Showing results by publisher "----RM Alexander" in Literary History & Criticism

In The Worshipper of the Image, Richard Le Gallienne unfolds a haunting tale first published in 1900. The story follows Antony, a poet who stumbles upon a mysterious death mask in an antique shop that strikingly resembles his wife, Beatrice. Named Silencieux, this eerie artifact soon becomes an obsession, consuming Antonys thoughts and driving a wedge between him and his once-beloved family. As his fixation deepens, Antony spirals into madness, willing to sacrifice everything—including his own soul—to be reunited with the haunting visage of Silencieux. - Summary by Holly McGuire

Winnie-the-Pooh is a beloved classic that has enchanted children around the world for nearly a century. Join a young boy and his cherished stuffed animals as they embark on whimsical adventures in the magical Hundred Acre Wood. - Summary by Charles Bolton

This captivating collection aims to rekindle the interest of the everyday English reader in the enchanting world of Ariosto. Within these pages, you will discover some of the most compelling stories from the Orlando Furioso, presented in a way that highlights the overarching narrative. The Orlando Furioso is a rich tapestry of tales, blending exquisite romance with hearty humor, ensuring theres something for everyone to enjoy.

The Shahnameh, or The Book of Kings, stands as a monumental poem crafted around 1000 C.E. by the illustrious Persian poet Ferdowsi. This epic narrates the legendary tales of mythical kings and heroes from ancient Persia, alongside historical episodes from the Sasanian era. Revered as Irans national epic, its captivating stories once echoed throughout regions from Central Asia to Anatolia, and from India to the Caucasus. Helen Zimmerns retelling in English prose brings to life some of the most celebrated legends of the Shahnameh. She aims to capture the originals naïve, archaic essence by ...

Friedrich de la Motte Fouque, renowned for his other work Undine, is a celebrated German Romantic writer whose tales are steeped in chivalry, enchantment, and the timeless battle between good and evil. With a heart as pure as his strength is great, Fouque weaves a poignant narrative about a young mans quest for an elusive desire. Immerse yourself in a world where nature and ancient valor collide, revealing the profound struggles of love and ambition. (Summary by Alisson Veldhuis)

What started as a simple translation project evolved into a creative retelling of four beloved fairy tales from the Cabinet des Fees, a renowned French collection spanning over forty volumes. As I delved back into the stories, I found that the original translations didn’t quite capture the magic I was hoping for. So, I took it upon myself to rewrite these enchanting tales in my own unique style, which, as the Irish butler might say, may not be the finest claret, but it’s the best you’ve got. —Preface - Summary by mlcui

Dive into the fascinating world of the Middle Ages with this captivating volume by Sabine Baring-Gould. Featuring 12 intriguing curiosities, this work showcases Baring-Goulds extensive research and remains one of his most celebrated publications. Join Carolin as she unravels these captivating tales that illuminate the mysteries and wonders of a bygone era.

Dive into a captivating collection of stories that bring to life the rich oral traditions of South Africa’s Swaziland, Matabeleland, and Zululand. Compiled by the dedicated collectors and editors, Mrs. E. J. Bourhill and Mrs. J. B. Drake, these tales are as enchanting as classics like Jack the Giant-killer and The Sleeping Beauty. Each story, steeped in history and culture, features witches, magicians, monsters, as well as valiant heroes and regal princesses, showcasing the intricate tapestry of good and evil rulers. While the authors have brilliantly translated these stories into English, ...

Step into the enchanting world of Stories from the Arabian Nights, where the legendary Scheherazade spins tales that have captivated audiences for centuries. As the clever heroine of the Thousand and One Nights, she wove stories not just for entertainment, but as a means of survival. In this collection, six exceptional tales retold by Laurence Housman stand out for their beauty and depth. These timeless narratives deserve to be shared aloud by those who cherish the art of storytelling—perfect for anyone who loves to immerse themselves in the magic of a well-told tale. - Summary by Phil ...

Dive into the enchanting world of Wilhelm Hauff, a celebrated German poet and novelist renowned for his captivating fairy tales (Märchen). This collection features the exquisite story of Swanhilde alongside a variety of delightful stand-alone tales. At its heart lies The Caravan, a frame story that weaves together multiple fairy tales, showcasing Hauffs unique creativity and charm. Experience the timeless magic and originality that continue to resonate in German-speaking cultures today. (Foon)

Dive into the enchanting world of Puck of Pooks Hill, a captivating fantasy book by Rudyard Kipling, first published in 1906. This collection of short stories transports readers through different eras of English history, blending historical fantasy with contemporary magic. The tale unfolds through the eyes of two children living near Burwash, who are visited by characters magically drawn from the past by the mischievous elf Puck, a nod to Shakespeares memorable creation in A Midsummer Nights Dream. Each story weaves its own unique narrative, ranging from authentic historical tales like A ...

Dive into a captivating collection of folklore from India, China, Japan, the Philippines, and Persia. Each tale weaves together the rich cultural tapestry of the Orient, inviting listeners to explore timeless stories that have been passed down through generations. - Summary by Nicole J. LeBoeuf

Dive into The Song of Three Friends, one of the five epic poems in Neihardts Cycle of the West. In eight captivating cantos, this tale follows three adventurers—Mike Fink, Will Carpenter, and Frank Talbeau—as they journey up the Missouri River in 1822, embarking on a quest for fortune in the fur fields of the Rocky Mountains. However, their camaraderie is tested when love for the same woman leads to tragic consequences. Celebrated for its lyrical beauty, The Song of Three Friends earned the title of Best Volume of Verse from the Poetry Society of America shortly after its release. - ...

Immerse yourself in the enchanting world of Maker of Rainbows, a captivating collection of fairy tales crafted by the gifted Richard Le Gallienne. These timeless stories invite readers of all ages to explore themes of magic, adventure, and the beauty of imagination.

Dive into the captivating world of Faust, a timeless German legend brought to life in Johann Wolfgang von Goethes iconic play. Meet Faust, a brilliant scholar who, despite his success, finds himself yearning for more. In his quest for unlimited knowledge and worldly pleasures, he strikes a fateful deal with the devil, Mephistopheles. This first part of Faust unfolds through a rich tapestry of scenes, beginning with a prologue in Heaven and transitioning to Fausts study, setting the stage for a profound exploration of ambition, desire, and the human spirit. Join us as we embark on this tragic ...

Experience the timeless epic of The Song of Roland, a captivating tale originally sung in Old French that recounts the heroic Battle of Roncevaux Pass in 778. This English translation brings the rich narrative to life, inviting you to immerse yourself in the valor and tragedy of this legendary story. (Introduction by Joy Chan)

This enchanting collection of stories originated from a series of reading lessons designed for first graders in the Santa Rosa public schools. The lessons aimed to achieve three goals to provide engaging reading material for young learners with limited vocabulary, to introduce them to legendary heroes from songs and stories, and to inspire a lifelong love for literature. As various tales were shared, lively discussions followed, culminating in the children presenting the stories in their own words. Notes were taken on their unique expressions and points of interest. Eventually, the stories ...

Fyodor Dostoevskys The Crocodile, originally published in 1865 in the magazine Epoch, tells the intriguing tale of Ivan Matveitch, a young man who finds himself swallowed by a crocodile yet somehow survives the bizarre ordeal. What will his life be like inside the belly of this monstrous creature? And how will his marriage to Elena Ivanovna withstand the pressures of such an extraordinary circumstance? Join us as we delve into this captivating story that blends dark humor and existential reflection. (Summary by Phillip Cryan)

In the final four Cantos of his mock epic, completed just a year before his untimely death at 36 in Messolonghi, Greece, where he fought for the nationalists against the Ottoman Empire, Lord Byron weaves a rich tapestry of satire and intrigue. Now back in England, Juan is drawn into the autumn festivities of a hunting party hosted by Lord Henry and Lady Adeline Amundeville. Here, he encounters the enigmatic Byronic heroine, Aurora Raby, and is visited by a ghost with a rather unusual charm. While this sets the stage, Byrons true focus lies in a sharp critique of faith, the ineptitude of the ...

Dive into a captivating collection of 14 stories curated by Lafcadio Hearn, where the realms of Japanese folklore and non-fiction intertwine. Hearn not only shares chilling ghost tales, such as A Passional Karma, which explores the theme of eternal love between a young couple, but also offers insights into Japanese culture through Buddhist proverbs, the significance of incense, and the nations deep appreciation for poetry. This enchanting anthology promises to transport you to a world where the supernatural and the cultural coexist harmoniously. (Summary by Availle)