Sent 18. århundrede, 1750 til 1799

Scotland, 1750, just four years after Bonnie Prince Charlie’s Rising of the Clans, it’s hard to know who’s loyal to the English and who is faithful to the Stuarts. And it’s beautiful seventeen-year-old Iona’s perilous mission to ascertain whether the Duke of Arkrae, head of Scotland’s most powerful clan, is a traitor or is he in cahoots with the English.Iona’s mission is to gain the trust of the Duke and his clan by claiming to be the sister he thought to have died as a child. As all around her doubt her claim and call her a "pretender", Iona struggles to hold her nerve. Her wit and steely nerves do not fail her but almost instantly, on meeting the imperious Duke, it’s her heart that lets her down. She’s fallen deeply, hopelessly in love! Traitor or not, surely the Duke could never love the Little Pretender who was sent to ensnare him?

Una de las comedias más conocidas de Leandro Fernández de Moratín. Sucede en Ilescas, un pequeño pueblo de Toledo. Nos muestra a Doña Mónica, una mujer acomodada y rica, pero sin cuna noble. Cuando llega un deslumbrante y educado barón a la localidad, Mónica hace lo posible para que su hija Isabel se case con el recién llegado y, así, emparentarla con la nobleza. Sin embargo, las dos mujeres descubrirán pronto la doble naturaleza del barón.Leandro Fernández de Moratín (1760-1828) fue un dramaturgo y poeta madrileño. Su padre, también escritor, lo crio en un ambiente literario. Eso, sumado a su timidez provocada por una enfermedad temprana, hizo que Fernández de Moratín se centrara en las letras desde pequeño. Después de ganar algunos certámenes poéticos, obtuvo un puesto de secretario del conde Cabarrús y eso lo llevó de viaje a varios países europeos, aunque su preferido fue Francia. Amigo de Jovellanos y Goldoni, protegido de Godoy, Fernández de Moratín introdujo el teatro neoclásico francés en España. Además de su amplia obra, trabajó también como traductor de teatro de autores como Molière o Shakespeare.

Scritta nel 1782, "Saul" è una delle tragedie più note di Vittorio Alfieri. Tratta da un celebre episodio biblico, l'opera si incentra sulle ultimissime ore di vita di Saul, vecchio re d’Israele caduto ormai nell’empietà e incapace di accettare l’ascesa del più giovane David. Costretto a riammettere David allo scopo di combattere il proprio nemico comune – i Filistei – Saul si rende conto, pur nella follia, che solo un gesto disperato potrebbe definitivamente riscattarlo, agli occhi di Dio come a quelli del suo popolo.Una tragedia estremamente moderna, se si considera che lo psicanalista Carl Gustav Jung (1875-1961) la analizzò al preciso fine di individuarvi l’archetipo di un io spezzato, che, nel corso dei cinque atti, riassembla i pezzi in cui si è scomposto per ritrovare una parvenza di unità. Un classico imperdibile.Vittorio Amedeo Alfieri (1749-1803) nasce ad Asti da una nobile casata comitale. Già bambino estroverso e volitivo, descriverà i primi noiosi anni di vita come i "nove anni di vegetazione", e quelli trascorsi all’Accademia Reale di Torino come gli "otto anni di ineducazione". Dal 1766 al 1774 serve come alfiere nell’esercito piemontese, dedicandosi poi a lunghi anni di viaggi per tutta l’Europa, fra amori contrastati e duelli sanguinosi. Nel 1777 rinuncia alla cittadinanza piemontese e conosce la contessa d’Albany Luisa, donna il cui amore lo accompagnerà per sempre. Di ideali libertari, simpatizza inizialmente per la Rivoluzione Francese, ma trascorre gli ultimi anni a Firenze in ostinato isolamento dalle vicende napoleoniche. Considerato fra i capostipiti italiani del classicismo e del romanticismo, è autore di innumerevoli opere, fra cui si devono citare almeno le tragedie più note come "Filippo", "Maria Stuarda" e "La congiura de ‘Pazzi".

Ponura jesień 1773 r. Wytworne towarzystwo odbywa podróż dyliżansem. Nagle konie stają dęba, bo zwierzęta czują to, co dla człowieka niezauważane - zapach śmierci. W istocie, wśród zbutwiałych liści leżą trupy kobiety i dzieci. A to dopiero początek makabrycznych odkryć. Prawdziwy strach oblatuje podróżnych, gdy obracają zwłoki plecami do góry. Trzymająca w napięciu historia kostiumowa, której akcja rozgrywa się na kilku planach czasowych. Dla miłośników niesamowitości w stylu Edgara Allana Poe.Zbigniew Wojnarowski (ur. 1956) - polonista i pisarz pochodzący z Konina, gdzie chętnie osadza akcję swoich książek. Uznany autor słuchowisk radiowych oraz powieści „Miraż" i „Pióra". Napisał także wiele opowiadań. Pod pseudonimem Dominika Stec publikuje lekkie utwory obyczajowe dla kobiet. Książki podpisane tym nazwiskiem pojawiają się na półkach wydawniczych obok utworów Katarzyny Grocholi, Izabeli Sowy czy Moniki Szwai. Największą popularność przyniosła mu seria o przygodach miłosnych Dominiki ("Mężczyzna do towarzystwa", "Kobieca intuicja", "Bingo!").

In quella che è universalmente riconosciuta come una delle sue tragedie più riuscite, Alfieri infonde la disperazione e il senso di impotenza che l’Uomo prova di fronte alle proprie stesse pulsioni. Se normalmente l’orizzonte tragico si esprime attraverso il conflitto fra l’eroe e un mondo esterno avverso ai suoi propositi, in "Mirra" – scritto fra il 1784 e il 1786 – la protagonista combatte contro un elemento ancora più oscuro: la propria coscienza profonda. Mirra è infatti incestuosamente attratta dal padre Ciniro, e per questo maledice il destino e la propria madre, di cui è mortalmente gelosa. Dall’unione abominevole fra i due, secondo la mitologia, sarebbe poi nato Adone.Un’opera intensa, che anticipa di un secolo le intuizioni freudiane sul subconscio.Vittorio Amedeo Alfieri (1749-1803) nasce ad Asti da una nobile casata comitale. Già bambino estroverso e volitivo, descriverà i primi noiosi anni di vita come i "nove anni di vegetazione", e quelli trascorsi all’Accademia Reale di Torino come gli "otto anni di ineducazione". Dal 1766 al 1774 serve come alfiere nell’esercito piemontese, dedicandosi poi a lunghi anni di viaggi per tutta l’Europa, fra amori contrastati e duelli sanguinosi. Nel 1777 rinuncia alla cittadinanza piemontese e conosce la contessa d’Albany Luisa, donna il cui amore lo accompagnerà per sempre. Di ideali libertari, simpatizza inizialmente per la Rivoluzione Francese, ma trascorre gli ultimi anni a Firenze in ostinato isolamento dalle vicende napoleoniche. Considerato fra i capostipiti italiani del classicismo e del romanticismo, è autore di innumerevoli opere, fra cui si devono citare almeno le tragedie più note come "Filippo", "Maria Stuarda" e "La congiura de ‘Pazzi".

‘The Beautiful Cassandra and Other Stories’ (1793) was written by the renowned English novelist Jane Austen, best-known for her novels ‘Sense and Sensibility’ (1811) and ‘Pride and Prejudice’ (1813).This collection of short stories, written when the author was very young, deals with an abundance of topics, such as murder, theft, deceit, imprisonment, romance, and intrigue.A fascinating and entertaining insight into the young Jane Austen’s mind, this collection is a sensational read for those contemplating reading some of Austen's famous novels later down the line, or for those already familiar with her brilliant body of work!There are few authors as iconic as Jane Austen (1775-1817). Her body of work contains some of the most beloved books and characters of all time which have been in print for over two hundred years and sold millions of copies worldwide.Austen was a trailblazer, famed for her satire, her astute social commentary and her strong-willed, passionate heroines. Her ability to wield humour with realism has found her favour with critics and readers for generations.Her most famous works include Pride and Prejudice (1813), Emma (1816), Sense and Sensibility (1811) and Persuasion (1818), all of which have received success in adaptations for the screen, stage and radio.

‘Sylvia's Lovers’ is a novel by English novelist and short story writer Elizabeth Gaskell, best-known for her novels ´North and South’, ‘Mary Barton’, and ‘Cranford’.Set in the 1790s in an English seaside town, ‘Sylvia’s Lovers’ tells the story of Sylvia Robson, caught between the love of her cousin Philip Hepburn and whaling harpooner Charley Kinraid.As England wages war with France, press gangs roam the streets. When Charley is forcibly taken away to fight, he asks love-rival Philip to pass on a message to Sylvia, but his silence changes their lives forever.This haunting tale of love and loss is regarded as one of Gaskells finest works.Elizabeth Gaskell (1810-1865) was an English novelist, biographer, and short story writer, renowned for her earnest and detailed descriptions of Victorian society.Among her most famous novels are ‘North and South’, ‘Mary Barton’ and ‘Wives and Daughters’. Her work has been adapted for film and TV on numerous occasions, including the BBC TV drama ‘Cranford’, starring Dame Judi Dench.Gaskell also wrote ‘The Life of Charlotte Brontë’ (1857), which was the first-ever biography of the famous English writer, Charlotte Brontë.

If enduring popularity is a mark of quality, then 'She Stoops to Conquer' is among the greatest plays ever written; for the 1773 comedy has been performed almost without a break for 250 years.It centres on the efforts of Mr Hardcastle to marry his daughter Kate to his friend's son, Marlow. When Marlow arrives at their house, he is brusque with Mr Hardcastle because he has been tricked into believing it is a hotel.Mayhem and misunderstanding ensue as Marlow's companion Hastings plots with Hardcastle's niece to steal the family jewels. Then Marlow mistakes Kate for a serving maid and flirts with her. Is he a rude, licentious man? Or will Kate discover hidden depths to redeem him?A groundbreaking and sharp satire about the clash between town and country, ´She Stoops to Conquer´ gently mocks the sentimental plays of its era and is ideal reading for fans of Oscar Wilde and George Bernard Shaw.Oliver Goldsmith (1730-1774) was an Irish essayist, novelist, poet, and playwright.His work includes the essay collection 'The Citizen of the World' (1762), the novel 'The Vicar of Wakefield' (1766), the plays 'The Good Natur'd Man' (1768) and 'She Stoops to Conquer' (1773), and the poetry collections 'Traveller, or, a Prospect of Society' (1764), 'An Elegy on the Death of a Mad Dog' (1766), and 'The Deserted Village: A Poem' (1770).

With a sweeping narrative that features revolution, restoration, and colonial war, 'The Two Brothers' is Honore de Balzac at his masterful best.It focuses on the Bridau family, including Agathe, her two sons, and her elder brother, as they engage in increasingly undignified battles for their inheritance.The eldest son, Philippe, is a courageous soldier but a gambler and a crook. The youngest, Joseph, is a misunderstood artist.When the Bourbons are restored and Napoleon exiled, Philippe becomes embroiled in an anti-government conspiracy.Meanwhile, a mysterious "long-lost uncle" appears and worms his way into the family - with unsavoury intentions.With the plot's fuse lit, it burns through priceless paintings, racist persecution, a knife attack, a duel, and an explosive climax.If you like this, you will love 'Les Miserables' by Victor Hugo and 'A Tale of Two Cities' by Charles Dickens.Honoré de Balzac (1799-1850) was a French novelist and playwright, most famous for a sequence of novels, collectively called 'The Human Comedy'. His signature style was a warts-and-all representation of post-Napoleonic French life, rich in detail and featuring complex, unfiltered characters.The style means Balzac is regarded as one of the pioneers of European literary realism. He is named as an influence on writers including Emile Zola, Henry James, Charles Dickens, and Gustave Flaubert.The first novel he published under his own name was 'Les Chouans' in 1829. In 1834 he hit upon the idea of grouping his novels together to record all of society. The result, over a period of years, was 'The Human Comedy', which comprised three categories: 'Analytic Studies'; 'Philosophical Studies'; and 'Studies of Manners'.

Begrebet læge har ændret sig markant i løbet af historien. Selvom det i mange hundrede år krævede en medicinsk doktorgrad at få lov at operere indvortes på patienter, blev denne regel langt fra altid overholdt, og kirurger, bartskærere og sårlæger praktiserede i mange år, som de lystede, uden at nogen forsøgte at regulere deres virke.Læge og medicinhistoriker Kristian Carøe fortæller om de forskellige læger, der opererede i Danmark og Norge fra 1479 og op til hans egen tid. Bøgerne indeholder ikke blot biografier om hver eneste læge i denne periode, men de fortæller også om lægevidenskabens udvikling i landet og om lægens plads i samfundet gennem tiden.Tredje bind fortæller om læger og kirurger i perioden fra1786 og op til 1838, hvor den forenede medicinske og kirurgiske embedseksamen blev indført og kom til at gælde for alle. Bogen tegner portrætter af de mange forskellige mænd, der på mere eller mindre legitime grundlag slog sig op som læger i de godt 50 år, bogen dækkerKristian Carøe (1851-1921) var en dansk læge og medicinhistoriker, der både skrev bøger om medicinhistorie og var medredaktør af bladet "Ugeskrift for Læger". Kristian Carøe er særligt kendt for sit fembindsværk "Den danske lægestand 1479-1900", der består af biografier af alle de læger og kirurger, der virkede i Danmark i denne periode. Få dage før sin død blev Kristian Carøe æret som dr.med. honoris causa ved Københavns Universitet.

Verso la fine del Settecento, una giovane donna vede il marito partire e non tornare. Luigi sparirà, senza spiegare perché, senza rivelare la sua destinazione. Si pensa che, sedotto dagli ideali giacobini di Robespierre, Luigi possa esser andato in Francia. Moderna Penelope che conosce bene il proprio cuore, Liana attende, senza certezze.Così la sensazione di un’attesa senza oggetto mette alla prova Liana e, insieme, i lettori, che verranno trasportati con dolce impazienza a scorrere le pagine verso una conclusione impronosticabile.Edoardo Calandra (1852 – 1911) è stato un illustratore e uno scrittore italiano. Calandra esordisce come pittore di quadri ispirati a vicende storiche realmente accadute, per poi abbracciare il mondo dell’illustrazione editoriale. Le sue opere letterarie riprendono lo stile verista di Giovanni Verga, si svolgono principalmente in Piemonte e analizzano l’avanzare della classe borghese su quella aristocratica. Tra i suoi scritti ricordiamo "La bufera", "Vecchio Piemonte", "Ad oltranza" e "A guerra aperta".

W burzliwym czasie sporów politycznych i ideologicznych wywodzący się z nizin społecznych Barnaby Rudge i jego matka stają się ofiarami prześladowania. Zmieniają miejsca zamieszania i wchodzą w rozmaite układy, by odzyskać spokój. Wielowątkowy utwór historyczny umieszcza perypetie bohaterów na tle prawdziwych wydarzeń, a akcja trwa od 1775 r. aż do 1780 r., kiedy to w Londynie doszło do rozruchów, w wyniku których mieszkańcy stolicy spalili więzienie Newgate. Powieść była publikowana w odcinkach, jest ilustrowana rysunkami Freda Barnarda oraz reprodukcjami XIX-wiecznych rycin. Może zainteresować miłośników powieści historycznej w wykonaniu Henryka Sienkiewicza czy Aleksandra Dumasa.Charles Dickens (1812-1870) - dziewiętnastowieczny angielski powieściopisarz, najwybitniejszy wówczas przedstawiciel powieści społeczno-obyczajowej. Czuły na niesprawiedliwość społeczną, precyzyjnie opisywał życie uboższych sfer i portretował ekscentryków w konwencji groteski i karykatury. Wywodził się z rodziny, która popadła w nędzę, bardzo wcześnie podjął pracę zarobkową w fabryce pasty do butów, uznanie w środowisku literackim zapewniła mu powieść "Klub Pickwicka".

Der mitreißende dritte Teil der Serie um die Freibeuter-Brüder, die niemals zur Ruhe kommen.Während im Jahre 1794 die Schrecken der französischen Revolution ganz Europa in Brand zu stecken drohen, spitzt sich auch auf See die Situation zu: Im Ärmelkanal geraten der erfahrende Freibeuter Harry Ludlow und seine Mannschaft in den erbitterten Kampf zwischen rivalisierenden Schmugglern. Zwar gelingt es ihnen, sich in Sicherheit zu bringen, doch die ist trügerisch: Hinter der Fassade der idyllischen Hafenstadt Deal herrschen Korruption und Gewalt. Für Ludlow und seinen Bruder James steht fest, dass sie etwas unternehmen müssen, um der Bevölkerung zu helfen – denn sie sind nicht nur mit allen Wassern gewaschene Seemänner, sondern auch ehrbare Gentlemen ...»Ein Muss für alle Fans von Marine-Romanen – ein großartiges Buch.« Manchester Evening NewsEnde des 18. Jahrhunderts: Harry Ludlow schmeißt seinen Offiziersposition in der Royal Navy hin um fortan als Freibeuter über die Meere zu ziehen. Auf seinen Reisen stolpern er und seine Gefährten immer wieder in brenzlige Situationen und Mordfälle, die aufgeklärt werden wollen. Mit dieser fesselnden Reihe kommen nicht nur Fans von historischen Seefahrer-Romanen, sondern auch begeisterte Krimi-Leser auf ihre Kosten.David Donachie, 1944 in Edinburgh geboren, ist ein schottischer Autor, der auch unter den Pseudonymen Tom Connery und Jack Ludlow Bekanntkeit erlangte. Sein Werk umfasst zahlreiche Veröffentlichungen; besonders beliebt sind seine historischen Seefahrerromane.

Bezorgd over de spanning die heerst tussen Frankrijk en Pruissen, vertrekt de Franse soldaat Natalis Delpierre naar Pruissen om zijn zus te bezoeken, die hij al dertien jaar niet heeft gezien. Hij hoopt haar veilig terug te brengen naar Frankrijk. Maar zodra hij arriveert, breekt er een oorlog uit tussen de twee landen. Verdacht door de lokale spionagepolitie en bedreigd door een zekere Kalkreuth, zal Delpierre een manier moeten vinden om ongeschonden terug te keren naar Frankrijk. Tegelijkertijd wordt hij smoorverliefd op een jonge Franse vrouw, Martha. Maar hij is niet de enige die haar hart probeert te veroveren...'1792 – Op weg naar Frankrijk' is een historische avonturenroman van Jules Verne die zich afspeelt in het jaar 1792 van de Franse Revolutie. Zal Natalis' familie terugkeren naar Frankrijk of wordt de oorlog hun fataal? Zal de jonge soldaat wraak nemen op zijn tegenstander von Grawert? Wie zal Martha's hart veroveren? Is liefde tijdens oorlog überhaupt mogelijk?Jules Verne (1828-1905) werd geboren in de Franse havenstad Nantes en had advocaat moeten worden zoals zijn vader, maar hij rende vroeg van huis weg om toneelstukken en artikelen voor tijdschriften te schrijven. Zijn samenwerking met de uitgever Pierre-Jules Hetzel leidde tot de magisch populaire boekenreeks 'Voyages extraordinaires', of 'Buitengewone reizen'. Beroemde titels in deze serie zijn onder andere 'Naar het middelpunt der aarde' (1864), 'Twintigduizend mijlen onder zee' (1870) en 'De reis om de wereld in 80 dagen' (1873). Verne deed altijd uitgebreid wetenschappelijk onderzoek voor hij met schrijven begon.Jules Verne is ten onrechte geclassificeerd als kinderschrijver vanwege de verkorte en vervormde versies van zijn boeken, terwijl hij als auteur in Frankrijk de artistieke avant-garde heeft beïnvloed.Jules Verne is de op één na meest vertaalde auteur ter wereld - tussen Agatha Christie en William Shakespeare in - en wordt vaak de vader van het genre sciencefiction genoemd.

A knight, hiding from his past, lives alone in an isolated mountain fortress. One day, he gives shelter to two pilgrims and tells them of his sorrows. But the pilgrim’s true intentions are not what he thinks, and their revelations will change his past and transform his future.'The Pilgrims’ (1838) is a classic, short story by the English writer Mary Shelley, famous for her best-selling novel ‘Frankenstein’.Mary Shelley (1797–1851) was an English author and travel writer best known for her ground-breaking Gothic novel ‘Frankenstein’ (1818). Considered one of the first true works of science-fiction, the book became an instant bestseller.It has been adapted for TV, stage and film on many occasions, with Boris Karloff famously playing Frankenstein’s monster on screen in 1933. Other adaptations include ‘Mary Shelley's Frankenstein’ (1994) starring Kenneth Branagh and Robert De Niro and ‘Viktor Frankenstein’ (2015) starring Daniel Radcliffe and James McAvoy.Shelley’s other novels include Valperga (1823), The Last Man (1826), Perkin Warbeck (1830), Lodore (1835), Falkner (1837) and the posthumously published Mathilde (1959). However, she will always be remembered as the creator of Frankenstein.The book continues to influence filmmakers, writers and popular culture to this day, inspiring and terrifying new audiences the world over.

When Fanny is 17 years old, a house fire nearly kills her entire family and destroys their home. Lord Reginald Desborough saves her from the flames and the couple marry, but her father’s demands put her happiness in jeopardy and leaves Fanny with an impossible decision.This story mirrors the author’s relationship with her own father, in its depiction of the money troubles that plague Fanny’s family and their constant demands on Lord Reginald.‘The Parvenue’ (1836) is a classic, short story by the English writer Mary Shelley, famous for her best-selling novel ‘Frankenstein’.Mary Shelley (1797–1851) was an English author and travel writer best known for her ground-breaking Gothic novel ‘Frankenstein’ (1818). Considered one of the first true works of science-fiction, the book became an instant bestseller.It has been adapted for TV, stage and film on many occasions, with Boris Karloff famously playing Frankenstein’s monster on screen in 1933. Other adaptations include ‘Mary Shelley's Frankenstein’ (1994) starring Kenneth Branagh and Robert De Niro and ‘Viktor Frankenstein’ (2015) starring Daniel Radcliffe and James McAvoy.Shelley’s other novels include Valperga (1823), The Last Man (1826), Perkin Warbeck (1830), Lodore (1835), Falkner (1837) and the posthumously published Mathilde (1959). However, she will always be remembered as the creator of Frankenstein.The book continues to influence filmmakers, writers and popular culture to this day, inspiring and terrifying new audiences the world over.

This short story tells the tale of a Polish man who intervenes in a fight between Marietta, a defenceless Italian girl, and Giorgio, a young army officer. His actions set in motion a chain of events that will change all their lives forever.‘The Pole’ was written in collaboration with Claire Clairmont and published in 1832. Mary Shelley wrote several successful books but is best known for her highly acclaimed novel ‘Frankenstein’ (1818).Mary Shelley (1797–1851) was an English author and travel writer best known for her ground-breaking Gothic novel ‘Frankenstein’ (1818). Considered one of the first true works of science-fiction, the book became an instant bestseller.It has been adapted for TV, stage and film on many occasions, with Boris Karloff famously playing Frankenstein’s monster on screen in 1933. Other adaptations include ‘Mary Shelley's Frankenstein’ (1994) starring Kenneth Branagh and Robert De Niro and ‘Viktor Frankenstein’ (2015) starring Daniel Radcliffe and James McAvoy.Shelley’s other novels include Valperga (1823), The Last Man (1826), Perkin Warbeck (1830), Lodore (1835), Falkner (1837) and the posthumously published Mathilde (1959). However, she will always be remembered as the creator of Frankenstein.The book continues to influence filmmakers, writers and popular culture to this day, inspiring and terrifying new audiences the world over.

Sometimes true life spins more shocking stories than the minds of writers. That is the case with 'The Interesting Narrative of the Life of Olaudah Equiano'.The understated title masks an autobiography where truth trumps fiction, featuring kidnapping, death, slavery, jail, transportation, rape, Christian faith and much more.It is also one of the most important books of its time, the late 18th century. For its publication told the truth about the trans-Atlantic slave trade, and sowed the seeds for the abolition movement that eventually stopped it.The scandal of slavery that Equiano helped get into the public's consciousness has been featured in a host of films, including '12 Years a Slave', directed by Steve McQueen and based on a novel by Solomon Northup.Olaudah Equiano (1745-1797) was known throughout most of his life as Gustavus Vassa. He was born in Benin, where he and his sister were kidnapped and sold to slave traders.They were separated and Equiano endured the horrors of transportation to the Caribbean, was sold to three slave owners and witnessed the very worst of the truly shameful trade. After buying his freedom, he lived in London and supported the British abolitionist movement.His autobiography, 'The Interesting Narrative of the Life of Olaudah Equiano', went through nine editions and helped the abolitionist movement gain the momentum that saw the British Slave Trade Act passed in 1807.

‘The Swiss Peasant’ (1830) is a short story by the famous English writer Mary Shelley. The story tells of the brutal effect the French Revolution had on those living in the Alps. Told through the eyes of a Swiss peasant called Fanny, it exposes the flaws of the class system and highlights the strength of women - a common Shelley theme.Mary Shelley wrote several successful books but is best known for her highly acclaimed novel ‘Frankenstein’ (1818).Mary Shelley (1797–1851) was an English author and travel writer best known for her ground-breaking Gothic novel ‘Frankenstein’ (1818). Considered one of the first true works of science-fiction, the book became an instant bestseller.It has been adapted for TV, stage and film on many occasions, with Boris Karloff famously playing Frankenstein’s monster on screen in 1933. Other adaptations include ‘Mary Shelley's Frankenstein’ (1994) starring Kenneth Branagh and Robert De Niro and ‘Viktor Frankenstein’ (2015) starring Daniel Radcliffe and James McAvoy. Shelley’s other novels include Valperga (1823), The Last Man (1826), Perkin Warbeck (1830), Lodore (1835), Falkner (1837) and the posthumously published Mathilde (1959). However, she will always be remembered as the creator of Frankenstein. The book continues to influence filmmakers, writers and popular culture to this day, inspiring and terrifying new audiences the world over.

Good and evil, right and wrong, innocence and sinfulness, redeemed and fallen.'Songs of Innocence and of Experience' is a classic book of two halves - encapsulated by the extended original title that included 'Shewing the Two Contrary States of the Human Soul'.Accompanied throughout by William Blake's edgily beautiful illustrations, the book is broken into 19 poems of 'Innocence' and 26 of 'Experience'.'Songs of Innocence' are lyrical and evocative verses depicting life in pastoral harmony and youthful naivety - but with a brooding undercurrent of what is to come.That undercurrent flows rapidly throughout 'Songs of Experience', as the innocence gives way to darkness, threat and worldliness.These mind-bending poems and illustrations are ideal for fans of the poetry of John Milton and Dante Alighieri.William Blake (1757-1827) was an English poet, painter and printmaker whose writings and artwork often explored Heaven and Hell, and the state of the human heart.His best-known work includes 'Songs of Innocence and of Experience', 'The Marriage of Heaven and Hell' and 'Jerusalem'.Blake's work was largely ignored during his lifetime, but he is now considered to be among the greatest and most influential poets and visual artists of the Romantic Age. Blake's work continues to inspire authors, artists and filmmakers today. Bestselling author, Philip Pullman, has described William Blake as one of three major literary influences on 'His Dark Materials' and references to his artwork is found in films like The Wachowskis' 'V for Vendetta' (2006).

13-årige Napoleon elsker at lege krig. Hans brødre kalder ham ’herskeren’, for han vil altid være den, der bestemmer, selvom han ikke er den ældste. Ingen af dem er dengang klar over, hvor stor en rolle han kommer til at spille ikke bare for Frankrig, men for hele Europa, da han mange år senere overtager herredømmet over sit hjemland og giver sig til at erobre resten af kontinentet."Livets omskiftelser" er en historisk roman for børn. Den følger Napoleons liv, fra han er 13 år gammel, til han vokser op og bliver Frankrigs mest mægtige mand.Bogen er oprindeligt udgivet i 1925.Adolphine Fogtmann (1847-1934) var en dansk forfatter, der skrev en lang række romaner og børnebøger. Hun debuterede som forfatter i 1884 med romanen "Fra Munkebjerg", som hun skrev under pseudonymet Èdini. De fleste af hendes senere bøger udgav hun under sit eget navn.

Romanzando la vita di un giovane Canova che si affaccia, per la prima volta, sulla scena artistica della Serenissima, viene a comporsi un affresco della Venezia di fine Settecento. Tra le calle della laguna si seguiranno una dopo l’altra scene di una quotidianità scomparsa, empori e locande, teatri e saloni. E Canova, che da Treviso si è appena trasferito in laguna, vedrà questo mondo dispiegarsi davanti ai suoi occhi, un mondo colorato e salmastro che sa di tinte a tempera e di polvere di bottega.Antonio Caccianiga (1823-1909) è stato uno scrittore italiano. Impegnato nella scena politica Risorgimentale, Caccianiga assunse varie cariche pubbliche nella sua città natale, Treviso. Le sue opere molto spesso rispecchiano e riportano le tematiche sociali dell’epoca.

Double agents, espionage and romance, this historical story transports you back to the Jacobite rising in 1745 and in the midst of an attempt by Scottish highlanders to place Bonnie Prince Charlie on the English throne.The plot follows Alastair Maclean, who has been exiled to France, and returns to join the Jacobite army as it moves towards London. Along the way he uncovers double agents, working for both the Jacobites and the British, and falls in love with an enemy's wife.With masses of old-world descriptions and scene-setting, you will walk the roads with the Scottish rebels as they conjure up support and surge forward to London.John Buchan, 1st Baron Tweedsmuir, was a British novelist and historian. He was also known as a Unionist politician who served as Governor General of Canada.After a brief legal career, he started his writing, political and diplomatic careers at the same time; first serving as a private secretary to the administrator of various colonies in southern Africa. He eventually wrote propaganda for the British war effort during the First World War. He was elected Member of Parliament for the Combined Scottish Universities in 1927, but spent most of his time on his writing career, notably writing 'The Thirty-Nine Steps', which was later filmed by Alfred Hitchcock and other adventure fiction.

Uncover one of the most influential figures in French literature with ‘100 Quotes by François-René de Chateaubriand’.French writer, politician, diplomat and historian, Chateaubriand was a royalist by political disposition and a defender of the Catholic faith. During a time when society turned against the Church, he produced the defensive ‘Génie du Christianisme’.Following his autobiography ‘Mémoirs from Beyond the Grave’, this impressive collection of his most notable musings and thoughts invites readers to peek behind the scenes of one of the most dominating figures of the 17th-century French literary scene.François-René de Chateaubriand (1768-1848) was a French writer, politican, diplomat and historian. Seeing himself as one of the greatest writers and philosophers of the age, his autobiography ‘Mémoirs from Beyond the Grave’ was published after his death in 1849.During a time when French society was undergoing turbulent changes with the abolishment of the monarchy at the dawn of the French Revolution, Chateaubriand remains today a widely influential figure in 19th-century literature.

I 1793 er rædselsregimet i Frankrig på sit højeste, og ingen kan vide sig sikker. Landets fjender samler sig faretruende langs landets grænser, men livet i den nyfødte republik er på mange måder mere skræmmende end alle Europas forenede monarkier.Victor Hugos realistiske og bevægende roman "1793" viser os livet i Frankrig i netop dette år, som det så ud blandt den forpinte befolkning. Bogen viser, hvordan de politiske idealer om et lige og retfærdigt samfund, der startede revolutionen, blev ofret i den strøm af vanvid, der skyllede ind over det blødende Frankrig i 1790’erne.Victor Hugo (1802-1885) var en fransk digter, romanforfatter og dramatiker. Mens resten af verden fejrer ham for de store romanværker "Klokkeren fra Notre Dame" (Notre-Dame de Paris) fra 1831 og "De elendige" (Les Miserables) fra 1862, er han i Frankrig primært kendt for sine digtsamlinger, fx "Les Contemplations" og "La Légende des siècles".Han producerede mere end 4.000 tegninger og kæmpede socialpolitiske kampe for eksempelvis afskaffelse af dødsstraffen. Hans sociale engagement afspejles også i hans værker, der berører de fleste af de politiske og sociale spørgsmål samt de kunstneriske tendenser i sin tid. Han er begravet i Panthéon i Paris og hyldet som en af Frankrigs allerstørste digtere overhovedet.

Carl Bernhards tante Lenore var en af de få udlændinge af det bedre borgerskab, der gennemlevede den franske revolution og de grusomme år, der fulgte den, og formåede at fortælle om dem til eftertidens store glæde. Her genfortæller Carl Bernhard den vise og charmerende gamle dames erindringer, som han har hørt dem fra hendes egen mund. Det er en spændende beretning om en svunden tid i et Paris, der aldrig blev det samme igen efter revolutionen, set fra sidelinjen helt tæt på.Carl Bernard er pseudonym for den danske forfatter Andreas Nicolai de Saint-Aubain (1798-1865), der stod bag en række romaner og noveller. Carl Bernard er særligt kendt for sine historiske romaner, der bar præg af stort kendskab til de få kilder, der dengang fandtes om de historiske perioder, han skrev om. Bøgerne bragte ham stor succes på hans egen tid, og han huskes endnu for dem i dag.

Sherlock Holmes and Dr Watson; Merry and Pippin; Elizabeth Bennet and Mr Darcy...great duos often help to make great literature. So when two soon-to-be luminaries of the English Romantic movement came together to produce a book of their poems, the result was inevitable. 'Lyrical Ballads' by William Wordsworth and Samuel Taylor Coleridge was a slow burner for readers, but grew to be lauded as a landmark piece of work, taking English writing in a new direction.Wordsworth does most of the heavy lifting by contributing the majority of the poems, but Coleridge's efforts include the famous 'The Rime of the Ancient Mariner'. The pair aimed to prick the bubble of what they felt was a snobbish approach to 18th century poetry. In 'Lyrical Ballads', they use everyday language, add the voices of the poor and focus on the original state of nature. The result is an accessible, original collection that remains fresh to this day.William Wordsworth (1770-1850) was an English poet and a pioneer of the Romantic Age in English literature. His first collections, 'An Evening Walk' and 'Descriptive Sketches', were published in 1793. His career took off after he moved to the Lake District with his sister Dorothy. Wordsworth produced countless poems, often on the themes of death and grief, including the first version of his epic 'The Prelude'. He was Poet Laureate from 1843 until his death in 1850.Samuel Taylor Coleridge (1772-1834) was a founder of the Romantic Movement in English literature and one of the Lake Poets. He wrote literary criticism, including of William Shakespeare's work, and the major prose book 'Biographia Literaria'. His best-known works were the poems 'The Rime of the Ancient Mariner' and 'Kubla Khan'.

Poetry can inspire, evoke, provoke and transport the reader. But this collection of 39 poems did even more - it broke barriers. This collection was written by Phillis Wheatley, the first African-American woman whose poetry writings were published.Seized from West Africa as a young girl, Phillis lived in Boston as a slave to the prominent Wheatley family where she learned to read and write, as well as undertaking lessons in the Bible, astronomy, geography, history and British, Greek and Latin Literature. By the age of 18, Phillis had amassed a decent quantity of poems and together with the Wheatley family, sought out a publisher. However, based on racial prejudices, Phillis was received with disdain in the United States. Attention was turned to London instead, where Phillis posted one of her poems, 'On the Rev. Mr. George Whitefield', to Selina Hastings, Countess of Huntingdon and a well-off supporter of the abolitionist cause, who connected her with a bookseller although Wheatley still had to go through interrogation to prove that she was the author of her own work.This collection of poems shows the breadth and depth of her reading, and includes poems reflecting her Christian faith, her interest in Greek mythology and her admiration for well-known figures including Alexander Pope.'Poems on Various Subjects' is perfect for people who have read 'The Interesting Narrative of Olaudah Equiano'.Phillis Wheatley (1753-1784) was an American poet who was the first African-American writer to be published. She was born in West Africa, sold into slavery aged seven or eight, then bought by the Wheatley family of Boston. They encouraged her to pursue her poetry as her talent became clear. But Wheatley had to go to London to find patrons to help her get her work published. When 'Poems on Various Subjects' was published in 1773, she gained fame in England and the African colonies - even receiving praise from George Washington and Voltaire. After being emancipated, she married the grocer John Peters. But they slipped into poverty and Phillis died in obscurity at the age of 31.

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.