Cranford

Elizabeth Cleghorn Gaskell

Synopsis

"Cranford" by Elizabeth Cleghorn Gaskell is a novel written in the mid-19th century. The story unfolds in a small English village dominated by women, where men are conspicuously absent from social life. The narrative is rich with observations about the peculiar rituals, customs, and dynamics of the tight-knit community, primarily focusing on the lives of its female inhabitants, including the amiable and kind-hearted Miss Matty and the spirited Captain Brown, who disrupts their tranquil existence. At the start of "Cranford," we are introduced to the unique social structure of the village, characterized by its predominantly female residents who manage their affairs without the presence of men, aside from the occasional visitor. The opening chapter humorously details the societal norms and the unspoken rules that govern interactions, such as visiting etiquette and the preference for economy over ostentation. Key characters like the gentle Miss Matty and the charismatic Captain Brown are introduced, hinting at a deeper exploration of human relationships and character development as the story progresses. Through the eyes of the narrator, the reader gets a glimpse into the endearing quirks and camaraderie of the Cranford community, setting the stage for the unfolding tales of friendship, love, and social commentary that define this charming novel.

Disponible depuis: 01/10/2025.

D'autres livres qui pourraient vous intéresser

Clairvoyance - From their pens...

D K Broster

Dorothy Kathleen Broster was born on 2nd September 1877 at Devon Lodge in Grassendale Park, Garston, Liverpool. 
At 16, the family moved to Cheltenham, where she attended Cheltenham Ladies' College and then on to St Hilda’s College, Oxford to read history, where she was one of the first female students, although at this time women were not awarded degrees. 
Broster served as secretary to Charles Harding Firth, a Professor of History for several years, and collaborated on several of his works. Her first two novels were co-written with a college friend, Gertrude Winifred Taylor. 
With the Great War interrupting her literary ambitions she served as a Red Cross nurse at a Franco-American hospital, but returned to England with a knee infection in 1916.  
After the war, she moved near to Battle in East Sussex and took up writing full-time.  
In 1920 she at last received her Bachelor of Arts and Master of Arts from Oxford. 
Her novels, mainly historical fiction, peaked in popularity with ‘The Flight of the Heron’, in 1925, a best-seller followed up by two sequels. 
As well as poetry and various articles she also wrote several short stories, the best known of which is a classic of weird fiction ‘The Couching at the Door’ in which an artist appears to be haunted by a mysterious entity. 
An intensely private individual many readers deduced from her name that she was both a man and Scottish. 
D K Broster died in Bexhill Hospital on 7th February 1950.  She was 73.

Voir livre

If My Memoir Serves Me Well - A...

Gary Warren

They say everyone’s got one book in them. Well, I haven’t… not anymore!
Introduction
These recollections cover the time from the very early 1960s until after my last significant acting role. After that I pulled a disappearing act and became a regular bloke for the most part. The transition from child/youth actor through to adult is notoriously difficult, some have succeeded, some spectacularly so. Some have stumbled along and sadly, some have fallen. I chose to take a break, which I’m still on. I’ve been the subject of many 'where are they now?' articles and musings. Well, I’m here now, writing this. I have led an exquisitely wonderful life hence forth. I have been married to my absolute soul mate for over forty years and have two amazing and extremely talented kids, a totally brilliant son-in-law and a fab little granddaughter who is off the scale bright and gorgeous. So it’s all good.
But my musings on those magical years of the 1960s and 1970s, I believe might be of some interest. I’m sure The Railway Children, in particular holds massive fascination, being one of the most beloved British films of, dare I say, all time.
Considering it was the directorial debut of Lionel Jeffries, who was, up until then, an actor, is indeed a remarkable achievement.
Music has always been my abiding passion so I’ve named the chapters appositely. It certainly was a fun time… but, back then I had to go to school sometimes too, never mind these obstacles can occur.
Oh, and If you’re wondering why I can remember all the music references and dates in such detail it’s because it has all stayed with me over the years. I can’t remember what I had for lunch yesterday but I can sing all eleven verses of Bob Dylan’s Desolation Row for you, if you’d like…
(For Info email: ifmymemoir@yahoo.com)

Voir livre

Mary’s Secret Gospel -...

Various Early Christian Writers

What if the Virgin Mary’s story extended into miraculous infancy tales, temple upbringings, and a mysterious final departure—found only in lesser-known gospels? 
Collected here in a modern format, these texts include the Protoevangelium of James, emphasizing Mary’s consecration in the temple; the Infancy Gospel of Thomas, depicting Jesus’ childhood wonders; and Dormition accounts detailing her peaceful end. Together, they reveal the reverence and devotion early Christians had for the mother of Jesus. 
Included Texts:Protoevangelium of James – Mary’s birth, childhood, and betrothal to Joseph.Infancy Gospel of Thomas & Gospel of Pseudo-Matthew – Stories of young Jesus and Mary’s role.Dormition/Assumption Texts – Accounts of Mary’s final days and assumption into heaven.Transitus Mariae – Later traditions surrounding her departure. 
What You’ll Discover Inside:Mary’s Sanctified Childhood – Dramatic origins and unique temple service.Intimate Family Vignettes – How Mary guided Jesus in everyday life.Early Marian Devotion – See how these stories fueled centuries of veneration.Narrative Continuity – Bridge the gap between canonical Gospels and later church tradition. 
Honor the hidden chapters of Mary’s legacy. Let these apocryphal gospels deepen your appreciation for her faith, grace, and vital role in salvation history.

Voir livre

Drug Cartels - The Dark...

Marcus Klein

Drug cartels have become a pervasive and highly organized criminal force with a significant global reach. These powerful syndicates control large portions of the illegal drug trade, operating not only within their home countries but across continents. Their operations extend far beyond drug trafficking, often influencing global markets, politics, and even social structures. The history of drug cartels is intertwined with the rise of drug consumption worldwide, as their growth is directly linked to the increasing demand for illicit substances such as cocaine, heroin, methamphetamines, and marijuana.
The origins of modern drug cartels can be traced back to the mid-20th century, when illicit drug trade routes first began to form. Latin America, with its extensive agricultural regions, became a focal point for the cultivation of drugs, particularly in countries like Colombia, Mexico, and Peru. These regions not only provided the raw materials needed for drug production but also became hubs for smuggling operations that reached the United States, Europe, and other parts of the world.
Cartels began to emerge as centralized organizations within these areas, with influential leaders at the helm. The most notorious of these early cartels, such as the Medellín and Cali cartels in Colombia, gained immense wealth and power. By the 1980s and 1990s, they had established networks that spanned the globe, trafficking drugs through elaborate and sophisticated systems of production, distribution, and money laundering.

Voir livre

Red Hook - Brooklyn Mafia Ground...

Frank DiMatteo, Michael Benson

For more than a hundred years, the Red Hook section of Brooklyn was Ground Zero for organized crime. Whoever controlled the piers controlled everything. From the infamous Irish gang known as The White Hand at the turn of the century, to the notorious Italian Gallo brothers who ran President Street—and everything else—generations later, the blood-soaked history of Red Hook is the story of American crime at its most powerful, corrupt, and coldly efficient. 
 
 
 
It's all here: the brutal mob hits, bullet storms, and backstabbings of the most colorful cutthroats to ever terrorize the streets. A rogue's gallery of killers with nicknames like "The Mad Hatter," "The Executioner," "Wild Bill," and "Peg Leg." The Brooklyn bar fight that gave Al "Scarface" Capone his legendary scars. The godfather of America's first Sicilian crime family whose gruesomely mangled hand could scare men half to death. And, to bring it all home, the author's own eyewitness account of multiple shootings growing up as the son of a Mafia bodyguard. 
 
 
 
Packed with jaw-dropping stories of public violence and personal vengeance, vivid insights into the Mafia's way of life, and shocking portraits of America's most wanted crime families, Red Hook is a must-listen for anyone fascinated by the history of organized crime in America.

Voir livre

From Brave to Famous - Feel Good...

Ann Nelson

The world can seem like a dark place, but if there are people, there have been inspirational figures. Their light still shines hope for the future. 
Inspiration is all around us, and it always has been. Take any year in history, and you'll find tales of resilience, courage, and kindness. Stories that make you remember the world is a beautiful place, and encourage you to live your best life. 
If you're feeling the weight of the world and pulls of negativity, you need inspiration if you feel stuck and not on the right path. 
Brave to Famous has stories to inspire and encourage such as:The woman who went down in history as ‘the mother of the civil rights movementExactly why Nelson Mandela continues to be an inspiration to people all over the worldThe anti-war boxer – and his surprising friendship with Martin Luther King Jr.The man behind the Tesla Coil and his inspirational story about courageHow Britain’s rule in India was defeated with non-violent protests – and the stirring story of the man behind it allInspirational women who fought hard and shouted loud – and transformed the world foreverThe incredible story of one man who voluntarily went to Auschwitz – and opened the eyes of the worldThe courage of one woman who changed our perception of disability… and paved the way for a brighter and more accepting futureWhy the world needs dreamers as much as it needs practical people  
Whether everyday life is getting you down or you’re beginning to despair at the state of the planet, there’s only one thing you need: A reminder that there’s good out there – and inspirational people who have given everything they’ve got to make our world a better place. 
Discover your daily dose of inspiration and hope.

Voir livre