Showing titles in Literary History & Criticism

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 ...

Step into the world of early 20th-century New York through the eyes of Abraham Cahan, the visionary behind the Jewish Daily Forward. As a Yiddish-speaking immigrant himself, Cahan sought to empower fellow newcomers to navigate their new lives. His most celebrated work, The Rise of David Levinsky, is a poignant semi-autobiographical tale of a Russian Jews journey from poverty to prosperity in America. Join us as we explore themes of identity, ambition, and the immigrant experience in this captivating narrative. - Summary modified from Wikipedia. Proof-listened by marinal88 and Mark Chulsky

Certain names resonate through history, capturing the attention of all who seek to broaden their understanding of the past. Richard I is one such name, a figure whose exploits and character have earned him a place in the annals of fame. This work aims to distill the key traits and pivotal moments of his life into a clear, engaging narrative that serves both educational and practical purposes. Join us as we explore the life of Richard I and uncover what made him legendary.

Discover the life of Manfred Albrecht Freiherr von Richthofen, better known as the legendary Red Baron, a German fighter pilot who soared to fame during World War I. Born on May 2, 1892, he became the wars top ace, officially credited with an astonishing 80 aerial victories. Originally starting his career as a cavalryman, Richthofen transitioned to the Air Service in 1915 and quickly made a name for himself as a fearless fighter pilot. By 1917, he had risen to lead Jasta 11 and the renowned Jagdgeschwader 1, famously known as the Flying Circus. A national hero in Germany and a figure of ...

In this captivating LibriVox recording, explore three chapters from the Memoirs of American Civil War General William Tecumseh Sherman, focusing on his experiences in California during the years 1846-1848. While many of his contemporaries engaged in the Mexican-American War, Sherman found himself in administrative roles within the newly acquired territory of California. Joined by fellow Lieutenants Henry Halleck and Edward Ord, Sherman embarked on a remarkable 198-day voyage from New York to California aboard the converted sloop USS Lexington. The close quarters of the ship fostered deep ...

Explore the life of General Robert E. Lee, a prominent figure in the American Civil War, through the poignant reflections and letters of his youngest son, a fellow Confederate Army officer. First published in 1905, this collection offers a unique glimpse into the personal and historical context of Lees life. Note that in many letters, the recipients name follows General Lees signature; the White House referenced is actually his elder sons home in Virginia. - Summary by David Wales

In Reveries of a Bachelor, or A Book of the Heart, American author Donald Grant Mitchell, writing as Ik Marvel, invites readers into the reflective world of Paul, a bachelor who finds solace by his fireplace, cigar in hand, with his loyal dog at his feet. As he reminisces about his boyhood, the charm of rural life, and his adventures through travel, Paul delves deeply into the poignant memories of the young women who have touched his heart—real or imagined. Originally serialized in a magazine, this beloved novel comprises four reveries that together create a tapestry of longing and ...

Join Joshua Slocum on his incredible journey as the first person to sail solo around the globe in a modest boat. He meticulously rebuilt an 11.2-meter sloop-rigged fishing vessel, aptly named the Spray. On April 24, 1895, he embarked from Boston, Massachusetts, and after more than three years at sea, returned to Newport, Rhode Island, on June 27, 1898, having covered an astonishing 46,000 miles (74,000 km). In 1899, he recounted this remarkable adventure in Sailing Alone Around the World, a timeless piece of travel literature that has captivated readers ever since. Arthur Ransome once famously...

Join Sir Frances Head Bond, affectionately nicknamed Galloping Head, on a thrilling adventure through the Argentine pampas and the majestic Andes. In 1825, he journeyed as a mining supervisor for the Rio Plata Mining Association, a group of English speculators with grand but ill-fated ambitions. His vivid Rough Notes capture the essence of a resourceful adventurer, detailing relentless rides across vast landscapes, where horses gallop tirelessly for hours. Experience his harrowing encounters, such as balancing on mules trudging through deep snow and navigating treacherous terrains to inspect ...

Join Jacob Abbott as he vividly recounts the treacherous ascent of Richard III to the English throne amid the fierce conflict between the Yorks and the Lancasters. Explore the dramatic events leading to his ultimate downfall on the historic Field of Bosworth. (Introduction by Cathy Barratt)

For Christians who are tired of DNFing books because of unexpected or unwanted content. Find books that let you escape into fiction without sacrificing your values.

For an individual lacking formal credentials in literature to tackle a puzzle that has confounded experts for ages may seem like an audacious leap. Yet, what I present is not a mere fluke but the outcome of a dedicated and systematic investigation. My findings suggest that the conventional belief in William Shakspere as the true author of the celebrated works is not just unfounded, but there exists a compelling prima facie case against it. It appears that he may have been merely a façade, behind which an extraordinary intellect chose to navigate their own fate for reasons yet unknown. (...

Delving into the enigma of the unconscious, Robert Browning exemplifies a profound mystery that transcends the conscious mind—a mystery inherent in all humanity, yet uniquely pronounced in Browning, a man of remarkable simplicity and spontaneity. This phenomenon echoes throughout history and human endeavors. Deliberate creations may eventually unravel, but the natural remains shrouded in mystery. Crafting a narrative of Brownings life feels akin to mapping a labyrinth versus mapping a mist; his extraordinary intellect paired with an unassuming temperament invites endless exploration, yet...