Showing titles in Literary History & Criticism

Celtic mythology, Arthurian romance, and an intriguing interpretation of British history - these are just some of the themes embraced by the anonymous authors of the eleven tales that make up the Welsh medieval masterpiece known as The Mabinogion. They tell of Gwydion the shape-shifter, who can create a woman out of flowers; of Math the magician whose feet must lie in the lap of a virgin; of hanging a pregnant mouse and hunting a magical boar.

Haruki Murakami's myriad fans will be delighted by this unique look into the mind of a master storyteller. In this engaging book, the internationally best-selling author and famously reclusive writer shares with listeners what he thinks about being a novelist; his thoughts on the role of the novel in our society; his own origins as a writer; and his musings on the sparks of creativity that inspire other writers, artists, and musicians.

New York Times bestselling author Alan Furst is internationally renowned as master of the European espionage thriller. Unfolding in September of 1939 as Hitler’s Wehrmacht ravages Warsaw, The Polish Officer discloses the clandestine existence of Polish Military Intelligence.

An unofficial podcast by three women who love all things relating to Robert Galbraith's Cormoran Strike and Robin Ellacott series.

The Meditations by Marcus Aurelius is a collection of personal reflections from the Roman Emperor, blending Stoic philosophy with practical wisdom. Written as a guide for self-improvement, it emphasizes virtues like discipline, humility, and resilience. Aurelius reflects on the impermanence of life, urging acceptance of change and the inevitability of death. He advises focusing on inner virtue rather than external distractions, practicing gratitude, and maintaining a sense of duty to others. The work is a timeless manual for leading a life of integrity, peace, and purpose, rooted in reason and...

For anyone who ever wondered what Marcel Proust had in mind when he wrote the one-and-a-quarter-million words of In Search of Lost Time (while bedridden no less), Alain de Botton has the answer. For, in this stylish, erudite and frequently hilarious book, de Botton dips deeply into Proust’s life and work - his fiction, letter, and conversations – and distils from them that rare self-help manual: one that is actually helpful.

Do not believe that he who seeks to comfort you lives untroubled among the simple and quiet words that sometimes do you good. His life has much difficulty and sadness and remains far behind yours. Were it otherwise he would never have been able to find those words.

एक सर्को माया जिएस पौडेलद्वारा लिखित नेपाली भाषाको एक उपन्यास हो। यो उपन्यास रोजगारीका लागि माल्दिभ्स पुगेका एक जना नेपाली युवकको कथा हो, जो अञ्जानमै कुलतमा फस्दछ र आफू कुलतमा फसेको थाहा पाएर पनि बाहिर आउन सक्दैन्।

Embark on a magical adventure with the "Classic Children’s Stories Library," where cherished stories are brought to life with warmth and character. Perfect for introducing kids to the world of literature, this library nurtures a love for reading through delightful tales and relatable characters, making every story a journey.

In this sharp and darkly funny new essay collection from the New York Times bestselling author, Cazzie David explores the irony and existential crises of leaving youth behind. This program is read by the author. “A laugh-out-loud collection for romantics and pop culturalists who lean more...

From one of the most admired reporters covering China today comes a vital new account of the life and political vision of Xi Jinping, the authoritarian leader of the People's Republic whose hard-edged tactics have set the rising superpower on a collision with Western liberal democracies. As a China reporter for the Wall Street Journal, Chun Han Wong has chronicled Xi's hardline strategy for crushing dissent and his political repression in Hong Kong and Xinjiang. Now, Wong has drawn on his years of reporting across China to create a lucid and historically rooted account of China's leader.

What would you say to the people you loved if you knew The Secrets in your head could cost you all your lives? What do you do when you no longer remember your best friends name, the church you’d served at for seven years or the places you used to work? Where do you go when the memories in your mind are now clouded with shadows of things you’d carefully forgotten? Where once there used to be memories of soccer games and high school pranks, there are assassinations in hotel rooms with poisons and blades. Will she run from me when she knows what I’ve done? When she sees the man in the ...

Explore the intriguing life of Captain James Cook, R.N., F.R.S. in this concise yet comprehensive edition. Every essential detail is included, errors have been rectified, and fresh information added, particularly regarding the disposition of key documents. Journey through the captivating narrative crafted by the author.

Drawing from exclusive interviews and previously unseen archival materials, this one-of-its-kind biography of Hannibal Lecter documents the cannibal’s journey from terrifying villain to unexpectedly adored antihero. This unique biography traces the many lives and crimes of Hannibal Lecter: his...

In this brilliantly original book, Camille Paglia identifies some of the major patterns that have endured in western culture from ancient Egypt and Greece to the present. According to Paglia, one source of continuity is paganism, which, undefeated by Judeo-Christianity, continues to flourish in art, eroticism, astrology, and pop culture. Others, she says, are androgyny, sadism, and the aggressive western eye, which has created our art and cinema.

Out of Africa: In this audiobook, the author of Seven Gothic Tales gives a true account of her life on her plantation in Kenya. She tells with classic simplicity of the ways of the country and the natives: of the beauty of the Ngong Hills and coffee trees in blossom: of her guests, from the...

Brought to you by Penguin. A dazzlingly original reassessment of women's stories, bodies and art - and how we think about them. For decades, feminist artists have confronted the problem of how to tell the truth about their experiences as bodies. Queer bodies, sick bodies, racialised bodies...

Little Stories for Tiny People features original stories the whole family will love. Filled with endearing characters and inventive story lines, LSFTP is sure to spark your child’s imagination and to delight the entire family. Lovingly crafted to appeal to all ages, LSFTP is perfect for car rides, bedtime, or any time! Little Stories Premium offers even more stories, an ad-free listening experience, and access to Little Stories for Sleep, an exclusive bedtime podcast. Visit www.littlestoriespremium.com to learn more.

Explore the timeless classic "Jane Eyre," narrated in a soothing and gentle voice that brings the story to life. This full audiobook invites you into the world of Jane, an orphaned girl who rises from a difficult childhood to find love and independence. Perfect for quiet moments or cozy evenings, let this audiobook be your companion as you immerse yourself in Brontë's beautifully woven tale of resilience and passion. Tune in and enjoy a literary experience that will warm your heart and inspire your spirit. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Random House presents the audiobook edition of Shakespeare’s Sonnets, Retold by William Shakespeare and James Anthony, with a foreword by Stephen Fry. Read by Stephen Fry, Paapa Essiedu and the author. 'James Anthony has done something I would have confidently stated to be impossible. He has...