English

"e;All that is loathsome, drooping, or decayed is here."e;In 1842 Dickens sailed to America to observe The New World that held such fascination for the English. He went to magnificent landmarks like Niagara Falls but also included visits to mental institutions and prisons. He met President John Tyler in D.C and the well-educated Laura Bridgman, who was deaf-blind. Dickens found lots to admire, but also noted how coarse and ill-mannered the Americans were. That did not go over well with the Americans.With superb language and humour, Dickens gathered these fascinating observations in this travelogue that will have anyone with the slightest interest in cultural differences completely spell-bound.-

"e;To conceal anything from those to whom I am attached, is not in my nature. I can never close my lips where I have opened my heart."e;Master Humphrey is an old, crippled man living in London. To combat his loneliness, he starts a little club, Master Humphrey's Clock, and invites its members to read from their manuscripts. Delightful, supernatural, romantic and sometimes a little creepy, this is the collection of their stories. Readers familiar with Dickens will perhaps come across characters and stories they already know as it serves as an introduction to, among others, Barnaby Rudge and The Old Curiosity Shop.-

What seems to be quite an ordinary short story of a seduction and abduction of a young girl, "The Stationmaster" proves to be one of Pushkin’s best tales. At first sight an innocent kiss, the parting gift of Dunia to the traveler sends the mundane world of the stationmaster Samson Vyrin into complete disorder. Pushkin’s narrative style and knowledge of the human soul paint a picture of emotional waterfalls and whirlpools that threaten to engulf the characters. A story about how people cope with loss and helplessness.Deservedly labelled "the best Russian poet", Pushkin’s (1799-1837) short life did not prevent him from ushering Russian literature into its modern era. A master of the vernacular language and multifarious and vivid writing style, Pushkin’s oeuvre was of great influence to a whole legion of Russian writers and literary styles. Among his best-known works are the narrative poems "Ruslan and Ludmila" and "Eugene Onegin", the drama "Boris Godunov", several novels, short stories, and fairy tales.

A powerful and emotionally-tinged anti-slavery novel, "Uncle Tom’s Cabin" is teeming with memorable and richly drawn characters. A moving, provocative, and tearful narrative of ill-treated slaves, panicked escapees, and exploration of Christian values and doctrines, Stowe’s novel is nowadays met with mixed feelings. Mocked by modern activists, singers, and comedians, the book can be seen as both an outdated and outrageously stereotypical slave story, and a manifesto for "black lives matter" mobility across the world.A thorn in the angry and embittered eyes of the American South, Harriet Beecher Stowe was an American author and ardent abolitionist, whose most famous novel "Uncle Tom’s Cabin" became the fiercest attack on slavery at the time. Stowe’s influence steps across the boundaries of the literary, and enters the domain of the political, opening the eyes of the world towards the horrors of slavery. She also wrote travel memoirs, numerous articles, letters, and short stories.

"Romance is the privilege of the rich, not the profession of the unemployed."Hughie, a charming young man with no money, wants to marry a girl named Laura. But Laura’s father is concerned with Hughie’s lack of wealth and tells him he can only have his daughter if he comes up with 10,000 pounds. Defeated, Hughie visits his artist friend, who in painting a portrait of a beggar. Meeting the beggar outside, Hughie gives him some money. What he doesn’t know is that the man isn’t a beggar at all but a wealthy baron, and Hughie’s generosity might just be the thing to change his life.The Model Millionaire is a charming and funny little story, similar in setting to The Picture of Dorian Gray, but far more optimistic. A delightful read.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 a homosexual and met a lot of resistance in his life on that account. He died in Paris at the age of 46.

"The Garnet Bracelet" is a rather short novel by Alexander Kuprin, exploring the romantic, yet unrequited emotions of the protagonist towards the love of his life. Written at the beginning of the 20th century and praised by the great names in Russian literature, Kuprin’s novel offers a valuable insight into the human soul. A beautiful and at the same time sad story, whose sorrowful tones are expressed through Beethoven’s 2nd Piano Sonata. Heartbreaking and melancholic, the story is a perfect read for those capable of experiencing enormous love.Alexander Kuprin was a Russian novelist, poet, and short-story writer, a representative of Russian critical realism. His life in the army account for his early autobiographical stories, an experience that stayed with him forever. A wielder of genuinely natural subject matter and language, Kuprin’s style is above all else tinged with passionate depiction of the human heart. However, the poverty of his family and Kuprin’s own problems with alcoholism paint a pretty gloomy picture of his years in emigration and later return to his homeland. Among his best works are "The Duel", "The Pit", "Moloch" and "The Garnet Bracelet".

Doctor Marigold is a traveling salesperson and a good man. But his wife beats their daughter Sophy and he is too weak-willed to do anything about it. When Sophy dies, Marigold is soon left with nothing. Life gives him a second chance at happiness when he adopts a deaf and mute girl from the owner of a traveling circus. He names her after Sophy and invents a sign language. But, however much he wants to protect and keep her to himself, he can’t stop her from living her own life.Doctor Marigold is a treasure of a short story; funny, touching and wonderfully written. A perfect introduction to Dickens.Charles Dickens (1812-1870) was an English author, social critic, and philanthropist. Much of his writing first appeared in small instalments in magazines and was widely popular. Among his most famous novels are Oliver Twist (1839), David Copperfield (1850), and Great Expectations (1861).

While on holiday, four children let their imaginations run wild and tell each other fantastical stories. They picture themselves married to one another, living at sea, having magic godmothers, and one imagines a land without grownups in which they are parents to their own parents!Holiday Romance is an endearing story with amazing insight into children’s way of thinking. Written in such authentically childish voices, you almost forget that Charles Dickens is in fact behind all of it. Fun and charming, Holiday Romance transports you to the time and place of these four children’s lives , and it’s truly the place to be.Charles Dickens (1812-1870) was an English author, social critic, and philanthropist. Much of his writing first appeared in small instalments in magazines and was widely popular. Among his most famous novels are Oliver Twist (1839), David Copperfield (1850), and Great Expectations (1861).

It is a wonder Charlie ever leaves home considering how many disastrous stays at inns and hotels he has had. This time around, though, his leaving is with good reason. His sweetheart and his best friend are in love. Or so he thinks. Stranded at The Holly Tree Inn for Christmas on his way to America, Charlie recounts past inn experiences – an attentive reader might spot a reference to the urban legend Sweeney Todd is based on – and through his musings he discovers that things at home may not be what they seem.Charles Dickens (1812-1870) was an English author, social critic, and philanthropist. Much of his writing first appeared in small instalments in magazines and was widely popular. Among his most famous novels are Oliver Twist (1839), David Copperfield (1850), and Great Expectations (1861).

"Society, taken in the lump, is all dwarfs (...) And when you’ve no more left to give, they’ll laugh at you to your face..."A man sets up a circus in a respectable neighbourhood and draws an audience with the main attraction: a dwarf, named Mr. Chops. One day, Mr. Chops wins the lottery and leaves. But life outside the circus is not as he imagined.Going into Society is a dark story about naivety, humiliation and the disappointing importance of money. It is believed that Vladimir Nabokov’s short story The Potato Elf (1929) about a dwarf named Fred who works in a circus, was inspired by this classic Charles Dickens story.Charles Dickens (1812-1870) was an English author, social critic, and philanthropist. Much of his writing first appeared in small instalments in magazines and was widely popular. Among his most famous novels are Oliver Twist (1839), David Copperfield (1850), and Great Expectations (1861).

"Minerva House ... was ‘a finishing establishment for young ladies,’ where some twenty girls of the ages from thirteen to nineteen inclusive, acquired a smattering of everything and a knowledge of nothing."In Sketches by Boz you will meet a group of scientists, who have researched and invented the most useless and absurd things imaginable. You’ll meet Mr. Minns, who hates children and dinner parties but ends up in his cousin's loud and tumultuous house. And you’ll meet Mrs. Tibbs, who walks all over her stupid husband. And so, in this collection of short pieces, a young Dickens establishes himself, not only as the sharpest political commentator of his time, but also one of the wittiest and most insightful.Charles Dickens (1812-1870) was an English author, social critic, and philanthropist. Much of his writing first appeared in small instalments in magazines and was widely popular. Among his most famous novels are Oliver Twist (1839), David Copperfield (1850), and Great Expectations (1861).

"I wanted to run after him, but remembered that it is ridiculous to run after one's wife's lover in one's socks; and I did not wish to be ridiculous but terrible."A man travelling on a long train journey overhears another passenger talk agitatedly about love and the positions of men and women in society. The passenger has a special interest in the subject because he was acquitted for killing his wife, believing she was having an affair with her music partner.A bold and authentic discussion on lust, The Kreutzer Sonata is both fascinating and horrible. Tolstoy named it after Beethoven’s Kreutzer Sonata, and the story was banned in both Russia and the US, prompting Theodore Roosevelt to call Tolstoy a "sexual moral pervert." Anyway, enjoy!Leo Tolstoy (1828-1910) was a Russian author, a master of realistic fiction and one of the world’s greatest novelists. Tolstoy’s major works include "War and Peace" (1865–69) and "Anna Karenina" (1875–77), two of the greatest novels of all time and pinnacles of realist fiction. Beyond novels, he wrote many short stories and later in life also essays and plays.

"Treachery don't come natural to beaming youth; but trust and pity, love and constancy, –they do, thank God!"In this follow-up to Mrs. Lirriper’s Lodgings, in which Mrs. Lirriper took in lodgers to make ends meet following her husband’s death, the sweet and heart-warming stories of life in Mrs. Lirriper’s house continue. Amidst trouble with her brother-in-law, a continuous rivalry and a neighbourhood fire, Mrs. Lirriper discovers that a dying man in Paris is trying to get a hold of her.All the hopefulness of the first book come to fruition in Mrs. Lirriper’s Legacy and it is a worthy conclusion.Charles Dickens (1812-1870) was an English author, social critic, and philanthropist. Much of his writing first appeared in small instalments in magazines and was widely popular. Among his most famous novels are Oliver Twist (1839), David Copperfield (1850), and Great Expectations (1861).

"You always wished to appear original (...) but your originality is really nothing but excessive self-esteem."Nineteen-year-old Nekhlyudov writes to his aunt that he has given up his university studies and devoted himself entirely to the affairs of his estate. High on his own idealistic plan, he tells her that it is his sacred duty to improve the conditions for the hundreds of peasants working for him, and that he will devote his life to their happiness. Save to say, his aunt is not impressed by his plans and, as it turns out, it is all a lot easier said than done.A Landlord’s Morning is based on Tolstoy’s own experiences as a young man hoping to find happiness by doing good. An idea that never left him and which he revisited in Anna Karenina 20 years later through the character of Levin.Leo Tolstoy (1828-1910) was a Russian author, a master of realistic fiction and one of the world’s greatest novelists. Tolstoy’s major works include "War and Peace" (1865–69) and "Anna Karenina" (1875–77), two of the greatest novels of all time and pinnacles of realist fiction. Beyond novels, he wrote many short stories and later in life also essays and plays.

"Strictly speaking, there were only six poor travellers; but, being a traveller myself, though an idle one, and being withal as poor as I hope to be, I brought the number up to seven."A poor traveller discovers a humble inn that offers six poor travellers a bit of money and free lodgings for the night of Christmas Eve. Though poor himself, the narrator is determined to contribute something as well and secures a delicious Christmas meal for everyone.The Seven Poor Travellers is a heart-warming Christmas story about sharing and helping others even you do not have much for yourself.Charles Dickens (1812-1870) was an English author, social critic, and philanthropist. Much of his writing first appeared in small instalments in magazines and was widely popular. Among his most famous novels are Oliver Twist (1839), David Copperfield (1850), and Great Expectations (1861).

Eina örlagaríka nótt hittir hinn hugrakki skoski hershöfðingi, Macbeth, þrjár nornir sem spá fyrir um að hann muni einn daginn verða konungur Skotlands. Macbeth er skeptískur, en með hvatningu frá grimmilega metnaðarfullri eiginkonu sinni, frú Macbeth, drepur hann Duncan konung og tekur við konungsveldinu. Þegar hann er þvingaður til þess að fremja fleiri morð, spíralar Macbeth í ofsóknarbrjálæði og valdafíkn.Macbeth er meistaraverk sem og eitt af dimmustu verkum Shakespeare. Vinsældir þess og áhrif hafa tryggt það að að leikritið er víða flutt reglulega enn í dag.William Shakespeare (1564-1616) var breskt leikskáld, ritskáld og leikari. Hann er talinn eitt besta leikskáld í heimi sem og tungumálasmiður, sem skrifaði ljóð og sónettur og einnig gamanleik, hörmuleg og söguleg leikrit eins og "Rómeó og Júlía", „Hamlet", „Óþelló" og Makbeð". Shakespeare er ótrúlega áhrifamikill og vinsæll og hefur einnig fundið upp mörg orð og orðasambönd.

Óþelló gerist á götum Feneyja og fjallar um hershöfðingjann Óþelló, sem er svartur maður sem hefur náð að rísa í tign þrátt fyrir fordóma samfélagsins. Jagó verður öfundssjúkur, þar sem honum líður eins og litið hafi verið framhjá honum við skipun hershöfðingja. Óþelló er kvæntur Desdemónu og Jagó leggur á ráðin að sannfæra Óþelló um að hún sé honum ótrygg sem endar á að hafa áhrifaríkar afleiðingar.Í fyrstu virðist Óþelló vera hin vanalega ástarsaga, en sagan hefur að geyma meiri flækjustig og harmleik en flest verk Shakespeare. Leikritið hefur verið flutt víða við fjölbreyttar undirtektir, þar sem tungumál og umfjöllun um sorg er sett fram á yfirvegaðan og merkilegan máta.William Shakespeare (1564-1616) var breskt leikskáld, ritskáld og leikari. Hann er talinn eitt besta leikskáld í heimi sem og tungumálasmiður, sem skrifaði ljóð og sónettur og einnig gamanleik, hörmuleg og söguleg leikrit eins og "Rómeó og Júlía", „Hamlet", „Óþelló" og Macbeth". Shakespeare er ótrúlega áhrifamikill og vinsæll og hefur einnig fundið upp mörg orð og orðasambönd.

Un altro dei libri di Wells sulla propaganda di guerra, "e;La Guerra su Tre Fronti"e; esplora il pacifismo superficiale dell'autore che spesso maschera la sua fede nella guerra come la via migliore verso il futuro. Ricca di fotografie, tavole e altri materiali e documenti bellici, la raccolta di saggi di Wells elogia ancora una volta il socialismo dell'autore e la sua fede nell'aspetto progressista della tecnologia e della scienza. Questo lavoro non fittizio condivide idee simili con "e;What is Coming?"e; per quel che riguarda il commento di Wells sulle conseguenze della guerra. Una bella lettura per i fan di Wells e per i teorici del dopoguerra.-

"e;L'anima di un vescovo"e; e un romanzo su crisi spirituali, socialismo e religione. Attingendo fortemente al rapporto scismatico di Wells con la religione dopo la Prima Guerra Mondiale, il romanzo mette alla prova la fede di coloro che si fidano sempre meno delle credenze dogmatiche universali. Al tempo stesso mistico, religioso e carico di ingombranti intuizioni teologiche, il libro puo essere facilmente letto come un manuale di domande dell'uomo alla ricerca di Dio e dei vari modi (compresa la tossicodipendenza) attraverso i quali ci si puo avvicinare a Lui.-

L'opera dal lungo titolo di H. G. Wells, spesso abbreviata in "e;Anticipazioni"e;, riflette l'infatuazione dell'autore per lo sviluppo industriale all'inizio del XX secolo. Il libro e diventato rapidamente un bestseller, e appartiene a quelle opere di fantasia di Wells che si caratterizzano come "e;previsioni del futuro"e;, trattando temi come la religione, la guerra, i governi, e la pace universale. Organizzato in nove capitoli, il libro presenta la visione del mondo, che non e altro che un prodotto liberale e spesso ingenuo dei tempi, dell'autore in un modo ordinato, anche se a volte orribile.-

"The Four Just Men" is one of the best known detective thrillers of Edgar Wallace, following the vigilante missions of four men, sworn to punish those who escape justice. An excellent cat-and-mouse novel, engaging the reader in all kinds of convoluted and mysterious scenarios, the book is praised for its compelling storytelling, memorable characters, and excellent pacing. On the whole, it is a quick read that one can devour while sunbathing or relaxing under a shade. Five sequels followed, and at least three movie adaptations.Edgar Wallace (1875-1932) was an English writer so prolific, that one of his publishers claimed that he was behind a quarter of all books sold in England. An author, journalist and poet, he wrote countless novels, short stories, screen plays, stage plays, historical non-fiction, etc. Today, more than 160 films have been made from his work. He died suddenly in Hollywood in 1932, during the initial drafting of his most famous work, "King Kong".

An example of Poe’s mystery-laden and dream-oriented short stories, "A Tale of the Rugged Mountains" offers unique perspective on important notions at the time – mesmerism, alternative medicine, and time-travel. Throughout the narrative, the reader is constantly bombarded with picturesque descriptions, bizarre occurrences, and eerie sounds, turning the storytelling into some sort of a mesmeric procedure. Often criticized for its lack of lucidity and increasing reliance upon ambiguity, Poe’s short story is a perfect supernatural work that can also trick the reader into believing that the happenings are quite real.Edgar Allan Poe (1809-1849) was an American poet, author, and literary critic. Most famous for his poetry, short stories, and tales of the supernatural, mysterious, and macabre, he is also regarded as the inventor of the detective genre and a contributor to the emergence of science fiction, dark romanticism, and weird fiction. His most famous works include "The Raven" (1945), "The Black Cat" (1943), and "The Gold-Bug" (1843).

A classic detective short story shrouded in mystery, "Marie Rogêt" features Poe’s famour investigator C. Auguste Dupin trying to solve a murder case. Based upon an actual murder, the short story is an intricate narrative revolving around floating dead bodies, strange suicides, phials of poison, and the power of newspapers to solve the gruesome murder. Cumbersome and rather slow-paced, the story is also often labelled as Poe’s least successful among his detective works. On the other hand, it can easily be read as an episode from the CSI TV series, indulging in sneaky situations and hypothetical resolutions.Edgar Allan Poe (1809-1849) was an American poet, author, and literary critic. Most famous for his poetry, short stories, and tales of the supernatural, mysterious, and macabre, he is also regarded as the inventor of the detective genre and a contributor to the emergence of science fiction, dark romanticism, and weird fiction. His most famous works include "The Raven" (1945), "The Black Cat" (1943), and "The Gold-Bug" (1843).

"He tried to rise, but two ill-savoured Tartars were already sitting on him and binding his hands behind his back."Two Russian soldier are kidnapped by their rivals while serving in the Caucasus. One is resourceful and optimistic and spends his time in captivity looking for a way to escape; the other is pessimistic and lazy and only complains. One day, they try to escape.The Prisoner in The Caucasus is based on a real incident from Tolstoy’s soldier days. It is about the power of military brotherhood and being of use to your enemy. Tolstoy helps the reader see the human side in every character and underlines all the things people have in common across enemy lines.Leo Tolstoy (1828-1910) was a Russian author, a master of realistic fiction and one of the world’s greatest novelists. Tolstoy’s major works include "War and Peace" (1865–69) and "Anna Karenina" (1875–77), two of the greatest novels of all time and pinnacles of realist fiction. Beyond novels, he wrote many short stories and later in life also essays and plays.

"The Cask of Amontillado" is a classic revenge story where an insulted man, Montresor, exacts his vengeance upon the drunk Fortunato. Just like "The Tell-Tale Heart" and "The Black Cat", Poe offers the perspective to the perpetrator of the vile deed, who descends into madness with every step of his narrative. What begins like a normal wine-tasting journey is about to become a sinister plunge into oblivion, as Montresor’s insulted, yet clearly mad psyche, leads his victim to the very bowels of hell. The story has inspired numerous adaptations in terms of movies, music, stage performances, and even children books.Edgar Allan Poe (1809-1849) was an American poet, author, and literary critic. Most famous for his poetry, short stories, and tales of the supernatural, mysterious, and macabre, he is also regarded as the inventor of the detective genre and a contributor to the emergence of science fiction, dark romanticism, and weird fiction. His most famous works include "The Raven" (1945), "The Black Cat" (1943), and "The Gold-Bug" (1843).

A non-fiction work by the author of "Uncle Tom’s Cabin", exploring the position of the American household from the second part of the 19th century. Stressing the inevitable aftermath of the Civil War, Stowe discusses the changes that occurred within the once homely, comfortable household as the heart of every family. Talking on subjects like "Homekeeping vs. Housekeeping", "Economy", "Home Religion" or "Is Woman a Worker?", Stowe is pointing at the complexities of life in the after-war period for women and housewives.A thorn in the angry and embittered eyes of the American South, Harriet Beecher Stowe was an American author and ardent abolitionist, whose most famous novel "Uncle Tom’s Cabin" became the fiercest attack on slavery at the time. Stowe’s influence steps across the boundaries of the literary, and enters the domain of the political, opening the eyes of the world towards the horrors of slavery. She also wrote travel memoirs, numerous articles, letters, and short stories.

"Poor Folk" is Dostoevsky’s first novel, exploring in the form of letters the unhappy and arduous strains of poverty. However, the novel is so much more. The author’s major prowess lies in the depiction of the human condition, a characteristic feature of Russian realism. The emotional struggles and the gruesome chasm that separates the two souls in love, never destined to be together, paints a devastating picture of the harshness of life. Definitely a must for any fan not only of Dostoevsky, but of Russian literature on the whole.Fyodor Dostoevsky was a famous Russian writer of novels, short stories, and essays. A connoisseur of the troubled human psyche and the relationships between the individuals, Dostoevsky’s oeuvre covers a large area of subjects: politics, religion, social issues, philosophy, and the uncharted realms of the psychological. He is most famous for the novels "Crime and Punishment", "The Idiot", and "The Brothers Karamazov". His literary legacy was met with mixed feelings, but remains gargantuan in its influence.

A thought-provoking and humorous real-life comedy, "That Pig of a Morin" shows us how some quite ordinary urges can turn devastating for the male character Morin. An innocent kiss sends the protagonist’s life into a state of topsyturvidom, and the result is an outrageous nickname that is here to stay. Maupassant’s skillful presentation of everyday situations and human relations provide additional colour to the farcical situation surrounding the character. A funny story that can appeal to all kinds of readers.Guy de Maupassant was a famous French writer, best known as one of finest practitioners of the French short story. Master of style and dramatic narrative, Maupassant’s stories are mainly interested in the relationships between men and women, often found at the crossroads of life. One of his greatest influences was Gustave Flaubert, who introduced him to some of the central names of the time such as Emile Zola, Henry James, and Ivan Turgenev. Some of his best known works include the novels "Bel Ami" and "Une Vie", more than 300 short stories, travel books, and even an attempt at poetry.

When a man ignores his last warning to pay pund100,000, it is his son who finds him dead on the next morning. Revolving around a mysterious circle, specializing in blackmail, called The Crimson Circle, Wallace’s novel is filled with all the prerequisites for a perfect detective story: a brilliant, almost all-knowing detective, superbly crafted criminal mastermind, strong women characters, and a dramatic twist in the end. The cliched, old-fashioned "suspect everyone" plot is perfect for a summer read and for those who like solving crimes on paper.Edgar Wallace (1875-1932) was an English writer so prolific, that one of his publishers claimed that he was behind a quarter of all books sold in England. An author, journalist and poet, he wrote countless novels, short stories, screen plays, stage plays, historical non-fiction, etc. Today, more than 160 films have been made from his work. He died suddenly in Hollywood in 1932, during the initial drafting of his most famous work, "King Kong".

Turgenev’s story is a striking example of a narrative that can easily stand the test of time. Portraying the life of a deaf Russian serf who makes a strong relationship with a rescued dog, the short story elaborately explores the problems and life conditions of Russian serfdom. What is more, the story is based on Turgenev’s own experience with a dog, with the rest of the characters modelled after his family members and friends. A tragic, but emotionally deep tale, "Mumu" is an example of the loneliness of human condition against the sad, tortured heart of society.Ivan Turgenev is universally acknowledged as one of the towering literary presences in Russian literature. A writer of novels and short stories, his oeuvre depict realistic, sympathetic, and often melancholic portrayals of the Russian serfdom and the aristocracy. He was also known for his popularization of Russian realism, the exquisite musical quality of his prose, and memorable characters. His best-known works include the novels "Fathers and Sons" and "On the Eve", as well as the short-story collection "A Sportsman Sketches".