Books in the World Classics series

A group of desperate prospectors, hungry and exhausted. Will the promise of gold keep them from each other’s throats?It’s the late 1800s, and thousands are flocking to Canada’s Klondike region in the hopes of striking it lucky. "The Wisdom of the Trail" follows a small group of Americans and indigenous people, traveling a dangerous trail. The weather is icy cold and their supplies are running low. With frustrations beginning to bubble over, this treasure hunt could soon turn into a bloodbath.Set in the same snowy landscape as his classic "The Call of the Wild", this is one of Jack London’s leanest, most intense adventures.Jack London (1876–1916) was one of the first American writers to achieve worldwide celebrity. He did so with rugged adventure stories set in forbidding landscapes. And heroes who survive by embracing their most primal instincts.His breakthrough best seller was "The Call of the Wild". Inspired by his time in the Klondike Gold Rush, this hard-hitting novel is told from the perspective of a sled dog named Buck. It’s inspired many adaptations, including a big-budget movie starring Harrison Ford.Among London’s other notable works are "White Fang", also featuring a canine protagonist, as well as "The Sea-Wolf", "Martin Eden" and "The Iron Heel".

The ring is where Joe Fleming feels most alive. The roar of the crowd, the pure, elemental force of the fight. But he’s willing to give it all up for Genevieve. All he asks is that she comes to see his final ever bout, due to be held on the eve of their wedding. It’s a match which will change their lives forever.To write "The Game", Jack London drew upon his time as a sports writer. He describes boxing with an unflinching, journalistic eye, standing it in stark contrast to Joe and Genevieve’s tender romance. This moving short story is recommended for sports fans and drama fans alike.Jack London (1876–1916) was one of the first American writers to achieve worldwide celebrity. He did so with rugged adventure stories set in forbidding landscapes. And heroes who survive by embracing their most primal instincts.His breakthrough best seller was "The Call of the Wild". Inspired by his time in the Klondike Gold Rush, this hard-hitting novel is told from the perspective of a sled dog named Buck. It’s inspired many adaptations, including a big-budget movie starring Harrison Ford.Among London’s other notable works are "White Fang", also featuring a canine protagonist, as well as "The Sea-Wolf", "Martin Eden" and "The Iron Heel".

Maxim Gorky’s exploration of his own encounter with the Orloffs, this short story follows the lives of a Russian family and delves into the monotony of everyday life. When an unexpected guest arrives in the city, the grey haze of what is ‘normal’ is broken, and accepted values begin to be scrutinized. Why can a man beat his wife? Why must his wife take the beating stoically? Why does everyone else pretend it doesn’t happen? A reminder that every voice deserves to be heard, no matter how small, this is ideal for fans of classic Russian authors and their realism, such as Leo Tolstoy.As a five-time Nobel Prize nominee, Maxim Gorky (1868-1936) rightfully holds a spot at the table of the most talented Russian writers. He led a turbulent life as an exile, a dissenter, and a Bolshevik associate. His most notable works include "The Lower Depths", "My Childhood,", "Mother", and "Children of the Sun" all of which are characterised by his realism.

Just how did we become the dominant species on the planet?Master storyteller Jack London considers the answer in "The Human Drift". Tracing humankind’s journey over the centuries, he examines the many forces that have helped shaped our story, from hunger to war. It’s a sharp-eyed essay that reflects his lifelong interest in evolutionary theory and socialism.In addition to "The Human Drift", this collection contains personal travelogues, a book review, and two one-act plays. London’s talent across form and genre is on full display. An essential for completists.Jack London (1876–1916) was one of the first American writers to achieve worldwide celebrity. He did so with rugged adventure stories set in forbidding landscapes. And heroes who survive by embracing their most primal instincts.His breakthrough best seller was "The Call of the Wild". Inspired by his time in the Klondike Gold Rush, this hard-hitting novel is told from the perspective of a sled dog named Buck. It’s inspired many adaptations, including a big-budget movie starring Harrison Ford.Among London’s other notable works are "White Fang", also featuring a canine protagonist, as well as "The Sea-Wolf", "Martin Eden" and "The Iron Heel".

We’ve all taken a dislike to someone for no real reason. But few of us nurture this hatred like the narrator of "Moon-Face".The target of his irrational malice is a man named John Claverhouse. With cold precision, the narrator sets to planning the man’s downfall. Why he has this urge, he can’t explain. But he knows he’ll feel immense satisfaction when John Claverhouse is made to suffer.In this macabre little tale, Jack London pinpoints a very common but unpleasant human trait. And then takes it to a horrifying extreme.This short story collection also includes "All Gold Canyon", which was adapted as part of the Netflix anthology movie "The Ballad of Buster Scruggs".Jack London (1876–1916) was one of the first American writers to achieve worldwide celebrity. He did so with rugged adventure stories set in forbidding landscapes. And heroes who survive by embracing their most primal instincts.His breakthrough best seller was "The Call of the Wild". Inspired by his time in the Klondike Gold Rush, this hard-hitting novel is told from the perspective of a sled dog named Buck. It’s inspired many adaptations, including a big-budget movie starring Harrison Ford.Among London’s other notable works are "White Fang", also featuring a canine protagonist, as well as "The Sea-Wolf", "Martin Eden" and "The Iron Heel".

Everybody loves baby animals. Puppies, kittens, panda cubs, Baby Yoda, you name it. Humanity's fat, bald and whiny offspring is a bit more of a controversial pick in that department, so when an exceptionally wrinkly and unappealing... man is born in 1860 at the ripe old age of 70 – which was rough at a time when life expectancy was 39 years, he's got a real struggle ahead of him.Fortunately for Benjamin Button, as the newborn is named, he ages backwards and will eventually end up as a baby. His condition makes Benjamin a social outcast unfit for both school and college, but instead of becoming a cartoon villain, he's stuck with grown-up jobs like retail and war hero while waiting to be young enough for basic education.A satire of ageism and emblematic of Kierkegaard's phrase about life having to be lived forwards, but understood backwards, "The Curious Case of Benjamin Button" has perhaps never been more relevant than now where 60 is the new... 25? This 64 page short story has been adapted into a stage musical and, somehow, a roughly three-hour-long feature film with Brad Pitt as the ugly baby.F. Scott Fitzgerald (1896–1940) is one of the greatest American novelists of the 20th century and author of the classics ‘Tender is the Night’ and ‘The Great Gatsby’. His writing helped illustrate the 1920s Jazz Age that he and wife Zelda Fitzgerald were in the centre of.

Russia was by no means paradise at the turn of the twentieth century, but it was decidedly worse for the poor and homeless community. This play centres around a motley crew of drunkards, vagabonds, and petty criminals whose lives are forever changed by the arrival of mysterious pilgrim Luka. A pillar of Maxim Gorky’s social realism, ‘The Lower Depths’ oozes pessimism, social criticism, and alcoholism. An essential read for fans of both modern and classical Russian literature, from Leo Tolstoy to Boris Akunin.As a five-time Nobel Prize nominee, Maxim Gorky (1868-1936) rightfully holds a spot at the table of the most talented Russian writers. He led a turbulent life as an exile, a dissenter, and a Bolshevik associate. His most notable works include "The Lower Depths", "My Childhood,", "Mother", and "Children of the Sun" all of which are characterised by his realism.

First written in 1906, Leonid Andreyev’s ‘Life of Man’ is a five-act play which was debuted in 1907. The play follows Man through all the ups and downs life throws at him. Man never knows what life has in store for him, and experiences everything from poverty to affluence and back again. It is a play which has its’ joyful moments, but which is tinged throughout with sadness, loss, tragedy, and regret as it tries to uncover the meaning of life.tLeonid Andreyev (1871-1919) was a Russian playwright, novelist, and short-story writer. Born in the city of Oryol, Andreyev studied law in Moscow and St Petersburg. He went on to become a police court-reporter but continued to write poetry in his spare time. His first short story was published in 1898, and Andreyev’s literary fame quickly grew after the 1901 publication of his first short story collection. Widely regarded as the father of Russian expressionism, Andreyev’s works are often haunting, dark, pessimistic, and controversial. His body of work includes two novels, five novellas and a number of short stories and plays. The most well-known of them include the story ‘The Seven Who Were Hanged’, ghost story, ‘Lazarus’, the play ‘Tsar Hunger’, and his novel ‘Sashka Zhegulev’. He died in Finland in 1919.

"Like two doomed ships that pass in stormWe had crossed each other's way:But we made no sign, we said no word,We had no word to say."Oscar Wilde was a married man with children, who had homosexual affairs. Since his sexual preference was considered taboo, not to mention illegal, in the Victorian era, he was famously sentenced to two years in prison for gross indecency. The Ballad of Reading Gaol tells the story of an execution he witnessed while there of a man who killed his wife. It is powerful and haunting, and Wilde’s pain seeps through with every word.Oscar Wilde (1854-1900) was an Irish playwright, novelist, essayist, and poet, famous for ‘The Picture of Dorian Gray’ and ‘The Importance of Being Earnest’ to name a couple. He was believed to be gay and met a lot of resistance in his life on that account. He died in Paris at the age of 46.

How do you handle a basket case at 7000 metres height?That is the question an accomplished and esteemed aeronaut is forced to ask himself in 1850 after his hot air balloon is hijacked by a young, idealistic admirer in the skies above Frankfurt, Germany.A fellow countryman well-versed in aeronautical science and its history, the newcomer's abrupt arrival is soon forgotten, although his companion's soaring aspirations and numerous tales of historical balloon expeditions leave the narrator with a sense of unease.But how much room is there for honest debate when you're of inferior physique, several kilometersabove ground and a few feet below considerable volumes of highly flammable gas?Originally titled "A Drama in the Air", Jules Verne takes suspense and air balloons to new heights in this 1852 short story, while also providing insight into the technical aspects and oftentimes grim history of hot air balloon travel.Most famous for his 54-volume "Extraordinary Voyages" series, French writer Jules Verne (1828-1905) was a pioneer of fantastical journeys propelled by science, most notably "Journey to the Center of the Earth" (1864), "Twenty Thousand Leagues Under the Sea" (1870) and "Around the World in Eighty Days" (1872) .Popular with both children and adults, Verne's works have had an incalculable impact on scientists the world over. He is credited as one of the inventors of the science fiction genre.

‘Lord have mercy upon us’. If these words were painted on your door, it could only mean one thing—you were one of the infected.In the years 1665 and 1666, the bubonic plague ravaged London. Bodies piled up on the streets, families quarantined themselves indoors. 100,000 people would perish, a quarter of the city’s population.In "A Journal of the Plague Year", Daniel Defoe offer a fictionalised account of the pandemic, seen through the eyes of a God-fearing, upper-class Londoner. Gruesome and vivid in its details, it makes for a terrifyingly relevant read for modern audiences.English writer Daniel Defoe (c. 1660–1731) led an extraordinary life. As a child, he survived both the Great Fire of London and a major outbreak of the bubonic plague. As an adult, he enjoyed careers as a merchant, political satirist, rebel soldier and even a spy.Defoe was in his fifties before he finally turned his hand to fiction. "Robinson Crusoe", his first novel, was an instant bestseller. The story of a shipwrecked sailor, its style and structure made it a landmark text in the history of English literature. His other notable works include "Moll Flanders", "A Journal of the Plague Year" and "Captain Singleton".

The relationship between indigenous people and American settlers has historically been a strained one, and California’s Sonoma Valley is no exception. Red Cloud is a local indigenous man who yearns for peace between the two groups - but is planting acorns enough to bring this peace?Published by Jack London in 1916, this play brings life to the long-standing issues of colonization, equality, and peace.Jack London (1876–1916) was an American writer and social activist. He grew up in the working class, but his unflinching realism eventually earned him the status of one of the highest-paid authors of his time. Many of his novels are considered classics today, his most notable being ‘Call of the Wild’, ‘Sea Wolf’, and ‘White Fang’. Fans of Mark Twain, Rudyard Kipling, and Charles Dickens will enjoy his ability to make the mundane captivating.

You can’t move. You can hardly breathe. Your mind is the only escape you have.That’s what Daniel Stranding discovers in San Quentin prison. Strapped into a straitjacket, he learns to enter into a trance and journey back through his past lives. He’s been an advisor to Ponticus Pilot; a shipwrecked sailor on a desert island; a nobleman in Renaissance France. These memories grant him wisdom and respite from the horrors of his present."The Jacket" is a startlingly original delve into the human condition. It was inspired by Ed Morrell, a friend of Jack London’s who served time for bank robbery. Especially recommended for fans of thought-provoking science fiction.Jack London (1876–1916) was one of the first American writers to achieve worldwide celebrity. He did so with rugged adventure stories set in forbidding landscapes. And heroes who survive by embracing their most primal instincts.His breakthrough best seller was "The Call of the Wild". Inspired by his time in the Klondike Gold Rush, this hard-hitting novel is told from the perspective of a sled dog named Buck. It’s inspired many adaptations, including a big-budget movie starring Harrison Ford.Among London’s other notable works are "White Fang", also featuring a canine protagonist, as well as "The Sea-Wolf", "Martin Eden" and "The Iron Heel".

First published in 1916 ‘The Little Angel and Other Stories’ is a collection of short stories from the famous Russian author Leonid Andreyev. Stories in the collection include a touching and tragic story about an abandoned dog in ‘Snapper’, a creepy identity crisis in ‘The Spy’, and the nightmarish ‘Laughter’, in which a young man is embarrassed and ridiculed. A collection of often dark, pessimistic and doom-laden tales, this is a fantastic introduction to the Russian author.Leonid Andreyev (1871-1919) was a Russian playwright, novelist, and short-story writer. Born in the city of Oryol, Andreyev studied law in Moscow and St Petersburg. He went on to become a police court-reporter but continued to write poetry in his spare time. His first short story was published in 1898, and Andreyev’s literary fame quickly grew after the 1901 publication of his first short story collection. Widely regarded as the father of Russian expressionism, Andreyev’s works are often haunting, dark, pessimistic, and controversial. His body of work includes two novels, five novellas and a number of short stories and plays. The most well-known of them include the story ‘The Seven Who Were Hanged’, ghost story, ‘Lazarus’, the play ‘Tsar Hunger’, and his novel ‘Sashka Zhegulev’. He died in Finland in 1919.

Alexander Holder, socio principal de la asociación bancaria mas prestigiosas de todo Londres, acude a la oficina de Sherlock Holmes requiriendo su ayuda inmediata.Alexander ha sido victima de una estafa, un robo y una mentira. El corre el riesgo de perder su puesto ya que la diadema de berilos, una de las joyas mas reconocidas del imperio Ingles a desaparecido de su propio hogar.Su banco a realizado un gigantesco préstamo a un hombre misterioso, el cual entrego la diadema como comprobante de pago. Alexander Holder no la encuentra y antes de que esto salga a la luz publica, usará sus recursos para contratar a Holmes.Atrévete a escuchar como Sherlock Holmes y el Dr. Watson deducen con el tiempo en su contra este misterioso robo.Sir Arthur Conan Doyle fue un famoso escritor y físico escocés nacido en 1859. Sus obras de crimen y ficción catapultaron su fama a nivel global, sus textos se encuentran traducidos en una inmensa variedad de idiomas y gracias a su trabajo, una variedad de películas y series han sido producidas al público.Entre sus mayores obras se encuentran la gran variedad de cuentos policiales sobre Sherlock Holmes y cuentos de ciencia ficción sobre el profesor Challenger.

Immature and reckless the two best friends, Proteus and Valentine, are sent to the court in Milan by their families to do some growing up. Here they both fall for the duke’s daughter, Silvia. Only there is the small issue of Silvia falling in love with Valentine and Proteus’ girlfriend, Julia, who is waiting at home.Loyalties and friendships are tested when Proteus, jealous of Valentine and Silvia’s plan to elope, betrays him to the duke. Meanwhile, more drama awaits, as Julia disguises herself as a boy and sets for Milan.For fans of Jenny Han, Jane Austen and E. Lockhart.William Shakespeare (1564-1616) was an English playwright, poet and actor. Considered the greatest dramatist of all time, he is widely regarded as the most influential English language writer. Shakespeare’s plays focus on the range of human emotion and conflict, and have been translated into more than 100 languages. Many including "Hamlet" "Macbeth" and "Romeo and Juliet" have been adapted for stage and screen.

First published in 1900, ‘Three Men’ is a novel by famous Russian author Maxim Gorky. The story follows the fortunes of Ilya, a poor boy from the slums who finds himself catapulted into middle-class society in contrast to the friends and family he has left behind. He soon discovers, however, that wealth does not necessarily buy you security or happiness. A touching, melancholic novel which shockingly depicts the harsh reality of the working class at the time. A contemporary of Tolstoy and Chekhov, Gorky’s work is essential reading for all fans of Russian literature.Maxim Gorky (1868-1936) was a Russian author, playwright, and political activist. Orphaned at the age of eleven, Gorky ran away from home and survived by taking on a variety of menial jobs whilst travelling around Russia – experiences which would influence his writing in later life. He often worked as a journalist for local newspapers and his first short story ‘Makar Chudra’ was published in a newspaper in 1892. His first book, ‘Essays and Stories’ was published in 1898 and was an immediate success, allowing Gorky to concentrate fully on his writing. His focus was on those struggling and outcast from society and he was dedicated to portraying their worth and humanity – viewing his literary work as a moral obligation and a political act. He became associated with the Marxist movement and was critical of the Tsarist regime, resulting in his numerous arrests, imprisonments, and periods of exile. Some of his best-known works include ‘The Lower Depths’, ‘My Childhood’, ‘Mother’, and ‘Children of the Sun’. He was a five-time Nobel Prize nominee for his services to literature.

Pessimistic young Foma Gordyeff has inherited his father’s shipping business and soon finds himself spiralling out of control – squandering his fortune and indulging his every whim. When he meets Sasha it seems as though his life is about to change for the better, but will Sasha be the salvation that Foma so desperately needs? A compelling story from famous Russian writer Maxim Gorky, ‘The Man Who Was Afraid’ is a powerful tale about social injustice. A contemporary of Tolstoy and Chekhov, this is an essential read for fans of Russian literature.Maxim Gorky (1868-1936) was a Russian author, playwright, and political activist. Orphaned at the age of eleven, Gorky ran away from home and survived by taking on a variety of menial jobs whilst travelling around Russia – experiences which would influence his writing in later life. He often worked as a journalist for local newspapers and his first short story ‘Makar Chudra’ was published in a newspaper in 1892. His first book, ‘Essays and Stories’ was published in 1898 and was an immediate success, allowing Gorky to concentrate fully on his writing. His focus was on those struggling and outcast from society and he was dedicated to portraying their worth and humanity – viewing his literary work as a moral obligation and a political act. He became associated with the Marxist movement and was critical of the Tsarist regime, resulting in his numerous arrests, imprisonments, and periods of exile. Some of his best-known works include ‘The Lower Depths’, ‘My Childhood’, ‘Mother’, and ‘Children of the Sun’. He was a five-time Nobel Prize nominee for his services to literature.

Joan Randle is riding the Idaho trail when she’s taken hostage by a bandit gang. Their leader is the ruthless Jack Kells. And Joan’s situation is about to go from bad to worse. For one thing, Jack Kells fall for her. And secondly, the promise of gold is turning the gang’s camp into a ticking time bomb of tensions and resentment. Can Joan escape before it’s too late?"The Border Legion" is a winning Gold Rush adventure, set across Idaho’s majestic mountain ranges and its precarious border towns. There’s shootouts and romance a-plenty. And, more unusually for the Western genre, the story is told entirely from a woman's perspective.Zane Grey (1872–1939) helped shaped the mythos of the Old West. Born in Zanesville, Ohio (a town founded by his grandfather), Grey’s first career was as a dentist. But he gave it up to pursue writing, going on to produce nearly 100 books. These wildly popular adventures defined many of the Western’s most enduring tropes and characters, from noble lawmen to mysterious gunslingers, and made Grey a household name.His stories include "Riders of the Purple Sage", "The Rainbow Trail" and "The Lone Star Ranger". Hollywood produced dozens of Zane Grey adaptations, mostly during the 1930s and 40s, starring Western icons like Gary Cooper and Randolph Scott.

When WW1 soldier Darren Lane returns home, he’s shocked by what he finds. Underage drinking, jazz music, gambling; all signs that the Roaring Twenties are just around the corner. But where some see liberation, Darren sees only a dangerous moral decline. And he want to put a stop to it. Fuelled by the pain of his war experiences, Darren’s righteous cause mutates into violent vigilantism.Zane Grey is best known for his Westerns, but with "The Day of the Beast" he creates an insightful portrait of post-war depression and illness. Reading like a precursor to "Taxi Driver", it holds a unique place in his bibliography. A novel well worth exploring for any Grey fans.Zane Grey (1872–1939) helped shaped the mythos of the Old West. Born in Zanesville, Ohio (a town founded by his grandfather), Grey’s first career was as a dentist. But he gave it up to pursue writing, going on to produce nearly 100 books. These wildly popular adventures defined many of the Western’s most enduring tropes and characters, from noble lawmen to mysterious gunslingers, and made Grey a household name.His stories include "Riders of the Purple Sage", "The Rainbow Trail" and "The Lone Star Ranger". Hollywood produced dozens of Zane Grey adaptations, mostly during the 1930s and 40s, starring Western icons like Gary Cooper and Randolph Scott.

First published in 1923 ‘Through Russia’ is a collection of short stories by the well-known Russian author, Maxim Gorky. The collection includes ‘The Birth of a Man’, ‘Nilushka’, and ‘The Dead Man’. With some of the stories written during the turbulent period of the Russian Revolution, the tales in this collection frequently deal with the social issues of the time. The focus is on the struggles of everyday, ordinary people, portraying them in a sympathetic and compassionate way. A great introduction to the work of Maxim Gorky, and a fascinating snapshot of a changing early twentieth century Russia.Maxim Gorky (1868-1936) was a Russian author, playwright, and political activist. Orphaned at the age of eleven, Gorky ran away from home and survived by taking on a variety of menial jobs whilst travelling around Russia – experiences which would influence his writing in later life. He often worked as a journalist for local newspapers and his first short story ‘Makar Chudra’ was published in a newspaper in 1892. His first book, ‘Essays and Stories’ was published in 1898 and was an immediate success, allowing Gorky to concentrate fully on his writing. His focus was on those struggling and outcast from society and he was dedicated to portraying their worth and humanity – viewing his literary work as a moral obligation and a political act. He became associated with the Marxist movement and was critical of the Tsarist regime, resulting in his numerous arrests, imprisonments, and periods of exile. Some of his best-known works include ‘The Lower Depths’, ‘My Childhood’, ‘Mother’, and ‘Children of the Sun’. He was a five-time Nobel Prize nominee for his services to literature.

Scottish lord Nigel Olifaunt is more than a little naive. So when he arrives in London, he’s soon sucked into the chaos of the big city. Pinballing between a lively cast of petty criminals, Templers, and loan sharks, Nigel has to keep his eyes on the ultimate prize: an audience with King James I.Set in the period following the Union of the Crowns, "The Fortunes of Nigel" takes us into the heart of 17th century London—a sometimes lawless metropolis brimming with possibility. It’s an intricate tale that transports you back in time. And its many larger-than-life characters are catnip for fans of Dickens.Sir Walter Scott (1771–1832) was a Scottish novelist, historian and poet. He became a key figure within Romanticism—an artistic movement that revered nature, emotion and spontaneity.A prolific author across genre and form, Scott pioneered historical fiction with novels like "Waverley", "Rob Roy" and "Ivanhoe". These books married exciting adventures with real events from Britain’s turbulent past. Among his best known poems are the epic "The Lady of the Lake".Scott’s works remain a touchstone of Scottish and European literature. They’ve also inspired numerous movies, including 1995’s "Rob Roy" starring Liam Neeson.

"Afortunadamente la diferencia de los sexos es más profunda. Los trajes no son otra cosa que símbolos de algo escondido muy adentro""Orlando" es una de las novelas más conocidas de la escritora británica Virginia Woolf, y fue publicada en 1928 por Hogarth Press, una editorial fundada por el marido de Virginia Woolf y ella misma.Escrita a modo de biografía, la historia transcurre a lo largo de cinco siglos, y cuenta la historia de Orlando, un joven aristócrata y amante de la literatura que nació en la época isabelina. Después de diversos fracasos literarios y amorosos, Orlando se embarca en una aventura hacia Turquía, donde, después de dormir durante siete días, se despierta como mujer. Después de este cambio de género que no altera la identidad de nuestra ahora protagonista, Orlando deja Turquía atrás e intenta volver a Inglaterra, donde su cambio de género empezará a presentarle problemas de los cuales nunca había sido consciente. A través de la Ilustración, la revolución industrial y hasta llegar al siglo XX, Orlando irá experimentando las dificultades que se presentan en el día a día para el llamado "sexo débil"."Orlando" es una de las obras más importantes de la literatura LGTBQ+ de la historia, ya que la novela trata temas considerados como tabú durante el inicio del siglo XX, como la sexualidad femenina, la homosexualidad y el rol de la mujer en la sociedad.La obra es una parodia del género literario de la biografía, especialmente popular durante la época victoriana. La autora también se inspiró en algunas experiencias vividas por Vita Sackwille-West, una escritora aristócrata con la cual mantuvo una relación amorosa y a la cual le dedicó el libro."Orlando" fue adaptada a la gran pantalla en 1993 a manos de Sally Potter, con Tilda Swinton (Vanilla Sky, Las crónicas de Narnia, El curioso caso de Benjamin Button) en el papel de Orlando.Virginia Woolf (1882-1941) es una de las mayores exponentes de los escritores modernistas del siglo XX. Es conocida por su uso de la corriente de la consciencia como voz narrativa, exponiendo los sucesos de una historia como si fueran vistas desde la mente del narrador. Comenzó a escribir en su adolescencia, llegando a ser una de los autoras más aclamadas de Inglaterra a comienzos del siglo XX, publicando sus obras en su propia imprenta, Hogarth Press.

On a distant island, Prospero waits.The noise of thunder, flashes of lightning and a swelling sea, this tempest sets the stage for William Shakespeare’s most enigmatic play. As we meet characters and creatures set in a world far from our own, we still encounter universal themes of freedom, power and control.After years of planning, Prospero finally seizes the opportunity for vengeance as his feud’s ship is destroyed and the waves wash its sailors ashore. Even his own daughter Miranda is plotted in Prospero’s revenge scheme, leaving the reader wondering if his vicious plan will ever end. Not only is this play clearly concerned with its own nature as a play, but it is also Shakespeare's farewell to the stage. Do not let the opportunity to discover this monument in Western literature pass you by!For fans of Margaret Atwood and Lois Lowry.William Shakespeare (1564-1616) is widely considered the world's greatest dramatist and is often referred to as England's national poet or the Bard. Most famous for his timeless plays, he also wrote a multitude of poems and sonnets. Shakespeare was the blockbuster writer of his day, his many works concerning universal themes of life, love, death, revenge, grief, jealousy, murder, magic, and mystery. Among some of his most famous are "Macbeth", "Romeo and Juliet", and "Hamlet", but the list is long, and many continue to be studied and performed, both their original form and modern adaptations.

Originally published in 1913, ‘My Childhood’ is the first volume of Maxim Gorky’s autobiography. Orphaned at an early age, Gorky was brought up in his grandparents’ strict household and he ran away at the age of just twelve. His life on the road, undertaking menial jobs in order to survive would have a huge influence on his literary career and worldview. His impoverished and bleak beginnings helped him to better understand and sympathise with the plight of those on the outskirts of society. A powerful novel, with beautiful descriptions of the Russian landscape, and lots of touching moments - this is a fascinating insight into the Russian author.Maxim Gorky (1868-1936) was a Russian author, playwright, and political activist. Orphaned at the age of eleven, Gorky ran away from home and survived by taking on a variety of menial jobs whilst travelling around Russia – experiences which would influence his writing in later life. He often worked as a journalist for local newspapers and his first short story ‘Makar Chudra’ was published in a newspaper in 1892. His first book, ‘Essays and Stories’ was published in 1898 and was an immediate success, allowing Gorky to concentrate fully on his writing. His focus was on those struggling and outcast from society and he was dedicated to portraying their worth and humanity – viewing his literary work as a moral obligation and a political act. He became associated with the Marxist movement and was critical of the Tsarist regime, resulting in his numerous arrests, imprisonments, and periods of exile. Some of his best-known works include ‘The Lower Depths’, ‘My Childhood’, ‘Mother’, and ‘Children of the Sun’. He was a five-time Nobel Prize nominee for his services to literature.

Published in 1916, ‘In the World’ is the second volume in Maxim Gorky’s autobiography. Gorky demonstrates how his views and opinions were shaped by his life and what he saw around him. After a tricky childhood, life did not get much easier for Gorky, and alcoholism, gambling, and his shattered dreams all feature, as well as shocking descriptions of the terrible working conditions he noted all around him. Full of agony and tragedy, ‘In the World’ provides valuable insight into the mind and workings of Gorky – a key figure in Russian literary history.Maxim Gorky (1868-1936) was a Russian author, playwright, and political activist. Orphaned at the age of eleven, Gorky ran away from home and survived by taking on a variety of menial jobs whilst travelling around Russia – experiences which would influence his writing in later life. He often worked as a journalist for local newspapers and his first short story ‘Makar Chudra’ was published in a newspaper in 1892. His first book, ‘Essays and Stories’ was published in 1898 and was an immediate success, allowing Gorky to concentrate fully on his writing. His focus was on those struggling and outcast from society and he was dedicated to portraying their worth and humanity – viewing his literary work as a moral obligation and a political act. He became associated with the Marxist movement and was critical of the Tsarist regime, resulting in his numerous arrests, imprisonments, and periods of exile. Some of his best-known works include ‘The Lower Depths’, ‘My Childhood’, ‘Mother’, and ‘Children of the Sun’. He was a five-time Nobel Prize nominee for his services to literature.

First published in 1872, Harriet Beecher Stowe’s ‘The Lives and Deeds of our Self-Made Men’ is a collection of sketches and biographies which focuses on well-known American figures who went on to become leaders, generals, and even Presidents. Famous names in the collection include Abraham Lincoln, Ulysses S. Grant, the editor Horace Greely and the lawyer and politician Edwin Stanton. Stowe stresses the importance of their Christian upbringings and the role that the land and American traditions have played in shaping these men, enabling them to reach their full potential. A fascinating insight into the lives of these American leaders from the famous writer and abolitionist.Harriet Beecher Stowe (1811-1896) was an American author of novels, articles and memoirs, and was an ardent abolitionist. Stowe was born in Connecticut to a religious family. Her father was a Calvinist preacher and her mother died when she was just five years old. She received a traditional academic education – a rarity for girls at the time – and at the age of twenty-one she moved to Cincinnati, Ohio. A major trading location, it was here that Stowe encountered people who had escaped slavery, and hearing their experiences would greatly influence her life and work. She married in 1850 and moved to Maine, where both she and her husband remained vocal critics of slavery, and actively supported the Underground Railroad. Her most famous novel ‘Uncle Tom’s Cabin’ was serialised and then published in 1852. It caught the attention of the American nation with its passionate opposition and emotional portrayal of the effects of slavery. She died in Connecticut in 1896 at the age of 85.

Meet Antonio, an antisemitic merchant who treats his own flesh as property to secure a loan. Throughout the play, tangible objects symbolize immaterial ideas about love and loyalty, and the plot is crafted with existential lines throughout the story. This play is made on the contrast between realistic and idealistic beliefs of society and relationships. In its simplicity, this play captures the bewilderment inseparable to human life, yet the purpose of making the Merchant of Venice is still the biggest unknown till date. Nevertheless, it contains beautifully depicted love scenes, magnificent monologues and as always with Shakespeare’s, unique portrayal of diversity.If books like "Shylock Is My Name" or "The Weird Sisters" are on your must-read list, "The Merchant of Venice" should be next in line! This bestseller play is William Shakespeare’s reading of religious difference and it remains provocative, even today.William Shakespeare (1564-1616) is widely considered the world's greatest dramatist and is often referred to as England's national poet or the Bard. Most famous for his timeless plays, he also wrote a multitude of poems and sonnets. Shakespeare was the blockbuster writer of his day, his many works concerning universal themes of life, love, death, revenge, grief, jealousy, murder, magic, and mystery. Among some of his most famous are "Macbeth", "Romeo and Juliet", and "Hamlet", but the list is long, and many continue to be studied and performed, both their original form and modern adaptations.

"The Antiquary" is a book steeped in family secrets.One of Walter Scott’s "Waverley" novels, its plot revolves around a memorable odd couple: Lovel, a young man with a mysterious past, and Oldbuck, an eccentric collector of artifacts. The pair are headed to the Scottish town of Fairport, where Lovel hopes to woo the beautiful Isabella. Along the way they’ll fight duels and write epic poems, and by the end, Lovel’s true identity will be revealed.Ripe with melodrama and suspense, "The Antiquary" brings to mind the gothic drama of Bronte’s "Wuthering Heights". But it really shines in its vivid depiction of 18th century Scottish life.Sir Walter Scott (1771–1832) was a Scottish novelist, historian and poet. He became a key figure within Romanticism—an artistic movement that revered nature, emotion and spontaneity.A prolific author across genre and form, Scott pioneered historical fiction with novels like "Waverley", "Rob Roy" and "Ivanhoe". These books married exciting adventures with real events from Britain’s turbulent past. Among his best known poems are the epic "The Lady of the Lake".Scott’s works remain a touchstone of Scottish and European literature. They’ve also inspired numerous movies, including 1995’s "Rob Roy" starring Liam Neeson.

Fairies, magic and creatures from another dimension, "A Midsummer Night’s Dream" got it all! If you ever saw and loved "Get Over It" with Kirsten Dunst, this one is for you! This play is an indulgence both in the theatre and on the page as one of William Shakespeare’s sprightliest works.Set in Ancient Greece, the wood at night disrupts the boundaries between three distinct groups, and no mortal is in control. The beautiful Hermia is in a pickle. Her father has forbidden her to marry her true love, Lysander, wanting her to marry Demetrius, in whom she has no interest. The love triangle develops as it is revealed Hermia’s best friend Helena is in love with Demetrius.Including broken hearts, mistaken identities and supernatural transformations, this play reflects the drama of the things we would do for love and the irrational behavior of the people under its spell.William Shakespeare (1564-1616) is widely considered the world's greatest dramatist and is often referred to as England's national poet or the Bard. Most famous for his timeless plays, he also wrote a multitude of poems and sonnets. Shakespeare was the blockbuster writer of his day, his many works concerning universal themes of life, love, death, revenge, grief, jealousy, murder, magic, and mystery. Among some of his most famous are "Macbeth", "Romeo and Juliet", and "Hamlet", but the list is long, and many continue to be studied and performed, both their original form and modern adaptations.