Sprogkvalifikatorer

A stroke of paralysis has left Baron des Ravots crippled, but thanks to the toil and dedication of his dutiful servants, he can still entertain guests and hunt birds with great success. With "The Snipe", Guy de Maupassant offers an exploration of the relationship between master and servant in a society dominated by large social class differences. By satirizing the everyday life of a rich bourgeois, Maupassant skillfully exposes the shallow values and preoccupations of the French upper class.Guy de Maupassant (1850-1893) was a famous French writer, best known as one of the finest practitioners of the short story. Master of style and dramatic narrative, Maupassant’s stories are mainly interested in the relationships between men and women, often found at the crossroads of life. One of his greatest influences was Gustave Flaubert, who introduced him to some of the central names of the time such as Emile Zola, Henry James, and Ivan Turgenev. Some of his best known works include the novels "Bel Ami" and "Une Vie", more than 300 short stories, travel books, and even an attempt at poetry.

The third quarter of 'War and Peace' is where the rubber really hits the road (or the cannonballs hit the walls).The story centres on one of history's most famous periods, Napoleon's March on Moscow.The leading characters are involved in plotting Russia's tactics, fighting on the front - or guarding their estates against the expected overrunning by French soldiers.Tolstoy evocatively describes the futile slaughter of war, in some of literature's most dramatic chapters ever written. He also brings Napoleon to life as he arrows in on the famous general.At the end of the Battle of Borodino, two of the main characters are missing, presumed dead. It is a real cliffhanger for 'War and Peace IV'.Leo Tolstoy's masterpiece is a complete semester of Russian and French history, using the zoom button to focus on its impact on families from the aristocracy to the peasants.It paints a picture of petty jealousy, pride and forbidden love in the Russian stately homes.If you like costume dramas and the novels of Jane Austen ('Pride and Prejudice', 'Sense and Sensibility'), this is the granddaddy of them all. The same goes for fans of Bernard Cornwell's 'Sharpe' novels and TV series', starring Sean Bean.'War and Peace' was made into a BBC TV series in 2016, written by Andrew Davies and starring Lily James and James Norton.Leo Tolstoy (1828-1910) was a Russian author, a master of realistic fiction and one of the world’s greatest novelists. Tolstoy’s major works include 'War and Peace' (1865–69) and 'Anna Karenina' (1875–77), two of the greatest novels of all time and pinnacles of realist fiction. Beyond novels, he wrote many short stories and later in life also essays and plays.In the years following the publication of 'War and Peace' Tolstoy - who was born to a Russian aristocratic family - had a spiritual awakening that made him a committed Christian anarchist and pacifist. His philosophy inspired Mahatma Gandhi and Martin Luther King Jr.

An invisible killer, a family curse, a voodoo cult, a murdered prince, and a stolen salad dressing. Strange events call for a detective like no other, and Father Brown has a tendency to see to the heart of things. G. K. Chesterton’s famous priest-detective shines in this crime anthology, packed with mystery and paradox. From ‘The Absence of Mr. Glass’ to ‘The Head of Caesar’, Father Brown and his thief-turned-detective sidekick, Flambeau, return for a series of adventures that range from philosophical quibbles to the most fundamental matters of morality. This collection of crime short stories will tickle fans of Sherlock Holmes and Dirk Gently alike with satirical wit and enticingly clever cases.Gilbert Keith Chesterton (1874 – 1936) was an English writer, journalist, philosopher, and literary critic. An unparalleled essayist, he produced over four thousand essays during his lifetime, alongside eighty novels and two hundred short stories. Tackling topics of politics, history, philosophy and theology with tenacious wit and humour, G. K. Chesterton was often considered a master of the paradox. Himself both a modernist and devout Catholic, he is remembered best for his priest-detective short stories ‘Father Brown’, and his metaphysical thriller ‘The Man Who Was Thursday’. In his lifetime Chesterton befriended and debated some of the greatest thinkers of the age, such as George Bernard Shaw, H. G. Wells, and Bertrand Russell, while his works went on to inspire figures including T. S. Eliot, Michael Collins, and Mahatma Gandhi.

"I'm not looking for 'War and Peace'" is a modern way of saying "keep it short".However, "I am looking for 'War and Peace'" should be on our lips.Leo Tolstoy's masterpiece is a complete semester of Russian and French history, using the zoom button to focus on its impact on families from the aristocracy to the peasants.'War and Peace I' introduces the five aristocratic families at the heart of the plot.It paints a picture of petty jealousy, pride and forbidden love in the Russian stately homes and ends after the Battle of Austerlitz between Russia and France.If you like costume dramas and the novels of Jane Austen ('Pride and Prejudice', 'Sense and Sensibility'), this is the granddaddy of them all. The same goes for fans of Bernard Cornwell's 'Sharpe' novels and TV series', starring Sean Bean.'War and Peace' was made into a BBC TV series in 2016, written by Andrew Davies and starring Lily James and James Norton.Leo Tolstoy (1828-1910) was a Russian author, a master of realistic fiction and one of the world’s greatest novelists. Tolstoy’s major works include 'War and Peace' (1865–69) and 'Anna Karenina' (1875–77), two of the greatest novels of all time and pinnacles of realist fiction. Beyond novels, he wrote many short stories and later in life also essays and plays.In the years following the publication of 'War and Peace' Tolstoy - who was born to a Russian aristocratic family - had a spiritual awakening that made him a committed Christian anarchist and pacifist. His philosophy inspired Mahatma Gandhi and Martin Luther King Jr.

"My heart was throbbing wildly. I was frightened. I opened the door brusquely, and in the darkness I distinguished a white figure, standing erect, something that resembled an apparition." When the narrator in Guy de Maupassant’s short story "The Spasm" meets a father and his ill daughter at a health spa, he is reminded of characters from the universe of Edgar Allan Poe. What they proceed to recount to him is a tale so gruesome and harrowing that even Poe himself would cower in fear. Inspired by a real nineteenth century risk of premature burial, "The Spasm" comes with a shocking twist that holds everyone captive until the very end.Guy de Maupassant (1850-1893) was a famous French writer, best known as one of the finest practitioners of the French short story. Master of style and dramatic narrative, Maupassant’s stories are mainly interested in the relationships between men and women, often found at the crossroads of life. One of his greatest influences was Gustave Flaubert, who introduced him to some of the central names of the time such as Emile Zola, Henry James, and Ivan Turgenev. Some of his best known works include the novels "Bel Ami" and "Une Vie", more than 300 short stories, travel books, and even an attempt at poetry.

You’ve gotta love those travel documentaries with celebrities awkwardly trying to make their interactions with locals seem impromptu and organic. Perhaps it’s best to let the writers express the escapism of travel. And why not leave travel writing to Wilkie Collins, the star of Victorian-era mystery and thriller novels? In "Rambles Beyond Railways", Collins exchanges his London ale for a Cornish pasty when he writes of his travels around Cornwall.While the Victorians were crazy about building railways, rail access didn’t extend to the whole of Cornwall. Instead, Collins goes by foot across Cornwall with his friend, Henry Brandling, who provided illustrations for the original publication. True to his love of the sensational, Collins explores the enchanting Cornish locations whence stories of ghostly shipwrecks and semi-mythical kings originated.Get lost in Collins’s Cornwall instead of Jeremy Clarkson’s ill-fitting jeans.London-born Wilke Collins (1824-1889) became known in Victorian England for his novels and plays, sometimes writing together with Charles Dickens. His most famous works, "The Woman in White" (1859) and "The Moonstone" (1868), are examples of the first modern detective novels.

Walter Schnaff is unlike the other soldiers in the Prussian army. While his brothers-in-arms advance through Normandy with the intent of subjugating the French and achieving victory, Walter is a pacifist who can’t stand the thought of killing. Yet when his unit is ambushed, Walter’s philosophy is tested to its limits. Can pacifism prevail when the enemy is closing in on all sides?Guy de Maupassant’s short story "Walter Schnaffs’ Adventure" explores the horrors of the 1870 Franco-Prussian war and poses important questions about what it means to be a soldier.Guy de Maupassant (1850-1893) was a famous French writer, often referred to as the father of the short story. A prolific writer, his best known works include "Bel-Ami", "Une Vie" and "The Necklace", alongside some 300 short stories, travel books, and poetry. A master of style and dramatic narrative, Maupassant’s stories are drawn to themes of war, the working class, and the human condition. One of his greatest influences was Gustave Flaubert, who introduced him to some of the central names of the time such as Emile Zola, Ivan Turgenev, and Henry James.

Have you taken a deep breath after the drama and conflict of volume one?It's time to dive into 'War and Peace II' - and it does not slow down.With Russia bruised by Napoleon's victory at the Battle of Austerlitz, Tolstoy goes for close-ups of the three main male characters, Pierre, Nikolai and Denisov. It is not entirely pretty.Amidst the backdrop of Tolstoy's philosophical discussions on life and death and the inevitability of war, the characters become embroiled in gambling debt, love triangles, intrigue and broken promises.There are more twists than Chubby Checker and more dramatic moments than in 'EastEnders'.Leo Tolstoy's masterpiece in four volumes is a complete semester of Russian and French history, using the zoom button to focus on its impact on families from the aristocracy to the peasants.It paints a picture of petty jealousy, pride and forbidden love in the Russian stately homes.If you like costume dramas and the novels of Jane Austen ('Pride and Prejudice', 'Sense and Sensibility'), this is the granddaddy of them all. The same goes for fans of Bernard Cornwell's 'Sharpe' novels and TV series', starring Sean Bean.'War and Peace' was made into a BBC TV series in 2016, written by Andrew Davies and starring Lily James and James Norton.Leo Tolstoy (1828-1910) was a Russian author, a master of realistic fiction and one of the world’s greatest novelists. Tolstoy’s major works include 'War and Peace' (1865–69) and 'Anna Karenina' (1875–77), two of the greatest novels of all time and pinnacles of realist fiction. Beyond novels, he wrote many short stories and later in life also essays and plays.In the years following the publication of 'War and Peace' Tolstoy - who was born to a Russian aristocratic family - had a spiritual awakening that made him a committed Christian anarchist and pacifist. His philosophy inspired Mahatma Gandhi and Martin Luther King Jr.

When the Baronne de Grangerie attempts to imitate the gestures of a woman in the window on the opposite side of the street, she gets much more than she bargained for. Will she make her next move based on her sensual appetites, or will her conscience prevail? With his short story "The Signal" from 1886, Guy de Maupassant conveys the little dramas and daily preoccupations of the rich and bored bourgeois. Maupassant himself was famously fascinated with lower class women and prostitution – but with "The Signal", he ironically moves the brothel to the boudoir in a clash of social class.Guy de Maupassant (1850-1893) was a famous French writer, best known as one of the finest practitioners of the French short story. Master of style and dramatic narrative, Maupassant’s stories are mainly interested in the relationships between men and women, often found at the crossroads of life. One of his greatest influences was Gustave Flaubert, who introduced him to some of the central names of the time such as Emile Zola, Henry James, and Ivan Turgenev. Some of his best known works include the novels "Bel Ami" and "Une Vie", more than 300 short stories, travel books, and even an attempt at poetry.

When you think of Charles Dickens’ ghost stories, you may first think of ‘A Christmas Carol’ and the ghosts that visit Scrooge. However, ‘The Trail for Murder’ is perhaps Dickens’ second best-known ghost tale. Written in 1865, ‘The Trial for Murder’ is a short story in which the ghost of a murder victim materialises to the foreman of the jury at his own murder trial. In this supernatural horror story, the ghost harasses the jurors and witnesses to ensure that his murderer is found guilty. While ‘The Trial for Murder' might not be considered scary by our modern-day standards it was one of the first ghost stories widely published and is a great read for fans of films like ‘The Sixth Sense’.Regarded by many as the greatest novelist of the Victorian era, Charles Dickens is best known for creating some of the world’s best known fictional characters who feature in his most popular novels, including The Artful Dodger in 'Oliver Twist’, Ebenezer Scrooge in ‘A Christmas Carol’, and Miss Havisham in ‘Great Expectations’. Dickens’ timeless novels and short stories are still widely read today and many have been adapted into countless TV programmes and films including the Academy Award-winning musical ‘Oliver’, and 'A Christmas Carol' which well known worldwide and is a huge favourite movie for families to watch together at Christmas time.

Two old school friends meet in a café in Paris, but their chance meeting turns into a surprise for one of them. Aged, dirty, and with fingernails blackened with tobacco, Jean des Barrets has fallen on hard times since the days of his lordship, and to the dismay of his friend now passes his days drinking beers, or "Bocks". The two discuss how fate has led them down differing paths, and whether Barrets’ lifestyle is, in fact, so different from the rest of us.Family issues, anger, pain, and mistakes fill this short story to the brim. A philosophical tease for fans of Flaubert or Camus, Maupassant tackles themes of poverty and childhood trauma with compassion, elegance, and understanding.Guy de Maupassant (1850-1893) was a famous French writer, often referred to as the father of the short story. A prolific writer, his best known works include "Bel-Ami", "Une Vie" and "The Necklace", alongside some 300 short stories, travel books, and poetry. A master of style and dramatic narrative, Maupassant’s stories are drawn to themes of war, the working class, and the human condition. One of his greatest influences was Gustave Flaubert, who introduced him to some of the central names of the time such as Emile Zola, Ivan Turgenev, and Henry James.

'A Modern Mephistopheles' is an eerie tale of passion, deceit, control and greed. It is little wonder Alcott's authorship of the novel was unknown for many years, as she sheltered behind a pseudonym.Felix Canaris, an anguished writer who is about to take his own life, is saved by Jasper Helwyze offering grand promises of fame and fortune - but on the condition that he promises his complete commitment.But when Helwyze exploits the naïve and graceful Gladys as a pawn in his scheme - the race is on, will Canaris break free of him in time to save Gladys?A 150 year-old spine-chilling tale that has never been more relevant today.If you enjoyed 'The Talented Mr. Ripley' by Patricia Highsmith, starring Matt Damon and Cate Blanchett in its film adaptation, then this psychological thriller is for you. Perfect for fans of the Netflix series 'You', starring Penn Badgley and Victoria Pedretti.Louisa May Alcott (1832-1888) was an American writer of numerous beloved novels, short stories and poems. She was a feminist, and many of her stories are loosely based on her own life experiences. She is primarily known for her young adult fiction but also wrote gothic thrillers, albeit anonymously, and sensational stories under the pen name A.M. Barnard. One of her best-known works is "Little Women", a novel that has been turned into numerous film and television adaptations, such as the 2019 film, starring Saorise Ronan, Florence Pugh and Timothée Chalamet.

Join Aurora on her travels from Florence to London - a coming of age journey full of trials and tribulations. Spanning 9 books, Browning’s poetic blank verse evokes classical and mythological references, ideal for the passionate philosopher.Dubbed the greatest long poem of the 19th century, ‘Aurora Leigh’ weaves the perfect coming-of-age story for fans of Dev Patel’s 2019 comedy-drama ‘The Personal History of David Copperfield’.Elizabeth Barret Browning (1806-1861) was an English poet, who wrote during the Victorian era. Following her marriage to the writer Robert Browning, Elizabeth moved to Italy where she lived for the rest of her life. Her poetry such as ‘The Cry of the Children’ urged child-labour reforms, whilst ‘A Drama in Exile’, ‘A Vision of Poets’ and ‘Lady Geraldine’s Courtship’ appeared in her 1844 two-volume ‘Poems’. Browning is remembered today as a rival candidate for poet laureate Tennyson on the death of Wordsworth.

Dr Phil didn’t invent family drama. This Victorian novel might as well be given the Dr Phil caption of "I found out my parents weren’t married, and my cousin won’t give me my inheritance". A suspenseful yet poignant tale of the prejudices against illegitimacy, "No Name" captures the anxieties at the time – but also love stories – surrounding marriage.Two sisters, Magdalen and Norah Vanstone live an idyllic life in the English countryside with their wealthy parents. A tragedy upends their lives, suddenly losing their status in society. This new life brings Magdalen to York, then London, beginning her riveting tale of acting, marriage proposals, revenge, and even poison.A thriller that would put Dr Phil out of business, "No Name" emphasises romance in the face of rigid Victorian society.London-born Wilke Collins (1824-1889) became known in Victorian England for his novels and plays, sometimes writing together with Charles Dickens. His most famous works, "The Woman in White" (1859) and "The Moonstone" (1868), are examples of the first modern detective novels.

Ok, nobody wants to lose pound500 – but is it big enough of a deal to deserve a short story? To put it into context: a Victorian pound500 was about pound60,000 in today’s money. So, yeah, it’s a big deal. That’s why, when Lady Lydiard has the money stolen from her, the plot becomes a whodunnit. A precursor to modern-day detective novels, this novella revolves around the colourful characters (and a Scottie dog) who are all present in Lady Lydiard’s household when her pound500 disappears.In this fun and compelling tale, two of the men suspected are both romantically interested in Isabel Miller, Lady Lydiard’s companion-cum-adoptive-daughter. "My Lady’s Money" follows these suspects as the intensity of both the theft and romance increases.A classic mystery novella with a love story: think Miss Marple but with marriage proposals.London-born Wilke Collins (1824-1889) became known in Victorian England for his novels and plays, sometimes writing together with Charles Dickens. His most famous works, "The Woman in White" (1859) and "The Moonstone" (1868), are examples of the first modern detective novels.

'Away in the Wilderness' is a classic for young readers. Adults are also bound to enjoy this novel as a semi-biographical adventure tale set in the wilderness in the latter half of the 19th Century.A delightful and humorous tale set in Canada. Boasting vibrant descriptions of Rupert's land, the rambling woods, the mosquitoes and of course the friendly and hospitable Canadian folk. It also contains a very good lesson on the best way to take revenge.A perfect fit for fans of the exciting 19th century adventure stories complete with a potent take on morality. Strongly recommended for readers who adore the 19740-1983 TV series 'Little House on the Prairie' starring Michael Landon, Karen Grassle, Melissa Gilbert and Melissa Sue Anderson.This tale is perfect for young readers approximately aged 12-16 or so.R. M. Ballantyne was a Scottish writer specialising in the juvenile fiction genre. He was born as Robert Michael Ballantyne into a family of well-known printers and publishers in Edinburgh. At age 16 he travelled to Canada where he served with the Hudson's Bay Company for six years. He returned to Scotland in 1847 and published his first book the next year, 'Hudson's Bay: or Life in the Wilds of North America'. For several years he was employed by the publishing house Messrs Constable. But in 1856 he decided to leave the literature business. Instead he began writing a series of adventure stories for young readers.

Moscow is lost, occupied by Napoleon's French hordes.Is Russia lost? Is all lost?Students of history will already know the answer. But whether or not you do, Leo Tolstoy's 'War and Peace IV' is an extraordinary and epic telling of what happened next.Through the eyes of the Russian soldier-aristocrat Pierre, we see mercy and inhumanity behind the lines.He even embarks on a plot to assassinate Napoleon. Spoiler alert: he failed.On the home front, the strands are tied together with death, marriage and hope.But will there be a happy ending after 15 years and 1,000 pages?Leo Tolstoy's masterpiece is a complete semester of Russian and French history, using the zoom button to focus on its impact on families from the aristocracy to the peasants.It paints a picture of petty jealousy, pride and forbidden love in the Russian stately homes.If you like costume dramas and the novels of Jane Austen ('Pride and Prejudice', 'Sense and Sensibility'), this is the granddaddy of them all. The same goes for fans of Bernard Cornwell's 'Sharpe' novels and TV series', starring Sean Bean.'War and Peace' was made into a BBC TV series in 2016, written by Andrew Davies and starring Lily James and James Norton.Leo Tolstoy (1828-1910) was a Russian author, a master of realistic fiction and one of the world’s greatest novelists. Tolstoy’s major works include 'War and Peace' (1865–69) and 'Anna Karenina' (1875–77), two of the greatest novels of all time and pinnacles of realist fiction. Beyond novels, he wrote many short stories and later in life also essays and plays.In the years following the publication of 'War and Peace' Tolstoy - who was born to a Russian aristocratic family - had a spiritual awakening that made him a committed Christian anarchist and pacifist. His philosophy inspired Mahatma Gandhi and Martin Luther King Jr.

Nancy Lavelle lies still on the floor. With her eyes looking towards her children’s rooms, her hands are clasped in prayer, as if the last thing she wished for was her children to be saved...When Detective Abby Pearce is called to the Beach House, a holiday home in the most affluent part of Martha’s Vineyard, she finds five bodies. An entire family has been killed in a frenzied attack... all except one. Fifteen-year-old Karin is the only survivor. Sitting in the house, surrounded by her family, she stares into the distance and doesn’t say a word.When Karin’s grandparents fly in to take her home, Abby’s investigation takes a shocking turn. Taking one look at the traumatised girl, they recoil—the girl curled up in a hospital bed isn’t their granddaughter. So who is she? And where is the real Karin Lavelle?Abby fears the missing girl is in serious danger, and with local residents worried that the killer is still on the island and the press questioning her every move, she’s under pressure to solve both crimes fast. But when she uncovers a link between Thomas Lavelle’s New York office and her previous job at the NYPD, she begins to fear that these brutal murders are a sign... and that she’s next. Can she find the killer before another life is taken, or is she walking into a trap?This fast-paced thriller is perfect for fans of Lisa Regan, Kendra Elliot and Mary Burton, but be warned—you won’t want to put it down!What readers are saying about Silent Island:"An ending that will leave you stunned." Just Reviews"Clever, twisty and altogether spine-chilling!" NetGalley reviewer"Hit the ground running and never let up... Kept me glued to the story right up to the last page." Goodreads reviewer.Dana Perry is a New York City author who writes mystery thrillers featuring newspaper reporter Jessie Tucker.

One of the earliest sci-fi novels in English literature "The Mummy!" is futuristic and entertaining; a must read not only for sci-fi enthusiasts but those who love 19th century literature.Influenced and inspired perhaps by the unwrapping of Egyptian mummies in London and Mary Shelley’s "Frankenstein", the female author of just 17 years old, Loudon, takes us on a pioneering adventure set in the 22nd century.It’s the year 2126 and the mummy of the Egyptian pharaoh Cheops is brought back to life by a mad scientist. We follow the reanimated mummy’s journey to England, his encounters with people he befriends and his shrewd advice on politics and life.Discover the depths of Loudon’s imagination with her future filled with inventions and technology, predictions that are almost a reality today; automaton lawyers and surgeons, movable houses and a new mail system shot out of cannons. Her ideas on politics and social attitudes are way ahead of her time; feminism is touched upon with women ruling the country and wearing trousers.A pioneer in the field of science fiction, Jane Wells Web Loudon (1807-1858) was an English author best known for her classic novel "The Mummy!"; inspired by her reading of novels, archeological findings, and imagination. She was one of the founding names in the genre, and was later deemed a Gothic, horror, or fantasy writer. The majority of her work, however, revolves around gardening and writing one of the first gardening manuals targeted at young women.

It is 'Downton Abbey' meets 'Succession' - but in the 18th century.Four generations of heirs to the Rackrent estate in Ireland are shown to have unique talents for mismanaging it.The careless big spender Sir Patrick O'Shaughlin, litigious Sir Murtagh Rackrent, abusive gambler Sir Kit Rackrent and the kind but unwise Sir Condy Rackrent are brought vividly to life by Maria Edgeworth through a narrator, Rackrent steward Thady Quirk.As the four heirs fight and foul up, behind the scenes there is a master manipulator pulling the strings. Will he benefit from the chaos?'Castle Rackrent' is Edgeworth's first novel and is regarded as pioneering in the field of historical and regional novels.It satirises Anglo-Irish landlords at a time when the English and Irish governments were trying to formalise their union.The novel is alluded to in F. Scott Fitzgerald's 'The Great Gatsby'. It is also cited by Sir Walter Scott as the inspiration for his 'Waverley' historical novels.The Irish poet and dramatist W.B. Yeats called Castle Rackrent "one of the most inspired chronicles written in English."The Irish writer Maria Edgeworth (1768-1849) was highly regarded in her day as a pioneer of early 19th century fiction and children's literature.A friend of the novelist Sir Walter Scott ('Ivanhoe', 'Rob Roy'), she was active and vocal about political and estate reform.Today, she is rather underappreciated - and overshadowed - by other 19th century satirical novelists like Jane Austen and Anthony Trollope.A prolific writer, Edgeworth's best-known works include 'Ennui', 'The Dun' and 'Belinda', which was controversial in its day for featuring inter-racial marriage.

Spiralling down and down, finally reaching rock bottom. What is there possibly left to live for? Nothing! 'The Dream of a Ridiculous Man' is a short story by Dostoevsky, exploring the limits and richness of the human psyche. When a nihilistic man decides to take his life, he is saved by a chance encounter with a distressed little girl seeking his help. As he falls asleep that night, he embarks on a dream journey, during which he finally understands what he was put on this Earth for.Quite a simple idea that Dostoevsky masterfully elaborates into a psychological agenda for the protagonist. Supernatural and hallucinogenic, the story is an impressive, vivid tale that stays with you like an unforgettable dream.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'.

Divorce, adultery, murder, female alcoholism, racism, civil war, arson, drowning, marriage dominated by hate and marriage filled with love. Is there anything left that this book doesn’t deal with?Therese finds herself a widow at a young age and is in charge of a plantation in Louisiana. She meets Hossmer, a handsome businessman, who runs the mill. A decision is made that will have a lasting and detrimental effect.Racial tensions, Catholic beliefs as the basis of a moral dilemma, the boredom of a young woman with little to do with her time and the devastating effects of drink as well as the tragedy caused by mother nature. 'At Fault' will be a big hit with fans of Kate Chopin’s work and for anyone with a love for the classics.Kate Chopin (1850-1904), born Katherine O’Flaherty, was an American writer of novels and short stories mostly set in the 19th-century American South. Her works deal with themes of the female psyche and women's limited life opportunities in the Victorian era, often in a naturalist style. She was considered controversial in her time, but is now praised as a pioneer of 20th-century feminist American literature.Her most famous works include the novel ‘The Awakening’ (1899), which explores themes of rebellion against femininity and motherhood at the turn of the 20th century. Adaptations of this title include 'Grand Isle' (1991) starring Kelly McGillis and Adrian Pasdar, and 'The End of August' (1981).

‘The Pirate’ is a thrilling adventure novel by Walter Scott. The story takes place on the edge of civilisation in the remote Shetland Isles during the 17th Century as a mysterious man washes up on their secluded shores. The mystery man is rescued by the lovelorn Mordaunt, but they soon become rivals as they vie for the attention of two sisters. It is later revealed that the enigmatic stranger is a pirate captain, and violence ensues as the sisters are taken hostage and Mordaunt must rescue them. ‘The Pirate’ features some of Scott’s finest romantic prose as he vividly depicts the isolation and beauty of the islands north of the Scottish Mainland. There are some gothic elements to the tale as the heroes are aided in their quest to defeat the pirates by the mystical Norna whose poetic dialogue was celebrated at the time of the book’s release. Although this is a historical novel the theme of changing culture and fear of societal shifts remains timely. ‘The Pirate’ is a riveting novel teeming with adventure, danger, and romance that is recommended for fans of historical fiction or adventure stories such as ‘The Pirates of the Caribbean’.Walter Scott (1771 – 1832) was a Scottish writer, poet, and historian. Fascinated by traditional storytelling, during the 1790s Scott dedicated himself to researching and collecting ballads and published the epic collection ‘Minstrelsy of the Scottish Border’ in 1802. A prominent poet, Scott also wrote and published a range of poems, including the popular ‘The Lady of the Lake.’ His first historical novel ‘Waverley’ was published in 1814, whereupon it was an immediate success, receiving critical acclaim and selling out many printings. His best-known work ‘Ivanhoe’ followed in 1820. Scott died in 1832 at the age of 61. He was commemorated after his death with monuments in Edinburgh, Glasgow, and New York due to his impact on western literature. His literary works influenced and inspired many other great authors such as Virginia Woolf. Internationally renowned, Scott’s literary legacy continues to be felt all over the world to this day.

How can there be any such thing as "An Honest Thief"? I know Astafy has stolen my coat so why can't he just admit it?'An Honest Thief' tells the story of Astafy Ivanovich, who takes up lodging in the narrator’s house. When the narrator’s coat is stolen, Astafy recalls the story of a thief he once gave shelter to, and a similar theft. With a careful depiction of the thief’s psychological and drunken state, and the situations that he finds himself in, Dostoevsky paints a realistic picture of the human condition. His characters are always torn between what their head thinks is right and what the heart dictates. A tragic story about friendship, regret, and forgiveness.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'.

The young nobleman, Dmitri Ivanovich Nekhlyudov, had no care in the world when he seduced a young maid, Katerina (Katusha) Maslova, only to cruelly abandon her. Unaffected by the situation he carries on with his life. Her on the other hand loses her job as a result of the affair and is forced into a life of prostitution.Now, 10 years later, Katerina stands accused of murdering an abusive client and faces deportation to Siberia.Dmitri sits on the jury and is horrified when he realizes that one of the prisoners on trial is the young maid he seduced years before.This catapults him into a personal crusade of redemption, trying to make up for the fact that he used his high position in society to take advantage of others."The Awakening" (often translated as "Resurrection") is the last of Tolstoy's major novels. It is an intimate, psychological tale of guilt, anger and forgiveness.Leo Tolstoy (1828-1910) was a Russian author, a master of realistic fiction and one of the world’s greatest novelists. Tolstoy’s major works include "War and Peace" (1865–69) and "Anna Karenina" (1875–77), two of the greatest novels of all time and pinnacles of realist fiction. Beyond novels, he wrote many short stories and later in life also essays and plays.

Madonna, the Queen of Pop, was not the first to be named in honour of the graceful Madonna in art. The focal point of this novel, Mary, is affectionately known as "Madonna" on account of her beauty. Moreover, Mary is both deaf and dumb: "Hide and Seek" is a bold and thrilling Victorian novel that reflects on disability in a positive light.Mary was adopted from a circus by Lavinia – who also has a disability – and Valentine Blyth. That circus past becomes the central enigma of the novel when friends Zachary and Mat become involved with Mary in London. Mat is solving his own family mystery when he stumbles upon a shocking detail linked to Mary.A tale of forbidden love, family drama, and mystery, Charles Dickens liked it so much that he declared it the "cleverest novel". (It even has a circus clown – eat your heart out Krusty the Clown.)London-born Wilke Collins (1824-1889) became known in Victorian England for his novels and plays, sometimes writing together with Charles Dickens. His most famous works, "The Woman in White" (1859) and "The Moonstone" (1868), are examples of the first modern detective novels.

Dark secrets are revealed when two aristocratic old friends embark on a journey through their memories in Guy de Maupassant’s "The Son." At 25, one of the men committed a crime on a walking tour in Brittany, France and when he returns many years later, he is confronted with the poor monster brought on by his own horrid actions. With "The Son", Maupassant illustrates the conflict between classes, between the privileged and underprivileged, in a story of exploited women and ill-fated children of the lower class.Guy de Maupassant (1850-1893) was a famous French writer, best known as one of the finest practitioners of the short story. Master of style and dramatic narrative, Maupassant’s stories are mainly interested in the relationships between men and women, often found at the crossroads of life. One of his greatest influences was Gustave Flaubert, who introduced him to some of the central names of the time such as Emile Zola, Henry James, and Ivan Turgenev. Some of his best known works include the novels "Bel Ami" and "Une Vie", more than 300 short stories, travel books, and even an attempt at poetry.

Among the many twentieth century treatises on the art of writing, there were few that attempted to analyze the development of form and style. But Edith Wharton's bestselling classic, 'The Writing of Fiction' did just that. Complete with chapters devoted to the invaluable insight on character, pacing, structure, the short story, the novel, and a wide-range of approaches to modern fiction.The book is a window into the mind of one of America's most important and enduring voices. In 1921, Edith Wharton became the first woman to win a Pulitzer Prize for her 1920 novel 'The Age of Innocence'.Edith Wharton (1862–1937) was a prolific novelist and one of the twentieth century’s greatest authors. 'The Age of Innocence', her Pulitzer-winning novel was made into the acclaimed Martin Scorsese film of the same name – starring Daniel Day-Lewis, Michelle Pfeiffer, and Winona Ryder. Wharton's work has sold millions of copies worldwide. Among her other renowned works are 'The House of Mirth' and 'Ethan Frome'.

The first of the ‘Jeremy’ books, Jeremy introduces us to our hero, at the age of eight. Jeremy and his two sisters, Helen, and Mary, live in the quiet, unassuming town of Polchester. However, Jeremy has a nose for finding quirky characters and, through him, we meet Uncle Samuel, Jampot the nurse, and Hamlet, a stray dog. Semi-autobiographical, ‘Jeremy’ is Walpole’s first foray into school-themed books and one that set the template for other authors to follow. Ideal for Walpole fans of all ages.Hugh Walpole (1884 – 1941) was one of Britain’s most prolific and popular novelists. Although originally destined for a career in the church, Walpole found himself drawn to writing. During his career, Walpole wrote 36 novels, five compendiums of short stories, three sets of memoirs, and two plays. He is most famous for ‘Rogue Herries,’ ‘A Prayer for my Son,’ and ‘The Story of Dolittle,’ which was adapted for the silver screen, and starred Robert Downey Junior.

It is 2137. Two centuries ago, there was a war to end all wars. The Old World died and the New One was born. Everything is ordered and perfect. Just do not visit Europe!When the young commander Jefferson Turck suffers a sabotage, he discovers some disturbing and world-changing secrets. The action in "The Lost Continent" is relentless and Hollywood-like; the romance is familiar and melodramatic; while the anti-war social criticism is right on point. It is a gripping and fascinating tale and a great read for adventure fiction fans.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.