Other books that might interest you

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  The Wonderful Wizard of Oz

  L. Frank Baum

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  First published in 1901, “The Wonderful Wizard of Oz” follows the magical adventure of Dorothy, a young girl who lives with her Aunt Em and Uncle Henry on a farm in Kansas. One day when Dorothy is caught up in tornado with her little dog, Toto, she finds her farmhouse has been magically transplanted to Munchkin Country in the mystical Land of Oz.Her house lands on the evil Wicked Witch of the East, killing her, and freeing the Munchkins from her rule. As a reward the Good Witch of the North gives Dorothy the magical Silver Shoes that belonged to the Witch and sets her on her way down the yellow brick road to the Emerald City to ask the Wizard for help in returning to Kansas. Along the way she meets several interesting characters including the Scarecrow, the Tin Woodman, and the Cowardly Lion who join her on her travels to ask the Wizard for help of their own.The journey is not without peril though, as the Wicked Witch of the West, who wants revenge for the killing of her sister and to regain the magical Silver Shoes, unleashes numerous dangers against Dorothy and her companions. “The Wonderful Wizard of Oz” is a classic story of fantasy which is considered to be the first American fairy tale.

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  The Octave of Jealousy

  Stacy Aumonier

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  Stacy Aumonier's famous depiction of human nature in action. An eight-part series of snapshots, starting with a tramp who feels pangs of envy when he sees someone with a more settled and domesticated life. The focus of the story shifts to this individual, who we discover is jealous of someone else...who in turn is envious of another person and so on.James Hilton (author of Goodbye, Mr Chips and Lost Horizon) said of Aumonier: "I think his very best works ought to be included in any anthology of the best short stories ever written." Asked to choose "My Favourite Short Story" for the March 1939 edition of Good Housekeeping, James Hilton chose The Octave of Jealousy, which the magazine described as a bitterly brilliant tale.

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  Adventure of the Copper Beeches...

  Sir Arthur Conan Doyle

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  "The Adventure of the Copper Beeches", one of the 56 short Sherlock Holmes stories written by British author Sir Arthur Conan Doyle, is the last of the twelve collected in The Adventures of Sherlock Holmes. It was first published in Strand Magazine in June 1892. Violet Hunter visits Holmes, asking whether she should accept a job as governess; a job with very strange conditions. She is enticed by the phenomenal salary which, as originally offered, is £100 a year, later increased to £120 when Miss Hunter baulks at having to cut her long hair short (her previous position paid £48 a year). This is only one of many peculiar provisos to which she must agree. The employer, Jephro Rucastle, seems pleasant enough, yet Miss Hunter obviously has her suspicions.

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  Charles Dickens 3 Classic Works...

  Charles Dickens

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  Charles Dickens was an English writer and social critic who lived during the 19th century. He is considered one of the greatest novelists of the Victorian era and is known for his vivid portrayals of the social and economic conditions of the time. His works often addressed issues of poverty, social injustice, and class struggle, and he is credited with helping to raise public awareness of these issues. Some of his most famous works include "Oliver Twist," "A Tale of Two Cities," and "Great Expectations." 
  Dickens' writing style is characterized by his use of vivid characters, rich descriptions, and a keen understanding of human nature. His works often feature memorable characters such as Fagin, Scrooge, and Miss Havisham, and his novels are known for their intricate plots, unexpected twists, and poignant endings. Dickens' works were hugely popular in his lifetime and continue to be studied and admired for their relevance and insight into the human condition. 
   
  In addition to his contributions to literature, Dickens was also an influential social reformer. He was a vocal advocate for the rights of the poor and disadvantaged, and his works played an important role in raising public awareness of the social and economic conditions of the time. His philanthropic efforts included work with a home for "fallen women" and the establishment of a home for retired actors. Dickens' contributions to literature and society continue to be recognized and celebrated today. 
   
  Here is the ultimate Audiobook celebration of this great enduring artist narrated by Emmy-nominated actor and author Geoffrey Giuliano.

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  A Hunger Artist - and other works

  Franz Kafka, Nikolai Vasilievich...

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  Dive into the enigmatic world of Franz Kafka and Nikolai Vasilievich Gogol with the digital audiobook version of "A Hunger Artist and Other Works." This collection is a literary tapestry woven with three remarkable stories: "A Hunger Artist," "The Cloak," and "The Mantle." 
   
  A Hunger Artist: 
  Experience the haunting tale of a man who turns starvation into an art form. As the hunger artist voluntarily withers away in a cage, the story explores the blurred lines between art, sacrifice, and the quest for meaning. Kafka's narrative delves deep into the psyche of the artist, unveiling layers of existential contemplation and societal scrutiny. 
   
  The Cloak: 
  Gogol's satirical masterpiece, "The Cloak," takes you into the life of Akaky Akakievich, a humble civil servant whose world revolves around his worn-out cloak. When tragedy befalls him, the story becomes a poignant commentary on societal hierarchies, the absurdity of bureaucracy, and the human need for dignity. 
   
  The Mantle: 
  In "The Mantle," Gogol weaves a tapestry of absurdity and tragedy as the protagonist, Akaky Akakievich Bashmachkin, experiences a surreal journey after acquiring a new overcoat. This tale explores themes of identity, social class, and the consequences of one's desires, blending humor with a deep exploration of the human condition.

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  White Bread

  Zona Gale

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  Zona Gale was born on 26th August 1874 in Portage, Wisconsin.  She was exceptionally close to her parents and later used them as the basis for characters in her works.   
   
  She wrote and illustrated her first story at the age of 7 and by 16 she was being paid for stories from the Milwaukee Evening Wisconsin.   
   
  After studies at the University of Wisconsin, where she received a degree and two master's, she moved to New York and a job at the New York World newspaper. She was later hired as a secretary to Edmund Clarence Stedman, the poet, critic, essayist, banker, and scientist. and immersed herself in his literary circle. 
   
  Gale returned to Portage in 1903 and realized her old world was full of new possibilities. She now dedicated herself to full-time writing. 
   
  Her first novel ‘Romance Island’ was published in 1906 and she also began the popular ‘Friendship Village’ series of stories. In 1920 came ‘Miss Lulu Bett’, which depicts life in the Mid-West. Adapted into a play it won the Pulitzer Prize for Drama in 1921.  It was a stellar achievement. 
   
  After the deaths of her parents her works, both fiction and non-fiction, drifted towards mysticism and her belief that problems could be solved through a kind of transcendentalist enlightenment. 
   
  Gale was a suffragist, a liberal Democrat, an active member of the National Woman's Party and a pacifist.  Much of her time was taken up with advancing opportunities for women both at school and in careers. It was a cause she repeatedly emphasized in her novels: women's frustration at their lack of opportunities. 
   
  In the mid 20’s she began caring for a young relative, Leslyn, and later adopted her. At age 54, she married William L Breese, a childhood friend. Now a widower, he was a wealthy banker and hosiery manufacturer. She also became a step-mother to his daughter, Juliette.  
   
  In mid-December 1938 she went to Chicago for medical treatment and contracted pneumonia a few days later.  
   
  Zona Gale died of pneumonia in Passavant Hospital in Chicago on 27th December 1938.  She was 64.

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