Altri libri che potrebbero interessarti

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  Top 10 Short Stories The -...

  Franz Kafka, Guy de Maupassant,...

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  Short stories have always been a sort of instant access into an author’s brain, their soul and heart.  A few pages can lift our lives into locations, people and experiences with a sweep of landscape, narration, feelings and emotions that is difficult to achieve elsewhere. 
   
  In this series we try to offer up tried and trusted ‘Top Tens’ across many different themes and authors. But any anthology will immediately throw up the questions – Why that story? Why that author?  
   
  The theme itself will form the boundaries for our stories which range from well-known classics, newly told, to stories that modern times have overlooked but perfectly exemplify the theme.  Throughout the volume our authors whether of instant recognition or new to you are all leviathans of literature. 
   
  Some you may disagree with but they will get you thinking; about our choices and about those you would have made.  If this volume takes you on a path to discover more of these miniature masterpieces then we have all gained something. 
   
  Those taken away by their own hand leave many questions and many sorrows.  In this volume ten of our vaunted authors share stories of tragedy and the early demise of characters who take a tortured path of no return. 
   
  01 - The Top 10 - Suicide - An Introduction 
  02 - In the Penal Colony by Franz Kafka 
  03 - Suicides by Guy de Maupassant 
  04 - The Victory by Rabindranath Tagore 
  05 - Paul's Case by Willa Cather 
  06 - Claude Gueux by Victor Hugo 
  07 - The Mourner by Mary Shelley 
  08 - A Slav Soul by Alexander Kuprin 
  09 - Cohen of Trinity by Amy Levy 
  10 - A Passion in the Desert by Honoré de Balzac 
  11 - The Quadroons by Lydia Maria Child

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  Betrothal and Betrayal: Empress...

  Janet McGiffen

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  In the treacherous corridors of 8th-century Constantinople, where power is won through cunning and ambition, a young woman is destined to shape the fate of an empire. 
  Seventeen-year-old Thekla, fierce and relentless, has been abandoned at the altar for the third time. Determined to reclaim her betrothed—or make him pay—she sets out for the imperial capital, armed only with her wits and her blade. But Constantinople is no place for the faint-hearted. Here, intrigue and betrayal lurk in every shadow, and survival demands more than mere determination. 
  Amidst the dazzling splendor of the Byzantine court, Thekla crosses paths with Irini of Athens—a strikingly beautiful orphan plucked from obscurity to wed Co-Emperor Leon, son of the ruthless Constantine. But Irini is no mere pawn. Beneath her delicate exterior lies an unyielding will and an insatiable hunger for power. 
  As Thekla and Irini forge an uneasy alliance, the city erupts with unrest, torn apart by religious conflict and political machinations. In this volatile world of shifting loyalties, ambition can be a weapon, and trust can be fatal. Will Thekla become Irini’s greatest ally—or her most dangerous rival? 
  The rise of an empress begins …

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  The Scarlet Pimpernel

  Emmuska Orczy

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  "The Scarlet Pimpernel" by Baroness Orczy is a captivating historical novel crafted in the early 20th century. Set against the swirling chaos of the French Revolution, the narrative follows the elusive Englishman known only as the Scarlet Pimpernel, who undertakes audacious rescues of aristocrats ensnared in the deadly clutches of the guillotine. This protagonist, cloaked in secrecy, juggles his dual identity, creating an electrifying tension as he maneuvers through the perilous political landscape. The novel poignantly explores themes of bravery, loyalty, and the profound cost of sacrifice. 
  As the story unfolds, the grim atmosphere of the Reign of Terror in Paris is palpably felt. The air is thick with the stench of fear and bloodshed as the relentless guillotine claims countless souls, its blade gleaming ominously in the sunlight. The bloodthirsty crowd, swelling with fervor, eagerly anticipates the next execution, their excitement palpable like a hungry predator awaiting its prey. At the heart of this mayhem stands Sergeant Bibot, a proud sentinel at the barricades, relishing his role in thwarting the desperate escape attempts of fleeing aristocrats. 
  Amidst the growing turmoil, whispers of a clandestine group of Englishmen begin to circulate, their leader—the enigmatic Scarlet Pimpernel—launching daring rescues that confound the authorities and thwart death's grasp. The narrative vividly paints the harrowing fear and desperation of those on the run, contrasting it with the zealous exhilaration of citizens intoxicated by their newfound power and thirst for vengeance. This sets the stage for a gripping tale of unwavering heroism amidst a world spiraling into chaos.

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  Memoirs of Louis XIV

  Duc de Saint-Simon

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  Memoirs of Louis XIV and the Regency by Louis de Rouvroy, Duc de Saint-Simon, offers a captivating and scandalous glimpse into the inner workings of the French court during the reign of Louis XIV and the subsequent regency. 
  Through Saint-Simon's vivid and often acerbic prose, readers are transported to the opulent and intrigue-filled world of Versailles. The memoir provides a detailed account of the king's reign, from his rise to absolute power to the decline of the monarchy. Saint-Simon spares no detail, offering insights into the personal lives of the royal family, the machinations of the court, and the political landscape of the time. 
  The memoir also chronicles the Regency period, which followed Louis XIV's death. Saint-Simon provides a firsthand account of the tumultuous years that led to the accession of Louis XV, offering a revealing portrait of the regent, Philippe d'Orléans, and the power struggles that characterized this era. 
  With its scandalous revelations, witty observations, and vivid descriptions, Memoirs of Louis XIV and the Regency remains a fascinating and essential work for anyone interested in French history and the intricacies of courtly life.

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  Pendle Witches The - England...

  Christopher Allen

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  The Pendle Witches England 1600's 
  Book 1 of 7  The Tale of Elizabeth Southerns/Old Demdike 
  This is the first book in the series and is fictionally based on the true names and part facts of seven of the accused witches involved being sentenced to death mostly, although innocent, and is as follows: 
  Elizabeth Southerns, known as Old Demdike, was a healer living in a crooked cottage at the foot of Pendle Hill. Skilled in herbal remedies, she was both respected and feared by villagers. One evening, a mysterious boy with coal-black eyes offered her power to protect her family in exchange for her loyalty. Desperate, Demdike accepted a black stone, gaining heightened abilities but at a cost. Her granddaughter Alizon’s curse on a peddler sparked accusations of witchcraft. Demdike and her family were arrested. In her damp cell, weakened and betrayed, she refused the boy’s offer to renounce her family for freedom. Before her death, she cursed her accusers, her spirit lingering on Pendle Hill. Her story became a haunting reminder of injustice, her whispers carried by the wind, ensuring her legacy endured. 
  This is the first in a series of seven audiobooks in the series  and I do hope you enjoy this first instalment, and it's only $3, all subsequent will remain at that price. 
  I have worked very hard to provide you with an enjoyable experience, the initial opening credit music which does run to approximately 2  minutes plus, called Haunting Elegy, uses flute and harp to set the scene of witches living life as they could. The closing music ends in a sad way, called Melancholy same instrumental at nearly 3 minutes as the fate that befalls these innocent people awaits them.!  
  The story itself runs to about 15 minutes, and and is narrated in my own voice.  
  The Book itself is divided into parts, Opening, The Gift and Curse, The Pact, The Downfall, The Final Curse and Epilogue.

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  Masquerade Gold - Discretion Is...

  Dion Mayne, Paul Richardson

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  In Sixteenth Century Europe, as countries extend their global reach, an Anglo-Dutch Allegiance sets out to undermine and bring down the Spanish Empire. 
  When a wealthy Genoese banker and his vivacious wife employ a new tutor, they are under constant surveillance. 
  And not without reason, the Head of the Spanish Security is suspicious of the newly appointed tutor. It is also no coincidence the banker is enlisted to carry out business for the King of Spain. 
  Through erotically themed Masquerade Balls the Allegiance's cause is advanced. These risqué events provide opportunities for covert action and allow young spies to gather valuable intelligence. With the Genoese banker engrossed in the power of his position, secrets are revealed and treasures are uncovered. 
  But the Allegiance's cause is not the only one being pursued. In a series of twists and counter moves, Masquerade Gold leads the reader through the evolving struggles of a complex Europe.

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