Showing results by narrator "Mark Bowen" in All Categories

Micromegas: A Philosophical History by Voltaire, in this illustrated edition, offers a satirical and philosophical journey through the cosmos. Originally written in 1752, this short story is a reflection of Voltaire's wit and Enlightenment ideals. The narrative follows the adventures of Micromegas, an extraterrestrial being from a distant star, as he travels through the universe. Micromegas encounters various civilizations, engaging in conversations that serve as a vehicle for Voltaire to critique human nature, society, and the limitations of knowledge.

Produced in 458 BC, Aeschylus' Choephori is the second play in the Oresteian trilogy. The bloodshed begun in the first play with the murder of Agamemnon by his wife Clytemnestra is here continued when Agamemnon's son Orestes avenges his father's death by killing Clytemnestra. It is not until the third and final play, Eumenides, that peace is restored to the family of the Atreidae. The introduction discusses the pre-Aeschylean 'Orestes' tradition in literature and art, as well as the place of Choephori within the Oresteia.

Macbeth and his wife show how bad the evil that can possess human souls is. But evil is not all powerful. On the one hand, Macbeth is the gloomiest of the great Shakespeare's tragedies; on the other hand, it's more encouraging than Hamlet, Othello or King Lear. In no other tragedy as in Macbeth the evil is confronted by so many people, and nowhere else they are so active. Shakespeare is the author of the world famous sonnets and plays: Romeo and Juliet, Hamlet, Macbeth and Othello, as well as comedies Twelfth Night, A Midsummer's Night Dream, Love's Labour's Lost, etc.

Troilus and Cressida is a tragedy by William Shakespeare, believed to have been written in 1602. It was described by Frederick S. Boas as one of Shakespeare's problem plays. The play ends on a very bleak note with the death of the noble Trojan Hector and destruction of the love between Troilus and Cressida. The work has in recent years "stimulated exceptionally lively critical debate". Throughout the play, the tone lurches wildly between bawdy comedy and tragic gloom, and readers and theatre-goers have frequently found it difficult to understand how one is meant to respond to the characters.

Titus Andronicus is the main character and tragic hero in William Shakespeare's play of the same name, Titus Andronicus, a Senecan tragedy. Titus is a Roman nobleman and a general in the war who distinguished himself in ten years of service against the Goths. Despite his exemplary service the war's toll on him is sufficient that he declined the emperorship. Nonetheless, he begins the play as an exemplary citizen. However faith in the traditions of the Roman system of government eventually leads to his death as others seek revenge.

The Tragedy of Timon of Athens (The Life of Tymon of Athens) is a play by William Shakespeare, probably written in collaboration with Thomas Middleton in about 1605–1606, which was published in the First Folio in 1623. It is about the fortunes of an Athenian named Timon. The central character is a beloved citizen of Athens who through tremendous generosity spends his entire fortune on corrupt hangers-on only interested in getting the next payout. The earliest-known production of the play was in 1674, when Thomas Shadwell wrote an adaptation under the title The History of Timon of Athens, The Man-hater.

Coriolanus is a tragedy by William Shakespeare, believed to have been written between 1605 and 1608. The play is based on the life of the legendary Roman leader Caius Marcius Coriolanus. The tragedy is one of the last two tragedies written by Shakespeare, along with Antony and Cleopatra. Coriolanus is the name given to a Roman general after his military success against various uprisings challenging the government of Rome. Following this success, Coriolanus becomes active in politics and seeks political leadership.

Cymbeline, also known as The Tragedie of Cymbeline or Cymbeline, King of Britain, is a play by William Shakespeare set in Ancient Britain (c. 10–14)[a] and based on legends that formed part of the Matter of Britain concerning the early Celtic British King Cunobeline. Although listed as a tragedy in the First Folio, modern critics often classify Cymbeline as a romance or even a comedy. Like Othello and The Winter's Tale, it deals with the themes of innocence and jealousy. While the precise date of composition remains unknown, the play was certainly produced as early as 1611.

Self-Reliance is an essay by Ralph Waldo Emerson, a prominent American philosopher and essayist from the 19th century. Published in 1841, the essay explores the concept of individualism and the importance of trusting one's own instincts and beliefs. Emerson advocates for the rejection of conformity and societal expectations, encouraging readers to rely on their own intuition and inner convictions. The essay is a powerful call to embrace self-reliance as a means of personal growth and fulfillment, promoting the idea that true wisdom arises from individual experience and authenticity.

"Louisa May Alcott: A Classic Christmas Treasury - Illustrated" is a literary gem that compiles the enchanting Christmas stories of the renowned American author, Louisa May Alcott. This collection presents a dozen heartwarming tales, including "A Country Christmas," "Rosa's Tale," "What the Bells Saw and Said," "A Merry Christmas," and many others. Louisa May Alcott, celebrated for her timeless work "Little Women," demonstrates her storytelling prowess in the realm of holiday fiction.

Christmas Stories by O. Henry is a delightful collection that showcases the heartwarming and often humorous tales of the iconic American writer, O. Henry. This anthology features a selection of enchanting stories, including Christmas by Injunction, Whistling Dick's Christmas Stocking, A Chaparral Christmas Gift, An Unfinished Christmas Story, and The Gift of the Magi. O. Henry, renowned for his storytelling finesse, is a master of capturing the human spirit, and these Christmas stories are no exception.

The Christmas Stories by Robert Louis Stevenson is a captivating compilation of holiday tales by the celebrated Scottish author Robert Louis Stevenson. This anthology includes three cherished stories that beautifully capture the essence of the Christmas season: Christmas at Sea, Markheim, and Winter Time. Robert Louis Stevenson showcases his versatile storytelling skills in these Christmas stories. Through his vivid prose, he invites listeners to explore the magic and wonder of Christmas, as well as the complexities of human nature during this special time of year.

The Christmas Stories by Washington Irving is a delightful collection that brings together the timeless holiday tales penned by the acclaimed American author Washington Irving. This anthology includes some of Irving's most cherished stories, including Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, The Christmas Dinner, and more. Washington Irving, known for his masterful storytelling, invites listeners into the heart of Christmas celebrations in 19th-century America. Through his vivid descriptions and memorable characters, Irving captures the warmth, joy, and festive spirit of the holiday season.

The Christmas Stories by Selma Lagerlöf is a charming compilation of holiday tales penned by the renowned Swedish author Selma Lagerlöf. This anthology features three enchanting stories: A Christmas Guest, The Holy Night, and The Legend of the Christmas Rose. Selma Lagerlöf, known for her lyrical prose and storytelling prowess, invites listeners to experience the magic and wonder of Christmas through her narratives. These stories are steeped in Scandinavian traditions and reflect the rich cultural heritage of the region.

The Roman Empire is coming apart at the seams, relying on German recruits and foederati to hold the empire together. The eastern and western empires are ruled by incompetent young men who allow their German warlords to rule for them, but imperial elites conspire against the generals.

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