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  Dies Irae - From their pens to...

  Kenneth Grahame

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  Kenneth Grahame was born on 8th March 1859 in Edinburgh. 
  At age 5 his mother succumbed to puerperal fever.  His father, who had a drinking problem, now sent his 4 children to live with their grandmother at her large house in Cookham, Berkshire. Here the children lived in large open grounds next to the river.  These early experiences would in later years, be retold in his writing through a myriad of characters. 
  Grahame loved being a pupil at St Edward's School, Oxford and wanted to enroll at the university there but his guardian demurred on account of the cost. 
  Instead, a banking career was chosen for him, starting in 1879 at the Bank of England, where he rose steadily to the rank of its Secretary until retiring, with a pension, in 1908 due to ill health. 
  Alongside his commercial career Grahame had written and published various stories and essays in several periodicals. Some were anthologized as ‘Pagan Papers’ in 1893, and two years later ‘The Golden Age’ and later still ‘Dream Days’ and its masterpiece ‘The Reluctant Dragon’ became part of many home libraries.  His ability to view life through the lens of a young and curious child was superb, enabling the reader to easily identify with the character.   
  Grahame married Elspeth Thomson in 1899 and they had one child; Alastair, born semi-blind and plagued by health problems.  In a heart-rending tragedy he would later take his own life whilst attending Oxford University in 1920.   
  In 1908 Grahame reworked many of the bedtime stories he had fashioned for his son into the enduring favourite; ‘The Wind in the Willows’, describing the heart-warming adventures of Mr Toad and his friends.   
  Kenneth Grahame died in Pangbourne, Berkshire, on 6th July 1932.

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  Happy Prince and Other Tales The...

  Oscar Wilde

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  The Happy Prince and Other Tales (or Stories) is a collection of stories for children by Oscar Wilde first published in May 1888. It contains five stories: "The Happy Prince", "The Nightingale and the Rose", "The Selfish Giant", "The Devoted Friend", and "The Remarkable Rocket".

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  Top 10 Short Stories The -...

  F Scott itzgerald, H G Wells,...

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  Short stories have always been a sort of instant access into an author’s brain, their soul and heart.  A few pages can lift our lives into locations, people and experiences with a sweep of landscape, narration, feelings and emotions that is difficult to achieve elsewhere. 
   
  In this series we try to offer up tried and trusted ‘Top Tens’ across many different themes and authors. But any anthology will immediately throw up the questions – Why that story? Why that author?  
   
  The theme itself will form the boundaries for our stories which range from well-known classics, newly told, to stories that modern times have overlooked but perfectly exemplify the theme.  Throughout the volume our authors whether of instant recognition or new to you are all leviathans of literature. 
   
  Some you may disagree with but they will get you thinking; about our choices and about those you would have made.  If this volume takes you on a path to discover more of these miniature masterpieces then we have all gained something. 
   
  Within these ten stories our authors including Edgar Allan Poe, H G Wells, Guy de Maupassant and a host of others demonstrate the power and the motivation that revenge demands.  Yes, the pen is mightier and more brutal than the sword. 
   
  01 - The Top 10 - Revenge - An Introduction 
  02 - Bernice Bobs Her Hair by F Scott Fitzgerald 
  03 - The Cone by H G Wells 
  04 - The Hand by Guy de Maupassant 
  05 - The Cask of Amontillardo by Edgar Allan Poe 
  06 - The Signal by Vsevolod Garshin 
  07 - The Caballero's Way by O Henry 
  08 - The Cold Embrace by Mary Elizabeth Braddon 
  09 - The Bride Comes to Yellow Sky by Stephen Crane 
  10 - The Scapegoat by Paul Laurence Dunbar 
  11 - A Jury of Her Peers by Susan Glaspell

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  The Iliad

  Homer

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  Immerse yourself in the timeless epic of The Iliad, a masterpiece of heroism, honor, and the devastating realities of war. This captivating audiobook brings to life the tale of the Trojan War, a conflict fueled by gods and mortals alike, where bravery and ambition collide with love and betrayal.
   
  Through vivid storytelling, experience the legendary battles led by Achilles, Hector, and Agamemnon, and follow their struggles with fate, loyalty, and their own humanity. The audiobook delves into themes of pride, vengeance, and the fragile bonds that unite and divide us, offering a profound exploration of the human condition.
   
  With dynamic narration and richly painted imagery, The Iliad becomes a journey not just through history, but through the eternal struggles that define us all. Whether you're a first-time listener or revisiting this classic, this audiobook is your gateway to one of the most influential stories ever told.
   
  Perfect for fans of mythology, literature, and epic tales, The Iliad promises to inspire, move, and resonate with listeners across the ages.

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  The Man Who Would Be King

  Rudyard Kipling

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  "The Man Who Would Be King" is a novella written by British author Rudyard Kipling. It was first published in 1888 as part of Kipling's collection "The Phantom 'Rickshaw and other Eerie Tales." The novella is known for its adventure, exploration, and themes related to imperialism and cultural clash. 
   
  The story follows the adventures of two British soldiers, Daniel Dravot and Peachey Carnehan, who have become disillusioned with their lives in the British Army stationed in India. They decide to leave the army and embark on a journey to the remote, fictional land of Kafiristan, located in the mountains of Afghanistan. In Kafiristan, they plan to establish themselves as god-like rulers and exploit the region's wealth and resources. 
   
  Their journey is fraught with challenges, but the two men manage to impress the local people with their superior knowledge and advanced weaponry. They are hailed as gods and establish themselves as rulers. However, as time passes, their ambition, arrogance, and desire for power lead to a series of events that result in a dramatic and tragic conclusion. 
   
  "The Man Who Would Be King" explores themes of colonialism, cultural clash, and the consequences of unchecked ambition. It is a cautionary tale that illustrates the dangers of imperialism and the hubris of those who believe they can manipulate foreign cultures for their own gain. 
   
  The novella has been adapted into various forms over the years, including a highly regarded 1975 film directed by John Huston, starring Sean Connery as Daniel Dravot and Michael Caine as Peachey Carnehan. The story's enduring appeal lies in its examination of the human desire for power and the consequences of attempting to subjugate foreign lands and cultures.

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  A Trip to the Other World - From...

  Kálmán Mikszáth

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  The bookshelves of World literature are incredible collections that have gathered together centuries of very talented authors.  From their countries and continents their fame spread and whilst among their number many are now forgotten or neglected their talents endure.  Among them is Kálmán Mikszáth.

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