Publisher: anamsaleem
The only book that Mark Twain ever wrote in collaboration with another author, The Gilded Age is a novel that viciously and hilariously satirizes the greed, materialism, and corruption that characterized much of upper-class America in the nineteenth century. The title term — inspired by a line in Shakespeare's King John — has become synonymous with the excess of the era.
"The Moon and Sixpence" is a captivating novel by W. Somerset Maugham, published in 1919. Loosely inspired by the life of the renowned French artist Paul Gauguin, the story delves into the life of Charles Strickland, a middle-aged Englishman leading a seemingly ordinary life as a stockbroker in London. However, Strickland's life takes a drastic turn when he abruptly abandons his family and career to pursue his burning passion for art in the bohemian world of early 20th-century Paris. As Strickland immerses himself in the world of painting, he undergoes a profound transformation, shedding his societal constraints and embracing an unconventional and often controversial lifestyle. His single-minded devotion to his art takes him to far-flung places, including the South Pacific, where he seeks inspiration amidst primitive cultures. Through Strickland's relentless pursuit of artistic expression, Maugham explores themes of artistic genius, the clash between societal norms and individual desires, and the sacrifices an artist may make in the name of their craft. "The Moon and Sixpence" is a thought-provoking exploration of the tension between conformity and the pursuit of one's true calling. Maugham's narrative skillfully captures Strickland's enigmatic character and the turbulent emotions that drive him. The novel challenges readers to contemplate the price of artistic freedom and the complexities of the human spirit in the face of unconventional choices, making it a timeless work that continues to resonate with those who seek to understand the nature of artistic genius and the sacrifices it may entail.Show book
Doug Bradley's Spinechillers Volume Two, presents four classic stories from the masters of horror literature. It kicks off with Charles Dickens' friend and collaborator Wilkie Collins' eerie tale of a man's dream of his own murder that comes too true 'The Dream Woman'. Second on the bill is the master of American literature Edgar Allan Poe's classic story of doomed love 'The Oval Portrait'.Making his first appearance in the Spinechillers series is Arthur Conan Doyle. Widely known for creating Sherlock Holmes, Conan Doyle was also the author of a number of horror stories that introduced new ideas to the genre. Volume Two includes his story 'The Ring of Thoth', a tale of Egyptian mummies, immortality, and deadly rivalry spanning four millennia. What better way to round off this volume than with the classic HP Lovecraft short story 'The Tomb'. The story works well as a companion piece to Volume One's 'The Outsider', and concerns a mans desperate quest to find a place in the dark tomb of his ancestors.As with Volume One, Alistair Lock's evocative sound design, score and additional sound effects, used sparingly, add an atmospheric texture to the stories.This volume was recorded at the audio workshop London and engineered by Joseph Degnan. Produced by Alexander Finbow.Show book
Herbert George "H. G." Wells (1866 - 1946) was an English writer.He was prolific in many genres, including the novel, history, politics, social commentary, and textbooks and rules for war games. Wells is now best remembered for his science fiction novels and is called a "father of science fiction"BAGSHOT'S MURAL DECORATIONS: Bagshot was rather proud of his new quarters until my uncle called upon him. Up to then he felt assured he was doing right; had, indeed, not the faintest doubt in the matter until my uncle unsettled him.Show book
Siddhartha, the handsome and respected son of a Brahmin, lives with his father in ancient India. Everyone in the village expects Siddhartha to be a successful Brahmin like his father. Siddhartha enjoys a near-idyllic existence with his best friend, Govinda, but he is secretly dissatisfied. He performs all the rituals of religion, and he does what religion says should bring him happiness and peace. Nonetheless, he feels something is missing. His father and the other elders have still not achieved enlightenment, and he feels that staying with them will not settle the questions he has about the nature of his existence. Siddhartha believes his father has already passed on all the wisdom their community has to offer, but he longs for something more.Show book
The Three Dogs' tells the story of a shepherd who trades his three sheep with a stranger for three dogs with magical powers. The dogs are able to help him slay a dragon and win a princess.Show book
"Joy" is a short story by Anton Chekhov about a young man named Mitya Kuldarov who arrives home late at night, bursting with excitement. He eagerly tells his family that his name has been published in the newspaper, making him famous throughout all of Russia. Mitya is ecstatic about his sudden celebrity status, as before this moment, only his family knew of his existence as a registration clerk. He shows his family the newspaper article, which describes how he had fallen under a horse in an intoxicated state but was not seriously injured. Mitya can hardly contain his joy and runs out to share the news with his friends and acquaintances. The story highlights how even the smallest recognition can bring immense happiness and self-importance to a person's life. Read in English, unabridged.Show book
