Publisher: Greenbooks Editore
The Turn of the Screw traces the story of a young, inexperienced governess who is charged with the care of Miles and Flora, two small orphaned children abandoned by their uncle at his grand country house. The governess sees the figure of an unknown man on the tower and his face at the window; she also sees a woman.
Rebecca West’s stunning debut novel: The classic story of a soldier’s amnesia and its effect on the women in his life A strange woman arrives at the door with unsettling news for Jenny and her sister-in-law Kitty: Jenny’s husband has lost his memory while fighting in the war. As their solider returns home, the women discover that his mind is stuck on the woman he loved fifteen years before—the same woman who first delivered the news of his memory loss and whom Jenny and Kitty regard as socially beneath them. As they care for him and react to this news, they come to understand the power of love—past, present, unrequited, and unconditional. Psychologically astute, West’s unforgettable first work of fiction reveals her innate skill at understanding the constructs of class that hamper people’s attempts to connect with one another.Show book
"The Murders in the Rue Morgue" is a short story by Edgar Allan Poe published in Graham's Magazine in 1841. It has been recognized as the first modern detective story; Poe referred to it as one of his "tales of ratiocination".C. Auguste Dupin is a man in Paris who solves the mystery of the brutal murder of two women. Numerous witnesses heard a suspect, though no one agrees on what language was spoken. At the murder scene, Dupin finds a hair that does not appear to be human.As the first fictional detective, Poe's Dupin displays many traits which became literary conventions in subsequent fictional detectives, including Sherlock Holmes and Hercule Poirot. Many later characters, for example, follow Poe's model of the brilliant detective, his personal friend who serves as narrator, and the final revelation being presented before the reasoning that leads up to it. Dupin himself reappears in "The Mystery of Marie Rogêt" and "The Purloined Letter".Show book
"A Tale of Two Cities" by Charles Dickens is a riveting historical novel published in 1859, capturing the tumultuous era preceding and during the French Revolution. Set against the contrasting backdrops of London and Paris, Dickens masterfully weaves together the lives of various characters whose fates become intertwined amidst the backdrop of social unrest, political upheaval, and personal sacrifice. Through vivid prose and intricate storytelling, Dickens paints a poignant portrait of love, redemption, and the indomitable human spirit amidst the chaos of revolution. Rich in historical detail and profound thematic exploration, "A Tale of Two Cities" remains a timeless classic that continues to resonate with readers across generations.Show book
Hughie Erskine has a problem. He is madly in love with Laura Merton, but both of them are flat broke. Laura's father will only give his consent to their marriage if Hughie can prove he has a thousand pounds to his name.When Hughie drops in on his friend, the artist, Alan Trevor, he finds him painting a portrait of a ragged beggar. Sympathising with the poor man's plight, Hughie gives the old man a sovereign he can little afford. But the beggar is not all he seems, and Hughie's fortunes are about to change dramatically...Show book
Noted for being the most extensive piece of early Latin prose, it abounds in archaic imperatives and shows an almost total lack of subordinate clauses. Its subject matter is the pedestrian business of managing a Roman farm in the second century BC. The simplicity, however, may be only partially genuine. For Cato had a strong political and social agenda, based on the rejection of foreign, i.e., Greek, influences and the fostering of traditional Roman values, for which the persona of the plain rustic speaker may have proved useful. (Summary by malone)Show book
Though it is for the sparkling epic, Aeneid, that the Roman poet Virgil is best known, it was these two poems, The Eclogues and Georgics, which first established his reputation. Cast in the tradition of pastoral poetry, The Eclogues were written between 41 BCE and 37 BCE when Virgil (Publius Vergilius Maro, to give him his full name) was in his thirties. The Eclogues (the word means ‘Selections' in Greek) contain 10 poems, a combination of dialogues and monologues. They drew on the ‘bucolic' (rural) style of the ancient Greek poet Theocritus (c 300BCE-c 260 BCE), but Virgil weaves many references to contemporary Roman events. Though The Eclogues have perhaps existed in the shadow of Georgics, they have been highly regarded and studied by academics and poets down the centuries. They are presented here in the 20th century translation by the British poet R. C. Trevelyan, and read in multi-voice format as they were originally written, with clearly delineated characters bringing the content to life with verve and temperament.Though also pastoral in nature, Georgics is very different in style. Published in 29 BCE, the main subject is agriculture (the title reflects the Greek word ‘georgika', agricultural things), and vigorously promotes traditional means of farming. Again, Virgil weaves into his verse cultural and political themes. Cast in four Books, the dynamic expression draws on numerous Classical, mythical and contemporary references, while explaining the best methods for ploughing, animal husbandry, observing weather patterns, the life of bees and the like. Increasingly, the rise and fall of man's endeavours can be reflected in the vicissitudes of agricultural life. The 20th century translation of Georgics used on this recording is by the highly respected translator of Latin poetry, Smith Palmer Bovie. It is read by Jamie Parker. Closer study of both works while listening is possible through the complete texts that come with the recording.PLEASE NOTE: When you purchase this title, the accompanying PDF will be available in your Audible Library along with the audio.Show book
