Short stories

Zdobywanie jedzenia, unikanie kary, wymiana dóbr - wokół tego kręci się życie w obozie koncentracyjnym. Narrator opisuje jeden, przykładowy dzień więźniów takiego miejsca - a ogrom ich cierpienia i niewyobrażalne historie, których stają się bohaterami, mogłyby zapełnić całe dekady. Autor nie psychologizuje, unika oceniania. Nikt z nas w końcu nie wie, jak daleko jest się w stanie posunąć, by zdobyć kromkę chleba, dopóki nie doświadczy prawdziwego głodu i poniżenia. Jedno z opowiadań wchodzących w skład zbioru "Pożegnanie z Marią".Tadeusz Borowski (1922-1951) - polski poeta, pisarz, publicysta, przedstawiciel pokolenia Kolumbów, więzień obozów Auschwitz i Dachau. Pobierał naukę na tajnych kompletach, po czym rozpoczął studia polonistyczne na Uniwersytecie Warszawskim. Był związany z Marią Rundo, która stała się pierwowzorem bohaterki opowiadań zebranych w cykl "Pożegnanie z Marią". Więziony na Pawiaku, niedługo potem trafił do Auschwitz, skąd został wywieziony do obozu Natzweiler-Dautmergen, a następnie do Dachau-Allach. Po powrocie do Warszawy wziął ślub z Marią, wstąpił do Polskiej Partii Robotniczej i zaangażował się w aktywną działalność komunistyczną. Zmarł na skutek zatrucia gazem, stąd podejrzenie samobójstwa. Pochowany na Cmentarzu Wojskowym na Powązkach. Przed wojną tworzył poezję w nurcie katastrofizmu, w swoich opowieściach obozowych sportretował "człowieka zlagrowanego".

"Odczuła liźnięcie strachu. Chyba ich nie wyłączą? Może już lepiej zgodzić się na bycie rzeczą wśród rzeczy?" - zastanawia się Alicja, bohaterka pierwszego opowiadania z serii 13 utworów science fiction wchodzących w skład zbioru. Autor konstruuje niesamowite światy i stawia swoich protagonistów w wyjątkowych sytuacjach, a jednocześnie prowokuje uniwersalne filozoficzne pytania, które czytelnik może łatwo odnieść do własnej codzienności. Ciekawa propozycja dla miłośników refleksyjnej fantastyki w stylu Janusza Zajdla.Andrzej Zimniak (ur. 1946) - polski fizykochemik, naukowiec zatrudniony w Zakładzie Technologii Leków na Wydziale Farmaceutycznym Warszawskiego Uniwersytetu Medycznego. Autor ponad 70 opowiadań i nowel science fiction ogłoszonych w książkach i czasopismach (m.in. "Fantastyka", "Nowa Fantastyka"). Opublikował także trzy powieści ("Marcjanna i aniołowie", "Biały rój" i "Władcy świtu"), pisuje eseje i fraszki. Jest członkiem Stowarzyszenia Pisarzy Polskich i pomysłodawcą Nagrody Literackiej im. Jerzego Żuławskiego. Prywatnie miłośnik podróży, nurkowania i fotografii.

George McWhirter Fotheringay to niepozorny sprzedawca i sceptyk, który na skutek zrządzenia bogów zostaje obdarzony nadzwyczajnymi mocami. Początkowo sam jest zdziwiony swoimi umiejętnościami, zaś jego znajomi traktują je z pobłażaniem, jako czarodziejskie sztuczki. Gdy okazuje się, jak potężna jest skala jego możliwości, mężczyzna postanawia działać na rzecz zaprowadzenia pokoju i sprawiedliwości społecznej. Nie zdaje sobie sprawy, że zbyt mocne ingerencje w światowy ład mogą wywołać efekty odwrotne do zmierzonego. W 1936 roku Lothar Mendes zrealizował film na podstawie opowiadania.Herbert George Wells (1866-1946) - jeden z prekursorów gatunku science fiction. Z wykształcenia biolog, jednak od najmłodszych lat odznaczał się bujną wyobraźnią i lekkim piórem. Gdy z przyczyn zdrowotnych musiał zrezygnować z zawodu nauczyciela, zaczął utrzymywać się z pisania - początkowo były to materiały dziennikarskie, a z czasem także literatura. Autor powieści "Wojna światów", "Wehikuł czasu" i "Wyspa doktora Moreau".

«El sendero de las almas: novelas cortas» (1920) es una recopilación de relatos o novelas cortas de José María Vargas Vila. Incluye «Otoño sentimental», «Sabina», «El medallón», «El motín de los retablos» y «Orfebre».José María Vargas Vila (1860-1933) fue un escritor y periodista colombiano. Tuvo una formación autodidacta, llegó a ejercer como profesor, ministro plenipotenciario en Roma y diplomático. Fundó varias revistas como «Eco Andino», «Los Refractarios» o «Némesis». Liberal radical, participó en la guerra civil colombiana de 1884 como soldado y dedicó su vida a denunciar los abusos del clero y el imperialismo.

‘Master Martin, The Cooper, and His Journal’ (1885) is a ‘weird tale’ written by the German romantic author E. T. A. Hoffmann, most famous for his novella ‘The Nutcracker and the Mouse King’ (1816) which inspired Tchaikovsky’s opera ‘The Nutcracker’.Three young men; a craftsman, an artist and a knight, try to win the hand of Master Martin’s daughter. But can they fulfil the prophecy?This classic short story is perfect for fans of horror and fantasy fiction and the authors H. P. Lovecraft and Neil Gaiman.Ernst Theodor Wilhelm Hoffmann (1776-1822), better known as E. T. A. Hoffmann, was a German Romantic author of fantasy and gothic horror. He was also a composer, music critic, draftsman and caricaturist.Hoffmann's stories inspired several famous operatic composers, including Richard Wagner, Jacques Offenbach and Léo Delibes. He is also the author of the novella ‘The Nutcracker and the Mouse King’, on which Tchaikovsky’s famous ballet, ‘The Nutcracker’ is based. The story also inspired the film ‘The Nutcracker and the Four Realms’ (2018), starring Keira Knightley, Morgan Freeman, Helen Mirren.

‘Gambler’s Luck’ (1855) is a ‘weird tale’ written by the German romantic author E. T. A. Hoffmann, most famous for his novella ‘The Nutcracker and the Mouse King’ (1816) which inspired Tchaikovsky’s ballet ‘The Nutcracker’.A young German baron enjoys a lucky streak at the gambling tables and becomes addicted. One night, a stranger appears at the gambling table and tells the Baron an incredible tale...This classic short story is perfect for fans of horror and fantasy fiction and the authors H. P. Lovecraft and Neil Gaiman.Ernst Theodor Wilhelm Hoffmann (1776-1822), better known as E. T. A. Hoffmann, was a German Romantic author of fantasy and gothic horror. He was also a composer, music critic, draftsman and caricaturist.Hoffmann's stories inspired several famous operatic composers, including Richard Wagner, Jacques Offenbach and Léo Delibes. He is also the author of the novella ‘The Nutcracker and the Mouse King’, on which Tchaikovsky’s famous ballet, ‘The Nutcracker’ is based. The story also inspired the film ‘The Nutcracker and the Four Realms’ (2018), starring Keira Knightley, Morgan Freeman, Helen Mirren.

Who would have known that "the father of Science Fiction" also wrote satire about stuffed animals?H.G. Wells' short story 'The Triumphs of a Taxidermist' was first published anonymously in 1894 and reprinted in 'The Stolen Bacillus and Other Incidents' a year later. 'The Triumphs of a Taxidermist' sees the character Bellows visit a friend, the titular Taxidermist, who enthusiastically recounts tales of forgery, crime, and far-fetched claims to fame from his career in this humorous and satirical look at English culture.H.G. Wells (1866 – 1946) was a prolific writer and the author of more than 50 novels. In addition, we wrote more than 60 short stories, alongside various scientific papers. Many of his most famous works have been adapted for film and television, including ‘The Time Machine,’ starring Guy Pearce, ‘War of the Worlds,’ starring Tom Cruise, and ‘The Invisible Man,’ starring Elizabeth Moss. Because of his various works exploring futuristic themes, Wells is regarded as one of the ‘Fathers of Science Fiction.’

Charles Dickens’ ‘The Lamplighter’ is a short story that will take the reader on a comical adventure bringing together the philosopher's stone, some fortune-telling stars, an eccentric astronomer, and all-in-all, some downright hilarious characters.In this novella, we meet Tom Grig, a lamplighter who ends up in the home of a strange astronomer. It seems 'the stars' have decreed that Tom will marry the astronomer's beautiful niece and not only that - Grig is then to inherit the secret of the philosopher's stone, making him the richest man on earth. Happy days! There's just one problem though. The stars have also predicted Tom’s imminent death, just two short months from now, which leads to other members of the household coming up with their own alternative theories and ideas resulting in laugh-out-loud consequences.Regarded by many as the greatest novelist of the Victorian era, Charles Dickens is best known for creating some of the world’s best known fictional characters who feature in his most popular novels, including The Artful Dodger in 'Oliver Twist’, Ebenezer Scrooge in ‘A Christmas Carol’, and Miss Havisham in ‘Great Expectations’. Dickens’ timeless novels and short stories are still widely read today and many have been adapted into countless TV programmes and films including the Academy Award-winning musical ‘Oliver’, and 'A Christmas Carol' which well known worldwide and is a huge favourite movie for families to watch together at Christmas time.

‘Master Martin, The Cooper, and His Journal’ (1885) is a ‘weird tale’ written by the German romantic author E. T. A. Hoffmann, most famous for his novella ‘The Nutcracker and the Mouse King’ (1816) which inspired Tchaikovsky’s ballet ‘The Nutcracker’.Johannes Wacht is orphaned at an early age and taken in by the town council’s master craftsman. But the carpenter's death sends Johannes on a journey to Bamberg and a new life.This classic short story is perfect for fans of horror and fantasy fiction and the authors H. P. Lovecraft and Neil Gaiman.Ernst Theodor Wilhelm Hoffmann (1776-1822), better known as E. T. A. Hoffmann, was a German romantic author of fantasy and gothic horror. He was also a composer, music critic, draftsman and caricaturist.Hoffmann's stories inspired several famous operatic composers, including Richard Wagner, Jacques Offenbach and Léo Delibes. He is also the author of the novella ‘The Nutcracker and the Mouse King’, on which Tchaikovsky’s famous ballet, ‘The Nutcracker’ is based. The story also inspired the film ‘The Nutcracker and the Four Realms’ (2018), starring Keira Knightley, Morgan Freeman, Helen Mirren.

Should he confess all and face the consequences or should he keep his secret forever?'A Slip Under the Microscope' is one of H.G. Wells' best-loved short stories, detailing the dilemma faced by the central character, Hill. During a botany exam, Hill inadvertently ‘cheats’ when he moves a microscope slide and is forced to choose between coming clean or staying quiet. This tale is a fascinating dissection of the themes of honesty and ethical behaviour. With certain autobiographical elements to the story, ‘A Slip Under the Microscope’ gives us a brief insight into the mind of one of the greatest authors of all time.H.G. Wells (1866 – 1946) was a prolific writer and the author of more than 50 novels. In addition, we wrote more than 60 short stories, alongside various scientific papers. Many of his most famous works have been adapted for film and television, including ‘The Time Machine,’ starring Guy Pearce, ‘War of the Worlds,’ starring Tom Cruise, and ‘The Invisible Man,’ starring Elizabeth Moss. Because of his various works exploring futuristic themes, Wells is regarded as one of the ‘Fathers of Science Fiction.’

‘Arthur’s Hall’ (1885) is a ‘weird tale’ written by the German Romantic author E. T. A. Hoffmann, most famous for his novella ‘The Nutcracker and the Mouse King’ (1816) which inspired Tchaikovsky’s opera ‘The Nutcracker’.This classic short horror story is perfect for fans of horror and fantasy fiction and authors H. P. Lovecraft and Neil Gaiman.Ernst Theodor Wilhelm Hoffmann (1776-1822), better known as E. T. A. Hoffmann, was a German Romantic author of fantasy and gothic horror. He was also a composer, music critic, draftsman and caricaturist.Hoffmann's stories inspired several famous operatic composers, including Richard Wagner, Jacques Offenbach and Léo Delibes. He is also the author of the novella ‘The Nutcracker and the Mouse King’, on which Tchaikovsky’s famous ballet, ‘The Nutcracker’ is based. The story also inspired the film ‘The Nutcracker and the Four Realms’ (2018), starring Keira Knightley, Morgan Freeman, Helen Mirren.

‘The Doge and Dogess’ (1885) is a ‘weird tale’ written by the German Romantic author E. T. A. Hoffmann, most famous for his novella ‘The Nutcracker and the Mouse King’ (1816) which inspired Tchaikovsky’s opera ‘The Nutcracker’. This classic fantasy short story is perfect for fans of horror and fantasy fiction and the authors H. P. Lovecraft and Neil Gaiman.Ernst Theodor Wilhelm Hoffmann (1776-1822), better known as E. T. A. Hoffmann, was a German Romantic author of fantasy and gothic horror. He was also a composer, music critic, draftsman and caricaturist.Hoffmann's stories inspired several famous operatic composers, including Richard Wagner, Jacques Offenbach and Léo Delibes. He is also the author of the novella ‘The Nutcracker and the Mouse King’, on which Tchaikovsky’s famous ballet, ‘The Nutcracker’ is based. The story also inspired the film ‘The Nutcracker and the Four Realms’ (2018), starring Keira Knightley, Morgan Freeman, Helen Mirren.

‘The Elementary Spirit‘ (1844) was written by the German Romantic author E. T. A. Hoffmann, most famous for his novella ‘The Nutcracker and the Mouse King’ (1816) which inspired Tchaikovsky’s ‘The Nutcracker’.When Prussian lieutenant, colonel Albert von B. rides from Liège to Aachen, a chance encounter with Paul Talkebarth leads him to a mysterious country house where his best friend lies ill. But not everything or everyone are as they seem, and beset by strange dreams and apparitions, Albert is faced with a battle for his soul.‘The Elementary Spirit’ is from Hoffmann’s ‘Later Works’. This classic short story is perfect for fans of horror and fantasy fiction and the authors H. P. Lovecraft and Neil Gaiman.Ernst Theodor Wilhelm Hoffmann (1776-1822), better known as E. T. A. Hoffmann, was a German Romantic author of fantasy and gothic horror. He was also a composer, music critic, draftsman and caricaturist.Hoffmann's stories inspired several famous operatic composers, including Richard Wagner, Jacques Offenbach and Léo Delibes. He is also the author of the novella ‘The Nutcracker and the Mouse King’, on which Tchaikovsky’s famous ballet, ‘The Nutcracker’ is based. The story also inspired the film ‘The Nutcracker and the Four Realms’ (2018), starring Keira Knightley, Morgan Freeman, Helen Mirren.

‘Signor Formica’ (1885) is a ‘weird tale’ written by the German Romantic author E. T. A. Hoffmann, most famous for his novella ‘The Nutcracker and the Mouse King’ (1816) which inspired Tchaikovsky’s opera ‘The Nutcracker’.This classic short horror story is perfect for fans of horror and fantasy fiction and the authors H. P. Lovecraft and Neil Gaiman.Ernst Theodor Wilhelm Hoffmann (1776-1822), better known as E. T. A. Hoffmann, was a German Romantic author of fantasy and gothic horror. He was also a composer, music critic, draftsman and caricaturist.Hoffmann's stories inspired several famous operatic composers including Richard Wagner, Jacques Offenbach and Léo Delibes. He is also the author of the novella ‘The Nutcracker and the Mouse King’, on which Tchaikovsky’s famous ballet, ‘The Nutcracker’ is based.The story also inspired the film ‘The Nutcracker and the Four Realms’ (2018), starring Keira Knightley, Morgan Freeman, Helen Mirren.

Bestsellerový spisovatel Jeffrey Archer strávil dva roky v pěti různých věznicích a za tu dobu sesbíral nápady na řadu originálních povídek s rozličnými hrdiny.• Seznámíte se s „Mužem, který vyloupil vlastní poštu", stejně jako s předsedou společnosti, který se pokusil otrávit svou ženu na výletě do Petrohradu v povídce „Tato voda není pitná".• V příběhu „Maestro" poznáte italského restauratéra, který skoční ve vězení poté, co není schopný vysvětlit výběrčímu daní, jak může vlastnit jachtu, Ferrari a dům ve Florencii a přitom přiznávat zisk pouze 70 000 liber ročně.• Protagonistou povídky „Červený král" je podvodník, který zjistí, že jistý anglický lord potřebuje ještě jednu šachovou figurku, aby vlastnil celou sadu nesmírné hodnoty. A jiný podvodník v příběhu „Komisař" skončí v márnici poté, co ve svém nejnovějším kousku využije jako návnadu samotného policejního šéfa.• Odsouzenec v povídce „Alibi" se zase zvládne zbavit starého nepřítele, zatímco je sám zavřený ve vězení a ještě si zajistí důkaz nevinny v podobě dvou vězeňských důstojníků. Jeho naprostým protipólem je účetní z povídky „Charita aneb Bližší košile než kabát", který si uvědomí, že v životě ničeho nedosáhl a rozhodne se před odchodem do důchodu vydělat jmění.• A pak je tu povídka „Každý vidí krásu jinde". Pohledný prvoligový fotbalista se v ní zamiluje do obézní ženy... která je shodou okolností nejbohatší ženou Itálie.Čeká vás zkrátka skvělá směsice smutných, veselých i dojemných příběhů, často okořeněných nečekanými zvraty a překvapivými konci.Jeffrey Archer je britský bestsellerový autor a bývalý politik. Vystudoval univerzitu v Oxfordu a stal se poslancem Parlamentu, členem Sněmovny lordů a také zástupcem předsedy Konzervativní strany. Jeho politická kariéra skončila skandálem a od té doby se Archer naplno věnuje psaní – po celém světě se dosud prodalo více než 275 milionů výtisků jeho knih.Jeho nejslavnějším dílem je zřejmě sedmidílná „Cliftonova kronika" a proslulý román „Kane a Abel", který obsadil první příčku v žebříčku bestsellerů listu New York Times a podle něhož byla natočena populární minisérie s Peterem Straussem a Samem Neillem v hlavních rolích.Po uvěznění za křivé svědectví v roce 2001 napsal Jeffrey Archer vysoce oceňovanou třídílnou knižní sérii nazvanou „Vězeňský deník" („Peklo", „Očistec" a „Ráj") inspirovanou vlastními zážitky a volně strukturovanou podle Dantovy Božské komedie.

‘The Escape of Arsène Lupin, the Adventures of Arsène Lupin the Gentleman Burglar’ are classic crime stories by the French writer Maurice Leblanc, featuring his famous gentleman-thief turned detective, Arsène Lupin.Full of murder, intrigue, and daring escapes, the bold and charismatic detective finds himself on the wrong side of the law yet again as he seeks justice in his own unique way.The inspiration behind the Netflix TV series ‘Lupin’, these stories are perfect for fans of the show and Arthur Conan Doyle’s ‘Sherlock Holmes’ series.Maurice Leblanc (1864 - 1941) was a French author and journalist, whose literary legacy consists of novels and short stories. Although he wrote two well-received science fiction books, he was most famous for his gentleman thief adventure series, ‘Arsène Lupin’ who was considered a French counterpart to Arthur Conan Doyle’s fictional detective ‘Sherlock Holmes’.A whip-smart, witty, and roguishly handsome master of disguise, Lupin became an international success and saw Leblanc write over 60 crime novels and short stories featuring his French detective. The books inspired the hit Netflix TV series ‘Lupin’ starring Omar Sy, Ludivine Sagnier, and Clotilde Hesme.He was awarded the Légion d'Honneur for his services to literature.

Delve into the works of the visionary author H.G. Wells with this captivating collection of his hidden gems. From the depths of his imaginative mind, these lesser-explored short stories showcase Wells' unparalleled storytelling prowess and offer a fresh perspective on his literary brilliance.From "The Valley of Spiders" and "The Magic Shop" to "The Story of the Inexperienced Ghost", prepare to be enthralled as you uncover the hidden treasures of one of the greatest literary masters in history.Whether you're a dedicated fan of H.G. Wells or a curious reader looking for new literary experiences, this collection is sure to intrigue you!H. G. Wells (1866-1946), the 'father of science fiction,' was an English author known for groundbreaking works like "The Time Machine," "The Invisible Man," and "The War of the Worlds."

Stampato per la prima volta nel 1897, le protagoniste de 'L'ospite' sono le donne il cui universo viene esplorato dalla scrittrice sarda nel contesto della sua terra natia. Quello raccontato dalla Deledda è un mondo arcaico e primitivo dove emergono bisogni primari (e non) da soddisfare: fame, sesso, desiderio e possesso.Grazia Deledda (1871-1936) è stata una scrittrice italiana. Considerata una delle figure più importanti della letteratura italiana, vinse il Nobel per la letteratura nel 1926, seconda donna e prima italiana a vincere il prestigioso premio. Tra le sue opere più importanti, spesso ambientate in Sardegna, ricordiamo 'Canne al vento', 'La madre', 'La via del male', 'Cenere' e 'Elias Portolu'.

Bakom ryggen är en samling noveller av Lars Åke Augustsson som reflekterar hur det var att leva i Sverige under mitten av 1990-talet. I "Ingens bil" målas ett spännande scenario upp med en obekant och obemannad bil som står parkerad framför ett pars villa. I "Framåt (mot mörkret)" minns det tillbaka till när nya bostadsområden byggdes och förändrade Sverige för alltid.Novellerna är korta och vitt skilda, men målar tillsammans en vidare bild av ett samhälle i förändring.Lars Åke Augustsson (1949-) är en svensk författare, journalist och översättare från Malmö. Lars debuterade med en diktsamling 1969 och har sedan dess publicerat ett stort antal verk, bland annat tillsammans med författaren Stig Hansén.

Verso le tre del mattino, dopo una festa in maschera nel suo appartamento da scapolo, l’avvocato Roberto Fenoglio si addormenta ancora vestito. A trentaquattro anni - con una carriera avviata, uno stipendio notevole, un cuoco e un governante al seguito - sembrerebbe aver tutto dalla vita. Nonostante ciò, l'avvocato è infelice e organizza feste per sentirsi meno solo e tenere a bada il vuoto che percepisce nella propria vita.Le cose però potrebbero cambiare proprio quella notte, quando una ragazza, inseguita da due gendarmi, si rifugia nell´appartamento, entrando dalla porta lasciata accidentalmente accostata. Troverà Fenoglio che dorme beato, ancora con la maschera addosso. Al risveglio, il protagonista sente che la sua vita non sarà più la stessa.Anton Giulio Barrili (1836-1908) nasce a Savona. Laureatosi in Lettere e Filosofia a Genova, nel 1859 si arruola volontario nell’esercito piemontese, partecipando a varie campagne militari al seguito di Garibaldi. Nel corso della sua vita, segnata dall’esperienza risorgimentale, fonda due riviste (L’occhialetto e Il Caffaro) e collabora come redattore al San Giorgio. Assume, inoltre, la direzione delle riviste Il Movimento (1860) e La Domenica Letteraria (1884). È stato autore di poesia e di commedie, firmando inoltre una cinquantina di romanzi.

Poche attività conciliano i sogni ad occhi aperti come viaggiare. Che sia in treno, in carrozza, o su qualsiasi mezzo di trasporto, lo scorrere del paesaggio esterno stimola il pensiero e sprigiona la fantasia. Sotto la spinta della fantasia si tende a romanzare la realtà, creare scenari immaginari e idilliaci e lasciarsi trasportare da pensieri amorosi. Analizzando questo fenomeno, Barrili racconta l’unione di sogno e amore attraverso il viaggio, attraverso gli Appennini che corrono sullo sfondo della narrazione, attraverso l’Italia di fine Ottocento.Anton Giulio Barrili (1836-1908) nasce a Savona. Laureatosi in Lettere e Filosofia a Genova, nel 1859 si arruola volontario nell’esercito piemontese, partecipando a varie campagne militari al seguito di Garibaldi. Nel corso della sua vita, segnata dall’esperienza risorgimentale, fonda due riviste (L’occhialetto e Il Caffaro) e collabora come redattore al San Giorgio. Assume inoltre la direzione delle riviste Il Movimento (1860) e La Domenica Letteraria (1884). È stato autore di poesia e di commedie, firmando inoltre una cinquantina di romanzi.

Tra le opere narrative migliori di Capuana, queste novelle ispirate alla vita, ai personaggi e ai fatti della provincia siciliana regalano un quadro verosimile dove il realismo di matrice verista è unito a un certo gusto bozzettistico per la commedia e il grottesco, in cui anche le situazioni più drammatiche vengono stemperate con sapiente umorismo in chiave tragicomica.Luigi Capuana (1839 - 1915) è stato uno scrittore, critico, accademico e giornalista di origini siciliane tra i massimi esponenti del verismo italiano.Visse a lungo a Mineo, dove fu eletto due volte sindaco, ma anche a Firenze, a Milano e a Roma, per poi ritornare in Sicilia come professore all’Università di Catania. Seguace dei teorici del naturalismo francese, affermò la necessità di creare un romanzo nuovo, che ritraesse il mondo contadino e la realtà regionale, approfondendo lo studio psicologico dei personaggi e quello dei sentimenti. Fra le sue opere si ricordano le fiabe di "C’era una volta" (1882) e i due romanzi "Profumo" (1891) e "Il marchese di Roccaverdina" (1901).

A widow spends weeks haunting a cemetery, desperate to track down an unknown woman who keeps leaving flowers on her husband’s grave; A daughter searches a foreign city for her father, trying to understand why he disappeared forty-five years ago; A former gay lover of Roger Casement stands among the crowds at his state funeral in 1965, paying silent homage to the closeted world they were forced to inhabit at the dawning of the Irish State. A writer at a book launch comes face to face with the person secretly responsible for his success.Lyrical, haunting and irresistible, Dermot Bolger peers under the veneer of our lives, exploring the secrets that bind families together or tear them apart.Perfect for fans of Claire Keegan, John MaGahern, and Sef Hughes.Born in Finglas, North Dublin, in 1959, Dermot Bolger is one of Ireland’s best-known writers across a range of genres. His fourteen novels include "The Journey Home", "The Family on Paradise Pier", "New Town Soul2, "Tanglewood" and "The Lonely Sea and Sky." He is also an accomplished playwright and poet, with his most recent play, "Last Orders At The Dockside", having a hugely successful, sold-out run at the Abbey Theatre.

Estem en contra és un recull de relats d'humor que observa la vida i les situacions quotidianes del dia a dia des de la sàtira. A través de situacions absurdes de personatges curiosos, en Xavier Gual presenta la nostra realitat com una sèrie de disbarats inesperats i molt còmics. Al cap i a la fi, que és més humà que estar en contra d'alguna cosa, encara que sigui en contra dels que estan en contra?Xavier Gual (Barcelona, 1973) és escriptor i periodista, llicenciat en filologia catalana a la Universitat de Barcelona. Les seves històries, siguin curtes o llargues, estan carregades de sarcasme i d'un humor àcid molt característic de l'autor. Ha publicat reculls de contes i diverses novel·les de narrativa adulta, policíaca i novel·la juvenil. Ha guanyat diversos premis, entre ells el Premi Mercè Rodoreda, el Premi Ribera d'Ebre o el Premi Pere Quart. Els seus llibres han estat traduïts a diversos idiomes, entre ells l'italià i el francès.

I en række fortællinger om børn og unge, deres liv og drømme møder vi blandt andre Jørgen, som ikke er særlig dygtig i skolen, undtagen til fysik og tegning. Han er ikke et sekund i tvivl om, hvad hans evner skal bruges til. Han skal være ingeniør, for han skal i hvert fald ikke ende som sin uduelige, gamle far, der altid koster rundt med Jørgens forkuede mor. Vi møder også Tevs, der som helt ung bliver ansat som piccolo på Hotel d’Angleterre, hvor han for alvor lærer, hvad det vil sige at være nederst i hierarkiet, samt en lang række andre børn og unge fra 1920’ernes Danmark.Jens Christian Houmark (1869-1950) var en dansk journalist og forfatter. Han arbejdede som journalist på både Aalborg Amtstidende og B.T. og udgav en lang række romaner. Christian Houmark boede i mange år sammen med sin nære ven Herman Bang, men selvom de begge var homoseksuelle, tyder det på, at der var tale om en ugengældt forelskelse fra Christian Houmarks side og ikke et kæresteforhold. Ikke desto mindre betød de to store forfattere meget for hinanden både som venner og kolleger.

Når den travle læge hver sommer rejser på landet med sin familie, har han brug for fred og ro og kan ikke magte besøg fra hverken venner eller slægtninge. Imidlertid kan han ikke lade være med at interessere sig for omegnens mennesker, deres liv og velbefindende. Én gang læge, altid læge. Den første person, han lærer at kende er altid postbuddet, der indtager en særlig position i alle små samfund.Novellen "Det gamle postbud" fortæller om et ganske særligt postbud, som bærer på hemmeligheder, som lægen straks fornemmer, men ikke umiddelbart kan knække. Han må helt ind på livet af det gamle postbud, selv hvis det betyder, at han skal blive i landsbyen lidt længere end planlagt.Foruden fortællingen "Det gamle postbud" indeholder samlingen "Invaliden", "Kirkestien" og "Agenten".Cornelia Levetzow (1836-1921) var dansk forfatter og udgav frem til 1891 alle sine bøger under pseudonymet J. Hun opnåede stor anerkendelse i både Danmark og udlandet for sine romaner og noveller. Hendes debutroman fra 1860, "En ung piges historie", der må betragtes som et vigtigt bidrag til den danske guvernanteroman, blev en stor succes.

Pelle kan ikke rigtigt få hold på tilværelsen i København, hvor han er havnet med begge ben i et trekantsdrama. Han forsøger at overtale sin sambo Lene og hendes søskende til at rejse med til Wien. Men er det nu også en god idé?Novellesamlingen "Og så af sted til Wien" er Lars Frosts litterære debut. Bogen udkom første gang i 2000.Lars Frost (f. 1973) er uddannet fra Forfatterskolen i 1998 og debuterede i 2000 med novellesamlingen "Og så af sted til Wien". Hans forfatterskab er kendetegnet ved en legende tilgang til prosaformen og til romanen som litterær genre. Lars Frost har modtaget flere priser for sit litterære arbejde.

‘The Sandman‘ (1844) was written by the German romantic author E. T. A. Hoffmann, most famous for his novella ‘The Nutcracker and the Mouse King’ (1816) which inspired Tchaikovsky’s ‘The Nutcracker’.A tale of madness, deceit and murder. A young man becomes obsessed with the sandman, who steals people's eyes. ‘The Sandman’, has produced numerous adaptations and has influenced modern horror fiction. It provided the inspiration for Delibes's ballet Coppélia, and formed the basis of Sigmund Freud’s important essay, 'The Uncanny'. This classic short story is perfect for fans of horror and fantasy fiction and the authors H. P. Lovecraft and Neil Gaiman.Ernst Theodor Wilhelm Hoffmann (1776-1822), better known as E. T. A. Hoffmann, was a German romantic author of fantasy and gothic horror. He was also a composer, music critic, draftsman and caricaturist.Hoffmann's stories inspired several famous operatic composers, including Richard Wagner, Jacques Offenbach and Léo Delibes. He is also the author of the novella ‘The Nutcracker and the Mouse King’, on which Tchaikovsky’s famous ballet, ‘The Nutcracker’ is based. The story also inspired the film ‘The Nutcracker and the Four Realms’ (2018), starring Keira Knightley, Morgan Freeman, Helen Mirren.

From the "father of science fiction", H.G. Wells, comes a tale of a near-death experience.In H.G. Wells' short story 'Under the Knife', the narrator undergoes an operation during which Dr Haddon administers an anaesthetic. While under, the patient journeys into space and discovers that the universe is merely a speck of light reflected on a ring, worn on God's hand. A thought-provoking exploration of the afterlife, the universe, and the unconscious mind, H.G. Wells' novella 'Under the knife' will be enjoyed by fans of the Matrix films.H.G. Wells (1866 – 1946) was a prolific writer and the author of more than 50 novels. In addition, we wrote more than 60 short stories, alongside various scientific papers. Many of his most famous works have been adapted for film and television, including ‘The Time Machine,’ starring Guy Pearce, ‘War of the Worlds,’ starring Tom Cruise, and ‘The Invisible Man,’ starring Elizabeth Moss. Because of his various works exploring futuristic themes, Wells is regarded as one of the ‘Fathers of Science Fiction.’

Who is Egbert Craddock Cummins? And why is he changing?'The Obliterated Man' tells the tale of a shy young man, Egbert Craddock Cummins, who reluctantly takes on the role of a theatre critic and as a result, somehow takes on the mannerisms and over-acting he sees displayed on stage.The short story by the "father of science fiction", H.G. Wells, was first published in 'New Budget' in 1895 under the title 'The Sad Story of a Dramatic Critic', it was later included in Wells' short story collections 'The Plattner Story and Others' and 'The Country of the Blind and Other Stories'.H.G. Wells (1866 – 1946) was a prolific writer and the author of more than 50 novels. In addition, we wrote more than 60 short stories, alongside various scientific papers. Many of his most famous works have been adapted for film and television, including ‘The Time Machine,’ starring Guy Pearce, ‘War of the Worlds,’ starring Tom Cruise, and ‘The Invisible Man,’ starring Elizabeth Moss. Because of his various works exploring futuristic themes, Wells is regarded as one of the ‘Fathers of Science Fiction.’