Showing titles in Literary History & Criticism

Dive into the thrilling world of botanical espionage in Travels to Oaxaca. Set in the year 1776, follow the audacious French botanist Nicolas-Joseph Thiery de Menonville as he hatches a daring plot to steal cochineal insects and their cactus hosts from Spanish Mexico to cultivate them in the French Caribbean. With his charming wit and quick thinking, Thiery deceives his way from Port-au-Prince to Havana and then to the Mexican mainland under the guise of searching for a cure for gout. However, when his passport is seized and the Viceroy orders him to leave, he seizes the moment. With a clever ...

Despite having attended formal school for only a few months in his childhood, Thomas Alva Edison was nurtured at home by his mother, a former schoolmistress, who instilled in him the foundational skills of reading, writing, and arithmetic. With an insatiable curiosity and a relentless spirit, Edison transformed his knowledge and passion for technology into groundbreaking inventions, overcoming challenges and seizing opportunities along the way. This engaging book delves into the remarkable highs and lows of Edisons life, illustrating how he turned adversity into triumph. It covers his ...

What Happens in... is the podcast that gives you the “Wait, what happens in that one?” version of iconic novels. We’re all about juicy plots, key characters, and the wild twists that made these books unforgettable. It's classics made clear; lit without the lit class. So next time someone name-drops Moby-Dick, you can confidently nod and say, “Total classic.”Reach out to us at whathappensinpod@gmail.com.

Join Captain Glazier as he recounts his gripping journey as a cavalryman in the Federal Army during the Civil War. From his enlistment in New York State to his harrowing capture at the Battle of Brandy Station, experience the trials and triumphs of war through his vivid storytelling. (Summary by Jonathan Limebrook)

Der Literatur- und Medienpodcast für all die Themen, die in Deinem Freundeskreis zu kurz kommen.

In the realm of autobiography, few narratives resonate as powerfully as Mr. Garlands story of his life. I would place it among the finest works of its kind in literature. This tale reveals the poets profound understanding of the immense struggle between humanity and nature, capturing the relentless toil and ingenuity required to wrestle beauty and sustenance from the earth. With a heart that oscillates between disdain and deep affection for the West, Garlands journey unfolds as both a tribute to a generation and an unparalleled epic of American experience. As you delve into his life story, ...

In Spell of Egypt, a British journalist and novelist immerses himself in the rich tapestry of Egypt, capturing the profound emotional responses that each location evokes. His vivid storytelling brings the sights and sounds of this ancient land to life, inviting listeners to experience the magic and wonder of his journey. (summary by Sibella)

Dive into a captivating collection of John Muirs previously unpublished essays, released shortly after his passing. This volume is sure to fulfill the high expectations of Muir’s devoted readers. Experience the thrill of his harrowing night on the summit of Mount Shasta, a tale that ranks among the most exhilarating of his adventures. Muirs reflections on the abandoned towns of Nevada and the Native Americans harvesting pine nuts evoke a vanishing chapter of Western life that remains largely uncharted in American literature. The breathtaking landscapes Muir encountered now exist mainly ...

A Small Boy and Others is an evocative autobiography by Henry James, published in 1913. In this insightful work, James reflects on his formative years, offering a glimpse into his intellectually stimulating family life, his varied educational experiences, and his early adventures in Europe. This book is a poignant exploration of childhood and the influences that shaped one of literatures greatest figures.

خلاصه کتاب شما عظیم تر از انی هستید که می اندیشید

In the fascinating world of 19th-century society, Ward McAllisters memoir, Society as I Have Found It, stirred the pot and caught the attention of none other than Mark Twain. Illustrator Dan Beard recounted a conversation with Twain about the book, revealing Twain’s high regard for McAllister’s humorous insights. Despite Twains ambitious attempt to craft a satire on McAllisters work, he ultimately conceded that some creations stand alone in their brilliance. This book not only chronicles McAllisters experiences but also highlights the tension between emerging media personalities ...

In 2020, a portrait of Harriet Tubman will grace the front of the U.S. $20 bill, replacing Andrew Jackson and honoring her incredible legacy. Written by Sarah H. Bradford, who had the privilege of knowing Tubman personally, this collection of scenes captures the remarkable journey of a woman who defied the odds and fought for freedom. - Summary by Sue Anderson

In the wake of his monumental Second Voyage, James Cook was summoned back to the Pacific by the Admiralty, ostensibly to return Omai, a young man from Raiatea, to his homeland. However, the true mission was to seek out the elusive Northwest Passage, a rumored route connecting the Pacific and Atlantic Oceans north of Canada. Commanding HMS Resolution, with Captain Clerke at the helm of HMS Discovery, Cook embarked on an adventurous journey that included stops in Tenerife, Cape Town, and New Zealand. After successfully reuniting Omai with his people, Cook became the first European to set foot in...

Discover four fascinating articles from the June 16, 1888 edition of Literature - An Illustrated Weekly Magazine (Vol. 1, No. 17) that delve into the life and persona of Samuel Langhorne Clemens, better known as Mark Twain. These early pieces—Mark Twain At Home, Youth of Mark Twain, and Mark Twain Gossip—offer unique insights and analyses that reveal the man behind the legend for the very first time. Notably, Mark Twain At Home was originally published in the London World. (John Greenman)

In Rogues Life, the author takes us on a delightful journey through a cherished period of their past, set against the vibrant backdrop of Paris. Here, they found camaraderie with literary giants like Charles Dickens and enjoyed the company of artistic friends, including the unforgettable comedian, Regnier. While revisiting these pages has brought a touch of melancholy, the hope is that they will brighten the somber moments for others. The Rogue, with his light-heartedness and brevity, promises to engage and entertain the new generation.

Immerse yourself in the rich tapestry of life on a sheep station in colonial New Zealand during the 1860s with Station Amusements in New Zealand. This captivating collection of vignettes expands upon the experiences chronicled in Mary Anne Barker’s earlier work, Station Life in New Zealand. For three remarkable years from 1865 to 1868, Mary Anne and her husband, Frederick Broomie, called the picturesque sheep station Broomielaw home, nestled under the majestic Southern Alps of Canterbury. Through her vivid sketches, Mary Anne invites us to relive the joys of their daily pursuits, ...

In Spirit of the Age; Or, Contemporary Portraits, William Hazlitt masterfully captures the essence of his era through insightful monographs on a constellation of literary luminaries. Meet the likes of Jeremy Bentham, the architect of utilitarian philosophy, and William Godwin, who elevated morality beyond human reach. Delve into the minds of Samuel Taylor Coleridge, Edward Irving, and Sir Walter Scott, as Hazlitt reveals their distinct contributions to literature and society. From the eloquence of Thomas Campbell, known for Pleasures of Hope, to the impactful thoughts of William Wordsworth and...

In 1907, I was commissioned by the Woman’s Home Companion to journey to Russia, tasked with unraveling the captivating story of the early life, courtship, and marriage of the woman known today as the Tsaritsa. The following year, I traveled to Italy to delve into the life of Queen Elena, and in 1910, I found myself in Spain, exploring the intriguing life of Queen Victoria Eugenie. A friend once remarked on the challenges of my endeavor, stating, Your task is difficult because these are three good Queens, and good Queens, like all good women, have no history. Now that I have shared the ...

Station Life in New Zealand offers a delightful glimpse into the life of Lady Mary Anne Barker (née Mary Anne Stewart) through a captivating collection of her letters, which have become a cherished part of New Zealands literary heritage. These letters, penned between 1865 and 1868, chronicle her travels with her husband, Frederick Broomie, to the colonial sheep station they called home, Broomielaw, in the picturesque Province of Canterbury on New Zealands South Island. With a blend of humor and storytelling, Lady Barker shares the lighter and more whimsical aspects of colonization, while ...

At just 19 years old in 1902, Mary MacLane burst onto the literary scene with her groundbreaking debut, The Story of Mary MacLane. The book became a sensation, selling 100,000 copies within its first month and captivating young readers, though it faced backlash from conservative critics and light-hearted mockery from H.L. Mencken. Feeling stifled in her small mining town of Butte, MacLane used her newfound success to relocate to the vibrant Greenwich Village, where she continued to produce provocative works and insightful newspaper articles. Even today, her candid and fearless writing about ...