Phantastes - Enriched edition A Faerie Romance for Men and Women

George MacDonald

Maison d'édition: DigiCat

Synopsis

In George MacDonald's seminal work, "Phantastes," the reader embarks on a dreamlike journey through a fantastical realm, a fantasy that intricately weaves allegory with rich symbolism. The narrative follows young Anodos as he explores a world filled with mystical beings and profound moral challenges, embodying the Victorian fascination with the intersection of reality and the imagination. MacDonald's lyrical prose and imaginative depth situate this novel as a precursor to modern fantasy literature, profoundly influencing authors such as C.S. Lewis and J.R.R. Tolkien, while also reflecting themes of self-discovery, spirituality, and transformation. George MacDonald was a Scottish author, poet, and Christian minister whose work often grappled with the complexities of faith and the human experience. His pioneering engagement with fantasy as a serious literary form stemmed from his deep belief in the transformative power of storytelling and his ambition to illuminate the divine through narrative. His own struggles with faith and personal tragedy informed the dreamlike yet moralistic structure of "Phantastes," illustrating a broader cultural and religious introspection prevalent during the 19th century. "Phantastes" is an essential read for anyone intrigued by the roots of modern fantasy literature or the interplay of spirituality and storytelling. MacDonald's enchanting prose invites readers to not only lose themselves in a vivid imaginative realm but also to reflect on their personal quests for meaning and understanding. It is a timeless exploration of the human soul that resonates as profoundly today as it did over a century ago.

In this enriched edition, we have carefully created added value for your reading experience:
- A succinct Introduction situates the work's timeless appeal and themes.
- The Synopsis outlines the central plot, highlighting key developments without spoiling critical twists.
- A detailed Historical Context immerses you in the era's events and influences that shaped the writing.
- A thorough Analysis dissects symbols, motifs, and character arcs to unearth underlying meanings.
- Reflection questions prompt you to engage personally with the work's messages, connecting them to modern life.
- Hand‐picked Memorable Quotes shine a spotlight on moments of literary brilliance.
- Interactive footnotes clarify unusual references, historical allusions, and archaic phrases for an effortless, more informed read.

Disponible depuis: 04/09/2022.

Longueur d'impression: 164 pages.

D'autres livres qui pourraient vous intéresser

The Pickwick Papers

Charles Dickens

A curious gentleman. A band of unforgettable companions. Adventures that turn everyday life into comedy.
When the kind-hearted Samuel Pickwick sets out to observe the world, he stumbles into a whirlwind of misadventures—absurd trials, mistaken romances, lively inns, and unforgettable characters. Alongside the clever and loyal Sam Weller, Pickwick's good intentions lead to situations as ridiculous as they are heartwarming.

Celebrated as "the novel that made Dickens famous," this beloved classic overflows with wit, warmth, and sharp observation of human nature. Its humor is timeless, its characters irresistibly alive, and its joy infectious.

If you love laugh-out-loud storytelling, rich characters, and classics that feel like a celebration of life itself, this novel is pure Dickensian delight.

Open the book—and join a journey where kindness, curiosity, and comedy rule every page.

Voir livre

Dead Souls

Nikolai Gogol

Dead Souls by Nikolai Gogol is a satirical exploration of 19th-century Russian society through the eyes of Pavel Chichikov, a cunning opportunist. Traveling across the countryside, Chichikov buys "dead souls"—deceased serfs still registered on census records—to secure loans and wealth. His scheme exposes the corruption, greed, and absurdities of landowners he encounters. Each character represents a caricature of human folly, from miserly farmers to pompous nobles. As Chichikov’s plan unravels, Gogol critiques the moral decay of imperial Russia, blending dark humor with social commentary. The novel remains an unfinished masterpiece, leaving readers pondering the fate of its antihero and the soulless world he inhabits.

Voir livre

Mother A (Unabridged)

James Joyce

James Augustine Aloysius Joyce (2 February 1882 - 13 January 1941) was an Irish novelist, short story writer, poet and literary critic. He contributed to the modernist avant-garde movement and is regarded as one of the most influential and important writers of the 20th century.
A MOTHER: Mr Holohan, assistant secretary of the Eire Abu Society, had been walking up and down Dublin for nearly a month, with his hands and pockets full of dirty pieces of paper, arranging about the series of concerts.

Voir livre

The Death of Ivan Ilyich

Leo Tolstoy

Leo Tolstoy’s The Death of Ivan Ilyich is a profound exploration of mortality, morality, and the human condition. The novella follows Ivan Ilyich, a high-court judge living a life of superficial success and conformity, until he is diagnosed with a terminal illness. As Ivan grapples with his impending death, he reflects on his life, realizing its emptiness—marked by career ambition, social posturing, and emotional detachment from his family. His physical suffering mirrors his spiritual anguish, forcing him to confront existential questions about authenticity and meaning. Isolated by societal indifference and his own past choices, Ivan’s journey becomes one of self-awareness and redemption. Tolstoy masterfully portrays the universal fear of death while offering a poignant critique of bourgeois values. Through Ivan’s final awakening, the story underscores the importance of living truthfully and compassionately, leaving readers to ponder their own lives’ significance.

Voir livre

What the Moon Brings

H.P. Lovecraft

Title: What the Moon Brings
Author: H. P. Lovecraft
Narrator: Jonathan Dunne
Original Publication: 1923
Public Domain: Yes
Series Placement: Number 28 in the Timeless Terrors series
Description:
What the Moon Brings by H. P. Lovecraft is a brief but deeply atmospheric descent into dreamlike horror — a meditation on beauty, decay, and the terrible revelations that emerge beneath moonlight. In a garden transformed by night, the narrator glimpses visions of strange waters, drifting lilies, and a ghastly secret rising from the depths.
Blurring the line between dream and nightmare, Lovecraft conjures an imagery of surreal dread and poetic decay, revealing horror not in what is shouted, but in what is quietly seen. This early tale exemplifies Lovecraft’s fascination with the unseen cosmos of the subconscious — where the familiar becomes alien under the moon’s cold gaze.
Narrated by Amazon bestselling horror author Jonathan Dunne, this performance captures the story’s nocturnal rhythm and unsettling lyricism — a whispered journey through shadow and revelation. While the text itself is in the public domain, this narration is an original performance and copyright © 2025 Jonathan Dunne.
Part of Timeless Terrors, a series dedicated to reviving the haunting classics of horror and the uncanny, What the Moon Brings stands as a dream-fragment of cosmic dread and delicate madness — a moment where the beauty of the world turns upon itself and shows its true, terrible face.
Prepare for a tale of moonlit decay and spectral wonder, where night reveals more than the waking mind can endure.

Voir livre

The Hound of the Baskervilles

Arthur Conan Doyle

Plunge into the eerie Devonshire moors in Arthur Conan Doyle's The Hound of the Baskervilles. When Sir Charles Baskerville's sudden death rekindles whispers of a ghostly, supernatural hound, the fate of the Baskerville legacy teeters on the brink of doom. Detective Sherlock Holmes and his trusted companion, Dr. Watson, are drawn into a chilling tale of ancestral curses, shadowy figures, and dangerous obsessions. 
As Watson ventures to Baskerville Hall to investigate, he uncovers sinister secrets, haunting howls in the night, and a web of deceit with deadly stakes. Will Holmes and Watson outwit the forces threatening Sir Henry Baskerville and unmask the true villain? 
This gripping tale, brought to life by the sophisticated tones of an AI narrator, will transport you into a world of suspense, logic, and Victorian intrigue. Perfect for mystery lovers and fans of classic detective fiction, this audiobook promises an unforgettable adventure!

Voir livre