Not Pretty but Precious; And Other Short Stories - Unveiling the Hidden Beauty: An Anthology of 19th-Century American Literature

John Hay, John William De Forest, Clara F. Guernsey, Harriet Elizabeth Prescott Spofford, Lucy Hamilton Hooper, Margret Field, J. R. Hadermann, Chauncey Hickox, Margaret Hosmer, R. D. Minor

Summary

'ÄúNot Pretty, but Precious; And Other Short Stories'Äù is a compelling anthology that traverses the landscape of 19th-century American literature, focusing on the enigmatic intersections of beauty, value, and social standards. This collection houses a rich tapestry of narratives, each uniquely engaging in its exploration of the human condition through diverse lenses and styles. From poignant romance to biting social commentary, the anthology captures the era's distinct voice, offering glimpse into the varied societal ideals and domestic issues of the period. Bringing together works from literary figures like John Hay, the editor draws upon a multiplicity of authors whose careers signify the burgeoning inclusivity of their time. The esteemed contributors, ranging from Harriet Elizabeth Prescott Spofford'Äôs innovative depictions of female agency to Clara F. Guernsey's grounded stories of middle-class life, encompass a range of backgrounds and perspectives. Their narratives collectively exist at the intersection of changing cultural perceptions and the transitioning role of literature in society, creating a dialogue that reflects the shifting American identity post-Civil War. This anthology is indispensable for any literature enthusiast seeking to immerse themselves in the subtle nuances of American social and cultural histories encapsulated in narrative form. With its assortment of short stories, this collection offers a profound educational journey through varied perceptions, igniting conversations across time. The volume acts as a window into the past, allowing readers to engage with a plethora of voices that challenge, affirm, and question traditional notions, making it a precious gem for those who appreciate the power of storytelling through diverse and imaginative lenses.

Available since: 08/12/2023.

Print length: 228 pages.

Other books that might interest you

Arck Industries: Origins

Alex Arck

What if the key to creative freedom was letting go of control? 
Under the weight of an impossible deadline, an independent musician turns to spiritual practices and mystic rituals, desperate to balance the relentless pressures of surviving as an artist. But when one of his psychic experiments unlocks access to future technology, he discovers a shocking solution: biomechanical clones capable of sharing his creative burden. 
At first, the clones appear to be the perfect answer, amplifying his productivity and talent. But after transferring his consciousness into these beings, he uncovers a dark truth about the price of splitting himself across multiple lives—and the dangers lurking within his newfound power. 
Written by musician and songwriter Alex Arck, this gripping sci-fi novella serves as a thrilling prequel to the events of his concept album, Arck Industries. Dive deeper into the story with the immersive audio adaptation, narrated by Garan Patrick. 
Discover a world where creativity meets cutting-edge technology—and automation comes at a cost.

Show book

Æpyornis Island - From their...

H G Wells

Herbert George Wells was born on September 21st, 1866 at Atlas House, 46 High Street, Bromley, Kent. He was the youngest of four siblings and his family affectionately knew him as ‘Bertie’.
The first few years of his childhood were spent fairly quietly, and Wells didn’t display much literary interest until, in 1874, he accidentally broke his leg and was left to recover in bed, largely entertained by the library books his father regularly brought him. Through these Wells found he could escape the boredom and misery of his bed and convalescence by exploring the new worlds he encountered in these books.
From these humble beginnings began a career that was, after several delays, to be seen as one of the most brilliant of modern English writers.
Able to write comfortably in a number of genres he was especially applauded for his science fiction works such as The Time Machine and War of the Worlds but his forays into the social conditions of the times, with classics such as Kipps, were almost as commercially successful. His short stories are miniature masterpieces many of which bring new and incredible ideas of science fiction to the edge of present day science fact. Wells also received four nominations for the Nobel Prize in Literature
Despite a strong and lasting second marriage his affairs with other women also brought the complications of fathering other children. His writings and work against fascism, as well as the promotion of socialism, brought him into increasing doubts with and opposition to religion. His writings on what the world could be in works, such as A Modern Utopia, are thought provoking as well as being plausible, especially when viewed from the distressing times they were written in.
His diabetic condition pushed him to create what is now the largest Diabetes charity in the United Kingdom. Wells even found the time to run twice for Parliament.
It was a long, distinguished and powerfully successful career by the time he died, aged 79, on August 13th, 1946.

Show book

Strike-pay

D H Lawrence

In 'Strike Pay', Lawrence returns to the scenes of his boyhood in Eastwood in Nottinghamshire. A group of miners, liberated from work by a strike, enjoy a day out but the hard realities of home life and mothers-in-law await their return. Tinged with good humour and the sense of comradeship among the miners and finally between the miner and his wife, this story epitomises working life before the Great War.

Show book

The Shades of Spring

D H Lawrence

'The Shades of Spring'. In this story the hero has moved on in the world and is married yet cannot forget his old love. He retraces the steps to her farm hoping for what? He finds his old love attached to a physical young man who can give the girl what he could not - pure physical love - and this she prefers to his more intellectual love.

Show book

A Dialogue Among Clever People -...

Leo Tolstoy

Leo Tolstoy was born in 1828 in the Russian province of Tula to a wealthy noble family. As a child, he had private tutors but he showed little interest in any formal education. When he went to the University of Kazan in 1843 to study oriental languages and law, he left without completing his courses. Life now was relaxed and idle but with some writing also taking place. Gambling debts forced an abrupt change of path and he joined the army to fight in the Crimean War. He was commended for his bravery and promoted but was appalled at the brutality and loss of life. He recorded these and other earlier experiences in his diaries which formed the basis of several of his works.
In 1852 ‘Childhood’ was published to immediate success and was followed by ‘Boyhood’ and ‘Youth’.
His experience in the army and the horrors he witnessed resulted in ‘The Cossacks’ in 1862 and the trilogy ‘Sevastopol Tales’. After the war he travelled around Europe, visiting London and Paris and meeting such luminaries as Victor Hugo and Charles Darwin.
It was now that Tolstoy began his masterpiece, ‘War and Peace’. Published in 1869 it was an epic work that changed literature. He quickly followed this with ‘Anna Karenina’.
These successes made Tolstoy rich and helped him accomplish many of his dreams but also brought problems as he grappled with his faith and the lot of the oppressed poor. These revolutionary views became so popular that the authorities now kept him under surveillance.
He led a life of asceticism and vegetarianism and put his socialist ideals into practice by establishing numerous schools for the poor and food programmes. He also believed in giving away his wealth, which caused much discord with his wife.
His writing continued to bring forth classics such as ‘The Death of Ivan Ilyich’ and many brilliant and incisive short stories such as ‘How Much Land Does A Man Need’.
In 1901 Tolstoy was excommunicated from the Church and controversially deselected for the Nobel Prize for Literature.
Whilst undertaking a pilgrimage by train in October 1910 with his daughter Aleksandra he caught pneumonia in the nearby town of Astapovo. Leo Tolstoy died on November 9th, 1910, he was 82.

Show book

The Primrose Path

D H Lawrence

‘The Primrose Path’ looks at what can be the ephemeral nature of man and woman love and the horror and certainty of death which seems to hang over all the characters in this haunting short story.

Show book