Verlag: Alien Ebooks
A fascinating look at the impact of war, not only at the military front, but also on issues of social class and the role of women at the "home front."
Just So Stories by Rudyard Kipling is a timeless collection of imaginative tales that delight readers of all ages with their playful language, whimsical explanations, and unforgettable characters. First published in 1902, these enchanting stories were originally told by Kipling to his daughter, and their warmth, humor, and musical rhythm still echo with the intimacy of a parent's storytelling voice. In this beloved classic, Kipling answers some of childhood's most curious questions in the most extraordinary ways. How did the leopard get his spots? Why does the camel have a hump? What gave the elephant his long trunk? Each story offers a fanciful "just so" explanation, blending myth, folklore, and nonsense into clever narratives filled with charm and invention. From the high seas to the jungle, from the African savanna to the banks of the great rivers, the settings are vibrant and adventurous. Readers encounter brave and resourceful children, talking animals, magical creatures, and mischievous forces of nature. Whether it's a curious elephant's child venturing into unknown territory or a determined butterfly changing the course of events, the characters are lively and full of personality. Kipling's language is one of the book's greatest treasures. He delights in repetition, rhythm, and playful phrasing, inviting readers to savor the sound of words as much as their meaning. The storytelling style feels personal and conversational, often addressing the listener directly, creating a sense of shared imagination. The distinctive cadence and inventive vocabulary make the stories particularly engaging when read aloud. Beyond their humor and whimsy, these tales carry gentle lessons about curiosity, courage, cleverness, and adaptability. The animals and human characters often discover that change comes through exploration and persistence. Each narrative celebrates imagination as a powerful force that can reshape the world—at least within the realm of story. Accompanied in many editions by Kipling's own charming illustrations, Just So Stories has become a cornerstone of children's literature. Its influence can be seen in generations of storytelling that blend fantasy with playful explanation. The book's appeal lies not only in its creativity but in its enduring sense of wonder—reminding readers that the world is full of mysteries waiting to be answered with a touch of imagination. Perfect for bedtime reading, family sharing, or independent exploration, Just So Stories continues to enchant audiences more than a century after its publication. With its rich language, adventurous spirit, and delightful humor, this classic collection invites readers to ask "why?"—and to delight in answers that are, of course, given just so.Zum Buch
George Robert Gissing was born on November 22nd, 1857 in Wakefield, Yorkshire. He was educated at Back Lane School in Wakefield. Gissing loved school. He was enthusiastic with a thirst for learning and always diligent. By the age of ten he was reading Dickens, a lifelong hero. In 1872 Gissing won a scholarship to Owens College. Whilst there Gissing worked hard but remained solitary. Unfortunately, he had run short of funds and stole from his fellow students. He was arrested, prosecuted, found guilty, expelled and sentenced to a month's hard labour in 1876. On release he decided to start over. In September 1876 he travelled to the United States. Here he wrote short stories for the Chicago Tribune and other newspapers. On his return home he was ready for novels. Gissing self-published his first novel but it failed to sell. His second was acquired but never published. His writing career was static. Something had to change. And it did. By 1884 The Unclassed was published. Now everything he wrote was published. Both Isabel Clarendon and Demos appeared in 1886. He mined the lives of the working class as diligently as any capitalist. In 1889 Gissing used the proceeds from the sale of The Nether World to go to Italy. This trip formed the basis for his 1890 work The Emancipated. Gissing's works began to command higher payments. New Grub Street (1891) brought a fee of £250. Short stories followed and in 1895, three novellas were published; Eve's Ransom, The Paying Guest and Sleeping Fires. Gissing was careful to keep up with the changing attitudes of his audience. Unfortunately, he was also diagnosed as suffering from emphysema. The last years of his life were spent as a semi-invalid in France but he continued to write. 1899; The Crown of Life. Our Friend the Charlatan appeared in 1901, followed two years later by The Private Papers of Henry Ryecroft. George Robert Gissing died aged 46 on December 28th, 1903 after catching a chill on a winter walk.Zum Buch
The bookshelves of European literature are incredible collections that have gathered together centuries of very talented authors. From this continent their fame spread and whilst among their number many are now forgotten or neglected their talents endure. Among them is Grazia Deledda.Zum Buch
Originally serialized in a periodical of boys' adventure fiction, The Black Arrow is a swashbuckling portrait of a young man's journey to discover the heroism within himself. Young Dick Shelton, caught in the midst of England's War of the Roses, finds his loyalties torn between the guardian who will ultimately betray him and the leader of a secret fellowship, The Black Arrow. As Shelton is drawn deeper into this conspiracy, he must distinguish friend from foe and confront war, shipwreck, revenge, murder, and forbidden love, as England's crown threatens to topple around him.Zum Buch
Barry Eric Odell Pain was born at 3 Sydney Street in Cambridge on 28th September 1864. He was one of 4 children. He was educated at Sedbergh School and then Corpus Christi College, Cambridge. In 1889, Cornhill Magazine published his short story ‘The Hundred Gates’. This opened the way for Pain to advance his literary career on several fronts. He became a contributor to Punch and The Speaker, as well as joining the staff of both the Daily Chronicle and Black and White. Pain was also a noted and prominent contributor to The Granta and from 1896 to 1928 a regular contributor to the Windsor Magazine. It is often said that Pain was discovered by Robert Louis Stevenson, who compared his work to that of Guy de Maupassant. It’s an apt comparison. Pain was a master of disturbing prose but was also able to inject parody and light comedy into many of his works. A simple premise could in his hands suddenly expand into a world very real but somehow emotionally fraught and on the very edge of darkness. Barry Pain died on 5th May 1928 in Bushey, Hertfordshire.Zum Buch
Title: An Occurrence at Owl Creek Bridge Author: Ambrose Bierce Narrator: Jonathan Dunne Original Publication: 1890 Public Domain: Yes Series Placement: Number 19 in the Timeless Terrors series Description: An Occurrence at Owl Creek Bridge by Ambrose Bierce is a gripping Civil War-era psychological horror story first published in 1890. The narrative follows Peyton Farquhar, a Southern planter facing execution at Owl Creek Bridge. As the rope tightens, the boundary between reality and illusion blurs, revealing a haunting meditation on time, fate, and the fragility of life. Narrated by horror author Jonathan Dunne, this recording captures Bierce’s suspenseful, eerie atmosphere, blending psychological dread with the tragic beauty of fleeting moments. While the text is in the public domain, this performance is an original work and copyright © 2025 Jonathan Dunne. This audiobook is part of Timeless Terrors, a dedicated series bringing classic horror back to life — stories from the great masters of the macabre, narrated afresh to haunt a new generation. Listeners should be prepared for a tense, haunting journey into mortality, illusion, and the subtle horrors that dwell within human experience.Zum Buch
