Other books that might interest you

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  The Further Adventures of...

  Daniel Defoe

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  Embark on an exhilarating continuation with "The Further Adventures of Robinson Crusoe" by Daniel Defoe, where adventure and perseverance know no bounds. Having left his solitary island life, Crusoe's thirst for exploration leads him back to sea. From treacherous encounters with pirates to thrilling escapades in exotic lands, Crusoe navigates danger and discovery once more. This rich sequel delves deeper into themes of resilience and the unending quest for adventure, capturing the spirit of exploration.

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  A Christmas Carol

  Charles Dickens

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  Charles Dickens wrote A Christmas Carol in 1843 and the first edition, published on 19th December, was so successful that it sold out in just six days. The publishers had to produce two further editions between Christmas and the new year to meet the demand, and the novella has never been out of print.
  A Christmas Carol tells the story of a greedy money-lender, Ebenezer Scrooge, who is first visited by the ghost of his former business partner and then by three spirits - the Ghost of Christmas Past, the Ghost of Christmas Present and the Ghost of Christmas Yet to Come. They show Scrooge's lack of compassion to him, compelling him to act more compassionately in the future and to honor Christmas in his heart.

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  In the Penal Colony

  Franz Kafka

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  "In the Penal Colony" is a short story by Franz Kafka written in German in October 1914, revised in November 1918, and first published in October 1919. As in some of Kafka's other writings, the narrator in this story seems detached from, or perhaps numbed by, events that one would normally expect to be registered with horror. Internal clues and the setting on an island suggest Octave Mirbeau's The Torture Garden as an influence. The story is set in an unnamed penal colony and describes the last use of an elaborate torture and execution device that carves the commandment that the condemned prisoner has transgressed on his skin as he slowly dies over the course of twelve hours. As the plot unfolds, the reader learns more and more about the machine, including its origin and original justification.

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  A Kidnapped Santa Claus

  Lyman Frank Baum

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  Christmas Eve—the night of joy, wonder, and magic. But what if the heart of Christmas itself was stolen? In this enchanting yet unexpected tale, L. Frank Baum dares to ask: what happens when Santa Claus disappears? Hidden away in his ice-bound Laughing Valley, Santa has made it his life's work to bring happiness to children across the world. But not everyone welcomes his kindness. Dark forces lurk beyond the cheerful glow of Christmas, and when Santa is taken captive, the very spirit of the holiday hangs in the balance.
  With a touch of mischief, a sprinkle of suspense, and a heartwarming conclusion, Baum crafts a story that challenges the idea of good and evil, reminding us that even the purest intentions can face opposition. It's a tale of courage, cleverness, and the unstoppable force of joy—a Christmas adventure unlike any other.
  A hidden gem from the author of The Wonderful Wizard of Oz, A Kidnapped Santa Claus blends festive charm with unexpected depth. It is a holiday tale not just about presents and merriment, but about the true meaning of giving, the resilience of kindness, and the magic that no chains can contain.

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  A Thing That Glistened - From...

  Frank R. Stockton

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  Frank Richard Stockton was born in Philadelphia on 5th April 1834.  
  His father, a Methodist minister, discouraged Stockton’s literary career from an early age.  Feeling unable to go against those wishes it was for many years that Stockton’s income was maintained as a wood engraver.   
  His first work was published in 1867 and his first collection only appeared in 1870.  Despite this late arrival Stockton’s innovative and often far-fetched stories, with a gentle ‘poking fun’ humour were very popular.  Like his contemporary Mark Twain he avoided the scolding, hectoring and moral tones of many other authors and instead gently teased and cajoled his reader to open their eyes to the ills, the greed and the ambitions of the world around them.  His sci-fi stories in particular were far-seeing and inventive including a tale of negative gravity and a bloodless Anglo-US war won by technological feats.  
  Perhaps his most enduring tale though is ‘The Lady, or the Tiger?’ from 1882.  A condemned man is given a choice of being eaten alive or marrying his princess lover.  But he has to choose which door each is behind. 
  Frank R Stockton died in Washington, DC, on 20th April 1902, of a cerebral haemorrhage.  He is buried at The Woodlands in Philadelphia.

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  Of Conversation and the Anatomy...

  H. G. Wells

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  Herbert George "H. G." Wells (1866 - 1946) was an English writer.
  He was prolific in many genres, including the novel, history, politics, social commentary, and textbooks and rules for war games. Wells is now best remembered for his science fiction novels and is called a "father of science fiction"
  OF CONVERSATION AND THE ANATOMY OF FASHION: This uncle of mine, you must understand, having attained by the purest accident some trifles of distinction and a certain affluence in South Africa, came over at the earliest opportunity to London to be photographed and lionised.

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