Early 19th century c 1800 to c 1850

Regency Romance vom FeinstenDerbyshire, 1817: In einer regnerischen Nacht gelangt John Staple, ein hünenhafter Gentleman, an eine Mautschranke. Doch weit und breit ist kein Zollwärter zu sehen - was ist hier geschehen? Der abenteuerlustige John beschließt spontan, sich als Schrankenwärter auszugeben und lernt dabei die eigenwillige Nell Stornaway kennen, die ihn um Hilfe bittet. Auf dem Landsitz ihres kranken Großvaters haben sich ungebetene Gäste einquartiert, die etwas Seltsames im Schilde zu führen scheinen. John ist von der mutigen jungen Frau zutiefst beeindruckt und nimmt sich der Sache an. Dabei bekommt er es ganz unstandesgemäß mit Dieben, Wegelagerern und anderen Strolchen zu tun. Aber um die Dame seines Herzens zu beschützen, ist ihm kein Weg zu weit ...BIRGIT ARNOLD arbeitet seit mehreren Jahren erfolgreich als Sprecherin und Sängerin. Zudem schreibt sie mythologische Erzählungen. Georgette Heyer (1902-1974) war eine beliebte englische Schriftstellerin, die vor allem durch ihre romantisch-humorvollen Romane weltberühmt wurde. Ihr Figuren sind stets charmant und selbstbewusst. "Georgette Heyer" ist eine registrierte Handelsmarke.

Lady Mary och hennes make, den stilige lord Hubert Challenge, lever i ett kärlekslöst äktenskap där han ger order och hon måste lyda. Mary vet att i hennes makes ögon är deras giftermål endast ett sätt för honom att behålla sin status, han behövde pengarna som hennes familj kunde erbjuda. Trots det är Mary hopplöst förälskad i Lord Hubert. Hon hade hoppats att deras arrangerade äktenskap skulle bli kärleksfullt och fyllt av glädje, men inser nu att hon var naiv.Efter att ha varit gifta i endast tre veckor blir Huberts regemente kallat till Bryssel där Napoleons trupper är på framfart. Trots makens protester följer Mary med. Väl på plats upptäcker hon att Huberts beryktade före detta älskarinna Clarissa också är i Bryssel. Mary bestämmer sig för att vinna sin mans hjärta och är villig att göra vad som krävs. Men det är hon inte ensam om ...M.C. Beaton (1936-2019) är den internationellt bästsäljande författaren till både Agatha Raisin- och Hamish Macbeth-serierna, såväl som flera populära historisk romance-serier. Hennes böcker har översatts till 17 språk och hennes Agatha Raisin-mysterier har blivit till TV-serie.

Pubblicato nel 1869 dall’editore milanese Treves, "Tra le spine" è il secondo libro scritto dal romagnolo Cesare Donati. Antonio Fallini, detto Patroncio, è stato seminarista e soldato napoleonico, pizzicagnolo e vinaiolo, ma ora è soltanto l’ombra di sé stesso, un uomo in preda all’alcolismo che non controlla più il proprio comportamento. Una sera, sotto i fumi dell’alcol, aggredisce una ragazza con una neonata fra le braccia, provocando involontariamente la morte della bambina. È da questo fattaccio che prende le mosse una storia di fame e miseria, di amori intensi e ostilità risolte in violenza. Con uno stile garbato e intriso di ironia, Donati confeziona un romanzo di ambientazione umile, in cui però la speranza è sempre l’ultima a morire. Una lettura imperdibile per chiunque voglia riscoprire uno degli autori più interessanti dell’Ottocento italiano.Cesare Donati (1826-1913) nasce a Lugo, non lontano da Ravenna. Dopo essere riuscito a studiare legge, nonostante gli sconvolgimenti politici e le magre finanze, si dedica all’attività di pubblicista e narratore (mantenendosi tuttavia come precettore privato). Vive tra Firenze, Torino e Roma, collaborando con vari quotidiani (L’Eco d’Europa, Lo Spettatore, L’Indipendenza, Nuova Antologia) ed entrando nella burocrazia del neonato Regno d’Italia. Il suo esordio, "Arte e natura. Diritto e rovescio", risale al 1858. Vi faranno seguito molti romanzi di ascendenza tardo-romantica, sempre in bilico fra humour e sentimentalismo. Fra i titoli più noti si possono citare "I bozzetti romani" (1884), "Foglie secche" (1875), "Per un gomitolo" (1879) e "Storie bizzarre" (1888).

"Non volevo legarmi all’Isola. La mia libertà doveva rimanere intatta, perché la fortuna era ancora da cercare" ... Poco dopo le guerre napoleoniche, in una ex colonia genovese recentemente conquistata dal Portogallo, il marinaio Paolo Soligo gestisce una miniera d’argento acquistata anni prima in un impeto di ingenuità giovanile. Nonostante le premesse assai poco rassicuranti, tuttavia, quella che doveva essere una truffa si è rivelata, invece, un autentico affare, e il giovane è riuscito ad arricchirsi in breve tempo. Ma la ricchezza vale ben poco, di fronte alla prospettiva di riprendere il mare per una nuova avventura. Le Isole – come la colonia è soprannominata – si trovano continuamente in balia di un gruppo di pirati dall’identità indefinibile: ribelli che si oppongono al dominio lusitano? veterani francesi in cerca di un nuovo brivido di guerra? Chissà...Giuseppe Fanciulli nasci a Firenze nel 1881. Nel 1906 si avvicina per la prima volta alla narrativa per l’infanzia, iniziando un lungo sodalizio con Luigi Bertelli al Giornalino della Domenica. Alla morte dell’amico, Fanciulli – il cui pseudonimo è in questo periodo "Mastro Sapone" – ne assume la direzione dal 1920 al 1924. Noto soprattutto per aver scritto le biografie per ragazzi di Italo Balbo e Don Bosco, Fanciulli ha scritto altri libri di successo come "Gente Nostra" e "La testa di Spinacino". Muore a Castelveccana, nel varesotto, nel 1951.

Scritto durante il suo esilio in Corsica (1838-1839), "Fede e bellezza" è probabilmente l’opera più emblematica della complessa personalità di Niccolò Tommaseo. Sospeso fra istanze moralistiche – riflesso della sua identità cattolica – e un’accesa sensualità, il risultato è un romanzo estremamente toccante, considerato degno anticipatore delle atmosfere decadentiste e fra i primissimi esempi italiani di romanzo psicologico. Due giovani italiani, Giovanni e Maria, si conoscono nella cittadina bretone di Quimper e si innamorano. L’intero romanzo rappresenta la descrizione del loro rapporto, basato su continue confidenze, espresse attraverso un interessante commistione di generi diversi: si va, infatti, dal diario al racconto epistolare, da intermezzi quasi saggistici fino a veri e propri exploit a sfondo storico. Un classico senza tempo della letteratura italiana, quindi, da leggere e assimilare dedicandogli il tempo che merita.Niccolò Tommaseo (1802-1874) nasce a Sebenico, nell’attuale Croazia. Dopo aver studiato al seminario di Spalato, nel 1817 si iscrive alla facoltà di legge dell’Università di Padova. Ben presto, grazie anche alla profonda amicizia di Antonio Rosmini Serbati, inizia a privilegiare i propri interessi letterari, lavorando come giornalista a Milano. Nel 1827 si trasferisce a Firenze, divenendo uno dei principali animatori del Gabinetto Vieusseux. Negli anni ’30 vive fra Parigi e la Corsica a causa di problemi con la polizia asburgica. Stabilitosi a Venezia, è quindi arrestato e successivamente esiliato a Corfù (1849). Dopo una parentesi torinese, nel 1859 si sposta definitivamente a Firenze. Considerato fra i più importanti patrioti e letterati cattolici dell’epoca, al momento dell’Unità d’Italia rifiuta la supremazia del regno sabaudo. È noto soprattutto per il "Dizionario della lingua italiana" e per il "Dizionario dei sinonimi", oltre che per aver curato innumerevoli raccolte di poesia popolare.

Forståelsen af, at de såkaldte patologiske mikrober spiller en afgørende rolle for menneskets sundhed, er relativt ny og har været i forandring helt fra teoriens fremsættelse. I sin bog fra 1910 fortæller den danske bakteriologis grundlægger, Carl Julius Salomonsen, om denne videnskabs udvikling i første halvdel af 1800-tallet. Selvom mange af Carl Julius Salomonsens egne forestillinger om denne komplicerede videnskab i dag er blevet modbevist, er det meget interessant at se ham forholde sig til den videnskabelige tradition, han skrev sig ind i og gjorde op med på én og samme tid.Carl Julius Salomonsen (1847-1924) var en dansk læge og bakteriolog. Han var professor i bakteriologi ved Københavns Universitet og i 1895 oprettede han Serotherapeutisk Laboratorium, hvor der blev forsket i fremstillingen af serummer. Laboratoriet blev i 1901 omdannet til Statens Seruminstitut og Salomonsen blev ansat som direktør i instituttets første leveår. Han var desuden medstifter af Medicinsk-Historisk Museum - det senere Medicinsk Museion - og var i årene 1909-1910 rektor ved Københavns Universitet.Salomonsen havde en stor interesse for kunst, og var stor fortaler for naturalismen. Hans afhandling "Smitsomme sindslidelser før og nu med særligt henblik på de nyeste kunstretninger" fra 1919 argumenterede for, at de moderne kunstretninger som ekspressionisme, futurisme og kubisme ikke alene var hæslige og frastødende, men ligefrem var et udtryk for smitsom sindslidelse. Afhandlingen medførte en heftig debat i det danske kunstmiljø.

Cuentan que el coronel don Juan Renzuelo murió en las Américas, dejando a su esposa y a su hija solas y desamparadas. Don Martín, amigo del coronel, se apiada de la viuda y de la huérfana y se deja convencer por doña Paca para casarse con la joven. Sin embargo, detrás de las propuestas y las declaraciones hay gato encerrado, y también alguna que otra visita inesperada.José de Espronceda (1808-1842) fue un novelista, dramaturgo y poeta español adscrito al Romanticismo. Desde muy joven se posicionó políticamente y luchó junto a otros intelectuales, como Mariano José de Larra, contra el absolutismo monárquico. Su producción poética, de inspiración byroniana, es muy conocida y aclamada, entre la que destacan «El estudiante de Salamanca» y «El diablo mundo».

Zwei Liebende, eine Familie, eine lange Reise.Sehnsüchtig wartet der Herzog von Belômer in Lissabon auf Wort von seiner entführten Frau Caroline. Was er nicht weiß: Caroline ist es gelungen, ihren Entführern zu entkommen. Trotzdem begibt sie sich auf ihrer Reise durch die Nordafrikanische Wüste in große Gefahr und denkt dabei unaufhörlich an ihre junge Familie. Wird sie ihren Mann und ihr Kind jemals wiedersehen? Dies ist der dritte Teil von Sandra Parettis Caroline-Trilogie.Sandra Paretti (1935–1994) wurde als Irmgard Schneeberger in Regensburg geboren und verfasste in erster Linie Gesellschaftsromane. Parettis Werke wurden in 28 Sprachen übersetzt, wodurch sie bis heute zu einer der meistgelesenen deutschsprachigen Autorinnen zählt. Ihr Werk „Der Wunschbaum" wurde zudem als TV-Serie adaptiert.

Das vornehme Paris ist im Bann der schönen Caroline. Mit ihrer verführerischen Art verzaubert sie die Männer in ihrer Nähe und könnte jeden haben. Doch sie entscheidet sich, den Herzog von Belômer zu heiraten. Am Abend vor der geplanten Hochzeit wird dieser jedoch plötzlich verhaftet. Was hat es damit auf sich? In „Lerche und Löwe", dem zweiten Teile der Caroline-Trilogie, setzt Sandra Paretti die Geschichte um eine junge Frau und ihr aufregendes Leben in Frankreichs Hauptstadt fort.Sandra Paretti (1935–1994) wurde als Irmgard Schneeberger in Regensburg geboren und verfasste in erster Linie Gesellschaftsromane. Parettis Werke wurden in 28 Sprachen übersetzt, wodurch sie bis heute zu einer der meistgelesenen deutschsprachigen Autorinnen zählt. Ihr Werk „Der Wunschbaum" wurde zudem als TV-Serie adaptiert.

Da Arabella – en relativt fattig pige fra den engelske landadel – er på vej mod London i foråret 1817, går hendes vogn i stykker og hun må gøre holdt hos den velhavende ungkarl Mr. Beaumaris, som er en af de rigeste mænd i England. Hun påstår at være arving til en stor formue og han holder tæt med, at han kender sandheden om hendes situation. Det udvikler sig snart til et forhold fuldt af morsomme forviklinger og en god portion hjertekvaler, da den uskyldige flirt bliver til den helt store forelskelse.Georgette Heyer (1902-1974). Engelsk forfatterinde, bedst kendt for sine historiske romancer, der foregår i første halvdel af 1800-tallet. Hun udgav sin første roman som 19-årig og blev hurtigt populær blandt læserne. Heyer har, af eftertiden, især fået ros for sin evne til at ramme tonen og detaljerne i de historiske miljøer, hun beskriver.

»Immer, wenn ich einen Vogel sehe, denke ich an dich. Dann frage ich mich, wohin dich deine Flügel eines Tages tragen werden, wenn du sie erst ausgebreitet hast, und wie weit fort von mir. Ich fürchte mich vor diesem Moment, um meinetwillen, und gleichzeitig sehne ich ihn herbei, um deinetwillen.«England, 1820. Kate Worthington hat sich geschworen, niemals zu heiraten. Sie möchte frei sein und die Welt bereisen. Ihre Mutter missbilligt das, schließlich ziemt sich das nicht für eine junge Frau. Als Kate jedoch auf das Anwesen Blackmoore eingeladen wird, lässt sie sich auf eine Wette mit ihrer Mutter ein: Gelingt es Kate, drei Heiratsanträge in Blackmoore zu bekommen – und sie alle abzulehnen –, ist sie frei. Wenn nicht, entscheidet ihre Mutter über ihre Zukunft. Ein Kinderspiel, denkt Kate. Doch kaum in Blackmoore angekommen, merkt sie, dass es gar nicht so leicht ist, in wenigen Tagen drei Männerherzen zu erobern – und zu brechen. Und als sie schließlich einen Antrag bekommt, stellt sie mit Entsetzen fest, dass ihr Herz etwas ganz anderes will als ihr Verstand ...Julianne Donaldson ist eine hoffnungslose Romantikerin. Sie hat Englische Literatur studiert, was ihre Leidenschaft fürs Schreiben nur noch verstärkt hat. Heute lebt sie mit ihrem Mann und ihren vier Kindern in Salt Lake City, reist aber bei jeder sich bietenden Gelegenheit nach England.

Der Golf von Mexiko im Jahre 1795. Als sie vor der Küste ein verlassenes spanisches Handelsschiff entdecken, wittern der Freibeuter Harry Ludlow und sein Bruder James leichte Beute. Doch was eine einfache Kaperung werden sollte, entpuppt sich schon bald als raffinierte Falle: Angeheizt von Machtgier und Patriotismus wird ihr Schiff, die stolze »Bucephalas«, vor dem spanischen Fort von New Orleans festgesetzt. Schnell wird klar, dass der erfahrene Seemann keine Hilfe vom hiesigen Gouverneur zu erwarten hat. Doch Harrys Name ist nicht ohne Grund in der gesamten Karibik bekannt – und so nimmt er den aussichtslos erscheinenden Kampf zur Befreiung seines Schiffs auf!»Eine gekonnte Mischung aus nautischem Abenteuerroman und Krimi!« Times Literary ReviewDer vorletzte Teil der Reihe um Harry Ludlow zieht die Hörerinnen und Hörer in ein tödliches Spiel.Ende des 18. Jahrhunderts: Harry Ludlow schmeißt seinen Offiziersposition in der Royal Navy hin um fortan als Freibeuter über die Meere zu ziehen. Auf seinen Reisen stolpern er und seine Gefährten immer wieder in brenzlige Situationen und Mordfälle, die aufgeklärt werden wollen. Mit dieser fesselnden Reihe kommen nicht nur Fans von historischen Seefahrer-Romanen, sondern auch begeisterte Krimi-Leser auf ihre Kosten.David Donachie, 1944 in Edinburgh geboren, ist ein schottischer Autor, der auch unter den Pseudonymen Tom Connery und Jack Ludlow Bekanntkeit erlangte. Sein Werk umfasst zahlreiche Veröffentlichungen; besonders beliebt sind seine historischen Seefahrerromane.

For inventiveness and front, Slippin' Jimmy from 'Better Call Saul' takes some beating. He had at least his equal, though, way back in the 1840s - in the shape of Peter Profitt, the anti-hero of 'The Business Man'.After a nurse cracked his head against a bedpost, young Profitt lost the capacity for regularity or systems.Convinced that it is his fate, he becomes an entrepreneur after a fall-out with his employer over a pennyHis first business is to build filthy, rundown hovels - spite houses - next to new mansions and then demand 500pc of their value to demolish them.Next, he starts fights and sues the victim for attacking him before he demands money from people for him not to splash mud on them.With a demanding dog becoming his partner, as well as deliberation on whether Profitt should run for office or not, the hilarious story careers through a host of businesses and wild ideas.If you like Poe's crazy characters and comical street scenes, you will love 'A Confederacy of Dunces' by John Kennedy Toole.Edgar Allan Poe (1809-1849) was an American poet, author, and literary critic. Despite a brief life, he was celebrated for his poetry, short stories and tales of the supernatural. 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.In 1827, Poe joined the US Army under an assumed name and had his first collection, 'Tamerlane and Other Poems,' published anonymously. He worked as a literary critic and moved around America, writing as he went while his works gradually built an audience.His most famous works include ´The Raven´ (1945), ´The Black Cat´ (1943), and ´The Gold-Bug´ (1843).

The poor boy Hans and his mother get kidnapped by evil robbers. Their future does not seem so bright, but little Hans is determined to fight back and get himself and his mother out. Further in life Hans gets to meet strong men and giants who he decides to work with. But are the giants’ intentions true? What are the new obstacles that Hans has to face? Will he manage to get himself out of yet another pickle or will this betrayal lead to Hans’s end?Children and adults alike, immerse yourselves into Grimm’s world of folktales and legends! Come, discover the little-known tales and treasured classics in this collection of 210 fairy tales.The Brothers Grimm are probably the best-known storytellers in the world. Some of their most popular fairy tales are "Cinderella", "Beauty and the Beast" and "Little Red Riding Hood" and there is hardly anybody who has not grown up with the adventures of Hansel and Gretel, Rapunzel and Snow White.Jacob and Wilhelm Grimm’s exceptional literature legacy consists of recorded German and European folktales and legends. Their collections were translated into all European languages during the brothers' lifetime and into almost every living language today.

Bertel Thorvaldsen (1770-1844) er en af danmarkshistoriens største kunstnere, og hans fantastiske statuer er at finde flere steder rundt om i Europa. Louis Bobés biografi om den store kunstners liv og virke beretter om de mange intense kærlighedsforhold, om arbejdet som kunstner i Rom og i Danmark og om stormfulde og tætte venskaber med andre i kunstnerfaget.Bogen udkom første gang i 1938.Louis Theodor Alfred Bobé (1867-1951) var en dansk historiker og forfatter. Han arbejdede i en lang årrække som arkivar og var desuden ordenshistoriograf. Louis Bobé udgav mange bøger om historie og historiske personer på både dansk og tysk. Han modtog en række ordner for sit virke som historiker heriblandt 1. grad af Dannebrogsordenen, Dansk Røde Kors Mindetegn for Krigsfangehjælp samt Officerkorset af Oranien-Nassau-ordenen.

Virtually ignored when first published and almost lost entirely, these are the first published works of one of America's great writers.Edgar Allen Poe's 'Tamerlane and Other Poems' contains many early sparks of his creative genius and writing power.The poems were inspired by a who's who of great poets: Percy Bysshe Shelley, Samuel Taylor Coleridge, and Lord Byron.The main poem, 'Tamerlane', tells of a great conqueror on his death bed, wishing he had stayed with his childhood sweetheart and ignored his ambition.Others focus on the themes of love, loss, rejection, egotism, and death.Having been called "the trumpet blast announcing that a new poet has stepped upon the stage", Poe's entrance into the literary world is confident and filled with promise.'Tamerlane and Other Poems' is ideal for those interested in reading Poe's first published work.Edgar Allan Poe (1809-1849) was an American poet, author, and literary critic. Despite a brief life, he was celebrated for his poetry, short stories, and tales of the supernatural. 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.In 1827, Poe joined the US Army under an assumed name and had his first collection, 'Tamerlane and Other Poems,' published anonymously. He worked as a literary critic and moved around America, writing as he went while his works gradually built an audience.His most famous works include ´The Raven´ (1945), ´The Black Cat´ (1943), and ´The Gold-Bug´ (1843).

In England, fans of Charles Dickens were gripped by the four ghosts that visited Ebenezer Scrooge in 'A Christmas Carol' to get him to change his mean ways.At the same time, Edgar Allen Poe's 'Angel of the Odd', made out of a keg and wine bottles, drops in on the narrator, who does not believe in strange occurrences.He chases the angel away and has a booze-induced afternoon nap.When he wakes, his house is on fire. A ladder appears at the window and down he climbs - only to collide with a pig, fracturing his arm in the fall.Things cannot get worse, can they? They sure can! For he is given the elbow by his would-be wife, who notices that he wears a wig because it was burnt off in the blaze.The mishaps just keep coming. But when the 'Angel of the Odd' reappears, will the poor man swallow his pride and halt the barrage of blows?'Angel of the Odd' is the ideal read for those interested in Poe's lesser-known works.Edgar Allan Poe (1809-1849) was an American poet, author, and literary critic. Despite a brief life, he was celebrated for his poetry, short stories and tales of the supernatural. 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.In 1827, Poe joined the US Army under an assumed name and had his first collection, 'Tamerlane and Other Poems,' published anonymously. He worked as a literary critic and moved around America, writing as he went while his works gradually built an audience.His most famous works include ´The Raven´ (1945), ´The Black Cat´ (1943), and ´The Gold-Bug´ (1843).

Huikea romaani 1800-luvun Puolasta.Maanviljelijä Slimakin perhe elää Puolan köyhällä maaseudulla. Olot ovat karut, ja harva kyläläinen osaa edes lukea. Ilmassa on kuitenkin muutoksen tuulia. Alueelle rakennetaan rautatietä, ja saksalaisia asukkaita muuttaa lähistölle yhä enemmän ja enemmän. Monet puolalaiset myyvät tilansa saksalaisille, mutta Slimak on eri maata. Kun hänen maansa yritetään ostaa, hän kieltäytyy painokkaasti. Pian Slimak on harvoja puolalaisia alueella – ja yhtäkkiä hän on kuin etuvartija vieraiden keskellä. Mutta onko itsepäisyydestä mitään apua? Kenelle Puola lopulta kuuluu?Etuvartija on jännittävä romaani puolalaiselta Boleslaw Prusilta.Boleslaw Prus on puolalaisen kirjailijan Aleksander Głowackin (1847–1912) taiteilijanimi. Głowacki työskenteli myös toimittajana.

Daydreamer and book-lover, Zosina, the eldest daughter of the Archduke Ferdinand of Blitzstein, is reluctantly obedient when her father announces that she must marry King Gorgy of neighbouring Dorsa to create an alliance between the two nations.On her first visit to Dorsa, Zosina is greeted by the beguiling and handsome Prince Regent. By contrast, her betrothed, the King, is wild and disagreeable. For the sake of her people, Zosina must go ahead with the marriage with a hope that someone warmer hides beneath the King's hard exterior. Yet, the longer she spends in Dorsa, the greater her fear that the Prince Regent has her heart.A tense and romantic love triangle with a dramatic twist. "Bride to the King" is an action-packed regency romance, perfect for fans of Georgette Heyer, Julia Quinn, and Jenny Hambly.

"Now that I am free, perfectly free, I intend to remain so."Today, this would be a clear message to look for another online date.In 19th-century Paris, Leon de Preval, a captain in the Sixth Horse, does not take the hint. The focus of his intrigue is a mysterious young widow in a mask, who is enjoying the freedom that the death of her controlling husband has allowed her.The woman's identity remains a secret, but they meet a few weeks later at another masquerade ball. When Preval asks for a third meeting, she agrees - but with a set of challenging conditions.'Love in a Mask' is a romantic story with a sharp edge of commentary about women's role in society and their treatment by their husbands.If you like this, try Jane Austen's 'Pride and Prejudice' and 'Sense and Sensibility' or 'Madame Bovary' by Gustave Flaubert.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'.

It begins with the undignified scene of two young men on a Parisian stagecoach, boasting about their love affairs with older, married women.Hubris turns to tragedy when the coach overturns, leaving one of the men with fatal injuries. However, drama dictates that there is always time for some final words before death.The dying man gives his travelling companion a mission - collect love letters from his house and deliver them to his lover, a countess.How will the countess react to the news of her lover's death? And how will the count take the news that she was betraying him?If you like this classic short story by Honoré de Balzac about betrayal, try 'Anna Karenina' by Leo Tolstoy or 'Rebecca' by Daphne du Maurier.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'.

"Vive la counter-revolution!"In 'Sons of the Soil', Balzac tells an extraordinary story of gentry and peasants, complacency and corruption, jealousy and revenge. And it has a contentious central message: the Revolution upset the balance and sowed new divisions between the classes.Centred around General Moncornet's chateau and estate in Burgundy, there is a large, fascinating cast of listless ladies and gentlemen indoors who "get what amusement they can out of carefully dressing themselves". Meanwhile, the staff are scheming and the locals con and poach their way through life.With the skill of Charles Dickens, Balzac draws together the main characters and enmeshes them in a murderous and treacherous plot with numerous serpentine twists.Fans of 'Downton Abbey' and Dickens' classics, including 'Bleak House' and 'A Tale of Two Cities' will love this.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'.

The old, abandoned manor of La Grande Bretèche stands between the trees like a secret. Uncovered one day by Dr. Horace Bianchon whilst visiting the nearby town of Vendôme, the ruins will beckon any wandering visitor in.Full of intrigue, the doctor simply can’t resist entering the house. But night after night, he fails. Why can’t La Grande Bretèche be accessed? And what do the locals know of this mysterious shelter?Adapted into 3 films, 2 episodes, an opera, and a BBC Radio 4 play, Balzac’s gripping ‘The Human Comedy’ short story, ‘The Grand Bretèche´, is ideal for fans of Xavier Giannolli’s 2021 ‘Lost Illusions’ film.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'.

Once bitten, twice shy sometimes rings true. Madame de Beauseant must have been bitten very hard, for she became a hermit in her Normandy castle due to humiliation after being cast aside by her aristocratic lover.However, when Baron Gaston de Nueil, a far younger and very persistent man, comes to town, he cannot resist seeking out this mysterious and notorious woman.He falls for her but she, being "twice shy", first rejects his advances and then runs away to Geneva. The lovesick Baron follows her, melts her heart and they live happily....for a few years.The age gap spooks the Baron's fearsome mother, who lines up a younger woman for him to marry. Mme de Beauseant fears a second humiliation, while the Baron contends with the call of his heart and the fear of his mother. What will he decide to do?Fans of Jane Austen's 'Mansfield Park' and 'Emma' will love this exquisite story of lost love and social propriety.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'.

Felix was rejected as a child by his mother and those scars never fully heal.In a book with great emotional depth, Honore de Balzac explores Felix' two major adult relationships with women through the form of a single letter.With the beautiful, but married, Madame Mortsauf, maternal love grows into a passion - but never crosses into physical infidelity. As the years pass by, Felix falls for sensuous Englishwoman Lady Arabelle.Torn between "the wife of the spirit" and "the mistress of the flesh", he becomes the laughing stock of the French Court. How will he untie his emotional knot without causing emotional damage to the two women?The insights and descriptions are exquisite - and there is an unexpected twist at the end.'The Lily of the Valley' is perfect reading for fans of other books featuring a love triangle, including Margaret Mitchell's 'Gone With the Wind' and Emily Brontë's 'Wuthering Heights'.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'.

Set against the backdrop of the Paris Uprising of 1832, ‘The She-Wolves of Machecoul’ is dripping with political intrigue, sinister plots, and knuckle-cracking villains.However, at its heart, the story is a romantic one, focusing on the fortunes of the eponymous she-wolves, Mary and Bertha.While the plot to establish a new monarch unfolds, Mary and Bertha are both smitten with Baron Michel Logerie.But is the Baron all that he seems, or does he have ulterior motives?Filled with thrills, secrets, and historical detail, ´The She-Wolves of Machecoul´ is a superb adventure story, which will surely delight fans of Dumas' other works.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.

When Milanese nobleman Count Andrea Marcosini sees Marianna in the crowd at the Palais-Royal in Paris, he immediately decides that she will be his. After all, this wealthy man with a wandering eye is used to getting what he wants.However, she is married to a composer called "Gambara", whose music reaches heights of beauty - but only when he is drunk. The count gives them money, then gives him a drink, and then, finally, steals Marianna from him.It is a tale of lust, greed and arrogance - with one significant twist. 'Gambara' will delight fans of Balzac's body of work.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'.

There are dilemmas - and then there are dilemmas. Juanito Leganes faces the sort of choice that is beyond our worst nightmares.It comes after his father, Marquis of the Spanish town of Menda, leads an uprising against the French occupiers, allowing the British to take the town. When the French retake it, their general orders the hanging of the Marquis and his entire family, including his wife, three sons and two daughters.However, Marquis asks for beheadings instead and for his eldest son, Juanito, to be spared. The general agrees but on one condition: that Juanito wields the axe.Will he decapitate them all and live, or will he choose to die with them at the end of a rope?If you are a fan of Bernard Cornwell's 'Sharpe' novels and the TV series starring Sean Bean, this short story is for you.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'.

Spoiling a child is not just about letting them have a few extra sweets. In some cases, years of doting really do spoil them.Victurien d'Esgrignon was raised by his doting aunt and adoring father - a family high up in the aristocracy of Restoration France. As a young man, he is both intelligent and shallow: a liar and a cheat who ruins his family, their lawyer, and others drawn into his circle.Then he meets his match - a young man with the same cold heart and eye for an opportunity. Who will triumph in this race to the bottom?Honore de Balzac's 'The Collection of Antiquities' shines a bright light on the social and moral decline of the aristocracy in 1830s France.Fans of 'Les Miserables' by Victor Hugo and 'A Tale of Two Cities' by Charles Dickens will love this!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'.

Veronique Graslin is a woman of strength.Despite being scarred by smallpox at 11, and then railroaded into a miserable marriage with a man who resembles an "antique satyr", she builds a life of wealth and good works in the French countryside.But, nibbling away at her conscience like a persistent rat, there is a dark secret that will not let her go.After Veronique encounters two criminals, as well as Monsieur Bonnet, the insightful rector, she feels that her soul is being "ploughed".Balzac's novel mixes the spiritual with the political, exposing rural injustice, and railing against the horrific conditions endured by criminals on the French galleys.All the time, he tiptoes toward the big reveal: what is Veronique's secret?If you like 'Bleak House' by Charles Dickens and 'Les Miserables' by Victor Hugo, you will enjoy 'The Village Rector'.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'.