Peer Gynt - with original colour illustrations by Arthur Rackham

Henrik Ibsen

Publisher: DigiCat

Summary

"Peer Gynt," penned by the esteemed Norwegian playwright Henrik Ibsen, is a richly woven dramatic poem that captures the essence of human experience through the fantastical journey of its titular character. Ibsen's semi-symbolist literary style employs vivid imagery and lyrical prose, creating an allegorical narrative that explores themes of identity, self-deception, and the quest for meaning. Set against the backdrop of Norwegian folklore, the play traverses diverse realms—from the mundane to the supernatural—showcasing Ibsen's innovative departure from realism that was predominant in 19th-century literature, thus solidifying his role as a precursor to modern drama. Ibsen, often regarded as the father of modern realism and a critical voice in European theatre, penned "Peer Gynt" after he had established himself as a leading figure in dramatic literature. His deep-seated interest in the human psyche and societal roles, coupled with his cultural roots in Norway, profoundly informed the development of Peer, a character that reflects Ibsen's own existential inquiries and the complexities of modern life. This voyage of self-exploration also coincides with Ibsen's critique of societal norms, an aspect that makes this work timeless. Readers seeking a profound exploration of the human condition and a reflection on personal authenticity will find "Peer Gynt" an indispensable companion. Enhanced by Arthur Rackham's original colour illustrations, the text invites readers into a world where reality intertwines with the fantastical, making it not only a literary masterpiece but also an artistic visual experience. Ibsen's thoughtful narrative invites deeper contemplation and engagement, ensuring its relevance across generations.

Available since: 12/29/2023.

Print length: 287 pages.

Other books that might interest you

As if I couldn't! - A Collection...

Bohumila Ottová

Embark on a whimsical adventure with As if I couldn’t!, a delightful collection of poems, brimming with both tenderness and humour, for small and grown-up children. 
Each piece brings to life the playful, carefree spirit of childhood. It’s all about having fun, being silly, mischievous or even a little cheeky. It involves girls, boys, and animals. It’s about everything and anything that may spark a child’s imagination or sense of wonder. It’s about finding joy in simple things. 
Ideal for a bedtime moment or a simple anytime reflection, this collection is not just an audiobook for children. It’s an open door to shared memories, glee, and warmth for small and tall ones of all ages. So, come in and discover the treasures within As if I couldn’t! 
Let it be the new-classic addition to your bookshelf be it a physical one or one that you'd listen to over and over again. Get on board! We're embarking right now!

Show book

The Rainbow and the Rose

Edith Nesbit

Although Edith Nesbit is best known for her innovative children's books and classic ghost stories, her passion was poetry. She published over 20 volumes of poetry during her lifetime. Her timeless poetry was praised by authors and poets such as Algernon Swinburne, Oscar Wilde, and literary critic, Andrew Lang. 
Part I: The Things That Matter; The Confession; Work; The Jilted Lover; The Will to Live; and The Beatific Vision. 
Part II: Mummy Wheat; The Beech Tree; In Absence; Silence; Raison d'être; The Onlookers; The Tree of Knowledge; At Parting; Song; and Renunciation. 
Part III: The Veil of Maya; Song; To Vera; The Poet to His Love; The Maiden's Prayer; Song; The Magic Flower; La Derniere Rose de Soie; The Least Possible; En Tout Cas; Appeal; St. Valentine's Day; Chagrin d'Amour; Bridal Eve; Love and Life; and From the Italian. 
Part IV: Out of the Fulness of the Heart; Summer Song; The Lower Room; Song; and May Song. 
Part V: To Iris; To a Child; Birthday Talk for a Child; To Rosamund; From the Tuscan; and Mother Song, from the Portuguese. 
Part VI: The Island; Possession; Accession; The Destroyer; The Egoists; The Way of Love; To One Who Pleaded for Candour in Love; The Enchanted Garden; The Poor Man's Guest; In the Shallows; And the Rains Descended and the Floods Came; and The Star. 
Part VII: The Prodigal Son; Despair; The Temptation; Second Nature; and De Profunis. 
Part VIII: At the Gate; Via Amores; Retro Sathanas; The Old Dispensation; The New Dispensation; and The Three Kings. 
Part IX: After Death; Chloe; Invocation; The Last Betrayal; A Prayer for the King's Majesty; True Love and New Love; Death; In Memory of Saretta Deakin; and A Parting. 
copyright 2022 (P) alenbeebooks 
AnnaLisa Bodtker is the narrator of the popular audiobook Flame and Shadow by Sara Teasdale and Christmas in the Forest.

Show book

Poems From The Chinese - A...

Arthur Waley

These are called ''' Poems from the Chinese"" and we have Mr. Waley's assurance that there are in existence Oriental originals. But if it be so (and, of course it is) then we have here a literary miracle. It is a platitude that translation of poetry is either bad verse or bad translation. But Mr. Waley, translating not merely from one language into another, but almost from one planet into another, has produced a body of living poetry, in which there is every reason to believe he re-creates, without distorting, the Chinese poets. This is an unparalleled feat. But as we are, with about six exceptions in the whole of Great Britain, incapable of comparing the English and the Chinese, we must address ourselves to these poems as though they had been written by an Englishman of the twentieth century, and judge them on that basis. It is a severe test to apply to translations, but Mr. Waley emerges from it serenely victorious. Indeed, serenity is the keynote of all this work—the serenity of assured mastery in a difficult medium but still more of outlook. The beauty with which these poems are. inlaid is fundamentally a wise beauty and the wisdom is as much in the shape of Mr. Waley's mind as in that of China. There is no need to hurry here. Wisdom goes at an even pace, and has time between her penetrations of the stars to observe the smallest things of life. Her leisurely glance sweeps over them with patient gold, and they settle, almost without a sigh, into decoration and into pattern. We have lost {and the Chinese have lost) the secret of their enamels of the great periods. But Mr. Waley has private access to them, and his poems, varnished with just that cool and even certainty of paint and texture, achieve one filial translation— the translation of colour into speech. -- Humbert Wolfe.

Show book

The Unedits - The Abstract Pieces

Jaired Blaine

Writing is an escape for me. It helped me cope with my emotions and events in my life. Everything I have written has helped me get through tough, emotional times. Through the years I have become a more open person, but I still find it hard to express myself to others. Writing is the most important part of my life.

Show book

Is My Microphone On?

Jordan Tannahill

'After thousands of years, I have a mouth… So if you don't mind, Mum, Dad, I'm going to speak. I'm going to shout. When I become a human I'm going to use some words. Can you still hear me? Is my microphone on?'
Young people have inherited a burning world. In Jordan Tannahill's urgent and lyrical play, they reckon with the generations who have come before them, questioning the choices that have been made, and the ones that they will yet be forced to make.
In Is My Microphone On? an ensemble of young performers hold the audience to account, and invite them to experience the world together anew.
The play was commissioned by the Theater der Welt festival in Germany, premiered in English by Canadian Stage, Toronto, in 2021, and performed by youth theatres across the UK as part of the 2023 National Theatre Connections Festival. It offers opportunities for a large, flexible cast of any size or mix of genders, and can incorporate chorus work, movement and music.

Show book

Alls Well That Ends Well

William Shakespeare

Despite its optimistic title, Shakespeare's All's Well That Ends Well has often been considered a "problem play." Ostensibly a comedy, the play also has fairy tale elements, as it focuses on Helena, a virtuous orphan, who loves Bertram, the haughty son of her protectress, the Countess of Rousillon. When Bertram, desperate for adventure, leaves Rousillon to serve in the King's army, Helena pursues him.

Show book