Other books that might interest you

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  The Diary of a Superfluous Man

  Ivan Turgenev

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  "The Diary of a Superfluous Man" by Ivan Turgenev is a poignant and introspective novella that explores the themes of loneliness, alienation, and the existential struggles of a man who feels out of place in the world. Through the diary entries of the protagonist, Turgenev offers a profound glimpse into the inner turmoil and reflections of a character who perceives himself as insignificant and superfluous in society. "The Diary of a Superfluous Man" stands as a powerful testament to Turgenev's literary prowess, showcasing his ability to delve into the depths of human consciousness and capture the complex and contradictory nature of the human spirit. It invites readers to reflect on their own existence, the transient nature of life, and the longing for connection in an ever-changing world. With its lyrical prose, introspective narrative, and profound philosophical undertones, "The Diary of a Superfluous Man" offers a compelling and thought-provoking reading experience. Turgenev's exploration of the universal themes of loneliness, identity, and the search for meaning resonates with readers across time, reminding us of the inherent struggles and existential questions that shape the human experience.

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  Mrs Dalloway - Unabridged

  Virginia Woolf

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  Mrs Dalloway was the breakthrough novel by Virginia Woolf that solidified her reputation as one of the most important writers of her era. Written in a new style for the time, the book details a day in the life of Clarissa Dalloway, a British socialite in post-First World War England.  Originally written as "The Hours," Woolf's novel was based on two earlier short stories, "Mrs. Dalloway in Bond Street" and "The Prime Minister." The book takes place in a single day and describes the eponymous lead character as she prepares for and hosts a party.   Looping backwards and forwards in time, the reader is given a glimpse inside the mind of Mrs. Dalloway as she goes about her day. Received with rapturous reviews upon its debut, Mrs. Dalloway was included on Time Magazine's list of the 100 best English-language novels ever written. It is presented here in its original and unabridged format, narrated by renowned actor Sara Nichols

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  Aristocratic Education - From...

  Stephen Leacock

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  Stephen P H Butler Leacock FRSC was born on the 30th December 1869 in Swanmore, near Southampton, England, the third of eleven children. 
  The family emigrated to Canada in 1876 to live on a 100-acre farm in Sutton, Ontario.  There Leacock was home-schooled and later enrolled into the elite private school Upper Canada College in Toronto.  Academically he was very strong and enrolled at the University of Toronto to study languages and literature.  He left there after his alcoholic father abandoned the family and finances were too stretched to continue his attendance.  He now enrolled in a three-month course at Strathroy Collegiate Institute to become a qualified high school teacher and with it a regular income. 
  Leacock published humorous articles in many Canadian and US magazines but his real passion was economics and political theory.  In 1899 he enrolled for postgraduate studies at the University of Chicago and earned his PhD in 1903. 
  His marriage to Beatrix Hamilton produced a single child 15 years later.  Over time father and son developed a love-hate relationship, partially caused by his son’s diminutive stature of only four feet.  
  He accepted a post at McGill University and kept it until he retired in 1936.  His work ‘Elements of Political Science’, was adopted as a standard textbook for two decades and was also his most profitable.  He now also began public speaking and lecturing.  
  In 1910, he privately printed some articles as ‘Literary Lapses’.  It was then released by a recognised publisher, and he became a commercially successful writer.  His collections of light-hearted whimsy, parody, nonsense, and satire were now frequently published along with biographies and several award-winning volumes on Canada. 
  Politically Leacock was a difficult creature.  He opposed women’s right to vote, was a champion of Empire but advocated social welfare legislation and wealth redistribution, but he often caused friction with his racist views. 
  Leacock has been forgotten as an economist, but it’s often said that in 1911 more people had heard of him than had heard of Canada.  For the decade after 1915 Leacock was the most popular humorist in the English-speaking world. 
  Stephen Leacock died on 28th March 1944 of throat cancer in Toronto, Canada.  He was 74.

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  Gulliver's Travels: A Voyage to...

  Jonathan Swift

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  Step into the fantastical world of Gulliver’s Travels: A Voyage to Lilliput, the imaginative classic by Jonathan Swift, narrated by the calming voice of Andrew Bond and produced by Slumber Studios. 
  If sleepless nights or an overactive mind are keeping you awake, this audiobook is designed to gently lull you into a peaceful and restorative sleep. 
  Close your eyes, relax, and let Andrew Bond’s soothing narration carry you to the distant shores of Lilliput, where Lemuel Gulliver finds himself among a race of tiny people and becomes part of their curious and comical society. Experience the adventure, satire, and whimsy of this timeless tale while easing into deep relaxation. 
  At Slumber Studios, we create tranquil content designed to help you unwind and fall asleep effortlessly. This audiobook features slow, gentle narration paired with soft background music, offering the perfect escape into dreamland. 
  If you’re searching for a peaceful way to end your day, this is the perfect choice. Simply press play, get cozy, and let Andrew’s serene voice guide you through the wondrous journey of A Voyage to Lilliput. Wake up refreshed, with a sense of imagination and calm to carry you through your day.

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  A Country Doctor - The plight of...

  Franz Kafka

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  Franz Kafka was born on 3rd July 1883 in Prague, then in Bohemia, the eldest of 6, into a middle-class Jewish family. 
   
  Life for the young Kafka and his passion for literature was often made an ordeal by his over-bearing and domineering entrepreneur of a father.   
   
  In 1889 Kafka was sent to the Deutsche Knabenschule, an elementary school in Prague. His father would only allow him to be educated in German-speaking schools and even went so far as to limit visits to the synagogue to four a year. 
   
  In 1901 he graduated from the classics-oriented Altstädter Gymnasium. Kafka did well there and across a large range of subjects.  He now enrolled at the Charles Ferdinand University, to study chemistry, but quickly switched to law for which he obtained his degree in June 1906 and then performed the mandatory year of unpaid service as clerk at the civil and criminal courts. 
   
  A job at an Italian insurance company left him little time to write and after a year he took another job with the Worker's Accident Insurance Institute for the Kingdom of Bohemia where he stayed until ill health led to his resignation in 1922. 
   
  Although he saw work as a means to pay the bills and to allow him time to write, he received several promotions and was noted as a good employee. 
   
  By 1917 Kafka was suffering from tuberculosis, which required frequent periods of convalescence. Interspersed with this, were several intense affairs before he settled in Berlin with Dora Diamant, a 25-year-old kindergarten teacher who herself having left the ghetto now influenced Kafka's interest in the book of Jewish law, the Talmud. 
   
  Kafka’s on-going health was littered with problems. Apart from TB there were several other ailments, including migraines, insomnia, boils, depression, all usually brought on by excessive stresses and strains. He attempted to counteract all of this by naturopathic treatments, a vegetarian diet and consuming large quantities of unpasteurized milk. 
   
  His tuberculosis still worsened. He returned to Prague, where he died on 3rd June 1924. He was 40. 
   
  His literary works are few in number but towering in influence.  His masterpieces include ‘The Trial’, ‘The Metamorphosis’ as well as a number of short stories which reveal facets of humankind that truthfully could only be born from Kafka’s brain and pen.

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  Christmas Eve & Christmas Day

  Edward Everett Hale

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  This delightful collection of stories, primarily set in 19th-century New England, offers a vivid glimpse into the way Christmas was celebrated during that era. Unlike the modern image of a Christmas tree surrounded by a mountain of presents, the holiday was marked by simpler, more heartfelt gestures. In a time when consumerism had yet to take hold, gifts often carried profound emotional significance, such as the unexpected arrival of a letter from a long-lost loved one or the safe return of a husband braving a blizzard after setting out on a mission of mercy.  
  These moments, filled with relief and gratitude, were often considered the greatest gifts of all. The narratives are brimming with scenes of sleigh rides gliding through snowy landscapes, groups of carolers filling the night air with song, and acts of selfless generosity that capture the essence of the season. This heartwarming collection truly embodies the charm and spirit of an old-fashioned holiday, offering a treasure trove of stories that inspire warmth, joy, and a sense of nostalgia.

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