18th century, c 1700 to c 1799

Den 13. januar 1936 kunne konfirmationen fejre 200 års jubilæum i den danske kirke. I den anledning udsendte teolog P.G. Lindhardt dette lille festskrift om konfirmationens historie i Danmark. I bogen ridser han et par af de historiske hovedlinjer op og giver en fremstilling af nogle af de synspunkter, kirken i Danmark gennem tiden har brugt som målestok for kristendomsundervisningen.P.G. Lindhardt, Poul Georg Lindhardt, (1910-1988) var en dansk teolog og den første professor i kirkehistorie ved Aarhus Universitet i årene 1942-1980. Sammen med K.E. Løgstrup, Johannes Sløk og Regin Prenter var han kendt som en af de fire Aarhus-teologer, der prægede den teologiske debat fra midten af det 20. århundrede og frem. Lindhardt havde desuden et omfattende virke som prædikant, foredragsholder, anmelder og kronikør.

„Í Kalkútta ríkti Warren Hastings með engu minni dýrð og veldi en hverjum austurlenskum harðstjóra hefði sæmt." Sagan hefst árið 1780, þegar veldi Englendinga á Indlandi rís sem hæst. Þar segir af lífi landstjórans Warren Hastings, ótrúlegum átökum og örlögum hans og fólksins í kringum hann, þegar ólíkar skoðanir og menningarheimar mætast.Gregor Samarow er dulnefni prússneska rithöfundarins og diplómatans Oskars Medning. Medning var lærður maður sem gegndi ýmsum pólitískum störfum í Þýskalandi á árunum 1847-1871, þegar hann sagði sig frá störfum og helgaði sig skriftum. Bækur hans eru jafnan sögulegar skáldsögur sem þykja spegla á áhugaverðan hátt stjórnmálaástand samtíma hans.

Þessi fræga saga eftir Jón Mýrdal var gerð að kvikmynd árið 1978. Verkið segir frá Þorgrími á Felli og gerist í íslenskri sveit á 18. Öld. Sagan þykir vera ádeila á viðhorf og framkomu samfélagsins gagnvart þeirra sem minna mega sín.Jón Jónsson Mýrdal (1825-1899) var íslenskur rithöfundur og smiður. Hann var af fátæku fólki kominn og fékk því ekki þá menntun sem hann hefði viljað, en lærði þess í stað trésmiði og þótti hagleikssmiður. Hann fékkst meðal annars við að byggja kirkjur og þótti bæði listhneigður og vandvirkur. Hann skrifaði gjarnan við hefilbekkinn og lét eftir sig skáldsögur, ljóð og leikrit. Jón var um skeið búsettur í Danmörku, þar sem hann skrifaði tvær skáldsögur á dönsku. Hann hneigðist mjög að ævintýrabókmenntum, enda bera verk hans merki þess.

Set during the ‘Seven Years War’ between England and France, ‘A Sentimental Journey Through France and Italy’ was one of Sterne’s last works.Seen as the epilogue to his ‘Tristram Shandy’ books (later adapted for film, as ‘A Cock and Bull Story´, starring Steve Coogan and Rob Brydon), it tells the tale of Yorick, as he travels between the two countries.While visiting Paris, Yorick is discovered to be without a passport. When he flees to Versailles in order to get one, he is mistaken for the jester in Shakespeare's ‘Hamlet’. Will he be able to escape imprisonment, or is the game up for our hero?A superb satire on another author’s less-than-sentimental travelogue through the same countries.Born in Ireland, Laurence Sterne (1713 – 1768) was the son of a commissioned officer in the British army. As a result, the first 10 years of his life were spent travelling from place to place. However, at the age of 11, he was sent to boarding school in England, under the care of his brother. After leaving Jesus College with a Bachelor of Arts, he was ordained both a priest and a deacon.While he had previously written for the ‘York Gazetteer’, Sterne's uncle encouraged him to write for political journals, much to the consternation of the rest of the family. This was followed by his first novel, ´A Political Romance,’ which also put religion under the spotlight.After failing in the role of a farmer, he wrote his most famous book, ‘The Life and Opinions of Tristram Shandy, Gentleman.’ Six years later, he was to become part of the abolitionist movement, after publicly replying to a letter from former slave, writer, and composer, Ignatius Sancho.Sterne died in London, aged 54.

One of the earliest works of feminist philosophy, ‘A Vindication of the Rights of Woman’ argues that women should receive a rational education.A response to the educational and political theorists of the 18th century at the time, Wollstonecraft’s essay invites readers today to peak behind the scenes at the early fight for rights for women.Whilst the term ‘feminist’ did not emerge until years after the publication – and death of Wollstonecraft - ‘A Vindication’ remains today an influential step in the advocacy for women’s education and equal social status.A must-read for fans of Helena Bonham Carter and Carey Mulligan in Netflix’s acclaimed ‘Suffragette’ film.The founding feminist philosopher, Mary Wollstonecraft (1759-1797) was an English writer, philosopher, and advocate of women’s rights. Whilst her unconventional relationships attracted more attention that her writing at the time, Wollstonecraft is best known for ‘A Vindication of the Rights of Women’; a ground-breaking work arguing that women are not naturally inferior to men.Despite her posthumously published ‘Memoir’ overshadowing her writing career for almost a century, Wollstonecraft remains today an influential figure in the advocacy for women’s rights following the feminist movement at the turn of the 20th century. She died giving birth to her second daughter, Mary Shelly, the accomplished author of ‘Frankenstein’.

Considered scandalous at the time, ‘A Political Romance’ is a satirical look at the relationship between the Church and the Law.Written before Sterne's ‘Tristram Shandy’ books (later adapted for film, as ‘A Cock and Bull Story, starring Steve Coogan and Rob Brydon), it tells the tale of a small-town quarrel between a dean, an archbishop, and an ecclesiastical lawyer.While you might think their argument might be something to do with spiritual issues, it is actually over a greatcoat.Did this book deserve to be burned after its publication? Decide for yourself, with this superb read from one of the greats of the 18th Century.Born in Ireland, Laurence Sterne (1713 – 1768) was the son of a commissioned officer in the British army. As a result, the first 10 years of his life were spent travelling from place to place. However, at the age of 11, he was sent to boarding school in England, under the care of his brother. After leaving Jesus College with a Bachelor of Arts, he was ordained both a priest and a deacon.While he had previously written for the ‘York Gazetteer’, Sterne’s uncle encouraged him to write for political journals, much to the consternation of the rest of the family. This was followed by his first novel, ´A Political Romance´, which also put religion under the spotlight.After failing in the role of a farmer, he wrote his most famous book, ‘The Life and Opinions of Tristram Shandy, Gentleman.’ Six years later, he was to become part of the abolitionist movement, after publicly replying to a letter from former slave, writer, and composer, Ignatius Sancho.Sterne died in London, aged 54.

Although written after ‘The Companions of Jehu,’ ‘The Whites and the Blues’ details events leading up to the first book.It follows the fortunes of young Charles Nodier, who arrives in Strasbourg to study Greek under the tutelage of Euloge Schneider.However, when he gets there, he discovers that Schneider has become the town’s Public Prosecutor and is feared for his indiscriminate use of Madame Guillotine.All the while, the shadow of Napoleon lies heavy on the narrative.A page-turning read, full of political intrigue, betrayal, and romance, this is a must for fans of the ‘Sainte-Hermine’ trilogy.Alexandre Dumas (1802 – 1870) was one of the most popular French authors and playwrights of the 19th Century. After the death of his father, Dumas travelled to Paris where he eventually decided to work in the theatre. He first came to public attention at the age of 27 with his first play, ‘King Henry III and his Courts.’After a succession of successful stage plays, Dumas turned his hand to writing novels. Many of these were serialised in newspapers, such as ‘La Comtesse de Salisbury; Édouard III,’ and ‘Le Capitaine Paul.’Many of Dumas’ later works have been hailed as timeless classics and adapted for television and the silver screen, such as ‘The Three Musketeers’, starring ‘Lord of the Rings’´ Orlando Bloom, and ‘The Count of Monte Cristo’, starring ‘Superman’ star, Henry Cavill.

´The Monk´ is a frightening, erotic, horror story about Ambrosio, a monk torn between his vows to God and the temptations of the Devil. This is a gripping, gothic tale about greed, pride, and lust, as Ambrosio battles with his inner demons.Written by English novelist Matthew Lewis at the age of 19, ‘The Monk’ (1796) marked a turning point in gothic literature with its focus on horror, violence, and lust. It proved hugely successful with the public and made him an overnight success despite widespread condemnation at the time.The book continues to influence writers and shock audiences to this day and will delight anyone interested in venturing out into grittier reading territory.Matthew Gregory Lewis (1775-1818) was a novelist, diplomat and dramatist, whose gothic novel ‘The Monk’ (1796) was so successful, he later became known as Monk Lewis. The book focused on horror rather than romance, and its violent and erotic nature made it a best-seller, despite widespread condemnation at the time.His other notable works include the popular musical drama ‘The Castle Spectre (1798), while his book, ‘Journal of a West India Proprietor’ (1834), details life on the Jamaican estate he inherited and his distaste for slavery.

A forlorn English diplomat. A forgotten yet legitimate daughter. A stuffy society intent on keeping outsiders out. Steeped in the new wave of romanticism in the late 18th century, ‘Evelina’ tells the beloved story of a young lady’s entrance into the world.Evelina must learn to navigate the layers of 18th-century England. And although she has all the desirable traits of a young woman, being cast a ‘nobody’ by Mr. Lovel is sure to tarnish her shine. A marriage is required of her. And fast. Can she secure a suitable bachelor?During a time when society was less than kind to the wants of women, Frances Burney’s ‘Evelina’ remains a much-loved eighteenth-century novel. Sweeping readers off their feet for nearly 200 years, ‘Evelina’ is ideal for fans of Netflix’s ‘Bridgerton’ and Keira Knightly’s ‘Pride and Prejudice’.Frances Burney (1752-1840) was an English satirical novelist, diarist and playwright. Her work spans the hugely popular ‘Evelina’ and ‘Camilla’, both which remain much loved eighteenth-century classics today.Mistress of the robes to Charlotte of Mecklenburg-Strelitz, George III’s Queen, Burney married a French exile, leaving her stranded in France for much of her career. She is thought to have foreshadowed the likes of Jane Austen and William Makepeace Thickery.

In ‘The Wolf Leader,’ Dumas deftly weaves the Faust story with the werewolves of folklore.While it is not the typical swashbuckling fare you would expect from the author of ‘The Three Musketeers,’ ‘The Wolf Leader’ is a wonderfully atmospheric tale, detailing a deal between Thibault, a shoemaker, and a half-man-half-wolf creature he meets in the forest.While revenge might be sweet, for every deal, there is a price to pay.A superb and intriguing read for those who want to read something out of the ordinary.Alexandre Dumas (1802 – 1870) was one of the most popular French authors and playwrights of the 19th Century. After the death of his father, Dumas travelled to Paris where he eventually decided to work in the theatre. He first came to public attention at the age of 27 with his first play, ‘King Henry III and his Courts.’After a succession of successful stage plays, Dumas turned his hand to writing novels. Many of these were serialised in newspapers, such as ‘La Comtesse de Salisbury; Édouard III,’ and ‘Le Capitaine Paul.’Many of Dumas’ later works have been hailed as timeless classics and adapted for television and the silver screen, such as ‘The Three Musketeers’, starring ‘Lord of the Rings’´ Orlando Bloom, and ‘The Count of Monte Cristo’, starring ‘Superman’ star, Henry Cavill.

Dette er historien om en kvinde, der blev en mand, og som turnerede rundt med en tis-let og en læderdildo, var lejesoldat, strømpemager og brutal ægtemand - alt sammen i 1700-tallets Tyskland. Catharina Linck (eller Anastasius Lagrantius Rosenstengel) var en person, som turde bryde samfundsnormerne og leve præcis som han/hun ville. På godt og ondt.Velkommen til en historiepodcast om historie og arkæologi. Lyt med, når vi tager et nyt emne under kærlig behandling. Værterne er kultur- og socialhistorikeren Katrine og arkæologen Marie, der tilsammen danner en dynamisk fortællerduo, som elsker at have det sjovt med historien.Cover illustration: Arthur Balitskii/ShutterstockMarie Brinch er uddannet cand.mag. i forhistorisk arkæologi fra Københavns Universitet og har arbejdet for blandt andet Nationalmuseet og Museum Lolland-Falster.Katrine Stegmann er uddannet cand.mag. i kultur- og socialhistorie samt skuespil- og manuskriptforfatter fra Syddansk Universitet og har arbejdet for blandt andet Odense Bunkermuseum og Glud Museum i Østjylland.Sammen har de skabt Katrine og Maries Historiepodcast.

Hvem var egentlig N.F.S. Grundtvig? Lige efter hans død udbrød en livlig og velbegrundet strid. Befandt han sig politisk til højre eller til venstre? Og kunne han tages til indtægt for kirkelig ortodoksi og hævdvunden moral eller bedre for en humant og evolutionistisk tolket, religiøs kulturidealisme? Forsøgene på at finde frem til den "rigtige" Grundtvig har været mange. De forsøg gør professor i kirkehistorie P.G. Lindhardt op med i denne biografi, hvor han i stedet søger at tegne et billede af "hele" Grundtvig.Bogen udkom første gang i 1964.P.G. Lindhardt, Poul Georg Lindhardt, (1910-1988) var en dansk teolog og den første professor i kirkehistorie ved Aarhus Universitet i årene 1942-1980. Sammen med K.E. Løgstrup, Johannes Sløk og Regin Prenter var han kendt som en af de fire Aarhus-teologer, der prægede den teologiske debat fra midten af det 20. århundrede og frem. Lindhardt havde desuden et omfattende virke som prædikant, foredragsholder, anmelder og kronikør.

Scotland, 1750, just four years after Bonnie Prince Charlie’s Rising of the Clans, it’s hard to know who’s loyal to the English and who is faithful to the Stuarts. And it’s beautiful seventeen-year-old Iona’s perilous mission to ascertain whether the Duke of Arkrae, head of Scotland’s most powerful clan, is a traitor or is he in cahoots with the English.Iona’s mission is to gain the trust of the Duke and his clan by claiming to be the sister he thought to have died as a child. As all around her doubt her claim and call her a "pretender", Iona struggles to hold her nerve. Her wit and steely nerves do not fail her but almost instantly, on meeting the imperious Duke, it’s her heart that lets her down. She’s fallen deeply, hopelessly in love! Traitor or not, surely the Duke could never love the Little Pretender who was sent to ensnare him?

Una de las comedias más conocidas de Leandro Fernández de Moratín. Sucede en Ilescas, un pequeño pueblo de Toledo. Nos muestra a Doña Mónica, una mujer acomodada y rica, pero sin cuna noble. Cuando llega un deslumbrante y educado barón a la localidad, Mónica hace lo posible para que su hija Isabel se case con el recién llegado y, así, emparentarla con la nobleza. Sin embargo, las dos mujeres descubrirán pronto la doble naturaleza del barón.Leandro Fernández de Moratín (1760-1828) fue un dramaturgo y poeta madrileño. Su padre, también escritor, lo crio en un ambiente literario. Eso, sumado a su timidez provocada por una enfermedad temprana, hizo que Fernández de Moratín se centrara en las letras desde pequeño. Después de ganar algunos certámenes poéticos, obtuvo un puesto de secretario del conde Cabarrús y eso lo llevó de viaje a varios países europeos, aunque su preferido fue Francia. Amigo de Jovellanos y Goldoni, protegido de Godoy, Fernández de Moratín introdujo el teatro neoclásico francés en España. Además de su amplia obra, trabajó también como traductor de teatro de autores como Molière o Shakespeare.

"Il giorno" è un componimento poetico che rappresenta in chiave satirica l’aristocrazia decaduta di fine Settecento. Per Giuseppe Parini la poesia è proprio questo: un faro per il progresso civile ed etico. E quindi ecco che, con ironia, il lettore si muove nella giornata di un aristocratico inoperoso. Scopriamo così - anche se già lo sapevamo - che la nobiltà lombarda dell’epoca è frivola, incosciente, e completamente incapace di comprendere il cambiamento già in atto.Giuseppe Parini (1729 – 1799), nato Giuseppe Parino, è stato un abate e poeta italiano, nonché uno dei principali esponenti dell’illuminismo italiano e del neoclassicismo. Le opere dell’autore non sono molte e si dividono tra opere poetiche e opere teatrali.

«Ricordo ancora il senso di vuoto alla fine della prima lettura dei Beati Paoli. Sapevo che forse sarebbe stato impossibile trovare un romanzo altrettanto coinvolgente.» – Stefania Auci (autrice de "I leoni di Sicilia")Ascolta il capolavoro di Luigi Natoli, l'Alexandre Dumas italiano, che trae spunto dalle gesta della leggendaria setta segreta dei Beati Paoli. Un romanzo d'avventura dal ritmo inarrestabile, che non manca mai di stupire, e che ti farà conoscere i Beati Paoli, gli oscuri paladini che non riconoscono né Stato né gerarchie.Nella Sicilia del XVIII secolo, Blasco di Castiglione approda a Palermo con l’intento di svelare il mistero della propria nascita, ma tra personaggi misteriosi e intricate vicende, la sua missione si rivelerà ben più complessa del previsto... Luigi Natoli (1857-1941), palermitano, fu autore di più di venticinque romanzi d'appendice ambientati in Sicilia – spesso pubblicati sotto lo pseudonimo di William Galt – che gli fecero guadagnare enorme popolarità. È ricordato soprattutto per il suo capolavoro, "I Beati Paoli", apparso per la prima volta a puntate sul Giornale di Sicilia tra il 1909 e il 1910.

Scritta nel 1782, "Saul" è una delle tragedie più note di Vittorio Alfieri. Tratta da un celebre episodio biblico, l'opera si incentra sulle ultimissime ore di vita di Saul, vecchio re d’Israele caduto ormai nell’empietà e incapace di accettare l’ascesa del più giovane David. Costretto a riammettere David allo scopo di combattere il proprio nemico comune – i Filistei – Saul si rende conto, pur nella follia, che solo un gesto disperato potrebbe definitivamente riscattarlo, agli occhi di Dio come a quelli del suo popolo.Una tragedia estremamente moderna, se si considera che lo psicanalista Carl Gustav Jung (1875-1961) la analizzò al preciso fine di individuarvi l’archetipo di un io spezzato, che, nel corso dei cinque atti, riassembla i pezzi in cui si è scomposto per ritrovare una parvenza di unità. Un classico imperdibile.Vittorio Amedeo Alfieri (1749-1803) nasce ad Asti da una nobile casata comitale. Già bambino estroverso e volitivo, descriverà i primi noiosi anni di vita come i "nove anni di vegetazione", e quelli trascorsi all’Accademia Reale di Torino come gli "otto anni di ineducazione". Dal 1766 al 1774 serve come alfiere nell’esercito piemontese, dedicandosi poi a lunghi anni di viaggi per tutta l’Europa, fra amori contrastati e duelli sanguinosi. Nel 1777 rinuncia alla cittadinanza piemontese e conosce la contessa d’Albany Luisa, donna il cui amore lo accompagnerà per sempre. Di ideali libertari, simpatizza inizialmente per la Rivoluzione Francese, ma trascorre gli ultimi anni a Firenze in ostinato isolamento dalle vicende napoleoniche. Considerato fra i capostipiti italiani del classicismo e del romanticismo, è autore di innumerevoli opere, fra cui si devono citare almeno le tragedie più note come "Filippo", "Maria Stuarda" e "La congiura de ‘Pazzi".

Kan et jordskælv ændre historien?JA! I 1755 ramte et ekstremt kraftigt jordskælv Portugal og lagde hovedstaden Lissabon i ruiner. Men katastrofen satte også ild under noget andet: Oplysningstiden. PS: Lyt altid til aber! #protipVelkommen til en historiepodcast om historie og arkæologi. Lyt med, når vi tager et nyt emne under kærlig behandling. Værterne er kultur- og socialhistorikeren Katrine og arkæologen Marie, der tilsammen danner en dynamisk fortællerduo, som elsker at have det sjovt med historien.Cover illustration: Arthur Balitskii/ShutterstockMarie Brinch er uddannet cand.mag. i forhistorisk arkæologi fra Københavns Universitet og har arbejdet for blandt andet Nationalmuseet og Museum Lolland-Falster.Katrine Stegmann er uddannet cand.mag. i kultur- og socialhistorie samt skuespil- og manuskriptforfatter fra Syddansk Universitet og har arbejdet for blandt andet Odense Bunkermuseum og Glud Museum i Østjylland.Sammen har de skabt Katrine og Maries Historiepodcast.

Ponura jesień 1773 r. Wytworne towarzystwo odbywa podróż dyliżansem. Nagle konie stają dęba, bo zwierzęta czują to, co dla człowieka niezauważane - zapach śmierci. W istocie, wśród zbutwiałych liści leżą trupy kobiety i dzieci. A to dopiero początek makabrycznych odkryć. Prawdziwy strach oblatuje podróżnych, gdy obracają zwłoki plecami do góry. Trzymająca w napięciu historia kostiumowa, której akcja rozgrywa się na kilku planach czasowych. Dla miłośników niesamowitości w stylu Edgara Allana Poe.Zbigniew Wojnarowski (ur. 1956) - polonista i pisarz pochodzący z Konina, gdzie chętnie osadza akcję swoich książek. Uznany autor słuchowisk radiowych oraz powieści „Miraż" i „Pióra". Napisał także wiele opowiadań. Pod pseudonimem Dominika Stec publikuje lekkie utwory obyczajowe dla kobiet. Książki podpisane tym nazwiskiem pojawiają się na półkach wydawniczych obok utworów Katarzyny Grocholi, Izabeli Sowy czy Moniki Szwai. Największą popularność przyniosła mu seria o przygodach miłosnych Dominiki ("Mężczyzna do towarzystwa", "Kobieca intuicja", "Bingo!").

In quella che è universalmente riconosciuta come una delle sue tragedie più riuscite, Alfieri infonde la disperazione e il senso di impotenza che l’Uomo prova di fronte alle proprie stesse pulsioni. Se normalmente l’orizzonte tragico si esprime attraverso il conflitto fra l’eroe e un mondo esterno avverso ai suoi propositi, in "Mirra" – scritto fra il 1784 e il 1786 – la protagonista combatte contro un elemento ancora più oscuro: la propria coscienza profonda. Mirra è infatti incestuosamente attratta dal padre Ciniro, e per questo maledice il destino e la propria madre, di cui è mortalmente gelosa. Dall’unione abominevole fra i due, secondo la mitologia, sarebbe poi nato Adone.Un’opera intensa, che anticipa di un secolo le intuizioni freudiane sul subconscio.Vittorio Amedeo Alfieri (1749-1803) nasce ad Asti da una nobile casata comitale. Già bambino estroverso e volitivo, descriverà i primi noiosi anni di vita come i "nove anni di vegetazione", e quelli trascorsi all’Accademia Reale di Torino come gli "otto anni di ineducazione". Dal 1766 al 1774 serve come alfiere nell’esercito piemontese, dedicandosi poi a lunghi anni di viaggi per tutta l’Europa, fra amori contrastati e duelli sanguinosi. Nel 1777 rinuncia alla cittadinanza piemontese e conosce la contessa d’Albany Luisa, donna il cui amore lo accompagnerà per sempre. Di ideali libertari, simpatizza inizialmente per la Rivoluzione Francese, ma trascorre gli ultimi anni a Firenze in ostinato isolamento dalle vicende napoleoniche. Considerato fra i capostipiti italiani del classicismo e del romanticismo, è autore di innumerevoli opere, fra cui si devono citare almeno le tragedie più note come "Filippo", "Maria Stuarda" e "La congiura de ‘Pazzi".

Jacques Menetrier, the son of a cookshop owner, finds his quiet life turned upside down when the wayward monk, Jerome Coignard, takes him under his tutelage. The pair soon find themselves in the employ of eccentric theorist M. D’Asterac, translating ancient documents on spirits of fire.Soon, Jacques' new life is thrown into chaos when he is reunited with the beautiful Catherine, whereupon he enters a love triangle that threatens to bring his whole world tumbling down.‘The Queen Pedauque’ (1892) is one of Anatole France’s lesser-known works but holds its own as a hilarious and compelling tale. Philosophical and farcical in its own right, ‘The Queen Pedaque’ is reminiscent of classic comedic philosophical novels that came after it, such as Iris Murdoch’s ‘Under the Net’ and Sartre’s ‘The Age of Reason’.A must-read for fans of France’s work, or anyone hoping to read a true French Classic from a best selling Nobel Laureate.François-Anatole Thibault (1844 – 1924), better known as Anatole France, was a French journalist, poet, novelist, and Nobel laureate for literature. Spending much of his early life in his father’s bookshop, France quickly rose to prominence as a respected author of over 25 works.A French Classicist writer with a style reminiscent of Voltaire and Fénélon, France’s work has a strong preoccupation with scepticism and hedonism. He is best remembered for his classic French novels ‘La Rôtisserie de la Reine Pédauque’ (1893) and ‘Le Crime de Sylvestre Bonnard’ (1881). France’s works have had a historic legacy, and he is recognised today as one of France’s most prominent authors.

‘The Beautiful Cassandra and Other Stories’ (1793) was written by the renowned English novelist Jane Austen, best-known for her novels ‘Sense and Sensibility’ (1811) and ‘Pride and Prejudice’ (1813).This collection of short stories, written when the author was very young, deals with an abundance of topics, such as murder, theft, deceit, imprisonment, romance, and intrigue.A fascinating and entertaining insight into the young Jane Austen’s mind, this collection is a sensational read for those contemplating reading some of Austen's famous novels later down the line, or for those already familiar with her brilliant body of work!There are few authors as iconic as Jane Austen (1775-1817). Her body of work contains some of the most beloved books and characters of all time which have been in print for over two hundred years and sold millions of copies worldwide.Austen was a trailblazer, famed for her satire, her astute social commentary and her strong-willed, passionate heroines. Her ability to wield humour with realism has found her favour with critics and readers for generations.Her most famous works include Pride and Prejudice (1813), Emma (1816), Sense and Sensibility (1811) and Persuasion (1818), all of which have received success in adaptations for the screen, stage and radio.

‘Sylvia's Lovers’ is a novel by English novelist and short story writer Elizabeth Gaskell, best-known for her novels ´North and South’, ‘Mary Barton’, and ‘Cranford’.Set in the 1790s in an English seaside town, ‘Sylvia’s Lovers’ tells the story of Sylvia Robson, caught between the love of her cousin Philip Hepburn and whaling harpooner Charley Kinraid.As England wages war with France, press gangs roam the streets. When Charley is forcibly taken away to fight, he asks love-rival Philip to pass on a message to Sylvia, but his silence changes their lives forever.This haunting tale of love and loss is regarded as one of Gaskells finest works.Elizabeth Gaskell (1810-1865) was an English novelist, biographer, and short story writer, renowned for her earnest and detailed descriptions of Victorian society.Among her most famous novels are ‘North and South’, ‘Mary Barton’ and ‘Wives and Daughters’. Her work has been adapted for film and TV on numerous occasions, including the BBC TV drama ‘Cranford’, starring Dame Judi Dench.Gaskell also wrote ‘The Life of Charlotte Brontë’ (1857), which was the first-ever biography of the famous English writer, Charlotte Brontë.

If enduring popularity is a mark of quality, then 'She Stoops to Conquer' is among the greatest plays ever written; for the 1773 comedy has been performed almost without a break for 250 years.It centres on the efforts of Mr Hardcastle to marry his daughter Kate to his friend's son, Marlow. When Marlow arrives at their house, he is brusque with Mr Hardcastle because he has been tricked into believing it is a hotel.Mayhem and misunderstanding ensue as Marlow's companion Hastings plots with Hardcastle's niece to steal the family jewels. Then Marlow mistakes Kate for a serving maid and flirts with her. Is he a rude, licentious man? Or will Kate discover hidden depths to redeem him?A groundbreaking and sharp satire about the clash between town and country, ´She Stoops to Conquer´ gently mocks the sentimental plays of its era and is ideal reading for fans of Oscar Wilde and George Bernard Shaw.Oliver Goldsmith (1730-1774) was an Irish essayist, novelist, poet, and playwright.His work includes the essay collection 'The Citizen of the World' (1762), the novel 'The Vicar of Wakefield' (1766), the plays 'The Good Natur'd Man' (1768) and 'She Stoops to Conquer' (1773), and the poetry collections 'Traveller, or, a Prospect of Society' (1764), 'An Elegy on the Death of a Mad Dog' (1766), and 'The Deserted Village: A Poem' (1770).

With a sweeping narrative that features revolution, restoration, and colonial war, 'The Two Brothers' is Honore de Balzac at his masterful best.It focuses on the Bridau family, including Agathe, her two sons, and her elder brother, as they engage in increasingly undignified battles for their inheritance.The eldest son, Philippe, is a courageous soldier but a gambler and a crook. The youngest, Joseph, is a misunderstood artist.When the Bourbons are restored and Napoleon exiled, Philippe becomes embroiled in an anti-government conspiracy.Meanwhile, a mysterious "long-lost uncle" appears and worms his way into the family - with unsavoury intentions.With the plot's fuse lit, it burns through priceless paintings, racist persecution, a knife attack, a duel, and an explosive climax.If you like this, you will love 'Les Miserables' by Victor Hugo and 'A Tale of Two Cities' by Charles Dickens.Honoré de Balzac (1799-1850) was a French novelist and playwright, most famous for a sequence of novels, collectively called 'The Human Comedy'. His signature style was a warts-and-all representation of post-Napoleonic French life, rich in detail and featuring complex, unfiltered characters.The style means Balzac is regarded as one of the pioneers of European literary realism. He is named as an influence on writers including Emile Zola, Henry James, Charles Dickens, and Gustave Flaubert.The first novel he published under his own name was 'Les Chouans' in 1829. In 1834 he hit upon the idea of grouping his novels together to record all of society. The result, over a period of years, was 'The Human Comedy', which comprised three categories: 'Analytic Studies'; 'Philosophical Studies'; and 'Studies of Manners'.

Begrebet læge har ændret sig markant i løbet af historien. Selvom det i mange hundrede år krævede en medicinsk doktorgrad at få lov at operere indvortes på patienter, blev denne regel langt fra altid overholdt, og kirurger, bartskærere og sårlæger praktiserede i mange år, som de lystede, uden at nogen forsøgte at regulere deres virke.Læge og medicinhistoriker Kristian Carøe fortæller om de forskellige læger, der opererede i Danmark og Norge fra 1479 og op til hans egen tid. Bøgerne indeholder ikke blot biografier om hver eneste læge i denne periode, men de fortæller også om lægevidenskabens udvikling i landet og om lægens plads i samfundet gennem tiden.Tredje bind fortæller om læger og kirurger i perioden fra1786 og op til 1838, hvor den forenede medicinske og kirurgiske embedseksamen blev indført og kom til at gælde for alle. Bogen tegner portrætter af de mange forskellige mænd, der på mere eller mindre legitime grundlag slog sig op som læger i de godt 50 år, bogen dækkerKristian Carøe (1851-1921) var en dansk læge og medicinhistoriker, der både skrev bøger om medicinhistorie og var medredaktør af bladet "Ugeskrift for Læger". Kristian Carøe er særligt kendt for sit fembindsværk "Den danske lægestand 1479-1900", der består af biografier af alle de læger og kirurger, der virkede i Danmark i denne periode. Få dage før sin død blev Kristian Carøe æret som dr.med. honoris causa ved Københavns Universitet.

I Sverige blev dødsstraffen afskaffet i lovgivningen i 1921. Den sidste henrettelse fandt sted i 1910, da Alfred Andersson Ander blev henrettet på guillotinen i Långholmens fængselsgård for et rovmord, han havde begået i Stockholm.Denne artikel er oprindeligt udgivet af Dansk Politi-Idræts Forlag.

Greven Henrik Falkenhorn bor med sin stränge far och styvmoder. Henrik anses vacker och tilltalande, men det enda fadern kan se är svaghet.En dag gör Henrik en livsomvälvande upptäckt: hans mor är i livet. Han som hade fått lära sig att den svaga och sköra modern hade gått bort förstår nu att allt var en lögn. Henrik känner sig förrådd. Hur kunde hans far göra någonting så ondsint?Elisabeth Beskow (1870-1928) var en svensk författare med mångårig produktion under pseudonymen Runa. Hon skrev romaner både för barn och för vuxna. Under tidigt nittonhundratal var hon landets näst mest lästa kvinnliga författare.

Efter över fyrtio år på havet återvänder Jean Peyrol till en liten gård i Toulon i hans hemland Frankrike. Ett land skakat av politisk instabilitet när franska revolutionen lider mot sitt slut och Napoleons makt ökar. Gården, som ägs av den vackra Arlette, blir även hem för löjtnanten Réal – en man på ett uppdrag att bekämpa den engelska flottan i medelhavet. På denna plats möts Peyrol av dilemmat som uppstår när ens personliga och nationella identitets viljor strider mot varandra.Fribytaren handlar om en mans känsla av plikt, stolthet, lojalitet och kärlek – och vilka livsval känslorna leder till.Joseph Conrad (1857–1924) var en författare med polskt ursprung vars verk inspirerades av hans tidigare liv som sjöman. Trots att han inte kunde det engelska språket förrän han var i tjugoårsåldern blev han betraktad som en mästare i engelsk prosa. Fribytaren var Conrads sista roman innan hans död år 1924.

I "Det blivende" beskriver Johannes V. Jensen sine erindringer om en række store åndelige og naturvidenskabelige bevægelser, som stadig har betydning i dag. Gennem seks kapitler fremfører han ideerne bag nogle af de vigtigste tænkere inden for filosofi, litteratur, åndsliv, naturvidenskab, økonomi og politik, blandt andre Goethe, Karl Marx og Charles Darwin.Johannes V. Jensen (1873 - 1950) var en dansk forfatter, oversætter og debattør. I 1944 modtog han Nobelprisen i litteratur og i 1999 kårede læserne af Politiken og Berlingske hovedværket "Kongens fald" til det 20. århundredes bedste roman, som også senere blev en del af Kulturkanonen. Jensen var særdeles produktiv og udover sine digte, skuespil og skønlitterære noveller og romaner, var han en flittig skribent af kronikker og debatindlæg til dagblade og tidsskrifter ligesom han står bag en række kulturkritiske artikler og essays.