Showing titles in Literary History & Criticism

Dive into the enchanting world of Robert Falconer, a Victorian novel that brings to life a beloved character first introduced in MacDonalds David Elginbrod. This heartfelt narrative, narrated by Kenneth R. Morefield, invites you to explore themes of love, faith, and personal growth in a richly woven tapestry of 19th-century life.

Welcome to NOW Conversations — the podcast where authors don’t just share their stories… they reveal the story behind the story.This is not your typical author interview.Here, we go beyond book summaries and surface-level inspiration. As book publishers, we sit in a rare seat — one that sees the raw manuscript before the polish, the message before the marketing, and the mission before the masterpiece.In each episode, we engage in powerful, unscripted conversations with today’s thought leaders, storytellers, and change-makers — asking the questions only a publisher would think to ...

King Coal, penned by Upton Sinclair and first published in 1917, shines a stark light on the grim working conditions faced by coal miners in the western United States during the 1910s. Like his earlier masterpiece, The Jungle, Sinclair articulates his socialist beliefs through the eyes of Hal Warner, a protagonist ensnared in the relentless machinations of an oppressive capitalist system. This compelling narrative draws inspiration from the real-life Colorado coal strikes of 1914-1915, revealing the harsh realities of labor struggles and the fight for justice. (Summary by Wikipedia) Readers ...

In Younger Sister, we follow the journey of Emma Watson, the youngest of six children from a struggling family, who was sent away in her youth to live with her affluent aunt and uncle. After her uncles passing and her aunts remarriage, Emma—a captivating and well-educated young woman—returns home to care for her ailing father and mend the bonds with her estranged siblings. As she navigates the complexities of her familys dynamics and the challenges of social class, Emma finds herself at the center of romantic pursuits from several eager suitors. This enchanting tale presents the first ...

Set against the vibrant backdrop of the 1890s in the fictional town of Moonstone, Colorado, The Song of the Lark is a captivating tale of artistic ambition and self-discovery. Follow the journey of Thea Kronborg, a determined young woman who leaves her small hometown in pursuit of her dream to become a renowned opera star in the bustling city. The novel beautifully illustrates Theas fierce independence, relentless work ethic, and her journey toward greatness. As she navigates the challenges of her ascent, she recognizes the limitations of those around her, forcing her to shed relationships ...

Jude the Obscure is Thomas Hardys poignant final novel, originally serialized in magazines before its book release in 1895. The story follows Jude Fawley, a lower-class young man with aspirations of becoming a scholar. He navigates a tumultuous life intertwined with his earthy wife, Arabella, and his intellectual cousin, Sue. This compelling narrative explores deep themes such as class struggle, the pursuit of knowledge, the complexities of marriage, and the shifting landscape of society and belief.

In Hazard of New Fortunes, Howell transports us to the bustling streets of late nineteenth-century New York, a city alive with the essence of Edith Wharton and Henry James. The story follows Basil March, a Boston businessman with a passion for literature, as he relocates with his family to edit a newly founded journal. Their new venture is financially backed by Mr. Dryfoos, a Pennsylvania Dutch farmer turned millionaire after striking natural gas on his land. Now navigating the opulent lifestyle of New York, Dryfoos grapples with the perils of his newfound wealth. But is it his fortune that ...

Dive into Arnold Bennetts masterful novel, a gripping exploration of a bookseller whose relentless miserliness impacts not only his life but also his deep affection for a woman. Set against the vibrant backdrop of Londons Clerkenwell district in the aftermath of the First World War, this tale weaves together themes of love, obsession, and the human spirit. - Summary by Anthony Ogus

Dive into the world of Oliver Twist; or, The Parish Boys Progress, the second novel by the renowned Charles Dickens. This timeless tale follows the journey of young Oliver, an orphan who faces a harsh life in a workhouse before being taken in by an undertaker. His quest for a better life leads him to London, where he encounters the cunning Artful Dodger and is drawn into the underbelly of juvenile crime under the influence of the notorious Fagin. With a cast of unforgettable characters, this story balances moments of laughter and tears, making it a must-read for any literature enthusiast. (...

The Golden Bowl, a masterful 1904 novel by Henry James, delves into the intricate dynamics of marriage and infidelity against a backdrop of English society. This intense narrative completes what many critics regard as the major phase of James illustrious career. Through a keen exploration of the tangled relationships between a father, his daughter, and their spouses, this work offers an in-depth examination of the characters inner lives, revealing both obsessive detail and profound insight. (Summary by Wikipedia)

Dive into the captivating world of Robin, a sequel to the classic 1922 novel The Head of the House of Coombe. This enthralling continuation delves deeper into the lives and relationships of Robin, Lord Coombe, Donal, and Feather, set against the backdrop of pre-WWI English society. Join us as we explore themes of nobility, love, and class dynamics in this richly woven tale. (Introduction by Linda Andrus)

At just eleven years old, Jude Fawley is inspired by his teacher, Mr. Phillotson, who leaves their small village of Marygreen to pursue a university degree in Christminster. Determined to follow in his footsteps, Jude studies diligently with the help of old Latin and Greek texts gifted by his mentor. He trains as a stonemason to support himself while striving for higher education. However, upon arriving in Christminster, he quickly realizes that opportunities are scarce for someone of his humble background. As he falls in love with his cousin Sue Bridehead, Judes life becomes a tumultuous ...

Latinx Literature: A Very Short Introduction invites listeners into the richly textured, ever-evolving world of Latinx literary expression. Far from a fixed tradition, Latinx literature arises from a kaleidoscope of voices rooted in transhemispheric exchange—from pre-conquest Indigenous storytelling to Spanish colonial chronicles, to the contemporary works shaped by migration, memory, and resistance.

Bleak House stands as one of Charles Dickens most remarkable achievements. Written in 1853 during the height of his literary career, it captivated readers and outperformed his previous bestseller, David Copperfield. This dynamic novel weaves a complex mystery around the heroine, Esther Summerson, as she navigates her journey from childhood to marriage. Dickens showcases his unparalleled command of the English language, introducing a cast of unforgettable characters while delivering a poignant critique of the legal systems corruption and the self-serving interests that dominated the era. With ...

In the world of Paul Dombey, business reigns supreme, and he yearns for a son who will carry on his legacy. Will his frail newborn son fulfill his ambitious dreams, or will the overshadowed daughter, Florence, who struggles with the limitations of her gender, find her own path? Join us as we explore the complexities of family, ambition, and societal expectations in this compelling tale. - Summary by Brad Filippone

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When Thomas Mann received the Nobel Prize in Literature in 1929, his debut novel “Buddenbrooks,” published in 1901, was celebrated as “the first great novel of the 20th century.” The narrative unfolds around the Buddenbrook family, prosperous owners of a wholesale grain business in Lübeck, Germany—though the city is never explicitly named, its landmarks provide a vivid backdrop inspired by Mann’s own hometown and family history. Spanning four generations during the mid-19th century, the novel, subtitled “The Decline of a Family,” masterfully illustrates the gradual ...

Dive into a collection of twenty captivating stories originally featured in the Christmas editions of Household Words and All The Year Round. While some tales capture the festive spirit, others reflect Charles Dickens deep concern for the social and economic injustices of his time. This volume highlights only Dickens contributions, offering a unique glimpse into his literary world—though the absence of collaborative chapters may leave some narratives feeling a bit fragmented. Join us for a blend of holiday cheer and poignant social commentary, as narrated by David Wales.

Dive into the revolutionary world of Ulysses, a monumental novel by Irish author James Joyce that reshapes our understanding of literature through its innovative stream-of-consciousness technique and dynamic narrative styles. Serialized between 1918 and 1920, and published as a complete book in 1922, this groundbreaking work chronicles the life of Leopold Bloom over the course of a single day—June 16, 1904—in Dublin. The characters and events echo those of Homers epic, with Bloom embodying the modern Odysseus. Despite facing early obscenity trials and being deemed unreadable by many, ...

First published in serial form between 1879 and 1880, The Brothers Karamazov stands as one of the most profound masterpieces in world literature. This final and most celebrated novel of Fyodor Dostoyevsky delves into the tumultuous relationships between a cantankerous father and his adult sons, who grapple not only with their familial conflicts but also with the existential dilemmas of truth, faith, doubt, free will, guilt, and responsibility. Dostoyevskys brilliant narrative technique highlights the complexities of attaining absolute knowledge, while the psychological and philosophical ...