Other books that might interest you

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  Aristopia: a Romance-History of...

  Castello Newton Holford

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  "Aristopia: A Romance-History of the New World is an 1895 utopian novel written by Castello Holford. It holds the distinction of being considered the first novel-length alternate history in English and is among the earliest examples of alternate histories in general1.    In this captivating tale, Ralph Morton, an early settler in Virginia, stumbles upon a reef made of solid gold. Rather than squandering his newfound wealth, Morton shrewdly uses it to establish a planned society called Aristopia (derived from the Greek word for "the best place"). Drawing inspiration from Sir Thomas More's Utopia, Morton introduces his own innovations and adaptations.    Here are some key features of Aristopia:    Land Ownership: In Aristopia, all land is owned by the government, which then leases it to businesses and private citizens.  Monopolized Trade: Large-scale trade is monopolized by the state.  Wealth Limitations: Inherited wealth is limited.  Productive Refugees: Morton welcomes productive refugees from European conflicts, including Huguenots, Irish fugitives, and skilled artisans from northern Italy and Switzerland.  Prosperity and Expansion: The colony thrives, expands westward, and even supports the American Revolution. Eventually, Aristopia conquers Canada and comes to dominate all of North America north of Mexico.  This novel offers a unique twist on the utopian genre by imagining an alternate history where the United States was founded under different circumstances, leading to a superior society in the author's own time"

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  The Hand Of Fu-Manchu

  Sax Rohmer

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  "The Hand of Fu-Manchu" is a thrilling audiobook that will keep you on the edge of your seat. This classic novel by Sax Rohmer takes you on a gripping adventure filled with mystery, espionage, and a touch of the exotic. Set against the backdrop of the early 20th century, the story follows the relentless pursuit of the diabolical Dr. Fu-Manchu, a mastermind criminal and genius of evil.  
   
  As a dog lover, you'll appreciate the bond between the main character, Nayland Smith, and his loyal canine companion, Petrie. This audiobook combines elements of crime drama and suspense as Smith and Petrie work tirelessly to thwart Fu-Manchu's sinister plans. With your experience in audio production, you'll appreciate the skillful narration that brings this audiobook to life. 
   
  "The Hand of Fu-Manchu" is a must-listen for fans of crime dramas, especially if you enjoy stories with intricate plots and memorable characters. You'll find yourself immersed in the world of espionage and intrigue, making it a perfect addition to your audiobook collection. So, grab your headphones, and get ready for an unforgettable journey into the dark and mysterious world of Dr. Fu-Manchu.

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  A Cullenden of Virginia - From...

  Thomas Wolf

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  Thomas Clayton Wolfe was born at the family home, 92 Woodfin Street, in Asheville, North Carolina on October 3rd, 1900.  
  Aged 15, Wolfe began his studies at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill (UNC) where he enrolled in a playwriting course. Wolfe graduated in 1920 and enrolled at the Graduate School for Arts and Sciences at Harvard. Here he studied playwriting under the tutelage of George Pierce Baker. In 1922 he received his master's degree from Harvard.  
  Wolfe now began the transition from studying to commercial playwright. He went to New York in November, 1923 trying to sell his plays to Broadway.  The Theatre Guild came close to producing Welcome to Our City but in the end declined.  Wolfe now believed his style of writing was more suited to fiction.  Grasping the opportunity this afforded him he sailed to England in October 1924 to write and from there on to France, Italy and Switzerland. 
  In 1926 Wolfe began writing a novel, O Lost. This would eventually become Look Homeward, Angel. It was based on his years in Asheville. The original manuscript of O Lost was over 1100 pages. Maxwell Perkins, one of the great book editors of the age, worked at his publishers, Scribner’s and he began to focus the book, cutting and re-shaping it to center it on the character of Eugene.   
  The novel was published in 1929. It was a success.   
  Wolfe now committed the next 4 years to writing a multi-volume epic entitled The October Fair.  At Scribner’s Perkins once more decided to edit it down to a single volume; Of Time and the River.  It was even more successful than his first. It was hailed as the literary event of 1935 and cemented his reputation as one of America’s foremost novelists.  
  In 1938, after submitting his new opus, which ran to an incredible one million words, to his new editor, Edward Aswell, Wolfe left to tour the West, a part of the country he had never before visited. Whilst travelling Wolfe became ill with pneumonia and spent three weeks in a Seattle hospital. Complications arose. The prognosis was serious.  He was diagnosed with miliary tuberculosis of the brain. 
  On September 6th, he was sent to Baltimore's Johns Hopkins Hospital for treatment. The ensuing operation revealed that the disease had overrun the entire right side of his brain.  
  Thomas Clayton Wolfe never regained consciousness and died shortly before his 38th birthday on September 15th, 1938.

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  Bleak House Volume 4

  Charles Dickens

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  In "Bleak House Volume 4," the saga reaches its gripping climax as long-hidden truths explode into the open. Esther Summerson's journey converges with Lady Dedlock’s fate, entwining love and tragedy in the shadows of the Chancery court. Dickens unravels the monumental Jarndyce and Jarndyce case, exposing societal decay with his penetrating insight. Amidst the ruin and redemption, this volume culminates in a powerful tapestry of justice, sacrifice, and enduring hope.

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  Moll Flanders

  Daniel Defoe

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  Moll Flanders by Daniel Defoe is a gripping tale of survival, sin, and redemption in 17th-century England. Born in Newgate Prison, Moll narrates her tumultuous life as she strives for security and wealth in a harsh, unforgiving society. Through a series of marriages, thefts, and betrayals, Moll navigates poverty and prosperity, driven by desperation and ambition. Her journey takes her from London to Virginia and back, entangled in moral ambiguity and societal critique. Despite her crimes, Moll’s resilience and wit make her a compelling antiheroine. Ultimately, she seeks redemption after years of vice, reflecting on her choices with a mix of regret and pragmatism. Defoe’s vivid storytelling blends social commentary with an unflinching look at human frailty, making Moll Flanders a timeless exploration of identity, morality, and the pursuit of happiness.

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  Evening Guest An - From their...

  Alexander Kuprin

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  Alexander Kuprin was born in Narovchat, Penza in Russia on 7th September 1870. 
  At 3 his Father died and he and mother moved to Moscow. By 10 he was enrolled at the Second Moscow Military High School and there his interest in literature began. The Alexander Military Academy followed and two years later he was a sub-lieutenant and posted to an Infantry Regiment for a further four years. 
  Despite his duties he was a now a keen writer and published his first short story at this time. His military duties also garnered him experiences for his breakthrough work ‘The Duel’.  Leaving the military he left for Kiev to work for local newspapers.  He continued to publish both stories and novels and by 1901 he was in St Petersburg becoming part of a group that included Chekhov, Ivan Bunin, Maxim Gorky and Leonid Andreyev.  
  In the years that followed further controversial works and acclaim followed.  His comments on the regime meant he was also put under secret police surveillance.   
  As World War I erupted, Kuprin opened a military hospital but was then given command of an infantry company in Finland. He was soon discharged on grounds of ill health.  
  The October Revolution saw him praise Lenin, but he warned that the Bolsheviks threatened Russian culture and might cause further widespread suffering to the peasants.  As Civil War raged he took his family to Helsinki and then on to Paris. 
  Exile saw his talents decline further and his succumbing to alcoholism. He became lonely and withdrawn. The family's poverty increased his malaise.   
  In May 1937, the Kuprin’s returned to Moscow.  He now saw his work published but wrote almost nothing new.  In 1938 his health rapidly deteriorated.  Already suffering from a kidney problems and sclerosis, he had now developed cancer of the oesophagus.  
  Alexander Kuprin died on 25th August 1938.

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