Showing results by author "Stephen Crane" in All Categories

Americans have vivid, colourful and mesmerising imaginations. On the flip side they are equally adept at Realism. In this volume their famed authors explore short stories that bring us up close and personal to reality.

Sadness can be about so many things from places to people, from thoughts to actions. Our classic authors including Arnold Bennett, James Joyce, Willa Cather, Joseph Conrad, Ivan Turgenev and many others use their pens and stories to demonstrate the many ways this feeling can take a hold of lives and its consequences.

The American literary tradition has, in a far shorter span of time than others throughout history, achieved a glowing and glittering reputation. From its transatlantic roots it has absorbed the sons and daughters of other cultures, other lands and made them part of her own. Within this melting pot of styles, genres and wordplay one fact stands out: In the American short story, literary tradition has a strong, vibrant and almost inclusive history, if you know where to look.

Set against the backdrop of the American Civil War, The Red Badge of Courage tells the story of Henry Fleming, a young private in the Union Army who flees from the horror of battle and then struggles with shame and self-loathing. Outstanding in its portrayal of the quiet tension and violent emotion of war, this powerful psychological study of a young soldier will strike listeners with its undeniable realism.

In "Death and the Child," narrated as an audiobook by Mike Vendetti Stephen Crane captures the brutal realities faced by both soldiers and civilians, emphasizing the profound human cost of conflict.

Step into the electrifying world of "The Five White Mice," where chance and fortune collide in the streets of 19th-century New York. This gripping tale follows a group of young men whose lives revolve around the thrill of a dice game steeped in risk and reward. As they toast to their luck with five white mice of chance, the night unfolds into an adventure filled with audacity and reckless abandon.

There is something about the number 3. The Ancient Greeks believed 3 was the perfect number, and in China 3 has always been a lucky number, and they know a thing or two. Whatever history and culture says WE think 3, a hat-trick of stories, is a great number to explore themes and literary avenues that classic authors were so adept at creating.

A Man and Some Others features Bill, a man with a turbulent past marked by both aristocracy and misfortune. His brash attitude and penchant for trouble set the stage for a clash with the Mexican men he confronts, showcasing a dramatic and tense moment fraught with the threat of violence. This moment signifies the isolation he feels as the "only white man in half a day's ride," emphasizing the precarious nature of his existence in a hostile environment.

"The Open Boat" by Stephen Crane is a profound short story that captures the struggle for survival experienced by four shipwrecked men adrift in a small dinghy after their steamer, the Commodore, sinks. The narrative is based on Crane's real-life experience of being stranded at sea, and it explores themes of nature's indifference, the bond between humans in the face of adversity, and existential reflections.

Step back in time with "Midnight Sketches," a captivating audiobook narrated by the talented Mike Vendetti. Published in 1898 by the renowned author Stephen Crane, this collection invites listeners into a world where the simplicity of life coexists with the complexity of human emotions. Through eight beautifully crafted vignettes, Crane masterfully explores themes of love, loss, ambition, and desperation, reminding us that while eras may change, the essence of the human condition remains constant.

"The Pace of Youth," is a journey through a vivid historical landscape by acclaimed author Stephen Crane. The audiobook narrated by storyteller Mike Vendetti explores the tender yet tumultuous journey of young love. This captivating short story captures the essence of a young couple as they navigate the complexities of romance amidst the pressures of an older generation.

"A Detail" by Stephen Crane is indeed a poignant exploration of aging and the vulnerability that comes with it. In this very short story, Crane captures the essence of human fragility through a brief moment that reflects on life's deeper truths.

Set against the backdrop of a bustling New York City courtroom in the late 19th century, this audiobook invites listeners to witness a dramatic unfolding of human emotion. As the case progresses, we delve into the lives being irrevocably altered by the legal machinations around them, while the indifferent audience treats the proceedings as mere spectacle. Crane's narrative masterfully contrasts the gravity of personal loss with the callousness of public entertainment, compelling listeners to reflect on the true nature of grief and the human experience.

Immerse yourself in the evocative world of the 19th century with "An Ominous Baby," a compelling short story by the celebrated author Stephen Crane. Narrated by Mike Vendetti, this short audiobook transports listeners to a time and place fraught with stark social contrasts. Join a curious street urchin on an adventure in a higher-class district, where the echoes of privilege clash with the whispers of poverty.