Orientations

W. Somerset Maugham

Sinopse

In "Orientations," W. Somerset Maugham presents a collection of essays that explore the intersection of Eastern and Western cultures through a personal lens. Maugham's prose style is characterized by its clarity and precision, enriched with vivid descriptions and keen observations. He dissects the complexities of human behavior and societal norms, often employing a conversational tone that invites readers into his contemplative musings. Set against the backdrop of Maugham's extensive travels, these essays reflect the literary context of early 20th-century modernism, where authors began to challenge conventional narratives and embrace diverse perspectives. W. Somerset Maugham, an acclaimed British playwright and novelist, drew upon his varied experiences in the East as a means of understanding identity, culture, and the human condition. His background as a medical student, coupled with his extensive travels in the region, informed his insights into both the allure and enigma of Eastern philosophy. Maugham's encounters with colonialism and the complexities of imperialism serve as a vital foundation for the contemplative narratives in "Orientations," revealing the author's deep-seated interest in the moral ambiguities of life. "Orientations" is highly recommended for those who seek to delve into the philosophical and cultural dialogues of Maugham's time. This collection not only reflects the author's considerable literary prowess but also offers timeless insight into the convergence of diverse worlds. Readers will find in these pages a rich tapestry of thought-provoking observations that resonate beyond their historical context, making it an essential addition to the bookshelf of any literature enthusiast.

Disponível desde: 20/07/2022.

Comprimento de impressão: 119 páginas.

Outros livros que poderiam interessá-lo

Ivan Bunin Anthology of short...

Ivan Bunin

Ivan Bunin received the 1933 Nobel Prize in Literature "for the strict artistry with which he has carried on the classical Russian traditions in prose writing." Aristocrat to the core, Bunin somehow remained connected to the land and people and keenly felt their pulse of life. His acute observations resulted in the accurate and unforgettable characters who populated his writing. His love for punctuation and punctilious choice of words is legendary. Reading Bunin's stories is one of the best ways to understand the mysterious Russian soul and begin to understand one of Russia's greatest periods of literature. The "Anthology of Short Stories" collection includes the following stories:
The Grammar of Love,
The Gentleman from San Francisco,
Gentle Breathing,
Son,
Unknown Friend

Ver livro

A Passage to India

E. M. Forster

A classic of modern fiction about colliding cultures—filled with complexity, mystery, and menace.

Hailed as one of the finest novels of the twentieth century and transformed into an Academy Award–winning film, A Passage to India hauntingly evokes India at the peak of the British colonial era, portraying the racial tension that underscores every aspect of daily life.

In this setting, we meet Adela Quested and Mrs. Moor, British visitors to Chandrapore who, despite their strong ties to the colonial community there, are eager for a more "authentic" taste of India. But when their fates tangle with those of Cecil Fielding and his local friend, Dr. Aziz, at the nearby Marabar Caves, the community of Chandrapore is split wide open and everyone's life—British and Indian alike—is forever altered.

Ver livro

The Nymph and the Lamp

Thomas H Raddall

From an award-winning, master storyteller, a classic love story set on a barren, post-World War I island known for its shipwrecks.   A Nova Scotia classic, The Nymph and the Lamp is the story of Isabel Jardin, a strong and sensitive woman, and the men in her life—the stoic Matthew Carney, a living legend, the passionate Gregory Skane, and the innocent but infatuated Jim Sargent. Set in the 1920s, the story unfolds against the wild desolation of Marina, a wind-swept island off the coast of Nova Scotia, as the characters come to terms with their personal contradictions and the demands of isolated island life.

Ver livro

The Water Babies

Charles Kingsley

Charles Kingsley's "The Water-Babies" stands as a timeless masterpiece that has captured the hearts and imaginations of readers since its first publication in 1863. A remarkable Victorian clergyman, author, and social reformer, Kingsley wove together a captivating narrative that transcends its era, providing readers with a delightful blend of fantasy, morality, and social commentary.
Set against the backdrop of the Industrial Revolution, "The Water-Babies" reflects the societal concerns and moral dilemmas of Kingsley's time. In this enchanting tale, we follow the journey of Tom, a chimney sweep's apprentice who undergoes a miraculous transformation into a water-baby after a series of trials and adventures. As Tom explores the aquatic world, encountering an array of whimsical characters and undergoing moral lessons, Kingsley invites readers to reflect on their own lives and the world around them.
One of the novel's unique features is its dual nature as both a charming fairy tale and a vehicle for social critique. Kingsley uses the fantastical underwater realm to address issues of child labour, environmental degradation, and the moral conduct of society. Through humour, wit, and imaginative storytelling, he imparts valuable lessons about compassion, responsibility, and personal growth.
"The Water-Babies" remains relevant today as it resonates with universal themes and moral insights that extend beyond the Victorian context. The narrative's enduring appeal lies not only in its engaging storyline but also in the profound messages that it conveys about human nature and societal values.
Head Stories Audio presents " The Water Babies" by Charles Kingsley - narrated by Simon Hester. With original music.

Ver livro

Some Lessons of the Hour...

Booker T. Washington

Booker Taliaferro Washington (April 5, 1856 - November 14, 1915) was an American educator, author, orator, and adviser to several presidents of the United States. Between 1890 and 1915, Washington was the dominant leader in the African American community and of the contemporary black elite. Washington was from the last generation of black American leaders born into slavery and became the leading voice of the former slaves and their descendants. They were newly oppressed in the South by disenfranchisement and the Jim Crow discriminatory laws enacted in the post-Reconstruction Southern states in the late 19th and early 20th centuries.
SOME LESSONS OF THE HOUR: This evening I am going to remind you of a few things which you should get out of the school year, but it will be of very little use for me to do this unless you make up your minds to do two things.

Ver livro

The Haunted Dolls' House and...

M. R. James

This collection of three ghost stories, by master of the genre M. R. James, first appeared in "A Warning to the Curious" published in 1925. James wrote "The Haunted Dolls' House" in 1923 on a commission from Queen Mary who wanted miniature books from the most popular writers of the day to include in the library of her doll's house at Windsor Castle. Antique dealer Mr. Chittenden has an exquisite example of a doll's house in his shop. After a little haggling he manages to offload it onto one of his regular customers, a collector called Mr. Dillet. It becomes abundantly clear that Chittenden and his wife are all too glad to see the back of it, as whosoever owns the dolls' house is subject to supernatural visions every morning at one o'clock. Also included in this collection are "An Evening's Entertainment" and "A Neighbour's Landmark".

Ver livro