Showing titles in Literary History & Criticism

Step into the mesmerizing world crafted by world-renowned Russian author Ivan Turgenev, as he presents a captivating collection of stories that delve into dreams, lost love, fleeting specters, and ominous premonitions. This anthology also features a selection of sketches and prose poems, all penned in Turgenevs deceptively simple but profoundly articulate style. These aren‚t your typical tales of romance and nature; instead, Turgenev intertwines a thread of cynicism and melancholy that enriches his poetic language, inviting readers to explore the deeper complexities of the human experience. ...

Discover the enchanting world of Day And Night Stories, featuring fifteen captivating short tales by Algernon Henry Blackwood, CBE (1869 ‚ì 1951). Renowned as one of the most prolific ghost story writers, Blackwoods work blends the supernatural with the ethereal, inviting readers into a realm of wonder and intrigue. A journalist and broadcasting narrator, he has been acclaimed for his consistently exceptional storytelling, with literary critic S. T. Joshi noting that his contributions stand among the finest in the genre. Immerse yourself in these timeless narratives that explore the ...

On the momentous day of October 21, 1805, Dr. William Beatty, the surgeon aboard Lord Nelsons flagship, the Victory, found himself at the heart of history. In this gripping narrative, he recounts the riveting events that unfolded from the ship‚s departure from England in September to the fateful battle itself. Join Dr. Beatty as he shares personal insights and the most significant incidents that defined a legendary moment in British naval history.

In this poignant letter penned from his prison cell in 1897, Oscar Wilde writes to Lord Alfred Douglas, reflecting on the circumstances that led to his imprisonment and exploring his profound spiritual evolution. This powerful narrative, transcribed from the 1913 Methuen & Co. edition, offers a glimpse into Wildes inner world during a tumultuous time in his life. (summary by AdamH) Please note that later editions of De Profundis include additional material, and the most comprehensive versions remain under copyright in the U.S.A.

Delve into the captivating world of Fitz-James OBrien, the Irish-born author hailed as a hidden genius of weird fiction. As the vital link between Edgar Allan Poe and later masters like Algernon Blackwood, Ambrose Bierce, and Arthur Machen, OBriens work offers a unique blend of the fantastical and the scientific. In this collection, youll discover some of his most celebrated tales, including The Diamond Lens, where a sance, a murder, and a microscopic universe collide, and What Was It?‚a chilling story of an invisible murderer that predates both H.G. Wells The Invisible Man and Bierces The ...

Discover the captivating world of Isaac DIsraelis Curiosities of Literature, the third and final volume of his remarkable exploration. This work delves into a wide array of topics that extend far beyond literature, offering insightful essays on history, politics, and the customs of English society. Whether youre a literature enthusiast or simply curious about various subjects, this book promises to engage and intrigue every reader. - Summary by Carolin

Join us as we delve into the whimsical world of Edgar Wilson Bill‚ Nye (1850 ‚ì 1896), a celebrated American journalist who earned his fame as a humorist. In this episode, we pay tribute to Jim jimmowatt‚ Mowatt, a dedicated LibriVox volunteer known for his unwavering commitment to the LibriVox Community Podcast and for his growing collection of history audiobooks available to the public domain. With his characteristic humor and warm-hearted nature, Jim has recently been honored with a diploma, a testament to his hard work and passion. In celebration of this achievement, we present this...

Step into the eerie world of Gothic horror with Draculas Guest & Other Weird Tales, a collection of nine chilling tales by the master of macabre, Bram Stoker. Experience the dark allure and suspense that define his storytelling as you encounter mysterious creatures and unsettling situations that linger long after the last page.

In a tale that blurs the lines between friendship and obsession, an introverted, kind-hearted book collector forms an unlikely bond with a mad scientist whose intentions are far from noble. When the scientist becomes infatuated with the book collectors fiance, he devises a sinister scheme to claim her for himself. Edgar Fawcett, known for his prolific contributions to standard fiction, ventures into the realm of weird fiction with Douglas Duane, creating a captivating narrative that twists the familiar into the extraordinary. (Summary by Amy Gramour.)

Immerse yourself in the captivating world of Gertrude Barrows Bennett, a trailblazing female writer in the realms of fantasy and science fiction. Under the pseudonym Francis Stevens, she crafted a series of extraordinary stories between 1917 and 1923, earning her the title of the woman who invented dark fantasy. Citadel of Fear, hailed as her masterpiece by none other than H.P. Lovecraft, follows the daring adventures of two explorers who stumble upon a hidden city deep within the Mexican jungle. As one adventurer succumbs to the influence of a malevolent god, the other finds himself enchanted...

Join us as we delve into the thrilling journeys of Spanish explorers, from the groundbreaking voyages of Columbus to the conquests of Pizarro. Experience the drama, ambition, and impact of these historic figures on the New World. - Summary by Jim Locke Group Chronicles of America Series

When a celebrated author known for his historical novels surprises everyone with a spine-chilling horror masterpiece, its an event as rare as angels in hades. DELIVER ME FROM EVA is just that‚an extraordinary tale that captivated our editor from the very first page. As he turned the last gripping line, his blood ran as cold as a lizards belly, leaving him too shaken to turn off the lights at night for an entire week. This book is undeniably the most terrifying, hair-raising experience you can imagine, but we wont spoil its chilling secrets. All we can promise is that, much like the haunting ...

In Corsican Brothers, Alexandre Dumas masterfully tells the gripping tale of Siamese twins who, though separated in body, remain inseparable in spirit. When tragedy strikes and one brother is murdered, the surviving sibling sets out from Corsica to Paris on a quest for vengeance. Dumas vividly captures the essence of Italy and France while powerfully exploring the profound bond of brotherly love that defies all odds. - Summary by Wikipedia

Discover the captivating tales of early Oregon through twenty-three meticulously researched stories, along with an appendix detailing the history of the Old Oregon Country sourced from original documents. This vast and romantic landscape extended from the northern border of Mexican California to near Sitka in Russian America, covering nearly eight hundred miles of breathtaking terrain. Drawing on four years of dedicated study‚including three years spent in the Northwests special collections and extensive research in London‚this book provides a clear and engaging narrative backed by ...

Dive into the chilling depths of H.P. Lovecrafts Colour Out of Space, where the primal fear of the unknown takes center stage. This haunting tale explores the arrival of a mysterious entity from beyond the stars, leaving an unsettling sense of dread lingering in the air. Lovecraft masterfully evokes the senses, allowing your imagination to conjure the terrifying presence that disrupts a quiet rural landscape. Join us as we unravel this classic horror story that grips you with its eerie atmosphere and enigmatic horrors. - Summary by phil chenevert

Edgar Allan Poe, a pivotal figure in American literature, was not just an accomplished writer, editor, and literary critic; he was also a master of the macabre and the mysterious. Renowned for his haunting poetry and chilling short stories, Poe is celebrated as a key voice of Romanticism in the United States. He pioneered the detective fiction genre and made significant contributions to the early development of science fiction. Join us as we delve into the eerie and captivating world of Poes imagination. - Summary by Wikipedia

Step into the eerie world of Door of the Unreal, an early werewolf novel that garnered the admiration of H.P. Lovecraft. This unique blend of weird fiction emerges from an author primarily known for crime stories. The plot unfolds along a secluded road in Sussex, where two baffling disappearances take place. The second incident involves a member of the aristocracy and a renowned actress, prompting a massive yet ultimately fruitless investigation by Scotland Yard. An American visiting an old friend from the local gentry senses something sinister at play and embarks on his own quest to uncover ...

Robert Sterling Yard was a prominent American writer, journalist, and wilderness advocate. Hailing from Haverstraw, New York, he graduated from Princeton University and dedicated the first two decades of his career to editing and publishing. In 1915, he joined forces with his friend Stephen Mather to champion the establishment of an independent national park agency. Their collaborative efforts fueled a movement that ultimately led to the creation of the National Park Service (NPS) in 1916. Yard was tireless in his mission to promote the national parks and educate the American public about ...

Dive into the enchanting world of Washington Irving, the master storyteller behind timeless classics like The Legend of Sleepy Hollow and Rip Van Winkle. This captivating collection features a remarkable array of tales that span the eerie and supernatural folklore of New England to the exotic legends and travel anecdotes inspired by Irvings journeys across Europe. Join narrator Ben Tucker as he brings these diverse stories to life, showcasing the rich tapestry of Irvings literary genius.

The Great Events by Famous Historians, Volume 03. A comprehensive and readable account of the world's history, emphasizing the more important events, and presenting these as complete narratives in the master-words of the most eminent historians. This is volume 3 of 22, covering from 13 to 395 AD.