Join us on a literary world trip!
Add this book to bookshelf
Grey
Write a new comment Default profile 50px
Grey
Subscribe to read the full book or read the first pages for free!
I want to read the book!
All characters reduced
Elsie Venner - cover

Elsie Venner

Oliver Wendell Holmes

Publisher: DigiCat

  • 0
  • 0
  • 0

Summary

"Elsie Venner," a novel published in 1861 by Oliver Wendell Holmes, weaves a rich tapestry of romance, psychology, and moral philosophy set against the backdrop of New England society. Known for its intricate narrative style, Holmes employs a detailed and introspective lens, exploring the complexities of human nature through the protagonist, Elsie, who embodies both innocence and innate ferocity. The book's unique exploration of the connection between character and environment, coupled with its innovative use of vivid imagery and symbolism, places it within the tradition of American Transcendentalism while critically engaging with themes of gender and identity that would resonate in later literature. Oliver Wendell Holmes, a prominent figure in American literature and medicine, was deeply influenced by his own experiences as a physician and his keen observations of society and human behavior. His background in both the literary and medical fields provided a unique perspective on the psychological implications of morality and social expectations, often reflected in his writing. Holmes's ability to bridge these two seemingly disparate worlds enabled him to craft a narrative that delves into the intricacies of mental states and societal pressures. "Elsie Venner" is a must-read for those seeking an insightful examination of character and societal norms in 19th-century America. With its profound psychological insights and nuanced character development, the novel invites readers to reflect on the nature of humanity and the influence of one's environment, making it a timeless piece for scholars and casual readers alike.
Available since: 09/15/2022.
Print length: 345 pages.

Other books that might interest you

  • The Vicar of Wakefield - cover

    The Vicar of Wakefield

    Oliver Goldsmith

    • 0
    • 0
    • 0 
    The Vicar of Wakefield, a novel by Oliver Goldsmith, first published in 1766, has long been regarded as a literary treasure of 18th-century English fiction. Though often simple in plot and unassuming in its narrative style, the novel reveals the depth of Goldsmith's genius and the charm of his storytelling, which has captivated readers across generations. 
The novel recounts the trials and tribulations of Dr. Charles Primrose, the vicar of the title, and his family. A man of virtuous character, the vicar's steadfast belief in providence and moral integrity is tested through a series of misfortunes—financial ruin, deception, and personal calamity. Yet, it is through these trials that the narrative explores themes of resilience, forgiveness, and the essential goodness of the human spirit. Goldsmith’s portrayal of the Primrose family, especially the vicar’s unwavering faith, serves as both a reflection of the virtues of 18th-century morality and an enduring commentary on human dignity.
    Show book
  • The Sign of the Four - cover

    The Sign of the Four

    Sir Arthur Conan Doyle

    • 0
    • 0
    • 0 
    London, 1888.  
A Ms. Mary Morstan arrives at 221B Baker Street with a case for Sherlock Holmes and his companion, Dr. John Watson. Some ten years prior, her father, Captain Arthur Morstan, returned to London while on leave from his post in India—only to go missing. Adding another layer to the mystery are six pearls in her possession, having received one per year since 1882. The sixth and most recently received pearl was accompanied by a letter asking for a meeting, claiming Ms. Morstan is a wronged woman.  
Holmes and Watson's deductive skills are put to the test in a thrilling adventure involving a map of a fortress bearing four names, poison darts, and high-speed boat chases.   
The second of the four Sherlock Holmes novels, Sir Arthur Conan Doyle's The Sign of the Four follows Holmes and Watson's debut in A Study In Scarlet. Originally commissioned by Lippincott's Monthly, the novel was published in the magazine in 1890. In the summer of 2024, Doyle's original handwritten manuscript sold for over $900,000 at auction.
    Show book
  • War and Peace (Book Ten: 1812) - cover

    War and Peace (Book Ten: 1812)

    Leo Tolstoy

    • 0
    • 0
    • 0 
    War and Peace is a literary work mixed with chapters on history and philosophy by the Russian author Leo Tolstoy. It was first published serially, then published in its entirety in 1869. It is regarded as one of Tolstoy's finest literary achievements and remains an internationally praised classic of world literature.
Book 10: 1812: Napoleon began the war with Russia because he could not resist going to Dresden, could not help having his head turned by the homage he received, could not help donning a Polish uniform and yielding to the stimulating influence of a June morning, and could not refrain from bursts of anger in the presence of Kurákin and then of Balashëv.
    Show book
  • The classic of German literature - A Summer Novella Siddhartha The Metamorphosis Death in Venice and others - cover

    The classic of German literature...

    Stefan Zweig, Franz Kafka,...

    • 0
    • 0
    • 0 
    German literature comprises those literary texts written in the German language. This includes literature written in Germany, Austria, the German parts of Switzerland and Belgium, Liechtenstein, Luxembourg, South Tyrol in Italy and to a lesser extent works of the German diaspora.
Contents:
Thomas Mann
Death in Venice
Hermann Hesse
Siddhartha
Franz Kafka
The Metamorphosis
Stefan Zweig
A Summer Novella
Rainer Maria Rilke
Poems
First Poems
Evening
Mary Virgin
The Book of Pictures
Presaging
Autumn
Silent Hour
The Angels
Solitude
Kings in Legends
The Knight
The Boy
Initiation
The Neighbour
Song of the Statue
Maidens I
Maidens II
The Bride
Autumnal Day
Moonlight Night
In April
Memories of a Childhood
Death
The Ashantee
Remembrance
Music
Maiden Melancholy
Maidens at Confirmation
The Woman who Loves
Pont du Carrousel
Madness
Lament
Symbols
New Poems:
Early Apollo
The Tomb of a Young Girl
The Poet
The Panther
Growing Blind
The Spanish Dancer
Offering
Love Song
Archaic Torso of Apollo
    Show book
  • Wuthering Heights - cover

    Wuthering Heights

    Emily Brontë

    • 0
    • 0
    • 0 
    Step into the windswept moors of Wuthering Heights, Emily Brontë’s haunting tale of passion, revenge, and the complexities of human nature. This Gothic masterpiece follows the turbulent relationship between the brooding Heathcliff and the strong-willed Catherine Earnshaw, whose intense connection defies social boundaries and time itself. As love turns to obsession, their story spirals into a saga of betrayal and vengeance, leaving its mark on everyone at Wuthering Heights. 
With vivid, atmospheric prose and unforgettable characters, Brontë creates a dark, emotional world that explores love’s power to both elevate and destroy. Wuthering Heights stands as one of literature’s greatest tragedies, capturing the wild beauty and raw intensity of unrestrained emotion. 
Narrated with passion and depth, this audiobook brings the haunting landscape and rich characters to life, immersing listeners in Brontë’s unique vision. 
Start listening to Wuthering Heights today and experience a classic story of love, fury, and redemption that has captivated readers for generations.
    Show book
  • The Narrative of Arthur Gordon Pym of Nantucket - cover

    The Narrative of Arthur Gordon...

    Edgar Allan Poe

    • 0
    • 0
    • 0 
    "My visions were of shipwreck and famine; of death or captivity among barbarian hordes..."

Edgar Allan Poe's only novel, The Narrative of Arthur Gordon Pym of Nantucket, is a classic adventure story with disturbing supernatural elements that has fascinated and influenced many subsequent writers. It relates the various adventures and misadventures of young Arthur Gordon Pym, who stows away aboard a whaler called the Grampus. After surviving mutiny, cannibalism and shipwreck, Pym and his last surviving companion sail deep into the uncharted, mysterious Antarctic seas, where they face bizarre creatures, encounter hostile native islanders and, ultimately, the great unknown.

By weaving together elements of the adventure travelogue and the Gothic horror story, Poe skilfully explores the boundaries of human knowledge and morality.

Please note that this story contains racist language and stereotypical portrayals of non-white persons that were typical of the era in which it was written.
Edgar Allan Poe (1809–1849) was an American writer, poet, editor and literary critic known for his dark, atmospheric tales and haunting poetry. Widely regarded as one of the most influential figures in American literature, Poe helped shape the horror and science-fiction genres and is widely credited with inventing detective fiction in his 1841 short story, Murders in the Rue Morgue. Despite a life marked by personal tragedy and financial hardship, Poe produced a number of enduring classics such as TheRaven, The Tell-Tale Heart, and The Fall of the House of Usher, and since his somewhat mysterious death, he and his writings have had a wide-ranging influence in popular culture. In 1946, the Mystery Writers of America established the annual Edgar award, which honour the best in mystery fiction, non-fiction and film.
    Show book