Publisher: 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."
The Sphinx is a short story written by Edgar Allan Poe about a man who decides to visit a relative living near the Hudson River north of New York City for two weeks during a cholera epidemic that occurred during the summer of 1832. One day during this visit, the man is reading a book near the window revealing a scenic view of the Hudson River. His attention is focused upon the cholera epidemic nevertheless, and when he glances up from th pages of his novel, the man sees a ghastly sight in the distant hills--there an enormous creature larger than any oceangoing ship is climbing down!Show book
"The Iliad" is an epic by the ancient Greek poet Homer, which recounts some of the significant events of the final weeks of the Trojan War and the Greek siege of the city of Troy.Show book
'Her design was once more to engage him, to hear him sigh, to see him languish, to feel the strenuous pressures of his eager arms, to be compelled, to be sweetly forc'd to what she wished with equal ardour.' Originally published in 1725, and daringly exploring themes such as identity, class and female desire, Fantomina: Love in a Maze is comprehended as one of the finest – yet underappreciated – novellas of the eighteenth-century. A beautiful young woman becomes intrigued with a charming, but severely shallow, young man at the theatre: Beauplaisir. Witnessing his treatment of some of the ladies there, she disguises herself as 'Fantomina', to determine whether his behaviour would change towards her. After a short fling, Beauplaisir tires of her and leaves, much to her outrage. Fantomina then takes on a series of alternative personas in a bid to re-capture his attention. A scathing commentary on men's treatment of women in society, Fantomina: Love in a Maze is a remarkable work which would have scandalised its readers at the time of publication. This audiobook is brought to life by the brilliant Helen Keeley. Eliza Haywood (1693 – 1756) was an English writer, actress and publisher. In her lifetime, she penned over seventy works, including novels, poetry, plays and periodicals. A proto-feminist, she was famed for her romance writing, which mirrored contemporary scandals in eighteenth century society.Show book
The Adventures of Tom Sawyer, written by Mark Twain, is a timeless coming-of-age story set in the small, fictional town of St. Petersburg, Missouri, along the Mississippi River. The novel follows the mischievous and imaginative Tom Sawyer as he navigates childhood adventures, moral dilemmas, and life lessons. Alongside his best friend, Huckleberry Finn, and other memorable characters, Tom embarks on a series of escapades that include hunting for buried treasure, witnessing a murder in a graveyard, and pretending to be pirates on a deserted island.The story captures the essence of youthful innocence, freedom, and curiosity, while also delving into themes of friendship, societal expectations, and personal growth. Through Tom's escapades, Twain paints a vivid picture of 19th-century rural America, blending humor, drama, and a sense of nostalgia.As Tom faces challenges that test his courage and conscience, The Adventures of Tom Sawyer becomes more than just a tale of boyhood fun. It offers profound insights into human nature, the complexities of growing up, and the value of doing the right thing, even when it's difficult. This novel remains a beloved classic for its universal appeal, rich characters, and masterful storytelling.Show book
Part 3: My Shore Adventure from Treasure Island: "For sheer storytelling delight and pure adventure, Treasure Island has never been surpassed. From the moment young Jim Hawkins first encounters the sinister Blind Pew at the Admiral Benbow Inn until the climactic battle for treasure on a tropic isle, the novel creates scenes and characters that have fired the imaginations of generations of readers. Written by a superb prose stylist, a master of both action and atmosphere, the story centers upon the conflict between good and evil - but in this case a particularly engaging form of evil. It is the villainy of that most ambiguous rogue Long John Silver that sets the tempo of this tale of treachery, greed, and daring. Designed to forever kindle a dream of high romance and distant horizons, Treasure Island is, in the words of G. K. Chesterton, 'the realization of an ideal, that which is promised in its provocative and beckoning map; a vision not only of white skeletons but also green palm trees and sapphire seas.' G. S. Fraser terms it 'an utterly original book' and goes on to write: 'There will always be a place for stories like Treasure Island that can keep boys and old men happy.'Show book
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.Show book
