psychological suffering is rendered in a memorable way. The most anthologized story in this collection, 'The Secret Sharer', is a perfect example of a Freudian narrative that discusses human weakness and sinfulness. Joseph Conrad's work went on to influence authors like George Orwell, John le Carre and F. Scott Fitzgerald-

Helena is an orphaned daughter who has fallen madly in love with the arrogant Bertram. Helena is allowed to go to court and try her hand at curing the King's illness. Although others have failed, she succeeds and is granted permission to marry Bertram. To her sorrows however, he rejects her, turning out to be the beginning of a series of trials and tribulations Will Helena's efforts to corral her unwilling lover provide her with joyful fulfilment? This is the romantic comedy play of all time, providing an incredible dance across gender, sex, morality, duty and honour, without taking a stance, but as everything is ultimately alright, all's well that ends well after all! Perfect for fans of 'Notting Hill' and Bridget Jones's Diary'.-

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

This is the historical play on King Richard's life and how he died, tracing his fall from power. As a young man, Richard rises to the throne, although quickly proven to make poor decisions. Instead of spending his time being a worthy monarch of England, he spends his time chasing the latest Italian fashion and increases taxes to fund his wars in Ireland and elsewhere. As Henry returns to England to reclaim his land, will Richard descend the throne or keep fighting till his dying breath? For all historical lovers, this play provides a pertinent perspective on the British monarchy and its magnificent history. Amongst William Shakespeare's many must-reads, this is the classic worth reading next! If you watched and loved a series such as 'the Crown' or a film as 'Mary, Queen of Scots' this book should be on your to-be-read list. -

"e;I enjoy the spring more than the autumn now. One does, I think, as one gets older."e; 'Jacob's Room' (1922) is Virginia Woolf's third novel and established her influence as a symbolic writer. It centres around the life of Jacob Flanders, a sensitive young man struggling to harmonise his admiration for Classical culture with the anarchic reality of contemporary society.Written as a character study of Flanders, the novel is built upon the impressions of those who inhabit his world - mostly women who fall helplessly in love with him. By frequently making use of colour references, Woolf paints a vivid picture of the characters and the surroundings creating a painting-like narrative of the novel itself. 'Jacob's Room' is written in a stream-of-consciousness-like style and - of which Woolf was a pioneer - is experimental in its form and rhythm, separating it from Wolf's usual writing style and making it an inherently experimental piece of literature. -

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

A rich misanthropic man with no friends die and leaves all his money to his estranged son, John Harmon, who lives abroad. But Harmon can only inherit the money on the condition that he marries a woman he has never met. When Harmon neglects to return home to collect his inheritance, it leaves everyone puzzled. But then the dead body of a young man is found in the Thames.The plot and characters are exquisite in this last completed novel by Dickens. A sophisticated masterpiece, Our Mutual Friend tells the story of the downside of money and the corruptive power it holds. The book was referenced on the show Lost as well as in the video game Assasin's Creed: Syndicate and in the Paul McCartney song Jenny Wren.-

'Room 13' is the first crime novel in the J. G. Reeder series, featuring a sympathetic and astute civil servant, who is simultaneously a gifted detective. This fast-paced, mystery-ridden and thoroughly readable page-turner from the author of 'King Kong' is set in the 1920s and contains all the essential ingredients of a great British crime novel, from romance to unexpected twists. Setting the scene for subsequent books in the series, we meet Reeder as he untangles a thrilling web of revenge, murder and counterfeits. Nothing is sacred to the perpetrators. Wallace's masterful direct and descriptive style makes 'Room 13' the perfect novel for fans of crime fiction and mystery thrillers alike.-

'Tam o' the Scoots' is a book that cannot help but stand out from the rest of Wallace's fiction. In a good way, at that. It is a collection of ten short stories chronicling - in striking detail - the dire straits of a brilliant Scottish aircraft pilot whose heyday coincided with the First World War. Casting light on the historical accuracy of the situations Tam underwent with the 'scoots' (Tam's Scottish pronunciation of scouts, which was what fighter pilots were dubbed back in the day) and the psychological inner workings of what constitutes a reliable pilot, Wallace's collection is comprised of light and sometimes sketchy tall-tales, served with a quintessential inkling of humour and action. Insightful and attention-grabbing!Readers young and old alike will be excited to discover that Wallace's work has been adapted for the big screen many times with actors like Jack Black, Adrien Brody and Jamie Bell portraying characters from his books.-

Strange happenings are afoot. Flight enthusiasts discuss possibilities of mastering the skies using lighter-than-air craft. A great inventor claims the opposite that mankind can conquer the world only by using heavier-than-air machines. Jules Verne and his novel "e;Robur the Conqueror"e; takes us on a science fiction journey which introduces us to the concept of air travel and the heated discussions which led to great inventions. How will the brilliant inventor Robur prove the flight club wrong? What will happen when they decide to steal his idea? Does the progress need to be at any cost or can humanity be preserved? Come along on this journey operated by Albatross, Robur's multirotor aircraft, to find out how this exciting story unfolds. -

The sands of Egypt carry whispers of rebellion...The much-anticipated third novel in Jonathan Spencer’s best-selling William John Hazzard series.Egypt, September 1798. After tragedy at the Battle of the Nile, Hazzard is possessed by a dark vengeance: with the marines of 9 Company and their Bedouin allies he scours the Nile Delta for his enemy, the French spy-catcher Citizen Derrien.However, among the sacred ibis and ever-shifting sands, Hazzard catches wind of something far more deadly: the stirrings of revolt in Cairo, the outbreak of plague, and the cold hand of Admiralty Intelligence. When riot explodes in the capital, Hazzard fears he is simply too late.Abandoned by the French Government, Napoleon and his army are now trapped in Egypt. When Bonaparte discovers that Al-Djezzar ‘the Butcher’ of Acre is gathering his forces to attack, he accepts the challenge.Riding with the Mamluk and the beautiful Shajar al-Durr, Hazzard engages French cavalry in the shadow of Ozymandias in ancient Thebes – and the Admiralty calls upon him once more as Napoleon launches his bloody crusade on Syria and the Holy Land to become the new Emperor in the East.From flaming battle at sea with the blockade fleet to massacre at the walls of Jaffa and Acre, this is Napoleon’s desperate bid to seize the Orient – and the next explosive chapter of the French occupation of Egypt.Perfect for fans of Bernard Cornwell, Simon Scarrow and Seth Hunter.In the words of J.D. Davies this is the follow-up to a "Hornblower meets Mission: Impossible" storyline.Jonathan Spencer is from south-east London, the great-grandson of a clipper-ship captain who brought tea from China. He served in the Canadian army, studied ancient and modern history, and has lectured at universities and private associations on the subject of Napoleonic Egypt. He writes historical non-fiction under the name Jonathan Downs, his major work a revised account of the British acquisition of the Rosetta Stone, Discovery at Rosetta, (London 2008; Cairo 2020). He speaks several languages, has trained with the former Russian National fencing coach, and has lived and worked abroad all his life. He currently lives in the Western Cape in South Africa.

When Mallory become the governess of Raife Benedict’s niece, she sets off for the beautiful Morven Grance, Raife’s house on the Welsh borderland. Her life becomes inextricably linked with the Black Benedicts, all of them as intriguing as they look. Yet none of them has quite the effect on her as her distant, yet alluring employer. It does not help that he does not seem the least bit interested in Mallory, a plain governess. The story set in romantic Welsh landscapes dates back to the 20th century and was written by Anita Charles, a pseudonym of the English romance writer Ida Pollock.A must-read for fans of literary romance and surprising twists of fate.Anita Charles is a pseudonym of Ida Pollock (1908 – 2013), a highly successful British writer of over 125 romance novels translated into numerous languages and published across the world. Ida Pollock has sold millions of copies over her 90-year career. Pollock began writing when she was 10 years old. Ida has travelled widely, living in several different countries. She continues to be popular amongst both her devoted fan base and new readers alike. Pollock has been referred to as the "world's oldest novelist" who was still active at 105 and continued writing until her death. On the occasion of her 105th birthday, Pollock was appointed honorary vice-president of the Romantic Novelists' Association, having been one of its founding members.Ida Pollock wrote in a wide variety of pseudonyms: Joan M. Allen, Susan Barrie, Pamela Kent, Averil Ives, Anita Charles, Barbara Rowan, Jane Beaufort, Rose Burghley, Mary Whistler and Marguerite Bell.

Janie Dallas looked exactly like the singer Vanessa Brandt. When Vanessa asked her to impersonate her for a week, there is one thing that tempts her: the company of Vanessa’s close friend Max Veldon, the famous conductor who would be by her side all this time. How could she refuse this exciting opportunity? The compelling story dates back to the 20th century and is written by Mary Whistler, a pseudonym of English romance writer Ida Pollock.A must-read for fans of literary romance and surprising twists of fate. Mary Whistler is a pseudonym of Ida Pollock (1908 – 2013), a highly successful British writer of over 125 romance novels translated into numerous languages and published across the world. Ida Pollock has sold millions of copies over her 90-year career. Pollock began writing when she was 10 years old. Ida has travelled widely, living in several different countries. She continues to be popular amongst both her devoted fan base and new readers alike. Pollock has been referred to as the "world's oldest novelist" who was still active at 105 and continued writing until her death. On the occasion of her 105th birthday, Pollock was appointed honorary vice-president of the Romantic Novelists' Association, having been one of its founding members.Ida Pollock wrote in a wide variety of pseudonyms: Joan M. Allen, Susan Barrie, Pamela Kent, Averil Ives, Anita Charles, Barbara Rowan, Jane Beaufort, Rose Burghley, Mary Whistler and Marguerite Bell.

'The Nature of a Crime' is the last collaborative work by Conrad and Ford, but most certainly not the least acclaimed. An insightful examination of human psychology that shines a glaring light on the murkiest depths of the psyche. The novel introduces a serene cast of characters that in reality suffer agonizing turmoil just beneath the surface, inundated by insatiable desires. With death and mortality as recurring themes, the characters pose critical and insightful questions to the meaning of life and free will. A fascinating read for those with philosophical interests.Joseph Conrad’s work and 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.

After such lucky escapes from disaster as those in Sindbad’s first voyage, most people would probably choose to stay at home – but Sindbad is not most people. Going to sea a second time, Sindbad must contend with giant eagles and snakes to carry home treasure from the valley of diamonds in this, the seventeenth 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 Salman Rushdie 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.

A drunkard and a brute, Patin's marriage to Désireé is an unhappy one. He leaves to go fishing one night during a terrible storm, and never returns. Désireé is convinced he has somehow managed to cheat death and lives in constant fear of his return. Some years later she buys a parrot, and her nightmare begins anew. Amusing and humorous, "The Parrot" is a short comedy in which Maupassant holds his cards close to his chest, keeping his readers guessing until the final page.Guy de Maupassant (1850-1893) was a French writer. Famed for being a master of the short story, he also wrote travel books and occasionally dabbled in poetry. His stories mainly focus on the relationships between men and women sitting at crossroads in their lives - whether personal or professional. His dramatic flair is largely influenced by French novelist Gustave Flaubert and is perfect for fans of Anton Chekhov's short stories. The most notable of the 300 short stories that he wrote include 'Bel Ami', 'Une Vie', and 'The Dumpling'.

This way lies monsters and madness. Because you’re about to enter the imagination of H.P. Lovecraft. A master of the short story form, Lovecraft made the unknowable scarily real. Parallel universes, alien worlds, vengeful spirits—all realised in the space of a few pages. And all brought to life with spare, simple language, making Lovecraft’s fiction an easy read for modern audiences.This volume contains five of his short stories: "Hypnos", "The Temple", "Nyarlathotep", "Unnamable" and "The Disinterment".H.P. Lovecraft was an American horror and science fiction writer. Born in Rhode Island, he became a pioneer of ‘cosmic horror’, conjuring up a lore of supernatural creatures who exist beyond our understanding. His best known stories include "The Call of Cthulhu", "At the Mountains of Madness" and "The Colour Out of Space". While he was a mainstay of pulp magazines, Lovecraft never achieved wider literary recognition in his lifetime. But his posthumous influence has been profound. It can be found in everything from the fiction of Stephen King and Neil Gaiman to the HBO series "Lovecraft Country".

Money gets you everywhere, it can even buy happiness - if you have enough. It is a fragile thing, though, and you must be careful what you do with it. When Mademoiselle Source, a wealthy woman who has been maimed in a tragic accident, adopts an orphaned baby, she could never have predicted that the young boy would make her life a living hell. She grows more and more afraid, until one day she decides to run away from him. But is it really so easy? Maupassant's dive into an unfamiliar genre, this fast-paced crime novel is unmissable for those who enjoyed James Patterson's 'Invisible'.Guy de Maupassant (1850-1893) was a French writer. Famed for being a master of the French short story, he also wrote travel books and occasionally dabbled in poetry. His stories mainly focus on the relationships between men and women sitting at crossroads in their lives - whether personal or professional. His dramatic flair is largely influenced by French novelist Gustave Flaubert and is perfect for fans of Anton Chekhov's short stories. The most notable of the 300 short stories that he wrote include 'Bel Ami', 'Une Vie', and 'The Dumpling'.

Sinbad the Sailor is among the most famous heroes of the Arabian Nights; his voyages have been adapted many times, including as Marvel comics and a Dreamworks film starring Brad Pitt, and influenced other favourites such as Gulliver’s Travels by Jonathan Swift and Yann Mantel’s Life of Pi. His journeys will see him face shipwreck, real and mythical monsters, and both the best and worst in his fellow humans. This introductory tale shows Sindbad (an older spelling of his name) after his travels, now a rich old man, preparing to share his stories with a lowly porter whose name bears an uncanny resemblance to his host’s. Get ready to embark for adventure in this, the fifteenth 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 Salman Rushdie 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.

Jean Marin has always been diligent. Not just in his studies but in his job as a handyman too. He is by no means used to luxury. When he lands a government job, it's like a dream come true. Problems arise, however, and his resilience is truly tested. 'The Patron' is a short piece of satire exploring the aspirations of a small but energetic man striving to find peace both within his life and within himself.Guy de Maupassant (1850-1893) was a French writer. Famed for being a master of the French short story, he also wrote travel books and occasionally dabbled in poetry. His stories mainly focus on the relationships between men and women sitting at crossroads in their lives - whether personal or professional. His dramatic flair is largely influenced by French novelist Gustave Flaubert and is perfect for fans of Anton Chekhov's short stories. The most notable of the 300 short stories that he wrote include 'Bel Ami', 'Une Vie', and 'The Dumpling'.

A farmer's father is on his deathbed the day before the harvest. A local priest is summoned, and funeral preparations begin. The funeral feast is cut short when the dying man appears to still be breathing. When the 'dead' body lets out a startling moan, it is certain that the man is still alive. The solution is left in the hands of the eccentric local peasants. A matter of life and death, this dark comedy is perfect for those who enjoyed NBC's 'The Good Place'.Guy de Maupassant (1850-1893) was a French writer. Famed for being a master of the short story, he also wrote travel books and occasionally dabbled in poetry. His stories mainly focus on the relationships between men and women sitting at crossroads in their lives - whether personal or professional. His dramatic flair is largely influenced by French novelist Gustave Flaubert and is perfect for fans of Anton Chekhov's short stories. The most notable of the 300 short stories that he wrote include 'Bel Ami', 'Une Vie', and 'The Dumpling'.

There are many ways to make a small fortune; the easiest is to start with a large one. Brought before the Sultan of Kashgar, a barber regales him with stories of his many brothers, the fifth of whom planned to grow wealthy through trade. But after his habit of daydreaming shattered his hopes, the fifth brother was duped by a gang of confidence tricksters who chose a faster road to riches – and then to ruin. Although its characterisation betrays some racial prejudices that are no longer acceptable, "The Story of the Barber’s Fifth Brother" is a dramatic morality tale, and the twenty-fourth 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 Salman Rushdie 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.

How many times can one man die? Surprisingly many, it turns out. Set in what is now the Xinjiang province of China, tensions between Muslims, Jews and Christians lead a series of inhabitants to frame their neighbours for a death; but will they listen to their consciences when the penalty for murder is hanging? A black comedy with a social message, this tale is unusual among the Arabian Nights for containing no magic, but a great deal of gallows humour and contemporary relevance. You won’t be sorry you stumbled upon "The Little Hunchback", the twenty-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 Salman Rushdie 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.

Setting out on the high seas again, Sindbad faces greater dangers in his third voyage than ever before, including pygmy pirates, a giant snake, and a one-eyed monster (based on the Cyclops that appears in Homer’s Odyssey), in the eighteenth 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 Salman Rushdie 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.

Sindbad’s fourth voyage may not feature monsters or giant animals, but after being shipwrecked and befriending the hospitable islanders, he faces a different kind of horror: a tradition in which the living are entombed along with the dead. Bury yourself in the macabre excitement of this, the nineteenth 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 Salman Rushdie 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.