Short stories

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.’

First published in 'The Strand Magazine' in 1925, 'The Pearl of Love' by H.G. Wells is an allegorical tale of love, devotion, and loss.Inspired by ancient Persian literature, this short story tells the fable of a bereaved Indian prince whose beloved wife dies young. Much in the same way as Shah Jahan (the fifth Mughal emperor of India) built the Taj Mahal as a shrine to his late wife, the prince in this story devotes his life to building the perfect memorial to his lost love but, as in many tales of romance, there's a cruel twist that pulls at his heart.H.G. Wells (1866 – 1946) was a prolific writer and the author of more than 50 novels. In addition, he 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.’

Throughout history, mankind has sought to harness the power of nature, solve its mysteries and use it for their own advantage. Time and time again, it is shown that mother nature cannot be overpowered, and yet time and time again mankind fails to heed repeated warnings.When Winter Wedderburn seeks to explore new species of orchid he makes a startling discovery about the power of mother nature. Alluring and beautiful, he cannot resist studying the unknown species, oblivious to the fate that met its discoverer.This short story by H. G. Wells tells us a lot about Victorian scientific discoveries such as those by Charles Darwin, and the excitement and mystique surrounding new and exotic creatures and plants.H. G. Wells (1866-1946) was a writer most well-known for science fiction titles such as 'War of the Worlds' and 'The Time Machine.' In many ways he is often considered to be a pioneer in the science fiction genre, though he also wrote short fiction, satire, social commentaries, biography and autobiography. He was nominated for the Nobel Prize in Literature on four occasions. In addition to writing, he was a teacher, historian and artist.

"The Lost Letter" is a short story by Gogol published in his 1831 collection "Evenings on a Farm Near Dikanka". In it, an exuberant narrator, the old sexton Foma, humorously recounts the story about his grandfather's adventures. Assigned with the task of delivering an important letter to the Russian Czarina, the old man sets to a journey in which he encounters a Cossack man who claims to have sold his soul to the devil. That night, a demon steals the old man’s hat with the letter tucked inside. Determined to fulfill his duty, the old man has to go through different obstacles that stand on his way. But will his determination make him enter the Hell itself?The story has numerous adaptations, among which an animated film of the same name (1945) directed by Brumberg sisters, which is considered the first Soviet cel-animated feature film, and the Soviet musical-tragicomedy film Propala Hramota (1972) which is praised as the pearl of Ukrainian cinema.Nikolai Gogol (1809-1852) was a Ukrainian-born Russian humorist, novelist, and dramatist whose work played a crucial role in the direction of Russian literature. He was considered to be one of the leading figures of Russian realism. His novel "Dead Souls", a satire of the political corruption in the Russian Empire, is viewed by many literary historians as the first great Russian novel. Among his contributions to Russian and world literature are the surrealistic and grotesque "The Nose" and "The Mantle", the satirical "The Inspector General", the historical novel "Taras Bulba", the comedy "Marriage", the humorous short stories "Diary of a Madman" and "The Tale of How Ivan Ivanovich Quarreled with Ivan Nikiforovich". His works have influenced generations of readers and still continue to impress with their subtle psychologism and matchless style.

A man is awoken in his grave by the sound of trumpets on judgment day.As the first souls come before God and Archangel Gabriel for the last judgment, the man soon discovers that judgement day is not quite how he imagined. God and Archangel Gabriel laugh at saints and sinners alike until they are so embarrassed that they flee "up the sleeve of God" where they are enlightened, given new bodies and a second chance. When God shakes them from his sleeve they land on a foreign planet and humanity is instructed to "try again" with their newfound understanding.This science-fiction fantasy take on a religious parable is written by the author of the science fiction classic 'The War of the Worlds', H.G. Wells. 'A Vision of Judgment' is a satirical short story that could easily be a precursor to comedy-drama 'The Good Place' or animated film 'Soul'.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.’

Freedom. A quality valued by many, and which is never restricted without consequence. Can a mother’s guidance ever be too much?One beautiful suit could be all it takes to break a family apart. Protection becomes a shell, a place to hide from reality, but also a prison. There is always a breaking point, and this breaking point takes the form of one piece of tissue paper. Is freedom the danger, or was the danger created by mother’s constraint?‘The Beautiful Suit’ is an exploration of society’s norms, and whether people’s behaviour determine them, or the norms determine people’s behaviour. Though it was first published in 1909, its themes and questions still ring true in today’s society.H. G. Wells (1866-1946) was a writer most well-known for science fiction titles such as 'War of the Worlds' and 'The Time Machine.' In many ways he is often considered to be a pioneer in the science fiction genre, though he also wrote short fiction, satire, social commentaries, biography and autobiography. He was nominated for the Nobel Prize in Literature on four occasions. In addition to writing, he was a teacher, historian and artist.

Una casa grande, una serva, un lavoro al Ministero, in prima fila alla parata reale, il giornale che arriva ogni mattina, il fine settimana al Castello e le vacanze a Frascati: la famiglia De-Tappetti può vantarsi di essere una degna rappresentazione della classe media romana sul finire del Diciannovesimo Secolo. Poco importa se la casa è assediata da una confusione perenne, la serva non viene pagata e le vacanze sono annullate per via di una mancata promozione. Sulla famiglia regna Policarpo De-Tappetti, padre severo di un figlio stupido, fedele scrivano di un Ministero che si dimentica di lui e vorace lettore di giornali che non capisce.La famiglia De-Tappetti è un ritratto tragicomico della piccola borghesia governativa che si crede grande, le cui vicende sono narrate in una serie di esilaranti racconti brevi, dalla penna di uno dei più sagaci e acuti giornalisti del suo tempo. Da questo romanzo ne è stato tratto il film "Policarpo, ufficiale di scrittura" (1959) diretto da Mario Soldati e premiato come migliore commedia al 12º Festival di Cannes.Luigi Arnaldo Vassallo (1852-1906) fu un importante giornalista e autore umoristico genovese. Fu direttore del quotidiano Il Secolo XIX, sul quale scriveva corsivi con lo pseudonimo di Gandolin.

Attraverso gli occhi di protagoniste squisitamente femminili, questi racconti di impronta verista offrono uno scorcio di quella che era la situazione economica, sociale e culturale dell'Italia a cavallo tra Ottocento e Novecento.Luigia Emanuel Saredo è stata una scrittrice italiana, di origini piemontesi, attiva nella seconda metà dell'Ottocento. Autrice prolifica fin dalla tenera età, venne lodata dalla critica contemporanea per lo stile diretto e le trame complesse ma sempre molto realistiche. Nel 1859 sposò il giornalista Giuseppe Saredo, con cui viaggiò per tutta Italia, prima a Parma, poi in Sardegna e a Roma.

"Il cedro del Libano" è una raccolta di trentuno racconti pubblicata postuma. La descrizione dei paesaggi, dei personaggi e della realtà, che sembra vivida, concreta e presente, tende a ritirarsi in qualcosa di più indefinito, sfocato, intimo. Ognuno di questi racconti, a suo modo, porta il peso dell'inquietudine e del turbamento di una condizione esistenziale dominata da un senso precario, effimero della vita, che non trova risposte, ma cerca conforto nell’intesa e nell’unione con la natura.Grazie Deledda (1871 – 1936) è stata una scrittrice italiana che ha vinto il premio Nobel per la letteratura nel 1926. Studiò da autodidatta esordendo come giornalista su riviste di moda. Scrisse romanzi e racconti dalla vena etica, incrociando influssi veristi e dannunziani, descrivendo la dura vita quotidiana dei compaesani sardi. Tra le sue opere non si possono non citare "Canne al vento", "Elias Portolu" e "Marianna Sirca".

Diese bewegende Sammlung zeigt eine Seite von Peter Härtlings Leben auf, die unter die Haut geht. "Krücke", erzählt von der Begegnung zwischen einem neunjährigen Jungen und dem Kriegsinvaliden Krücke, die sich in den Ruinen eines vom Krieg zerstörten Wiens treffen. In "Bozena" erzählt Härtling eine fiktive Geschichte mit wahrem Kern, in dem er das Leben der Sekretärin seines Vaters aufgreift und "Nachgetragene Liebe" ist eine autobiografische Erzählung, die die Schicksalsschläge im Leben des Autors aufzeigen.Peter Härtling, der 1933 in Chemnitz geboren wurde, gelangte nach einer dramatischen Flucht 1948 nach Nürtingen. Auf der Flucht wurde seine Mutter vergewaltigt und sein Vater starb im Kriegsgefangenenlager, woraufhin seine Mutter Selbstmord beging.Nach redaktioneller Tätigkeit für mehrere Zeitschriften und Zeitungen wurde er 1967 Cheflektor im S. Fischer Verlag und später Sprecher der Geschäftsführung. In den 1960ern arbeitete er bei dem Wahlkampf der SPD mit und engagierte sich in der Friedensbewegung. Peter Härtling erhielt mehrere Auszeichnungen, unter anderem das Bundesverdienstkreuz und den Deutschen Buchpreis.

It’s 1870 and the Siege of Paris is in full swing, where the French-Prussian war has brought daily life to a halt. Wearied, starving, and strung out on absinthe, two men meet by chance at their favourite fishing spot. "Two Friends" follows Morissot and Sauvage as they make their way into no man’s land and drink away the miseries of the war.A powerful short story that extolls the virtues of French patriotism and dramatises the cruelties of war. Maupassant’s portrayal yearns for a return to ordinary life and real human connections, through plain philosophy and simple language suited to the styles of Flaubert and Hemingway.Guy de Maupassant (1850-1893) was a famous French writer, often referred to as the father of the short story. A prolific writer, his best known works include "Bel-Ami", "Une Vie" and "The Necklace", alongside some 300 short stories, travel books, and poetry. A master of style and dramatic narrative, Maupassant’s stories are drawn to themes of war, the working class, and the human condition. One of his greatest influences was Gustave Flaubert, who introduced him to some of the central names of the time such as Emile Zola, Ivan Turgenev, and Henry James.

An invisible killer, a family curse, a voodoo cult, a murdered prince, and a stolen salad dressing. Strange events call for a detective like no other, and Father Brown has a tendency to see to the heart of things. G. K. Chesterton’s famous priest-detective shines in this crime anthology, packed with mystery and paradox. From ‘The Absence of Mr. Glass’ to ‘The Head of Caesar’, Father Brown and his thief-turned-detective sidekick, Flambeau, return for a series of adventures that range from philosophical quibbles to the most fundamental matters of morality. This collection of crime short stories will tickle fans of Sherlock Holmes and Dirk Gently alike with satirical wit and enticingly clever cases.Gilbert Keith Chesterton (1874 – 1936) was an English writer, journalist, philosopher, and literary critic. An unparalleled essayist, he produced over four thousand essays during his lifetime, alongside eighty novels and two hundred short stories. Tackling topics of politics, history, philosophy and theology with tenacious wit and humour, G. K. Chesterton was often considered a master of the paradox. Himself both a modernist and devout Catholic, he is remembered best for his priest-detective short stories ‘Father Brown’, and his metaphysical thriller ‘The Man Who Was Thursday’. In his lifetime Chesterton befriended and debated some of the greatest thinkers of the age, such as George Bernard Shaw, H. G. Wells, and Bertrand Russell, while his works went on to inspire figures including T. S. Eliot, Michael Collins, and Mahatma Gandhi.

Back when Louisa May Alcott was an aspiring author she took to the art of writing short stories – much like her character Jo March in ´Little Women’.A thrilling and chilling story, 'A Whisper in the Dark' delves into the vulnerability of innocence as a young girl is sent to reside with her uncle and cousin, with the expectation that she will eventually marry the latter.The tale beautifully demonstrates the remarkable range and complexity of Alcott's work, and is often considered a gothic masterpiece.Fans of Stephen King, Gillian Flynn and Agatha Christie will find plenty to love in 'A Whisper in the Dark´.Louisa May Alcott (1832-1888) was an American writer of numerous beloved novels, short stories and poems. One of her best-known works is "Little Women", a novel that has been turned into numerous film and television adaptations, such as the 2019 film, starring Saorise Ronan, Florence Pugh and Timothée Chalamet.

When the Baronne de Grangerie attempts to imitate the gestures of a woman in the window on the opposite side of the street, she gets much more than she bargained for. Will she make her next move based on her sensual appetites, or will her conscience prevail? With his short story "The Signal" from 1886, Guy de Maupassant conveys the little dramas and daily preoccupations of the rich and bored bourgeois. Maupassant himself was famously fascinated with lower class women and prostitution – but with "The Signal", he ironically moves the brothel to the boudoir in a clash of social class.Guy de Maupassant (1850-1893) was a famous French writer, best known as one of the finest practitioners of the French short story. Master of style and dramatic narrative, Maupassant’s stories are mainly interested in the relationships between men and women, often found at the crossroads of life. One of his greatest influences was Gustave Flaubert, who introduced him to some of the central names of the time such as Emile Zola, Henry James, and Ivan Turgenev. Some of his best known works include the novels "Bel Ami" and "Une Vie", more than 300 short stories, travel books, and even an attempt at poetry.

Two old school friends meet in a café in Paris, but their chance meeting turns into a surprise for one of them. Aged, dirty, and with fingernails blackened with tobacco, Jean des Barrets has fallen on hard times since the days of his lordship, and to the dismay of his friend now passes his days drinking beers, or "Bocks". The two discuss how fate has led them down differing paths, and whether Barrets’ lifestyle is, in fact, so different from the rest of us.Family issues, anger, pain, and mistakes fill this short story to the brim. A philosophical tease for fans of Flaubert or Camus, Maupassant tackles themes of poverty and childhood trauma with compassion, elegance, and understanding.Guy de Maupassant (1850-1893) was a famous French writer, often referred to as the father of the short story. A prolific writer, his best known works include "Bel-Ami", "Une Vie" and "The Necklace", alongside some 300 short stories, travel books, and poetry. A master of style and dramatic narrative, Maupassant’s stories are drawn to themes of war, the working class, and the human condition. One of his greatest influences was Gustave Flaubert, who introduced him to some of the central names of the time such as Emile Zola, Ivan Turgenev, and Henry James.

Alpinista Nuñez na skutek nieszczęśliwego wypadku trafia do "Kraju Ślepców" - doliny otoczonej stromymi przepaściami. Społeczność tego terenu została przed laty dotknięta chorobą, która spowodowała ślepotę niemowlaków. Z biegiem czasu ludność coraz bardziej przystosowywała się do życia bez wzroku, wyostrzając pozostałe zmysły. Widzący Nuñez ma poczucie przewagi, sądzi, że łatwo byłoby mu przejąć władzę nad ślepcami. Mieszkańcy mają go jednak za dziwaka. Czy związek z miejscową dziewczyną pozwoli mu przełamać ich nieufność?Jedno z najbardziej znanych opowiadań Wellsa. W 1939 r. autor przebudował zakończenie i opublikował drugą wersję utworu.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".

Wyobraźmy sobie świat, w którym woda jest dobrem luksusowym, a długość życia każdego z nas jest wskazywana przez wodomierz. Dzięki takim konceptom Andrzej Zimniak pozwala swoim czytelnikom wyjść poza automatyzm poznawczy, zagrać w intelektualną grę i zakwestionować pewniki, na których zbudowana jest przewidywalność naszego życia. Zbiór 12 opowiadań z pogranicza fantastyki i science fiction usatysfakcjonuje miłośników twórczości Janusza Zajdla.

Tytułowe opowiadanie zbioru mówi o czterech siostrach Willises, które w swojej społeczności, po wielu latach samotnego życia, uchodzą za stare panny. Tymczasem wieść niesie, że każda z nich niedawno wyszła za mąż! W oficjalnej ceremonii pan Robinson poślubił jedną dziewczynę z tego domu - ale co z pozostałymi? Ponieważ styl życia sióstr w ogóle się nie zmienia, pytania zaczynają się mnożyć.W skład zbioru wchodzą ponadto następujące opowiadania: "Czarna Zasłona", "Msza Belzebuba", "Rzeka", "Szkoła Tańca", "Horacy Sparkins", "Senty-Menty", "Nasz Sąsiad" i "Śmierć Pijaka".Charles Dickens (1812-1870) - dziewiętnastowieczny angielski powieściopisarz, najwybitniejszy wówczas przedstawiciel powieści społeczno-obyczajowej. Czuły na niesprawiedliwość społeczną, precyzyjnie opisywał życie uboższych sfer i portretował ekscentryków w konwencji groteski i karykatury. Wywodził się z rodziny, która popadła w nędzę, bardzo wcześnie podjął pracę zarobkową w fabryce pasty do butów, uznanie w środowisku literackim zapewniła mu powieść "Klub Pickwicka".

Zbiór opowiadań połączonych motywem ognia - żywiołu, który zarazem umożliwia życie i przynosi śmierć, budzi strach i osobliwą fascynację. Bohaterami utworów są w większości strażacy, którzy podczas akcji ratunkowych doświadczają niesamowitych wrażeń. Tam, skąd bucha serce pożaru, wśród kłębów dymu i falującego powietrza pojawiają się tajemnicze postaci, byty astralne i paranormalne zjawiska. Nowele przypominają gawędy, jakie można byłoby sobie opowiadać późną nocą w remizie. Pochodzące ze zbioru "Pożarowisko" zostało w 1968 r. zaadaptowane na telewizyjny film fabularny przez Ryszarda Bera.Stefan Grabiński (1887-1936) - urodzony na terenach dzisiejszej Ukrainy pisarz, uważany za jednego z pierwszych twórców polskiej fantastyki. Tworzył powieści, dramaty i opowiadania. Publikował w czasopismach literackich i popularnych, świat jego utworów zaludniały tajemnicze uwodzicielki, sobowtóry, demony, duchy, wiedźmy. Zarazem pisarz zafascynowany był nowoczesną techniką, akcję swoich książek umieszczał w remizach strażackich czy na dworcach kolejowych. Autor interesował się parapsychologią i magią. Był porównywany do światowych przedstawicieli tzw. fantastyki grozy - Lovecrafta oraz Poe. W 1975 r. ukazał się wybór jego nowel pt. "Niesamowite opowieści", dokonany przez samego Stanisława Lema. Nowele takie jak "Kochanka Szamoty", "Ślepy tor", "Pożarowisko", "Dom Sary" były wielokrotnie ekranizowane.

Zbiór 17 opowiadań grozy polskiego mistrza niesamowitości. Kompilację otwiera tytułowa "Namiętność – L'appassionata" - osadzona w plątaninie weneckich kanałów historia pary kochanków, którzy prowokując siebie nawzajem, prowokują jednocześnie mroczne moce. Kolejnym utworem opisującym pokrętną relację miłosną z udziałem sił nadprzyrodzonych jest kilkukrotnie ekranizowana "Kochanka Szamoty". Notariusz Józef Szamota przybywa do opustoszałego majątku, by oszacować jego cenę. W ciągu kilku dni spędzonych w posiadłości staje się uczestnikiem tajemniczych wydarzeń, które - jak się wydaje - mają związek z wiszącym w pokoju portretem tajemniczej kobiety. To tylko kilka wątków ze zbioru, który na przemian straszy i zachwyca. Książka przypadnie do gustu miłośnikom stylu Edgara Allana Poe.Stefan Grabiński (1887-1936) - urodzony na terenach dzisiejszej Ukrainy pisarz, uważany za jednego z pierwszych twórców polskiej fantastyki. Tworzył powieści, dramaty i opowiadania. Publikował w czasopismach literackich i popularnych, świat jego utworów zaludniały tajemnicze uwodzicielki, sobowtóry, demony, duchy, wiedźmy. Zarazem pisarz zafascynowany był nowoczesną techniką, akcję swoich książek umieszczał w remizach strażackich czy na dworcach kolejowych. Autor interesował się parapsychologią i magią. Był porównywany do światowych przedstawicieli tzw. fantastyki grozy - Lovecrafta oraz Poe. W 1975 r. ukazał się wybór jego nowel pt. "Niesamowite opowieści", dokonany przez samego Stanisława Lema. Nowele takie jak "Kochanka Szamoty", "Ślepy tor", "Pożarowisko", "Dom Sary" były wielokrotnie ekranizowane.