Altri libri che potrebbero interessarti

• 

  My First Book: 'Treasure Island'...

  Robert Louis Stevenson

  • 0
  • 0
  • 0

  Robert Louis Stevenson was a Scottish novelist, essayist, poet and travel writer. Born and educated in Edinburgh, Stevenson suffered from serious bronchial trouble for much of his life, but continued to write prolifically and travel widely in defiance of his poor health. As a young man, he mixed in London literary circles, receiving encouragement from Andrew Lang, Edmund Gosse, Leslie Stephen and W. E. Henley, the last of whom may have provided the model for Long John Silver in Treasure Island.MY FIRST BOOK: 'TREASURE ISLAND': It was far indeed from being my first book, for I am not a novelist alone. But I am well aware that my paymaster, the Great Public, regards what else I have written with indifference, if not aversion; if it call upon me at all, it calls on me in the familiar and indelible character.

  Mostra libro

• 

  The Tenant of Wildfell Hall

  Anne Brontë

  • 0
  • 0
  • 0

  "The Tenant of Wildfell Hall" is a novel written by Anne Brontë, which was first published in 1848. The book is considered a classic of Victorian literature and is known for its exploration of social issues and the portrayal of a strong, independent female protagonist. The novel is presented in the form of letters and diary entries, revealing the story of Helen Graham, a mysterious woman who takes up residence at Wildfell Hall. As the narrative unfolds, readers discover the dark secrets of Helen's past and the reasons behind her desire for solitude. The novel addresses themes such as marriage, alcoholism, and women's independence, making it a significant work in the context of 19th-century literature.

  Mostra libro

• 

  The Legend of Saint Julian the...

  Gustave Flaubert

  • 0
  • 0
  • 0

  Gustave Flaubert was born on 12th December 1821 in Rouen, in Normandy, France.  
   
  A gifted child he began writing as early as eight. 
   
  He was educated at the Lycée Pierre-Corneille in Rouen until 1840 and thence to Paris to study law, a city he disliked. He studied little, made few friends and preferred to spend his time writing. His first finished work was ‘November’, a novella, completed in 1842. By 1846 after an attack of epilepsy, he left Paris and abandoned his law studies. 
   
  That same year he began a relationship with the poet Louise Colet which lasted eight years.  His politics developed in these years of revolutions throughout Europe as stridently against despotism, and as one who celebrated protest against the elite and the establishment. 
   
  In September 1849, Flaubert completed ‘The Temptation of Saint Anthony’. After 4 days reading it aloud to two friends, they advised him to destroy it and to focus his writing on day-to-day life rather than the fantastic. 
   
  A long journey to the Middle East brought encounters with both female and male prostitutes and a case of syphilis caught in Beirut.  On his return he began ‘Madame Bovary’ a work he would take 5 years to complete. When it was serialized in the Revue de Paris in 1856 the government brought an immorality action against both publisher and author, but both were acquitted. This was the birth of French Realism and Flaubert, fastidious with every word, was becoming regarded as a literary genius. He wrote in sullen solitude, sometimes spending a week on a single page, avoiding the inexact, the abstract and the vague.   
   
  He visited Carthage in 1858 to conduct research for ‘Salammbô’, which took 4 years to complete.  ‘Sentimental Education’ took a further 7 and published only in 1869.  The next few years were difficult.  Prussian soldiers occupied his house during the War and his mother died pushing him into financial difficulty and this, together with failing health, especially venereal diseases, shortened his life. 
   
  He toiled on his unfinished ‘Bouvard et Pécuchet’ but did complete ‘Three Tales’ in 1877 from which ‘The Legend of Saint Julian the Hospitaller’ is taken.  
   
  Gustave Flaubert died at Croisset from a cerebral hemorrhage on 8th May 1880. He was 58.

  Mostra libro

• 

  Billy Budd

  Herman Melville

  • 0
  • 0
  • 0

  "Billy Budd" is a novella written by Herman Melville, completed shortly before his death in 1891. It tells the story of Billy Budd, a handsome and popular sailor who becomes embroiled in a conflict with his ship's master-at-arms, John Claggart, on board a British naval vessel during the late 18th century. The novella explores themes of innocence, morality, justice, and the inherent conflict between good and evil. 
   
  The narrative centers around the character of Billy Budd, a young and virtuous sailor admired by his peers for his exceptional charm and simplicity. However, his life takes a dramatic turn when he is falsely accused of inciting mutiny by Claggart, a malevolent and envious officer. The novella delves into the psychological dynamics between the two characters and the moral dilemmas faced by the ship's captain, Captain Vere, as he grapples with the decision of how to handle the situation. 
   
  "Billy Budd" explores the clash between absolute goodness and institutional authority, with Melville examining the complexities and ambiguities of human nature. The novella raises profound questions about the nature of justice, the corrupting influence of power, and the struggle to maintain one's moral integrity in a society driven by hierarchy and oppression. 
   
  Melville's writing in "Billy Budd" is characterized by his rich prose, nuanced characterization, and philosophical inquiries. The novella incorporates nautical terminology and imagery, drawing on Melville's own experiences as a sailor, and employs a multi-layered narrative that invites readers to contemplate deeper moral and existential questions.

  Mostra libro

• 

  Honest Thief An

  Fyodor Dostoyevsky

  • 0
  • 0
  • 0

  "An Honest Thief" by Fyodor Dostoevsky is a captivating story that follows the life of the narrator, who reluctantly agrees to let a mysterious lodger into his small apartment. The lodger, named Emelyan Ilyitch, is a poor and pitiful man with a drinking problem. Despite his initial reservations, the narrator develops a soft spot for Emelyan and decides to provide him with food and shelter. However, he also feels the responsibility to guide Emelyan towards a better life. As the story unfolds, the narrator becomes emotionally invested in Emelyan's well-being. He contemplates the idea of finding him a job and helping him overcome his addiction. The narrator's compassion is tested when he must confront the reality that Emelyan may be taking advantage of his kindness. The story takes a surprising turn when the narrator discovers that Emelyan has stolen his wadded greatcoat. "An Honest Thief" is a thought-provoking tale that delves into the intricacies of human behavior and challenges conventional notions of honesty and integrity. Dostoevsky's masterful storytelling captures the reader's attention, leaving them pondering the complexities of human nature long after the story concludes. Read in English, unabridged.

  Mostra libro

• 

  Eugenie Grandet

  Honoré de Balzac, Sylvia Raphael

  • 0
  • 0
  • 0

  This anthology is a thorough introduction to classic literature for those who have not yet experienced these literary masterworks. For those who have known and loved these works in the past, this is an invitation to reunite with old friends in a fresh new format. From Shakespeare s finesse to Oscar Wilde s wit, this unique collection brings together works as diverse and influential as The Pilgrim s Progress and Othello. As an anthology that invites readers to immerse themselves in the masterpieces of the literary giants, it is must-have addition to any library.

  Mostra libro