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Eugene Onegin is bored: bored of the city, of parties, and of the superficial St. Petersburg social scene. So when a newly-deceased uncle leaves him his country mansion, he jumps at the chance to play the rural lord. There he meets his new neighbours Lenski, a young poet and stark contrast to Onegin¿s affected nonchalance, and Tattiana, a dreamy but introverted romantic, and triggers a set of events with tragic consequences.Serialized over the course of seven years starting in 1825, Pushkin¿s novel in verse was and is a huge influence on Russian literature. Its unusual verse structure combined with Pushkin¿s own commentary on the social canvas of the time has meant that it has remained relevant and read to this day. Eugene Onegine has been translated into many different languages, and into many different formats including successful operas and films.

Thomas Paine was an American political commentator and activist in the latter part of the eighteenth century. His writing covered a wide range of subjects, but were centered on his core beliefs of republicanism and the inherent rights of people. An early pamphlet of his, ¿Common Sense,¿ was written soon after he arrived in America from Great Britain; with its focus on the ills of colonialism and the King¿s veering between rational debate and righteous outrage, it has been cited as one of the major catalysts for the American Revolution. Later work attempted to correct the mistakes he perceived in post-revolution French government¿written from experience after his election to the French National Convention¿and even suggested a costed plan for a universal basic income funded by an inheritance tax.Collected here are his essays and pamphlets written between 1776 and 1797, including the aforementioned ¿Common Sense¿ and other influential works like ¿The Republican Proclamation¿ and the ¿Declaration of Rights.¿

Denis, a young writer and poet, travels to an English countryside manor to spend the summer alongside a cast of outlandish leisure class intellectuals. The younger guests of the manor grapple with navigating love and sex within a post-Victorian society. Older guests and inhabitants obsess over trivialities from their vast libraries, eager to give a show of their knowledge to each other. The novel uses these interactions to paint a scathing representation of their insecurities and world views.Crome Yellow is Aldous Huxley¿s first published novel. His inspiration for many of the characters came from his time spent at Garsington Manor, a haven for many writers and poets of the time.

At age thirty, Madeleine Lee, a wealthy, wellborn widow, has tired of Gilded Age New York and its shallow society. She decides to spend the winter in Washington with her sister, renting a house on Lafayette Square, within easy reach of all the intense partying, horse-trading, and other activities that politics requires.As she makes friends (and enemies) with the locals, one question remains uppermost in Madeleine Lee¿s mind: ¿Who, then, is right? How can we all be right? Half of our wise men declare that the world is going straight to perdition; the other half that it is fast becoming perfect. Both cannot be right. There is only one thing in life that I must and will have before I die. I must know whether America is right or wrong.¿She visits the White House, George Washington¿s estate, and the newly established Arlington Cemetery, accompanied by politicians, diplomats, aristocrats, and the newly rich. But it¿s not until a marriage offer from an ambitious senator that things come to a head. Mrs. Lee must decide what she is and isn¿t willing to do to satisfy her own ambition for power, and whether she can trust herself to use that power for good.Democracy: An American Novel was first published anonymously on April Fools¿ Day in 1880. The fact that Adams hid his identity helped make it a best seller, as readers tried to guess who was close enough to Washington society to portray it so knowingly¿and maliciously.It wasn¿t until two full years after Adams¿s death that his publisher identified him as the novel¿s author.

" In "Dotty Dimple at Play" by Sophie May, join the spirited and imaginative Dotty Dimple as she embarks on a series of playful adventures. This delightful tale follows Dotty's boundless energy, creativity, and the joy she finds in the world of make-believe and childhood games.As Dotty engages in imaginative play, readers are transported into a world of wonder and fun. From exploring imaginary realms to participating in outdoor activities and engaging with friends, Dotty's lively spirit brings excitement and laughter to every moment.Sophie May's storytelling captures the magic of childhood play, celebrating the power of imagination and the importance of unstructured playtime. Through Dotty's experiences, readers are encouraged to embrace their own creativity, cherish their friendships, and revel in the simple pleasures that play can bring.Join Dotty Dimple as she immerses herself in the joyous world of play, unleashing her imagination, forging meaningful connections, and reminding us all of the happiness that can be found in the simplest of moments."

" In "Dorothy Dainty at the Mountains" by Amy Brooks, join the spirited and adventurous Dorothy Dainty as she embarks on a thrilling journey to the majestic mountains. This captivating tale follows Dorothy's exploration of the mountainous landscape, her encounters with new friends, and the valuable lessons she learns along the way.As Dorothy sets foot in the mountains, readers are transported to a world of breathtaking vistas, towering peaks, and natural wonders. Through her adventures, Dorothy discovers the beauty of the mountains, immerses herself in outdoor activities, and embraces the thrill of adventure and exploration.Amy Brooks' storytelling captures the essence of the mountain experience, highlighting the awe-inspiring landscapes, the sense of freedom in nature, and the resilience and courage required to navigate the rugged terrain. Through Dorothy's journey, readers are inspired to embrace the wonders of the natural world, appreciate the power of perseverance, and value the friendships formed along the way.Join Dorothy Dainty as she scales the mountains, embraces new experiences, and discovers the beauty and lessons that lie within the majestic peaks." Keywords: Dorothy Dainty, mountains, adventure, exploration, nature, outdoor activities, resilience, courage, friendship.

" In "Dotty Dimple's Flyaway" by Sophie May, join the spirited and curious Dotty Dimple as she embarks on a whimsical and unexpected adventure. This charming tale follows Dotty's journey as she takes flight, soaring through the skies and encountering a world filled with enchantment and surprises.As Dotty takes flight, readers are transported into a world of wonder and imagination. Through her aerial escapades, she discovers magical lands, encounters fantastical creatures, and experiences the thrill of adventure. Along the way, Dotty learns valuable lessons about courage, independence, and the power of dreams.Sophie May's storytelling captures the joy and curiosity of childhood, inviting readers to embrace their own sense of wonder and possibility. Through Dotty's journey, readers are reminded of the importance of embracing the unknown, following one's passions, and believing in the extraordinary.Join Dotty Dimple as she takes flight into a world of magic and discovery, where dreams come true and imagination knows no bounds."

When Tipperary man Darby O¿Gill is imprisoned by the fairies of Sleive-na-mon in their home under the hollow mountain, he starts a lasting friendship with their King Brian Connors. Using the voice of a local story-teller, Herminie Templeton Kavanagh shares this series of tales of Darby and King Brian¿s adventures. We follow Brian as his fairies are banished from Heaven for not taking sides as angels wage war against each other, and we follow Darby to face the Banshee in Croaghmah, the realm of ghosts and the final destination of the spectral death coach driven by its headless horseman. We join Darby as he matches wits with the crafty Leprechaun, and join King Brian as he debates philosophy with parish priest Father Cassidy. Pious Christianity, superstition, and pagan folklore are each real and important elements of Darby¿s life and world. Reconciling them is a persistent theme in Kavanaugh¿s stories, one that was largely absent from the classic children¿s film that it inspired.

" In "Dotty Dimple Out West" by Sophie May, join the spirited and adventurous Dotty Dimple as she embarks on a journey to the wild and untamed landscapes of the American West. This captivating tale follows Dotty's thrilling encounters, unique experiences, and the valuable lessons she learns while exploring this rugged frontier.As Dotty ventures into the vastness of the American West, readers are transported to a world of awe-inspiring landscapes, rich cultural heritage, and fascinating encounters with local people and wildlife. Through her adventures, Dotty learns about resilience, adaptability, and the diverse ways of life in this unfamiliar territory.Sophie May's storytelling captures the spirit of exploration and the excitement of new horizons, immersing readers in the vivid imagery and the challenges faced by Dotty in this dynamic setting. Through her journey, readers are reminded of the beauty of embracing new experiences, appreciating cultural diversity, and finding strength in the face of adversity.Join Dotty Dimple as she sets out on her daring adventure in the American West, encountering breathtaking landscapes, forming lasting connections, and discovering the untamed spirit within herself."

In 1855 Pedro Carolino set out to write an English phrasebook for Portuguese travelers visiting England. The only problem was that he couldn¿t speak English. Undeterred by this minor setback, Carolino decided to base his guide on a respected Portuguese¿French phrasebook written by José da Fonseca. He took the French translations of Portuguese, and used a French¿English dictionary to translate those to English.The result was an unintentional comedy of literal translation, as English phrases like ¿the walls have ears¿ became ¿the walls have hearsay¿ (via the Portuguese as paredes têm ouvidos), and ¿waiting for someone to open the door¿ became ¿to craunch the marmoset¿ (via a ridiculous misreading of archaic English, and the shape of the grotesque door knockers popular at the time).The entire guide was quite large, and not only was it of no practical use as an actual phrasebook, but its length made it too much of a slog to appeal as a comedy. But its legend slowly grew, until in 1883 it was republished in an abridged form as a book of humor titled English as She Is Spoke (a phrase which, incidentally, doesn¿t appear in the book itself). The abridged edition, taking the comedic highlights from the long and tedious original, is the edition that became famous. This Standard Ebooks edition is based on that abridgment.The book¿s absurd mistranslations were said to have made Lincoln laugh aloud when read to him by his secretary John Hay, and Mark Twain said that ¿nobody can add to the absurdity of this book, nobody can imitate it successfully, nobody can hope to produce its fellow; it is perfect.¿

" Title: "Dotty Dimple at Home"In "Dotty Dimple at Home" by Sophie May, enter the world of young Dotty Dimple as she navigates the joys and challenges of home life. This endearing tale follows Dotty's everyday adventures, family interactions, and valuable life lessons learned within the comfort of her own home.As Dotty Dimple goes about her daily routines, readers are invited to join her in a series of heartwarming experiences. From playful moments with her siblings to engaging with her parents and grandparents, Dotty learns about love, responsibility, and the importance of family bonds.Sophie May's storytelling captures the innocence and curiosity of childhood, highlighting the simple pleasures found in everyday moments. Through Dotty's experiences, readers are reminded of the beauty of family connections, the value of kindness, and the growth that comes from embracing life's lessons.Join Dotty Dimple in her charming home, as she navigates the joys and challenges of family life, creates lasting memories, and discovers the transformative power of love and togetherness."

Dangerous Liaisons (Les Liaisons dangereuses) is an early French novel by Pierre Choderlos de Laclos, first published in four volumes in 1782. At the time of its publication novels were a new literary form, and Laclos chose to present his story in an epistolary style, composing the novel solely of a series of letters written by the major characters to each other. It was first translated into English in 1812 and has since become universally regarded as one the most significant early French novels.The story is framed around the Marquise de Merteuil and the Vicomte de Valmont, two narcissistic French aristocrats and rivals who enjoy games of seduction and manipulation, and who most especially enjoy one-upping each other. The letters they send to each other portray an interconnected web of seduction, revenge, and malice, and are interspersed with the more innocent letters of their victims.Dangerous Liaisons has often been seen as a depiction of the corruption and depravity of the French nobility shortly before the French Revolution, thereby making a negative statement about the Ancien Régime. But it¿s also a depiction of the timeless problems surrounding sex and love, and a realistic portrayal of desires that are often beyond our control. As Laclos enjoyed the patronage of Louis Philippe II, the Duke of Orléans, and as other royalist and conservative figures like Queen Marie Antoinette enjoyed the book, it¿s likely it wasn¿t seen as a morality tale until after the French Revolution.

" In "Dorothy Dainty's Gay Times" by Amy Brooks, join the lively and imaginative Dorothy Dainty as she embarks on a series of joyful and exciting adventures. This delightful tale follows Dorothy's escapades as she embraces the spirit of fun, friendship, and imagination.As Dorothy sets out on her "gay times," readers are transported into a world of laughter, creativity, and delightful surprises. From playful outings with friends to imaginative games and imaginative explorations, Dorothy's infectious enthusiasm and positive outlook bring joy to everyone she encounters.Amy Brooks' storytelling captures the exuberance of childhood, emphasizing the power of imagination, the beauty of friendship, and the magic found in everyday moments. Through Dorothy's experiences, readers are encouraged to embrace their own sense of wonder, seek out moments of joy, and cherish the connections that bring happiness into their lives.Join Dorothy Dainty as she revels in her "gay times," spreading laughter, creating memories, and reminding us all of the importance of finding joy in the simplest of experiences."

" In "Dot and the Kangaroo" by Ethel C. Pedley, embark on a magical journey with Dot, a young girl who finds herself lost in the Australian outback and befriends a kind-hearted kangaroo. This heartwarming tale follows Dot's extraordinary adventure as she discovers the wonders of the Australian wilderness and learns important lessons about empathy, friendship, and the interconnectedness of all living beings.As Dot and her newfound kangaroo friend explore the enchanting landscapes of the outback, readers are immersed in a world teeming with unique animals, breathtaking scenery, and captivating encounters. Dot's encounters with other Australian animals provide valuable insights into their lives, habits, and the challenges they face in their natural habitats.Ethel C. Pedley's storytelling paints a vivid picture of the Australian wilderness, captivating readers with the beauty and diversity of its flora and fauna. Through Dot's journey, readers are encouraged to develop a deeper understanding and appreciation for the natural world, fostering empathy and a sense of stewardship for the environment.Join Dot and the Kangaroo on their unforgettable adventure, as they navigate the challenges of the Australian outback and forge a bond that transcends species. Prepare to be enchanted by the magic of friendship and the wonders of the Australian wilderness."

In The Souls of Black Folk the sociologist W. E. B. Du Bois introduced the concept of the ¿veil,¿ a separation of the inner lives of black Americans from their white counterparts. Darkwater: Voices from Within the Veil is a collection of essays, poems, and short fiction that attempts to provide a nuanced look behind the veil at the lives of black Americans and to give voice to their often neglected concerns.Written in the aftermath of the First World War, seventeen years after The Souls of Black Folk and during a time when racial tension had been codified into the infamous Jim Crow laws, Du Bois touches on a wide range of topics, from the philosophical to the concrete. His over-arching message is a desire for equality. He argues strongly against colonialism, excessive materialism, and Jim Crow, and discusses how only proper education and universal suffrage can provide the foundation for a more fair society. The unique combination of different writing styles on display vividly captures both his frustration and his belief in the possibility of a future shared on an equal basis between people of all colors.

" In "Dorothy Dainty at Glenmore" by Amy Brooks, join the endearing young protagonist, Dorothy Dainty, as she embarks on an enchanting adventure at Glenmore. This delightful tale follows Dorothy's journey of discovery, friendship, and personal growth in a picturesque setting.As Dorothy arrives at Glenmore, a captivating location filled with natural beauty and charm, readers are transported to a world of wonder and possibility. Through her interactions with new friends and her explorations of the surroundings, Dorothy learns valuable lessons about compassion, resilience, and the joy of embracing new experiences.Amy Brooks' storytelling paints a vivid picture of Glenmore, allowing readers to immerse themselves in the idyllic setting and feel a sense of connection with the characters. Through Dorothy's journey, readers are reminded of the importance of staying true to oneself, building meaningful relationships, and finding beauty in unexpected places.Join Dorothy Dainty as she discovers the wonders of Glenmore, forms lasting friendships, and learns valuable life lessons in this captivating and heartwarming tale."

"Fils d'émigré" est un roman écrit par Ernest Daudet, un écrivain français du XIXe siècle. L'histoire se déroule pendant la Révolution française et suit le parcours d'un jeune homme dont le père est un émigré, c'est-à-dire un aristocrate ayant fui la France pour échapper aux troubles révolutionnaires.Le protagoniste, fils d'un émigré, se retrouve confronté à la difficile réalité de son héritage familial. Il est tiraillé entre ses origines aristocratiques et son désir de s'intégrer dans une société nouvelle en pleine transformation. Le roman explore les dilemmes moraux et identitaires auxquels est confronté le protagoniste, ainsi que les tensions politiques et sociales de l'époque révolutionnaire.Ernest Daudet peint un portrait réaliste de la société française de l'époque, mettant en scène une galerie de personnages variés, du peuple révolté aux nobles émigrés en passant par les bourgeois en quête de pouvoir. Le roman aborde des thèmes tels que la loyauté, la justice, l'amour et la quête d'identité.En utilisant une écriture vive et émouvante, Ernest Daudet plonge le lecteur dans une époque tumultueuse de l'histoire française et explore les complexités de l'âme humaine face aux bouleversements politiques et sociaux. "Fils d'émigré" est un roman captivant qui offre un aperçu fascinant de la Révolution française et des personnages qui ont façonné cette période cruciale de l'histoire.

La Réforme est inséparable de la Renaissance ; elle fut une révolution à la fois politique et religieuse. Prêchée en France par Calvin dès 1534, la Réforme provoqua, entre catholiques et protestants, une longue série de guerres. Déjà sous François Ier et Henri II, des persécutions avaient été dirigées contre les non-catholiques : extermination des Vaudois, supplices d¿Étienne Dolet et d¿Anne du Bourg. Mais, sous François II, la lutte ouverte éclata. Marié à Marie Stuart, nièce de François de Guise et du cardinal de Lorraine, François II est peu aimé de sa mère, Catherine de Médicis. Elle lui préfère son fils cadet, Henri ¿ futur Henri III. À tout prix, elle veut écarter François II du trône et, pour servir ses sombres desseins, la reine mère n¿hésite pas à s¿entourer de bretteurs sans scrupules, dont le baron de Rospignac est le chef. Dans ces sombres conjonctures de guerre civile, François II se lie d¿amitié avec le chevalier de Beaurevers et le vicomte de Ferrière. Ils mettent leur courage et leur épée au service du roi, jeune et inexpérimenté, pour protéger sa vie, menacée par les entreprises criminelles de Catherine II et de sa clique.

"Folla" est un roman écrit par Roger Dombre, un auteur dont le style se caractérise par une approche sensible et poétique de la littérature.Dans "Folla", l'auteur nous plonge dans l'histoire d'une jeune femme, Folla, qui traverse une série d'épreuves et de défis dans sa vie. Le roman explore ses luttes intérieures, ses aspirations, ses rêves, et les relations complexes qu'elle entretient avec les autres personnages.L'histoire est tissée d'émotions profondes et de réflexions sur la nature humaine, la société et les dilemmes auxquels chacun peut être confronté dans sa quête de bonheur et de sens.Le style d'écriture de Roger Dombre est marqué par des descriptions délicates et une prose poétique qui plonge le lecteur dans l'univers intime de Folla.

"Forestiers et Voyageurs" est un ouvrage écrit par Joseph-Charles Taché, un auteur canadien du XIXe siècle.Dans ce livre, l'auteur nous emmène dans un voyage captivant à travers les vastes étendues sauvages du Canada. Il nous présente les aventures et les défis auxquels font face les forestiers et les voyageurs qui explorent ces régions reculées.À travers des récits passionnants, Joseph-Charles Taché décrit la vie des hommes courageux qui travaillent dans les forêts et naviguent sur les rivières pour exploiter les ressources naturelles du pays. Il met en lumière leur dévouement, leur ténacité et leur connexion profonde avec la nature.Le livre offre également un aperçu des paysages grandioses et de la faune sauvage du Canada, offrant aux lecteurs une immersion dans la beauté et la majesté de ces contrées."Forestiers et Voyageurs" est un hommage aux pionniers qui ont façonné le Canada et aux magnifiques paysages qui les entourent.

Piccadilly Jim, by P. G. Wodehouse, was first published on February 24, 1917 by Dodd, Mead and Company in New York. It was subsequently published in London in May 1918 by Herbert Jenkins. It is based on a story originally published in the Saturday Evening Post from September 16 to November 11, 1916. The book sees Jimmy Crocker, also known as ¿Piccadilly Jim,¿ trying to escape his increasingly bad reputation by returning to New York from London. On the way, he meets and falls in love with Ann Chester, and agrees to help her kidnap Ogden, her cousin, for his own good. Their plans go awry and become more convoluted as impersonations, explosives and a determined detective get in the way.

Charles Babbage was a Victorian polymath, and someone with a seemingly never-ending intellectual curiosity about the world around him. A mathematician by training, he also wrote copiously on subjects such as economics, physics, engineering, computation, cryptography, religion and education, along with conducting practical experiments with pretty much anything that had grabbed his interest at the time. Today, he¿s widely viewed to be the father of the computer with his Difference and Analytical Engines. Although neither were fully completed during his lifetime, a working replica of the Difference Engine was built in the 1990s, and an Analytical Engine is currently in the planning stages.This autobiography (first published near the end of his life in 1864) veers from topic to topic and rarely settles on any subject for more than a chapter. Apart from his early life and an explanation of the thinking behind his computing Engines, Babbage also transcribes his memories of climbing into an active volcano, arguing with street musicians, picking locks, standing in elections, and imagining life as a cheese mite, among other diverse subjects. The original meaning of the titular word ¿Philosopher¿ is ¿lover of wisdom,¿ and this book shows Babbage to be just that.

High politics are not always centrally in view in Anthony Trollope¿s Palliser novels, but parliamentary life comes to the fore throughout Phineas Finn, the second in the series.The hero of the tale is the young son of an Irish country doctor, now attaining manhood and striking out in life. Although training for the Bar, he feels the lure of Parliament and manages to secure a seat. Blessed with good fortune, ¿comely inside and out,¿ and pleasant company to both women and men, he begins to climb the ladder. Along with his undoubted triumphs there come also palpable failures¿social as well as political. Leaving behind a sweetheart in Ireland, he encounters women of high status and fashion in London who place their own claims on his heart.While Phineas is clearly the hero of the novel bearing his name, the lives of a number of remarkable women become intertwined with his own, each of whom he loves, after a fashion. The portrait of Lady Laura Standish¿who serves as his political muse as well¿is especially poignantly drawn, while Violet Effingham and the somewhat mysterious Madame Max Goesler each have an individuated strength and depth of character. Each, too, mirrors in different ways the dilemma faced by Phineas in his political career: whether it is better to be subservient and ¿succeed,¿ or maintain independence and risk being an outcast.The writing of Phineas Finn coincided with Trollope¿s own political awakening and aspirations. While working on this novel, he was also composing a memoir of Lord Palmerston, the Prime Minister who had died in office only a couple years previously. (The memoir remained unpublished until 1882.) By this point in his mid fifties, Trollope made his own attempt to secure a seat as a member of Parliament in 1868, failed, and was scarred by the experience. The literary critic Michael Sadleir characterized Trollope¿s parliamentary fiction as showing a ¿preoccupation with political society [but] indifference to political theory,¿ perhaps unfairly. Especially in the character of Mr. Monk, Phineas¿s chief political mentor, much wisdom for parliamentary life is imparted.Trollope¿s political failure does not yet cast a shadow on the optimism which pervades Phineas Finn. The novelist¿s own views would ripen along with those of his characters as the series took shape. Still, in his autobiography Trollope was able to declare, ¿Phineas Finn, I certainly think, was successful from first to last.¿

Poems on Various Subjects, Religious and Moral was the first book of poetry ever published by an African-American author. Phillis Wheatley¿s deep familiarity with Latin literature and Christianity, combined with her African ancestry, provided her with a unique and inimitable view of poetry.She was kidnapped and brought over to America on a ship called The Phillis after which she was named. Her interest in poetry and literature was recognized by the Wheatley family who, though keeping her enslaved, provided her with classic works of literature by authors such as Virgil, Homer, Terence, and Pope, all of whom had a significant influence on her work.She received praise from many of her contemporaries including George Washington, John Hancock, and Voltaire. Shortly after publishing her collection of poetry she was emancipated by the Wheatley family. Even so, her life ended in poverty and obscurity.Though her influence on poetry and African-American literature is indisputable, more modern critics of her work point to the lack of censure of slavery and the absence of discussion about the lives of black people in the United States as an example of the Uncle Tom syndrome.

"Feuilles volantes" est un recueil de poèmes de Louis Fréchette, un poète canadien du XIXe siècle. Dans cet ouvrage, l'auteur nous entraîne dans un univers poétique où se mêlent amour, nature, nostalgie et réflexions sur la vie.Avec une plume élégante et sensible, Fréchette explore les émotions humaines et les beautés de la nature canadienne. Ses poèmes sont empreints de lyrisme et de romantisme, évoquant des scènes bucoliques, des paysages enchanteurs et des moments de douceur et de mélancolie.

Rosemary, the former love of Peter Blakeney, is about to be married to one of Peter¿s friends. A famous journalist, she is asked to come to Transylvania and report on the Romanian occupation following the first World War, having travelled there many times in her childhood with Peter¿s mother. She agrees to move up her wedding so that her fiancé can travel with her. Soon after they get there, Peter¿s nephew and girlfriend are arrested for treason, and Rosemary is given a terrible choice¿all while Peter arrives in the country as well, seemingly working against his own family.Just as she went back several generations in previous entries in the series, this time the Baroness Orczy goes forward several, to the years immediately following World War I. Having grown up in Hungary, she sets the story in an area of the world very familiar to her, weaving her fictional characters into the real-world history of the time.

The sons of the Roland family, Pierre and Jean, return home in the lull between the completion of their studies and the start of their professional careers, bringing the Roland family back together again, in a way. This peace, though, is broken when the younger brother Jean is left a life-changing inheritance by Maréchel, an old family friend¿and Pierre is left with nothing. Despite the happiness in the rest of the family, unanswered questions start gnawing at Pierre.Pierre and Jean was Guy de Maupassant¿s shortest novel, and is often acclaimed as his greatest. The setting for the novel is the scenery of de Maupassant¿s childhood, and it is, accordingly, richly described. It was serialized in Nouvelle Revue in 1887 before being published as a complete novel in 1888; this edition is based on the 1902 translation by Clara Bell.

Pointed Roofs is the first installment in Dorothy M. Richardson¿s Pilgrimage sequence of autobiographical novels. It is also one of the first novels identified with the modernist technique of stream of consciousness.Set in the early 1890s, Pointed Roofs centers on seventeen-year-old Miriam Henderson. After her family runs into financial troubles, Miriam is sent to Germany to teach English at a finishing school in Hanover. The narrative chronicles Miriam¿s daily life at the school, as well as outings to the city and the countryside with the other teachers and pupils. All the while, it tells of her experience of living abroad, her attitude to the people around her, her future prospects, and her thoughts on religion, literature, and the status of women in society.

Jules Verne is perhaps best known for his science fiction stories, and Michael Strogoff breaks that mold. It¿s a true-to-life tale of the titular character¿s journey across Siberia to deliver an important message to the brother of the Russian Czar.Like other of Verne¿s works, Strogoff encounters many colorful characters along the way, and together they create a vivid depiction of the harsh life in Russo-Siberia, as well as the resilient spirit of its inhabitants. The attention to detail and the accuracy of both the physical and geographical depictions of Siberia was noted by contemporaries, though it¿s also said that Verne took some dramatic license in recreating some of the historical events.Contemporary critics agreed that Michael Strogoff is a thrilling tale of the strength of men, of patriotism, and of the devotion of one human being to another. Modern critics consider it to be one of Verne¿s best novels.