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  Count of Monte Cristo The -...

  Alexandre Dumas

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  Thrown in prison for a crime he has not committed, Edmond Dantes is confined to the grim fortress of If. There he learns of a great hoard of treasure hidden on the Isle of Monte Cristo and he becomes determined not only to escape, but also to unearth the treasure and use it to plot the destruction of the three men responsible for his incarceration. Dumas' epic tale of suffering and retribution, inspired by a real-life case of wrongful imprisonment, was a huge popular success when it was first serialized in the 1840s.
  VOLUME 2: The day after that in which the scene we have just described had taken place on the road between Bellegarde and Beaucaire, a man of about thirty or two-and-thirty, dressed in a bright blue frock coat, nankeen trousers, and a white waistcoat, having the appearance and accent of an Englishman, presented himself before the mayor of Marseilles.

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  His Wife's Deceased Sister -...

  Frank R. Stockton

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  Frank Richard Stockton was born in Philadelphia on 5th April 1834.  
  His father, a Methodist minister, discouraged Stockton’s literary career from an early age.  Feeling unable to go against those wishes it was for many years that Stockton’s income was maintained as a wood engraver.   
  His first work was published in 1867 and his first collection only appeared in 1870.  Despite this late arrival Stockton’s innovative and often far-fetched stories, with a gentle ‘poking fun’ humour were very popular.  Like his contemporary Mark Twain he avoided the scolding, hectoring and moral tones of many other authors and instead gently teased and cajoled his reader to open their eyes to the ills, the greed and the ambitions of the world around them.  His sci-fi stories in particular were far-seeing and inventive including a tale of negative gravity and a bloodless Anglo-US war won by technological feats.  
  Perhaps his most enduring tale though is ‘The Lady, or the Tiger?’ from 1882.  A condemned man is given a choice of being eaten alive or marrying his princess lover.  But he has to choose which door each is behind. 
  Frank R Stockton died in Washington, DC, on 20th April 1902, of a cerebral haemorrhage.  He is buried at The Woodlands in Philadelphia.

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  Ultor De Lacy: A Legend of...

  Joseph Sheridan Le Fanu

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  "The shadows of Cappercullen hold more than just memories; they hold the restless spirits of those we betrayed."
  
  Returning to the rugged landscape of Munster, Le Fanu weaves a tale of the doomed De Lacy family. Ultor De Lacy, a man whose family was ruined by their loyalty to the lost Jacobite cause, lives a shadow of a life in the decaying Tower of Cappercullen. But the physical ruin of his estate is nothing compared to the spiritual rot within. When his daughters encounter a mysterious and beautiful stranger in the woods, they unknowingly reopen a door to a supernatural debt that has remained unpaid for generations. It is a story where political exile meets ghostly visitation, proving that for the De Lacys, the war never truly ended.
  
  History Haunted by Myth: Le Fanu brilliantly utilizes the real-world tension of the 18th-century Jacobite rebellions to ground his ghost story. The "legend" isn't just a campfire tale; it is a manifestation of the trauma of a defeated aristocracy. The ghosts of Cappercullen are symbols of a bygone era that refuses to die or stay silent.
  
  The "Stranger" in the Woods: A recurring theme in Le Fanu's work is the deceptive nature of the supernatural. The figure who haunts the periphery of the De Lacy estate is both alluring and terrifying, representing the "Otherworld" of Irish folklore. The story explores the vulnerability of innocence when faced with an ancient, calculating evil.
  
  Atmospheric Mastery: From the "death-tick" in the walls to the chilling descriptions of the secret chamber hidden within the tower, Le Fanu builds a sense of mounting dread. Ultor De Lacy is a masterclass in the "liminal" ghost story—where the horror is found in the transition between the historical world we know and the spectral world we fear.
  
  Step into the tower of shadows. Purchase "Ultor De Lacy: A Legend of Cappercullen" today.

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  Oliver Twist - Full Cast Drama

  Charles Dickens

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  "Oliver Twist," one of Charles Dickens' most enduring works, unfolds a compelling narrative of an orphaned boy's struggle against the stark injustices of 19th-century London. The story begins with the birth of Oliver in a workhouse, where his mother, who has died during childbirth, is just one of many tragic figures in the heartless world of poverty and exploitation. As a young boy, Oliver faces a harsh existence in the workhouse and eventually escapes to the bustling and treacherous streets of London. 
   
  In the city, Oliver becomes entangled with a gang of juvenile delinquents led by the malevolent Fagin and his menacing associate, Bill Sikes. Despite his innocence, Oliver is drawn into a world of crime, a stark contrast to his inherently good nature. As the narrative unfolds, readers follow Oliver's journey from the dangerous underworld to the compassionate embrace of Mr. Brownlow, who offers the boy a glimpse of a better life. 
   
  The narrative of "Oliver Twist" is a tale of contrasts, highlighting the stark divisions between the privileged and the impoverished, the forces of good and evil, and the corrupting influences of society. Dickens paints a vivid picture of the injustices and suffering experienced by the poor and orphaned, while also showcasing the potential for redemption and transformation. Through Oliver's journey, the narrative ultimately conveys a message of hope, resilience, and the belief that individuals, even those born into the most dire circumstances, can find their way to a better, more just life. Dickens' storytelling in "Oliver Twist" remains a powerful reminder of the enduring struggle for social justice and the resilience of the human spirit in the face of adversity.

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  The Plush Usurper

  E. Nesbit

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  King Alban was a good king, ruling over Albanatolia with kindness, fairness, and above all, efficiency, thanks to the white magic. Everyone had enough to wear, enough to eat, enough to do, and had their washing done for free at the Palace, on Mondays from 10 to 4. One day, the king's lavish and vain long-lost brother returned to the kingdom to bring a bit of colour to the realm with his own particular brand of magic, while stirring up discontent among the citizens, so that he might take the throne for himself.  This amusing allegory by E. Nesbit explores themes of political propaganda, populism and responsible leadership, all told with Nesbit's signature charm, wit and whimsy. The Plush Usurper was first published in Nine Unlikely Tales, 1901.

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  Jane Eyre

  Charlotte Brontë

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  "Jane Eyre" by Charlotte Bronte is the riveting journey of an orphaned girl who rises above her harsh beginnings with unrelenting fortitude. Jane's path weaves through oppressive schools and treacherous romances, leading her to Thornfield Hall, where she encounters the enigmatic Mr. Rochester. Entwined with suspense, passion, and moral dilemmas, this classic novel explores themes of identity, love, and resilience, leaving readers both enchanted and introspective.

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