Publisher: Jules verne
The story begins with strange lights and sounds, including blaring trumpet music, reported in the skies all over the world. The events are capped by the mysterious appearance of black flags with gold suns atop tall historic landmarks such as the Statue of Liberty in New York, the Great Pyramid of Giza in Egypt, and the Eiffel Tower in Paris.
These classic mystery short stories feature Maurice Lebanc’s famous rogue, Arsène Lupin. A master of disguise, Lupin moves between high society and a burglar’s life, stealing from the rich and powerful and creating mischief for Detective Ganimard. Included in this collection are the following tales: “The Arrest of Arsène Lupin” “Arsène Lupin in Prison” “The Escape of Arsène Lupin” “The Mysterious Traveller” “The Queen's Necklace” “The Seven of Hearts” “Madame Imbert's Safe” “The Black Pearl” “Sherlock Holmes Arrives Too Late”Show book
This prophetic Brothers Grimm fairytale is about the supposedly dimmest and youngest of three brothers, who due to an act of kindness, is gifted a golden goose by an old man. The parable is about not being greedy trying to pluck a golden feather will only get you stuck in a parade of shame.Show book
"Northanger Abbey" is a satirical novel that tells the story of Catherine Morland, a young, naïve girl who is taken to Bath by family friends for a season of socializing and romance. Catherine is a great reader of gothic novels, which often lead her to imagine plots and intrigues where there are none. At Bath, Catherine meets the charming Henry Tilney and his sister Eleanor, who introduce her to their family estate, Northanger Abbey. Catherine becomes infatuated with Henry and begins to imagine that his family is hiding secrets and mysteries, much like the gothic novels she loves to read. She begins to explore the Abbey with this in mind, but her fantasies soon come crashing down when she discovers that there is no hidden intrigue at Northanger Abbey. Read in English, unabridged.Show book
Our Laodicean Paula Power, the daughter of a wealthy Victorian railway engineer, is the sole inheritor of the ancient De Stancy Castle. The castle requires much modernisation and repair so she sets about securing a young, up and coming architect, George Somerset, to undertake the project. Immediately captivated Somerset falls in love with our heroine but alas, he is not her only suitor. Paula, “the modern flower in a mediaeval flower-pot” while attracted to him yearns for the dashing Captain De Stancy and the aristocratic background he represents. The novel “A Laodicean” was published in 1881. Like many Victorian novels it was first published in serial format. Unlike many of his novels this story is set in the more contemporary setting with many advancements of this fast moving, technological period. As Thomas Hardy himself suggested that for the “large and happy section of the reading public which has not yet reached ripeness of years - "A Laodicean" may perhaps help to while away an idle afternoon.”Show book
'The Overtone' looks at a sterile marriage with no children and no spontaneous sexual feeling between the couple. Lawrence seems to lose interest in the story, although he introduces a younger woman, who walks away baffled at the end. His purpose seems to be to analyse the relationship between men and women in religious terms - Christianity for the women and the old Pan religion for the men. Lawrence produces some fine writing but the argument at the end of the story seems contrived.Show book
"Love and Friendship" is a novella by Jane Austen that explores the themes of love, friendship, and the societal expectations that govern relationships in the early 19th century. The narrative unfolds through the protagonist, Laura, who recounts her experiences and relationships in a series of letters. Austen's narrative is characterized by its wit and satire, as she keenly observes the manners and morals of the time. Through Laura's voice, the reader is taken on a journey that navigates the complexities of romantic entanglements and the consequences of societal pressures. The novella delves into the consequences of impulsive decisions and the societal expectations placed on women to secure advantageous marriages. Austen uses humor and irony to expose the absurdities of the social norms and conventions that govern the characters' lives. As Laura navigates the challenges of love and friendship, Austen skillfully weaves a narrative that explores the tension between individual desires and societal expectations. The characters' flaws are exposed, highlighting the limitations placed on personal freedom in a society where social standing and financial considerations often take precedence over matters of the heart. In "Love and Friendship," Austen's narrative mastery shines through as she crafts a tale that not only entertains but also offers a subtle commentary on the constraints of the society in which her characters live. The exploration of love and friendship serves as a lens through which Austen examines the intricacies of human relationships, making the novella a timeless and insightful exploration of the human condition.Show book
