Short stories

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.

Kun puolalainen kirjallisuudenopiskelija Tadeusz Borowski joutuu Auschwitzin keskitysleirille, hänen elämänsä muuttuu käsittämättömästi. Keskitysleirillä keskitytään hengissä selviämiseen ja entisen elämän ylellisyydet – kuten kunnollinen ruoka – ovat vain kaukainen haavekuva. Normaalin ja epänormaalin rajat häilyvät leirin arjessa, kun vangit työskentelevät, rakastuvat, selviytyvät ja tulevat murhatuiksi. Voiko Auschwitzissa pysyä järjissään?Kotimme Auschwitz on traaginen novellikokoelma elämästä keskitysleirillä toisen maailmansodan aikoina.Puolalainen kirjailija Tadeusz Borowski (1922–1951) joutui keskitysleirille, koska häntä epäiltiin maanalaisesta toiminnasta. Borowski kuoli oman käden kautta vuonna 1951.

• Seznamte se se záletnickým manželem, který si myslí, že spáchal dokonalou vraždu...• Poznejte sebejistého šachového šampiona, který hraje s krásnou ženou o mnohem víc než jen o peníze...• Nahlédněte do plánů ministra financí, který potřebuje prolomit tajemství švýcarské banky...Jeffrey Archer vás v této sbírce dvanácti povídek zavede na místa, která jste dosud neviděli, a seznámí vás s lidmi, na které jen tak nezapomenete. Od Afriky po Blízký východ, od Londýna až po Peking – všude tady na vás čekají příběhy plné zmařených ambicí, nehynoucí vášně, napětí a nečekaných zvratů.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 Mind of Mr. J. G. Reeder’ is a collection of eight, highly original detective short stories centred around a very unassuming Mr. Reed. He is an older man, not particularly tall or muscular, to see him in the police station you would assume he was a clerk, but this small man strikes fear in the London underworld. In his own words, he has the mind of a criminal, and using this he is tearing the criminal underworld apart piece by piece. It is a brilliant collection of shorts, each with their own compelling, unique plot and brilliant characters. This book is perfect for some fun reading on a commute home or anyone keen to see what an elderly ‘Sherlock’ might be like.Edgar Wallace (1875-1932) was an English writer, poet and journalist. He was such a prolific writer that his publisher claimed his work could account for a quarter of all books sold in England. He wrote countless books, screenplays, poems and historical non-fiction, spawning over one hundred and sixty films based on his work. He unfortunately passed away suddenly before he could see his most famous creation ‘King Kong’ come to life. It has been adapted several times over the years, notably by Peter Jackson of Lord of the Rings fame, and more recently in ‘Godzilla vs Kong’ starring Millie Bobby Brown.

John Thorndyke is a Sherlock Holmes inspired forensic detective employed primarily as a visionary expert witness. He uses the available science and technology of his era to determine and demonstrate how and when certain crimes were perpetrated. Unlike Holmes, the Edwardian sleuth Thorndyke is roundly mocked for his deductive abilities.R. Austin Freeman presents eight cases for Dr. John Thorndyke, including a classic locked-room murder mystery and a dead woman discovered on a train. Dr. Thorndyke punctiliously gathers the evidence of stray footprints, dust, hairs, fibres and even a single blue sequin to resolve the mystery and see that justice is served.A compelling and fascinating detective set of classic detective stories. A decidedly steampunk atmosphere for the present-day reader. Highly recommended for enthusiasts of Conan Doyle's 'Sherlock Holmes' novels as well as the popular 2010 TV series 'Sherlock' starring Benedict Cumberbatch and Martin Freeman. Fans of the 'CSI: Crime Scene Investigation' series will also be intrigued by the life and ways of literature's first forensic detective.R Austin Freeman (1862-1943) was an English doctor. He created the first and best-known forensic scientist, Dr John Thorndyke. Freeman was born in London, the son of a tailor. He took a medical degree from Middlesex Hospital Medical College. He married Annie Elizabeth Edwards in 1887 and had two sons. He travelled to the Gold Coast of Africa for work, but after seven years was invalided out. He returned to England unable to work in medicine and began writing fiction in 1902. There followed a long series of Dr Thorndyke mysteries, including some of the first 'inverted' mystery stories, where the identity of the criminal is revealed at the outset and the interest of the story lies in seeing how the detection is done.

Exploring the idea that it’s good to be able to discern between healthy and toxic relationships, ‘The Devoted Friend’ is perhaps more relevant now than it has ever been. While this might read as a sweet fairy-tale, Wilde imbues it with important lessons in morality and friendship. It begins with a linnet meeting a vain and ignorant water-rat. In order to bring the water-rat to some realisation, the linnet tells him the story of a gardener, Hans, and how his good nature is exploited by his supposed friend, Big Hugh. Delightfully written and full of charm, this book is perfect for younger readers and those who cannot resist the pull of nostalgia.Oscar Wilde (1854 – 1900) was an Irish novelist, poet, playwright, and wit. He was an advocate of the Aesthetic movement, which extolled the virtues of art for the sake of art. During his career, Wilde wrote nine plays, including ‘The Importance of Being Earnest,’ ‘Lady Windermere’s Fan,’ and ‘A Woman of No Importance,’ many of which are still performed today. His only novel, ‘The Picture of Dorian Gray’ was adapted for the silver screen, in the film, ‘Dorian Gray,’ starring Ben Barnes and Colin Firth. In addition, Wilde wrote 43 poems, and seven essays. His life was the subject of a film, starring Stephen Fry.

Det står en man över en kvinna och slår och slår. Hur hamnade de där? Varför började han den här gången? Hon måste vara tyst, måste skydda barnen så gott hon kan från det hemska som händer. Som om de inte redan vet precis vad det är som pågår. Hon kan i alla fall se till att inte grannarna hör.I Anne-Sofie Nielsens novellsamling Fredagkväll skildras en rad människor i olika livsskeden och situationer. Vi får träffa trebarnsmamman som gång efter annan tar emot makens ursinniga slag, den unga svenskan som möter våren i Paris och den isolerade kattkvinnan som sitter i sitt nedgångna föräldrahem. Berättelserna är gripande, med en återkommande underton av utsatthet, samhällelig likgiltighet och en ständigt stegrande spänning. Samlingen innehåller totalt nio stycken noveller.Anne-Sofie Nielsen, född 1948, är en svensk författare, dramatiker och skådespelerska. Hennes böcker handlar ofta om ensamma och missförstådda kvinnor.

"Och så var det nästan som vanligt igen. Nej, förresten, det var det inte alls. Det var inte alls som vanligt. Det var något ont som kommit i luften och Asko var sjuk i hjärtat.""Änglar i Sanden" är en samling berättelser om en blandad skara människor. Historierna handlar om allt från att inte kunna be om förlåtelse och vara instängd på en toalett till samisk kärlekssång och Judas skägg. Med ett genomgående tema av färjor och egendomliga relationer tar Berit Gullberg med läsaren på ett flertal äventyr världen över och undersöker hur människor utövar makten som de tror att de har.Berit Gullberg, född 1939, är en svensk författare, poet och teaterförläggare från Dalarna. Hon har även arbetat med press och marknadsföring på bl.a. bokförlaget Rabén & Sjögren och Dramaten. Under 1984-1985 var hon programledare för Gomorron Sverige på SVT.

Patnáct povídek, patnáct originálních příběhů – napínavých, dojemných i fascinujících...• Zjistěte, co se stane s bezradným mladým detektivem z Neapole, který cestuje do malého městečka vysoko v horách, aby pátral po zločinci v povídce „Kdo zabil starostu?"• Zažijte „Zásadní obrat" spolu s mladíkem, jehož život se nečekaně promění poté, co se dozví, odkud pochází otcovo bohatství.• Seznamte se s doktorkou Burbageovou, která se v příběhu „Džentlmen a učenkyně" rozhodne postavit kolegům na univerzitě a prosadit se v do té doby ryze mužském prostředí.• Vydejte se stopem se studentkou Kelley, která se během svého dobrodružství v povídce „Promarněná hodina" dozví víc, než by si vůbec dokázala představit.Bestsellerový autor Jeffrey Archer se i v této povídkové knize inspiroval skutečnými lidmi, s nimiž se setkal, příběhy, které zaslechl, i zeměmi, které procestoval. Ponořte se do jeho vyprávění plného napínavých a úsměvných okamžiků i nečekaných konců.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.

Det er egentlig ikke nødvendigt for den unge godsejersøn at tage en uddannelse inden for medicin, for han skal jo alligevel en dag overtage godset efter sin far. Da han har gjort det alligevel, har han ikke travlt med at etablere sig som læge, men vil hellere rejse ud i verden og gå på opdagelse. En ven råder ham til først at give den lille by Munkebjerg ved Vejle en chance. Den skulle være så smuk, at man næppe får lyst til at rejse andre steder hen, når først man har besøgt den. Den unge mand opdager da også noget ganske uventet i Munkebjerg, som får ham til at genoverveje, hvad han vil med sit liv.Bogen er oprindeligt udgivet i 1884 og er Adolphine Fogtmanns debut som forfatter.Adolphine Fogtmann (1847-1934) var en dansk forfatter, der skrev en lang række romaner og børnebøger. Hun debuterede som forfatter i 1884 med romanen "Fra Munkebjerg", som hun skrev under pseudonymet Èdini. De fleste af hendes senere bøger udgav hun under sit eget navn.

Nog voordat ze debuteerde als romancière, publiceerde Carry van Bruggen deze bundel met 9 naturalistische verhalen. Ze scherpt haar pen en test verschillende manieren uit om onderwerpen te behandelen die nog vaak in haar werk zullen terugkomen: de strijd tegen dwang en conventie, het conflict tussen individu en maatschappij, uitsluiting en antisemitisme. Vooral dit laatste onderwerp is belangrijk in de bundel. In het verhaal "Ballotage" worden enkele Joodse meisje opgenomen in een vriendenkring, op voorwaarde dat ze zich voortdurend laten pesten. Een prille verliefdheid stuit op antisemitische spot van andere kinderen in "Juultje". En in "Vreemde nacht" zijn kinderen in de ban van bijgeloof, stuiterend van de ene angst naar de andere.Carry van Bruggen (schrijversnaam van de Joods-Nederlandse Carolina Lea de Haan, 1881-1932) was de zus van Jacob Israël de Haan, schrijver van "Pijpelijntjes", een van de eerste Nederlandse romans waarin homoseksualiteit openlijk werd beschreven. Net als haar broer ging Van Bruggen geen controversieel thema uit de weg. In haar romans en pamfletten ging ze elk dogmatisme te lijf. Ze was de enige vrouwelijke auteur uit haar tijd die door collega’s en critici au sérieux werd genomen. Ze woonde een tijdlang in Nederlands-Indië met haar eerste man. Haar bekendste romans zijn "Eva" en "Een coquette vrouw". Ze schreef ook non-fictie, met als bekendste titels "Prometheus" en "Hedendaags fetisjisme". Haar werk raakte in de vergetelheid, maar werd in de jaren 1970 herontdekt door de feministische beweging.

‘The Jesuits’ Church in G‘ (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 ballet ‘The Nutcracker’.The story first appeared in the ‘Night Pieces’ collection, published in 1816 by The Georg Reimer publishing house in Berlin.Taken "from the papers of a traveling enthusiast’, it tells the story of the creative power of the visual artist Berthold. 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.