World Classics

"In his blue gardens, men and girls came and went like moths among the whisperings and the champagne and the stars."It's the height of the roaring 20's. Every Saturday, the doors to Gatsby's gothic mansion are flung wide to the bright young things of New York - the music is loud, the dancing is wild, and the champagne flows freely. Gatsby's new neighbor, Nick Carraway, is fascinated by the spectacle. But when he pushes beyond the shimmering, glistening veneer of Gatsby's charmed life, Nick discovers his new friend is tortured by a profound yearning for the one thing - and one person - he can't have. A vibrant tale of obsession and opulence, corruption and canapes. The promise of the American Dream set against the glittering chaos of the Jazz Age.F. Scott Fitzgerald (1896-1940) is considered one of the greatest American novelists of the 20th century and the author of 'Tender is the Night' and `The Great Gatsby'. He and his wife, Zelda, were prominent socialites and spent much time moving in famous literary circles across Europe.

France - Delicious food, beautiful buildings and an elegance of people rarely seen anywhere else! Dear reader, take my hand and enjoy this tour de France - with Henry James as your guide. Written as a first person narrative, "A Little Tour in France" is one of James' most influential and interesting travel guides. Of course, the tour is not that "little" for the reader is invited to visit the Loire Valley, Britanny, the Bordeaux region, Provence, and Paris. And, in a typical Jamesian style, he never fails to describe the people he meets and their view of life and nature. A valuable book from James' priceless treasure. Henry James (1843-1916) is regarded as one of the greatest novelists in the English language. Born in the United States, but mainly living and working in Europe, he was largely occupied with the clash of personalities and cultures between the Old World and the New World. He explored this topic in his famous novels 'The Portrait of a Lady' and 'The Wings of the Dove'. James was thrice nominated for the Nobel Prize in Literature. "The Portrait of a Lady" has been adapted for the big screen many times with the most notable being from 1996 starring Nicole Kidman and John Malkovich.

"Women have a wonderful instinct about things. They can discover everything except the obvious." Sir Robert Chiltern is a moral and upstanding politician with a wife who adores and idolizes him, but when one of her old classmates shows up at their party the image of her perfect husband crumbles. She learns that, in the early days of her husband's political career, he sold a state secret in order to advance his position. Now the couple has to deal with blackmail and their own moral failings. 'An Ideal Husband' is a must-read for Wilde fans and anyone who appreciates wit and sarcasm. In 1999 an adaptation starring Julianne Moore, Minnie Driver and Cate Blanchett came out to great reviews. Oscar Wilde (1854-1900) was an Irish playwright, novelist, essayist, and poet, famous for `The Picture of Dorian Gray' and `The Importance of Being Earnest' to name a couple. He died in Paris at the age of 46. The Importance of Being Earnest is Oscar Wilde's most popular and enduring play. Poking fun at the ridiculousness of human nature, especially that of the Victorian elite, it is both incredibly clever and undeniably silly. It has been performed and made into films and for television many times, most recently in the 2002 film starring Colin Firth, Reese Witherspoon and Judi Dench.

`Dombey and Son' follows Paul Dombey, the wealthy owner of a shipping firm who is frustrated by his lack of a male heir. His disappointment and frustration triggers his own financial and personal downfall as he spurns the love and support of those around him. It is a brilliant character study as this complex and interesting character comes to grips with his own personal failings. The tragedy in this story comes from Paul's inability to reconcile himself with the world around him, refusing to accept his circumstances until his life takes a devastating turn. Dickens weaves a captivating plot in this melancholic tale, sprinkled with his trademark satire and wit, it is a brilliant and engaging read, perfect for anyone who loves to immerse themselves in world of stark reality. Charles Dickens (1812-1870) was an English author, social critic, and philanthropist. He achieved wide spread popularity and success during his lifetime , and is recognised as a literary genius to this day. He created some of the world's best fictional characters and is regarded as the best writer of the Victorian era. His writing has inspired its own literary theme and genre with works today being described as `Dickensian' thanks to his contribution to writing. His most famous novels include Oliver Twist (1839), David Copperfield (1850), and Great Expectations (1861), all of which have been adapted to majorly successful and loved film adaptations.

`Jack and Jill' is a children's book set in a small New England town after the Civil War, following Jack and Jane, who are so close everybody calls them Jack and Jill, to mimic the old rhyme. One winter day the two suffer terrible injuries in a sledding accident and face a tremendous up-hill battle to recover. As they recover they are learning and growing as people, taking their first steps in to adulthood and leaving their childhood behind. It is an incredibly heart-warming story brimming with kindness and love, but it doesn't shy away from serious topics either, creating a powerful tale that highlights the importance of family and friends. It is a story perfect for family reading on a quiet night in, or anyone who wants to see a new take on the classic children's rhyme. Louisa May Alcott (1832-1888) was an author, abolitionist and proud feminist. Her family suffered financially while she was growing up and so she was forced to take on multiple jobs in her youth to help provide for her family. Her writing became her outlet, forming her ideas and beliefs in the empowerment of women and people in to literature that reverberates to this day. Her most notable works include "Little Women", which is now a movie starring Saoirse Ronan and Timothée Chalamet, its sequel `Little Men' and `An Old Fashioned Girl'.

Why is it that people mistake sincerity, kindness and positivity as stupidness? Lev Myshkin has all these great character qualities and certainly is no idiot though everyone assumes him to be one. "The Idiot" is one of Dostoevsky's most emotional and private novels, where the author talks about intimate issues, often neglected or totally ignored in contemporary Russian society. Religious discussions and symbolism, philosophical endeavours, and existential ups and down mark the novel's entirety, turning it into a compelling and remarkable read, perfect for fans of Dostoevsky and Russian literature in general. Fyodor Dostoevsky (1821-1881) was a famous Russian writer of novels, short stories, and essays. A connoisseur of the troubled human psyche and the relationships between the individuals, Dostoevsky's oeuvre covers a large area of subjects: politics, religion, social issues, philosophy, and the uncharted realms of the psychological. There have been at least 30 film and TV adaptations of Fyodor Dostoyevsky's 1866 novel "Crime and Punishment" with probably the most popular being the British BBC TV series starring John Simm as Raskolnikov and Ian McDiarmid as Porfiry Petrovich. "The Idiot" has also been adapted for films and TV, as has "Demons" and "The Brothers Karamazov".

"I never travel without my diary. One should always have something sensational to read in the train." Jack Worthing is an important and respected person in Hertfordshire. Being a guardian to a young girl and an employer of many in the community, the list of his responsibilities is never-ending. His brother, Earnest, however, leads a scandalous life and Jack is often forced to leave for London to sort it out. What no one knows is that Earnest is not real, but Jack's alibi, his way of creating havoc and blowing off some steam in the big city. The Importance of Being Earnest is Oscar Wilde's most popular and enduring play. Poking fun at the ridiculousness of human nature, especially that of the Victorian elite, it is both incredibly clever and undeniably silly. It has been performed and made into films and for television many times, most recently in the 2002 film starring Colin Firth, Reese Witherspoon and Judi Dench. Oscar Wilde (1854-1900) was an Irish playwright, novelist, essayist, and poet, famous for `The Picture of Dorian Gray' and `The Importance of Being Earnest' to name a couple. He died in Paris at the age of 46. Oscar Wilde remains one of the best-loved authors in the English-speaking world.

Et si le futur n’était qu’un miroir déformant de nos propres peurs ? En 1895, H. G. Wells invente le voyage dans le temps et propulse son héros en l’an 802 701, où l’humanité s’est scindée en deux espèces antagonistes.

`The War of the Worlds' is H. G. Wells' most popular novel and is celebrated as one of the most influential and greatest science-fiction stories ever. Its popularity stems largely from the fact that it is one of the earliest stories dealing with an alien invasion on Earth. An army of Martians lands in England and their three-legged robots wreak havoc and destruction upon the unsuspecting civilians. The protagonist is separated from his wife during the onslaught and must defeat the invaders and find his wife. This thrilling novel features non-stop action from the start as the protagonist must journey through a nightmarish world in which aliens are not the only monsters. The novel remains timeless due to its critique of imperialism and its belief that civilisation will turn to other planets once their native resources have been plundered. Well's vivid and terrifying imagery caused widespread panic when `The War of the Worlds' was broadcast as a radio play in 1938 as people believed the invasion was real. The novel spawned an Academy Award-nominated movie adaptation directed by Steven Spielberg and starring Tom Cruise in 2005. It is clear to see why `The War of the Worlds' remains influential as it is the definition of a page-turner and should be read by fans of authors such as George Orwell or Frank Herbert. H. G. Wells (1866-1946) was a celebrated English writer, remembered mostly for his science fiction works. Often described as a futurist, H. G. Wells' influence cannot be overstated for his works foresaw many technological innovations such as space travel, the atomic bomb, and the Internet. A four-time Nobel Prize in Literature nominee, Wells explored a wide array of themes in his works, from religion to social criticism and beyond. Some of his best works include the time-travel novel `The Time Machine', the sci-fi adventure novel `The Island of Dr. Moreau', and the mankind-versus-aliens novel `The War of the Worlds'. Wells occupies one of the central seats in the canon of science-fiction literature and his writing inspired other celebrated authors such as Ray Bradbury and Philip K. Dick. Wells' stories are still widely read to this day and have had numerous cinematic adaptations including `The Invisible Man' starring Elisabeth Moss.

`Barnaby Rudge' is a historical novel by Charles Dickens, depicting the anti-Catholic Gordon Riots of 1780 in England. It is a novel in which danger lurks around every corner, as the titular character and his mother venture across England to evade a mystery man that is haunting them. After arriving in London, the protagonists are swept up in the vortex of violence surrounding them as Barnaby is mistakenly captured by a group of soldiers and must escape before he is sentenced to death. `Barnaby Rudge' is not simply a recollection of the riots but a sprawling story about lovers torn apart by their families and unsolved murders. Dickens' celebrated social criticism is portrayed in this novel as the urban decay in the London slums fosters `the very scum and refuse' that return as a violent mob to destroy it. A terrifying addition to Dickens' collection, `Barnaby Rudge' is recommended for fans of Dickens and Shakespeare. Charles Dickens (1812-1870) was a widely popular English author and social critic. Among his most famous novels are `Oliver Twist', `A Christmas Carol', and `Great Expectations'. Dickens is best known for his depictions of poor Victorian living conditions and his unforgettable characters, some compassionate and others grotesquely malicious. Dickens' timeless tales are still as celebrated today as when they were written, and his literary style is so influential that the term Dickensian was coined to describe the literature he inspired. Many of Dickens' novels have been adapted for movies and television, including the Academy Award-winning musical `Oliver'.

Orphelin de père dès sa naissance, David Copperfield grandit sous la coupe d’un beau-père tyrannique avant de s’enfuir vers une vie d’aventures et de rencontres marquantes.

"Guy Mannering" is the story of young Henry Bertram's kidnapping. The heir to a wealthy ancestral estate, his family's lawyer has him kidnapped in the hopes that with no male heir, the estate and its wealth, will revert to him. Henry is raised in Holland, with a new name completely unaware of the life stolen from him. In a globe-trotting adventure, filled with romance, conspiracy and violence, Henry will be forced to reckon with his past by fighting for what he loves. Scott has created a lovingly detailed tale, full of vivid and lively characters each with their own desires and machinations that culminate in a climactic, satisfying finale. This eternal classic, packed with humour and stark honesty deserves a place in your collection. If you loved Denis Villeneuve's award winning thriller 'Prisoners', or 'Taken' then this book is absolutely for you. Sir Walter Scott (1771-1832) was a Scottish writer, poet, and historian. A jurist by formation, he was also a judge and a soldier, serving with the Edinburgh Dragoons in anticipation of a French invasion. He played a major role in bringing the Sturm und Drang literary movement to the United Kingdom, through translations, but also through his own artistic creations. Thanks to his command of history and his literary skill, he is a seminal figure in the establishment of the historical novel genre and a pillar of European literary Romanticism. He wrote numerous well-known historical novels, including "Waverley," "Rob Roy", and "Ivanhoe", which have inspired countless authors and adaptations ever since.

This collection of nineteen short stories from O.Henry beautifully captures the spirit of the American West, crystallising the era of gunslingers and cowboys in a extremely poignant manner. There are captivating moments of happiness, joy, love and sorrow throughout this tumultuous tour of brilliant characters. Nothing in the West is easy, and it becomes apparent that love is above all else the most important thing we can possess. This importance of love is the overarching theme present in this collection and its prevalence in even the most dire of places. These tales possess O. Henry's signature unexpected twists, and, in all, turn this collection into a compelling, and humorous read. Some of the stories included are "Hearts and Crosses", "The Caballero's Way", and "Christmas by Injunction". For those with the Wild West spirit, from lovers of the 'Magnificent Seven' to 'Red Dead Redemption' this book is for you. William Sidney Porter (1862-1919), known simply as O. Henry, following his stint in prison, was a prolific American short story writer. His fame came exceptionally quickly and he became a bestselling author of short story collections, the most famous being "Cabbages and Kings", "The Voice of the City", and "Strictly Business." As a result of the outstanding literature legacy that O. Henry left behind, there is an annual award named after him, given to the authors of exceptional short stories.

`Are there not books that can make us live more in one single hour than life can make us live in a score of shameful years?' In this brilliant collection of essays, Oscar Wilde talks about art, literature, and criticism as only he can. The topics range from discussions of Shakespeare's use of costumes and stage design to elevate his dramas, to condemnations of realism, and celebration of criticism as an art form in itself. `Intentions' is bold, insightful, and witty. Its ideas show why Wilde was considered one of the most unique voices of his time and many of the topics are still fiercely debated today, such as whether art should have a moral message or simply exist to be artistic. These essays truly show Wilde at his best and lay a clear foundation for the ideas and beliefs that would shape his later writings. `Intentions' provides an unparalleled look into the mind of a great artist and should be read by any fans of Wilde or aspiring artists. Oscar Wilde (1854-1900) was a popular Irish playwright, novelist, essayist, and poet. Some of his most celebrated and well-read works are `The Picture of Dorian Gray' and `The Importance of Being Earnest'. Wilde's life ended in tragedy as he was sentenced to prison due to acts of gross indecency with men and died at a young age shortly after being released. Although Wilde's life was cut short, his influence lives on to this day and he is celebrated as one of the finest writers of his time. His work has been adapted for stage and screen many times, including an announced `Dorian Gray' film directed by musician St. Vincent.

`The Old Curiosity Shop' is one of Charles Dickens' most beloved novels about a poor orphan girl, Nell, and her caring grandfather. In an attempt to improve Nell's life, her grandfather accepts a loan from the cruel and conniving landlord, Quilp, and begins gambling but this only worsens their fortune. After issues with the police, Nell and her grandfather set out on a grand adventure and meet many of Dickens' most memorable characters as Nell's health deteriorates. `The Old Curiosity Shop' is an incredible drama involving love, betrayal, and death that blends the fantastical nature of Nell's journey with Dickens' realistic criticism of living conditions in Victorian slums. The story caused mania at the time as Little Nell captured the hearts of readers around the globe including Queen Victoria. Nell and her grandfather have captivated audiences for generations in this timeless story that is equally as heart-warming as it is heart-breaking, and it is recommended for readers of all ages. Charles Dickens (1812-1870) was a widely popular English author and social critic. Among his most famous novels are `Oliver Twist', `A Christmas Carol', and `Great Expectations'. Dickens is best known for his depictions of poor Victorian living conditions and his unforgettable characters, some compassionate and others grotesquely malicious. Dickens' timeless tales are still as celebrated today as when they were written, and his literary style is so influential that the term Dickensian was coined to describe the literature he inspired. Many of Dickens' novels have been adapted for movies and television, including the Academy Award-winning musical `Oliver'.

Helena is an orphaned daughter who has fallen madly in love with the arrogant Bertram. Helena is allowed to go to court and try her hand at curing the King's illness. Although others have failed, she succeeds and is granted permission to marry Bertram. To her sorrows however, he rejects her, turning out to be the beginning of a series of trials and tribulations Will Helena's efforts to corral her unwilling lover provide her with joyful fulfilment? This is the romantic comedy play of all time, providing an incredible dance across gender, sex, morality, duty and honour, without taking a stance, but as everything is ultimately alright, all's well that ends well after all! Perfect for fans of `Notting Hill' and Bridget Jones's Diary'. William Shakespeare (1564-1616) is widely considered the world's greatest dramatist and is often referred to as England's national poet or the Bard. Most famous for his timeless plays, he also wrote a multitude of poems and sonnets. Shakespeare was the blockbuster writer of his day, his many works concerning universal themes of life, love, death, revenge, grief, jealousy, murder, magic, and mystery. Among some of his most famous are "Macbeth", "Romeo and Juliet", and "Hamlet", but the list is long, and many continue to be studied and performed, both their original form and modern adaptations.

`Little Dorrit' is a highly personal novel by Charles Dickens that many critics state is one of his finest later works. The story revolves around Amy Dorrit, a kind-hearted young woman who resides in Marshalsea prison as her family cannot afford to pay their debts. Amy and her family's fortune changes as Arthur Clennam, a wealthy businessman, takes an interest in her family while attempting to solve a mystery about his lineage. `Little Dorrit' is a sprawling family saga that involves unrequited love, blackmail, and a timeless rags-to-riches story with a twist. Dickens' celebrated social satire is displayed in this tale as he criticises the cruel prison system of Victorian England which his father spent many years in, unable to work or repay his debts. While this is a darker novel than Dickens' early work, it still entertains through its cast of comical characters and lyrical prose. A thrilling novel that is equally poignant and entertaining, `Little Dorrit' is still as relevant today as when it was written and is a must-read for fans of Dickens and `The Shawshank Redemption'. Charles Dickens (1812-1870) was a widely popular English author and social critic. Among his most famous novels are `Oliver Twist', `A Christmas Carol', and `Great Expectations'. Dickens is best known for his depictions of poor Victorian living conditions and his unforgettable characters, some compassionate and others grotesquely malicious. Dickens' timeless tales are still as celebrated today as when they were written, and his literary style is so influential that the term Dickensian was coined to describe the literature he inspired. Many of Dickens' novels have been adapted for movies and television, including the Academy Award-winning musical `Oliver'.

"Narrative of the Life of Frederick Douglass, an American Slave" is the 1845 autobiography of freed slave and abolitionist Frederick Douglass. It recounts his life as a slave in Maryland and his flight for freedom. The account is accompanied by texts written by well-known fellow abolitionists of the time: William Lloyd Garrison and Wendell Philipps, acting as proof of the legitimacy of the author's claims. Upon its publication, the texts was well received, although it did get some negative feedback both from people acquainted with Douglass's old masters, and with people doubting their cruelty, or that a black man could have written such a text. Nevertheless, "Narrative of the Life of Frederick Douglass, an American Slave" had a huge impact on society, and remains one of the most read and studied personal accounts of slavery in America in the 19th century to this day. Frederick Douglass (1818-1995) was an American abolitionist and author. Born into slavery in Maryland, he was of African, European, and Native American descent. He was separated from his mother at a young age and lived with his grandmother until he was sold on. Frederick was taught his alphabet by the wife of one of his owners, a knowledge he passed on to other slaves. In 1838, he successfully escaped slavery by jumping on a north-bound train. After less than 24 hours, he was in New York and free. The same year, he married the woman that had inspired his run for freedom and started working actively as a social reformer, orator, statesman, and women's rights defender. He remains most known today for his 1845 autobiography "Narrative of the Life of Frederick Douglass, an American Slave."

A rich misanthropic man with no friends die and leaves all his money to his estranged son, John Harmon, who lives abroad. But Harmon can only inherit the money on the condition that he marries a woman he has never met. When Harmon neglects to return home to collect his inheritance, it leaves everyone puzzled. But then the dead body of a young man is found in the Thames. The plot and characters are exquisite in this last completed novel by Dickens. A sophisticated masterpiece, Our Mutual Friend tells the story of the downside of money and the corruptive power it holds. The book was referenced on the show Lost as well as in the video game Assasin's Creed: Syndicate and in the Paul McCartney song Jenny Wren. Charles Dickens (1812-1870) was an English author, social critic, and philanthropist. Much of his writing first appeared in small instalments in magazines and was widely popular. Among his most famous novels are Oliver Twist (1839), David Copperfield (1850), and Great Expectations (1861).

This is the historical play on King Richard's life and how he died, tracing his fall from power. As a young man, Richard rises to the throne, although quickly proven to make poor decisions. Instead of spending his time being a worthy monarch of England, he spends his time chasing the latest Italian fashion and increases taxes to fund his wars in Ireland and elsewhere. As Henry returns to England to reclaim his land, will Richard descend the throne or keep fighting till his dying breath? For all historical lovers, this play provides a pertinent perspective on the British monarchy and its magnificent history. Amongst William Shakespeare's many must-reads, this is the classic worth reading next! If you watched and loved a series such as `the Crown' or a film as `Mary, Queen of Scots' this book should be on your to-be-read list. William Shakespeare (1564-1616) is widely considered the world's greatest dramatist, perhaps even the greatest British writer of all time. Most famous for his timeless plays, he also wrote plenty of poems and sonnets. Shakespeare was the blockbuster writer of his day. His many works are concerning universal themes of life, love, death, revenge, grief, jealousy, murder, magic and mystery. Some of his most famous are Macbeth, Romeo and Juliet, and Hamlet. Due to Shakespeare's insight into characters' feelings and intentions and his ability to contrast right and wrongs, light and darkness, he could stand out among the plenitude of English writers in the 16th century. Shakespeare's work is still considerably relevant today because the characters are relatable, these stories are still relevant and can definitely make interesting conversations.

Set against a backdrop of the Chilean War of Independence, 'Gaspar Ruiz' is the story of the tumultuous rise and fall of a local peasant turned rebel soldier. An epic tale of remarkable irony and adventure, we follow Ruiz - who possesses an almost Herculean strength - from soldier to prisoner, to fugitive and finally colonel of the Spanish Army. Sardonically, his strength proves invaluable at saving his life multiple times, but is also ultimately the vehicle of his peril. Joseph Conrad's work went on to influence authors like George Orwell, John le Carré and F. Scott Fitzgerald. Joseph Conrad (1857-1924) was a Polish-born author who left Poland in his teens to avoid enlistment in the Russian Army. He learned English aboard British ships and started writing in the language after settling in England. His most famous novel is `Heart of Darkness' (1899), which was inspired by his experiences on the open sea.

Découvrez Lady Susan, le roman épistolaire sulfureux de Jane Austen : une veuve manipulatrice, aussi séduisante que redoutable, joue avec les cœurs et les conventions de la société anglaise. Qui osera résister à son charme empoisonné ?

Do you love Jane Austen's Pride and Prejudice? How about Persuasion and Emma? Then you will love her unfinished novel "The Watsons". The story revolves around the life and misfortunes of Emma Watson after the death of her aunt. She moves to live with her distant father and his family, only to find out that there are family issues lurking deep beneath the surface that threaten to destroy her ambitions and desires. "The Watsons" is an entertaining and sympathetic portrayal of family life, and will leave the reader wanting more. Jane Austen (1775-1817) is one of the most beloved British writers of all time. During her short life she published six novels: ´Sense and Sensibility´, ´Pride and Prejudice´, ´Mansfield Park´, ´Emma´, ´Northanger Abbey´ and ´Persuasion´, that are all considered as literary classics today. Her writing is full of sharp observations on the society in which she evolved, as well as ripe with timeless irony, and a solid dose of humour. She has created immortal characters that have inspired countless authors, novels, and movies such as Bridget Jones and Clueless. The most notable film adapted from a Jane Austen novel is Pride and Prejudice from 2005 starring Keira Knightley (Pirates of the Caribbean) and Matthew Macfadyen.

What happens when love is warped by greed and status seeking? This a look into contemporary American adolescence and young manhood. "This Side of Paradise" is the first novel by F. Scott Fitzgerald, exploring the difficult lives and values of the American youth after the First World War. It is written in a semi-autobiographical tone, presenting the handsome and idealistic student Amory Blaine, coming from a well-to-do family. The narrative strictly follows his ups and downs, love episodes, and interior life in such a way as to use him as a symbol of a whole generation. It is the novel that skyrocketed Fitzgerald's fame and made possible his marriage to Zelda. An extremely lyrical and passionate tale, "This Side of Paradise" is a must-read for fans and scholars of Fitzgerald and American literature. F. Scott Fitzgerald (1896-1940) is one of the greatest American novelists of the 20th century and author of the classics `Tender is the Night' and `The Great Gatsby'. His writing helped illustrate the 1920s Jazz Age that he and wife Zelda Fitzgerald were in the centre of. "The Great Gatsby" has been made into many film adaptations over the years with the most notable one being from 2013, and with an all-star cast such as Leonardo DiCaprio (Titanic), Tobey Maguire (Spiderman), and Isla Fisher (Wedding Crashers with Owen Wilson and Vince Vaughn)

Giovanni Verga pubblicò nel 1880 "Vita dei campi", un lavoro davvero rivoluzionario. Descrive le vite della gente comune in Sicilia. Verga narra la vita pericolosa dei pescatori, la solitudine dei giovani pastori, i drammi quotidiani in una miniera e la gelosia omicida di un contadino siciliano. Giovanni Verga (1840-1922) fu un autore italiano. Considerato il maggior esponente della corrente letteraria del verismo, portò la letteratura italiana in una direzione più naturalistica. Nato e cresciuto in Sicilia, si trasferì a Milano nel 1872, dove scrisse "Vita dei campi". Il suo stile si basa su osservazioni molto precise, allontanandosi dalla mitologizzazione. Il lavoro di Verga ha influenzato noti registi del dopoguerra come Luchino Visconti.

Venise, 1604 : Othello, général maure respecté, épouse en secret la blanche Desdémone. Mais la haine d’Iago va tout empoisonner. Une tragédie shakespearienne où la jalousie détruit l’amour et l’honneur, toujours aussi puissante aujourd’hui.

The death of their father leaves Oliver and Orlando at odds. Oliver inherits everything and out of spite forces his younger brother to live in poverty by denying him his inheritance. Left with little choice, Orlando heads to Duke Frederick's court to fight the court's champion wrestler. There, Orlando wins the match, gets the prize and falls in love with the Duke's niece Rosalind. Orlando's win infuriates Frederick because of the friendship between the boy's father and his own brother Duke Senior, who he has banished to the forest. Frederick accuses Rosalind of conspiring against him and banishes her from the court despite his daughter Celia's pleas. Rosalind disguises herself as a boy called Ganymede and heads for the forest with her cousin Celia, who pretends to be a young country girl named Aliena. In the forest, Orlando runs into Duke Senior and his men. Then the girls in disguise arrive, and chaos ensues. William Shakespeare (1564-1616) was an English playwright, poet and actor. Considered the greatest dramatist of all time, he is widely regarded as the most influential English language writer. Shakespeare's plays focus on the range of human emotion and conflict, and have been translated into more than 100 languages. Many including "Hamlet," "Macbeth," and "Romeo and Juliet" have been adapted for stage and screen.

Upon the death of the old captain, a young sailor takes charge of the ship and its crew. The ship must make a delivery but can't depart the port due without an expert tug boat. The new captain befriends Hermann, the captain of a German ship moored nearby. Herman lives aboard with his wife, four children and his niece. Thrown together by shared circumstances they all become very friendly. Unknown to anyone, Falk, the tugboat captain who can get them all out of the bay, is in love with Herman's niece. He becomes jealous of a man he perceives as his competition and sabotages the ships from leaving. The young captain must befriend the bitter and sulking Falk and help him win Herman's niece. But Falk has a dark secret from his own sinister past that he must reveal before he can win the niece's heart and hand in marriage. "Falk" is a tale told by a group of mariners swapping seas stories around a dinner table. Like many other Conrad's works, it combines his interest in moral conflict and the dark side of human nature. Fans of other maritime books like "Moby Dick" or "Shogun" will enjoy this insightful tale. Joseph Conrad (1857-1924), born Józef Teodor Konrad Korzeniowsk in Berdychiv, Ukraine. His parents were Polish nobles and patriots who conspired against oppressive Russian rule. He became a naturalized British subject in 1886. Conrad is regarded as one of the greatest novelists, known for works like "Lord Jim," "Heart of Darkness," and "The Secret Agent." Many of his works reflect on his experience as a mariner and addressed profound themes of human nature and existence.

John, King of England's rule is challenged by an ambassador for King Phillip of France. Claiming that Arthur, the nephew of John should be crowned king instead, John declares war against France. Although John orders his nephew's death and turns the nobles against himself, the questions remain... who is the rightful heir to the throne of England? `King John' is a brilliant historical fiction with its underlying theme of sources of power and authority it is both tragically poetic and satiric in equal measure. Perfect for fans of The Dr Ruth Galloway Mysteries by Elly Griffiths. William Shakespeare (1564-1616) is widely considered the world's greatest dramatist and is often referred to as England's national poet or the Bard. Most famous for his timeless plays, he also wrote a multitude of poems and sonnets. Shakespeare was the blockbuster writer of his day, his many works concerning universal themes of life, love, death, revenge, grief, jealousy, murder, magic, and mystery. Among some of his most famous are "Macbeth", "Romeo and Juliet", and "Hamlet", but the list is long, and many continue to be studied and performed, both their original form and modern adaptations.

Based on the mythological Leir of Britain, the main character of King Lear decides to retire from the throne and hands over the kingdom his daughters. The premonition of the division of the kingdom will solely be based on the girls' strength of flattery. His two oldest daughters flatter him greatly, but the youngest one, Cordelia, refuses to play this game. King Lear is furious and chooses to banish her despite her love for him. Soon, however, the old king finds himself overruled by his oldest daughters and is driven to madness. Who will now fix the kingdom and resolve the civil wars to come? King Lear is a classic book for adults, one of Shakespeare's most tragic and heart-breaking plays as it searches the depths of human suffering and despair. Great for fans of Gayle Forman and John Green. William Shakespeare (1564-1616) was an English playwright, poet and actor. Regarded as the greatest playwright in the world and the greatestEnglish languagewriter, her wrote poems and sonnets, and also comedic, tragic and historical plays such as "Hamlet", "Othello", "King Lear", "Much Ado About Nothing", "A Midsummer Night's Dream" and "Macbeth". Incredibly influential and popular, he also invented numerous words and phrases.

Immerse yourself in the enchanting prose which makes ´Mrs Dalloway´ a timeless classic, celebrated globally as one of Virginia Woolf's greatest novels.While Mrs Dalloway meticulously prepares for a grand evening soirée, she is interrupted by the arrival of an old admirer, who unknowingly ignites a cascade of memories and reflections that threaten to consume her.Weaving you in and out of her characters' minds, ´Mrs Dalloway´ will leave you convinced that Virginia Woolf possesses an unparalleled understanding of human nature.Virginia Woolf (1882-1941) was a hugely influential English writer. A pioneer in the narrative device of streams of consciousness, Woolf's breathtaking collection spans `Mrs Dalloway', `To the Lighthouse', and the non-fiction title `A Room of One's Own'.

Isabel Archer, a beautiful and adventurous young American woman, has been brought to Europe by her Aunt, Mrs Touchett, hoping to find a future husband for her niece. When Isabel turns down several suitors, it appears that she is too headstrong to ever find a match, but when Isabel encounters the handsome and charming Gilbert Osmond, it appears that she might finally have found love. Beneath his charm however, there is more to Gilbert Osmond than meets the eye - is it Isabel or her money that Osmond truly desires? A fascinating story of wealth, freedom, and betrayal from famous American author Henry James, `The Portrait of a Lady' is widely considered one of his finest works. Henry James (1843 - 1916) was an American novelist. Born in New York, he spent long periods of time in Europe as a young man, and eventually settled in England, becoming a British citizen in 1915. By his mid-twenties James was already regarded as one of the best short-story writers in America, and he continued to find success with his novels. Some of his best-known works include `The Portrait of a Lady', `The Wings of the Dove' and his much-loved gothic horror story `The Turn of the Screw', which has been adapted for stage and screen multiple times. James was nominated for the Nobel Prize in literature three times. He died in London in 1916.