Other books that might interest you

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  Psyche

  Alexander Kuprin

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  It is one thing to read the myth of Pygmalion and Galatea in a book and swoon over the romance of it all. It is a different thing entirely when the myth comes tumbling into your life and turns it upside down. "Be careful what you wish for," warns Alexander Kuprin in this chilling tale of art and obsession.

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  American Notes - Full Cast Drama

  Charles Dickens

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  In "American Notes," Charles Dickens embarks on a captivating journey across the Atlantic in the 19th century to offer his keen observations and critiques of the young United States. Published in 1842, this travelogue chronicles Dickens' experiences during his tour of the United States and Canada, showcasing his unique ability to blend sharp social commentary with vivid narrative storytelling. 
   
  The narrative begins with Dickens setting sail from Liverpool to Boston, and from the moment he arrives on American soil, he is met with great enthusiasm and anticipation. Yet, his initial enthusiasm gradually gives way to a critical exploration of American society, culture, and institutions. Dickens paints a picture of a nation marked by stark contrasts – the raw, untamed beauty of the American landscape juxtaposed with the bustling cities, and the democratic ideals of freedom and equality set against the glaring issues of slavery and inequality. 
   
  Throughout the journey, Dickens encounters a wide array of characters and situations that highlight the complexities of American life. He offers poignant insights into the horrors of slavery, the shortcomings of the prison system, and the social divisions that permeate American society. His narrative serves as a powerful indictment of these injustices and an impassioned call for reform. 
   
  However, "American Notes" is not solely a critique of the United States. Dickens also portrays the genuine hospitality and kindness of many Americans he meets along the way, and he highlights their eagerness to embrace and engage with the ideas and literature of the Old World. The travelogue ultimately reflects Dickens' conviction that positive change is possible through the exchange of ideas and the continuous dialogue between nations.

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  Jeannot and Colin

  Voltaire

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  Voltaire was the nom de plume of François-Marie Arouet (1694-1778), a well known writer, poet, satirist and wit whose ascerbic criticism of many institutions of the day once earned him a period of imprisonment in the Bastille.In this tale of Jeannot and Colin, Voltaire not only tells an instructive tale, warning of the dangers of sudden wealth and social climbing, but also directs his satirical comments at the vacuous and fickle nouveau riche of his day, the catholic church, private education, and society in general.Jeannot and Colin are childhood friends. Both come from working-class backgrounds in a rural part of France, but Jeannot's parents, on a trip to Paris, strike it lucky in business and within a short time become very wealthy. They purchase a title, send fine clothes to their son, and order him to Paris. Jeannot's head is turned by the sudden elevation in his status and he lords it over the humble Colin when he leaves.In Paris, there is a lengthy discussion as to how Jeannot should best be educated for his new role as a young marquis. After rejecting Latin, geography, astronomy, history, and various other possible subjects, they settle on teaching him to dance and hold forth as a wit at dinner parties. All seems to be going well, when one day the bailiffs arrive and repossess all the family's assets. Jeannot is about to learn some very harsh life-lessons.

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  The Land that Time Forgot

  Edgar Rice Burroughs

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  The year is 1916, Europe is ablaze with war, and Bowen Tyler is crossing the Atlantic to join the Lafayette Escadrille when the course of his life is forever altered by a torpedo, shot from a German U-Boat. What follows is a course of events that leads him into a land unknown to man, filled with creatures from a primeval past, a land of savage cave men, a land of strange secrets. A Land that Time Forgot. 
  Published in 1918 by Edgar Rice Burroughs, author of Tarzan and the so called Barsoom Saga, this fiction classic is narrated by Michael Ward.

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  Shadow out of Time The (Unabridged)

  H. P. Lovecraft

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  The Shadow Out of Time is a novella by American horror fiction writer H. P. Lovecraft. Written between November 1934 and February 1935, it was first published in the June 1936 issue of Astounding Stories. The story describes time and space travel by mind transfer. The premise is that a person in a given place and time can switch bodies with someone who is elsewhere or elsewhen. Other writers have re-used this concept in later works, such as drinking tea from Red Forest leaves in the television series 12 Monkeys and long-range communication stones in the Stargate SG-1 television series. As with other Lovecraftian works, this story features otherworldy alien beings that are not simply variations on humans or other familiar terrestrial animals.

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  The Malefactor

  E. Phillips Oppenheim

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  Sir Wingrave Seton allowed himself to be imprisoned for nine years rather than betray a lady's honor. Seeking revenge for his incarceration, he acquires immense wealth for the sole purpose of destroying the lives of others. A lonely Boston housewife, a young stockbroker, and an orphaned daughter of a church organist all seem to be headed for life disasters. Just in time, however, a mysterious benefactor saves each of them.Seton ultimately sets his sights on the woman who conspired with her husband to betray him. He takes great pleasure in watching the couple suffer the pain he inflicts upon them. But a new young lover slowly starts to thaw the Malefactor's icy heart, prompting him to abandon his misanthropic plans. However, is it too late?

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