Showing titles in Literary History & Criticism

Experience the timeless tale of an old miser and the remarkable transformation brought about by a series of ghostly visits. This unique rendition is delivered in a soft whisper, making it an ideal choice for quiet nighttime listening. Enjoy the soothing ambiance as you immerse yourself in this classic story. - Summary by Cori Samuel

Join Frank Mildmay on an exhilarating journey as he navigates the treacherous waters of naval life under the legendary Captain Cochrane. This captivating tale, drawn from the authors own experiences as a midshipman, offers a thrilling glimpse into the daring escapades of one of Britains most celebrated naval figures. (Summary by Paul Klipp)

Discover the poignant tale of Effi Briest, a masterpiece of Prussian Realism that remains largely undiscovered in the English-speaking world, yet is a staple in German education. This tragic story follows Effi, a young woman from a venerable family, who finds herself bound by duty to marry Geert von Instetten, a much older Prussian official. As the narrative unfolds, the strict adherence to social obligations leads to devastating consequences for Effi, particularly as she navigates the repercussions of her own indiscretions. Thomas Mann once suggested that if one could only choose six books to...

Discover a delightful collection of fifteen enchanting short stories by Antoinette Ogden, featuring captivating narratives from renowned French and Spanish writers throughout the ages. Join us as we explore these timeless tales that capture the spirit of Christmas. - Summary by David Wales

The Magician, a captivating novel by British author W. Somerset Maugham, was first published in 1908. It follows the enigmatic magician Oliver Haddo, a character inspired by the infamous Aleister Crowley, as he embarks on a dark quest to create life itself. Crowley, in turn, critiqued the novel under the pseudonym Oliver Haddo, accusing Maugham of plagiarism. Written during Maughams time in London, after his encounters with Crowley in Paris, this intriguing tale was later republished with a foreword by Maugham titled A Fragment of Autobiography.

In her captivating preface, Edith Wharton reflects on discovering Futility and her initial reluctance to engage with another Russian-themed novel. Yet, as she delves deeper into the narrative, she finds herself amused, moved, and absorbed until the story reaches its poignant conclusion. Wharton praises Mr. Gerhardis remarkable ability to portray two vastly different cultures—the English and the Russian—with a sense of genuine objectivity. He captures their mutual perceptions and reactions, bringing to life a rich tapestry of empathy and understanding that resonates throughout the book.

Dive into The Unbearable Bassington, the debut novel of the brilliant Saki (H. H. Munro), where his signature blend of sharp wit and poignant storytelling comes to life. Meet Comus Bassington, a charming yet wayward young man whose rebellious nature constantly derails his mothers attempts to secure him a prosperous future. As he navigates the challenges of being a black sheep, Comus finds himself shipped off to one of the colonies to learn the hard lessons of life. This captivating tale showcases Sakis extraordinary talent for weaving humor and heartbreak into a narrative that lingers long ...

Join LibriVox readers as they bring to life 16 beautiful recordings of To a Faded Rose, a poignant poem by Maurice Switzer. This selection was featured as the Weekly Poetry pick on June 16, 2013, inviting listeners to explore its emotional depth and lyrical charm.

Dive into Silly Syclopedia, a whimsical literary torpedo crafted for pure hilarity! This uproarious collection is packed with delightfully inaccurate facts and playful etymological explorations, presented by Noah Lott, a distant relative of the famed Noah Webster. Prepare for a ride through a world of amusing absurdities and utterly useless knowledge!

Immerse yourself in the delightful world of Sunshine Sketches of a Little Town, a charming collection of stories by Stephen Leacock, originally published in 1912. Celebrated as a classic of Canadian humorous literature, these tales unfold in the fictional town of Mariposa, nestled along the picturesque shores of Lake Wissanotti. While inspired by Leacocks own experiences in Orillia, Ontario, he cheekily notes in the introduction that Mariposa is not a real town—rather, it embodies countless small towns across Canada, with their familiar square streets, maple trees, and quaint churches and ...

A Tale of a Tub marks Jonathan Swifts first significant work, crafted between 1694 and 1697 and published in 1704. Often considered his most challenging satire, this prose parody intricately weaves together sections of humorous digression and the fable of three brothers, each symbolizing a major branch of Western Christianity. The narrative is widely interpreted as a critique of religious fervor, drawing criticism from figures like William Wotton. While the tale consistently satirizes religious excess, the digressions serve as sharp parodies of contemporary literature, politics, theology, ...

Regarded as a gem of Canadian humorous literature, Sunshine Sketches of a Little Town brings to life the charming tales of the fictional town of Mariposa. Author Stephen Leacock drew inspiration from his own experiences at his summer retreat in Orillia, Ontario, crafting stories that celebrate the quirks and characters of small-town life. (Summary by Dick Bourgeois-Doyle)

Dive into this delightful second volume of humorous essays that explore a variety of topics, building on the charm of Idle Thoughts Of An Idle Fellow. Join Chris Garbett as he brings wit and insight to the everyday musings of life.

In a spirited effort to enrich the vibrant literary tapestry of 1890s Great Britain—already colored by the likes of Oscar Wilde, Robert Louis Stevenson, Rudyard Kipling, and Thomas Hardy—Max Beerbohm crafted captivating short biographies of six fictitious authors. While their literary contributions may have faded into obscurity, Beerbohm skillfully suggests that the literary scene is hardly diminished. Ultimately, it is the intriguing lives of these six men (with Beerbohm himself being the seventh) that truly capture our attention. (Nicholas Clifford) Note The Gutenberg edition of Seven ...

In his scathing and provocative pamphlet, Jonathan Swift masterfully exemplifies the art of satire by suggesting a shocking solution to the dire plight of impoverished Irish families fattening their children and selling them to wealthy Protestant landowners. Published in 1729, Swifts audacious Proposal ignited fierce backlash and accusations of barbarism—precisely the moral decay he sought to illuminate. Join us as we delve into this powerful critique of society and explore the depths of human absurdity. (Summary by Hugh)

Join the celebrated American humorist Washington Irving as he takes you on a captivating journey through England in this enchanting collection of short stories. Reflecting on his travels, Irving shares his vivid impressions of the picturesque English countryside, the stark contrasts between social classes, and the rich tapestry of rural customs that define British culture. Among his musings is a visit to the historic library nestled within Westminster Abbey, where he contemplates the enduring legacy of English literature and why some works resonate through time while others fade into obscurity...

Step into the world of William Shakespeares Measure for Measure, a play that defies easy categorization. Known as one of Shakespeares problem plays, it weaves a dark narrative infused with moments of levity, leaving audiences grappling with its unresolved tensions. The story unfolds as Duke Vincentio of Vienna hands over his authority to the strict judge Angelo before embarking on a diplomatic journey. However, Vincentio secretly disguises himself as a humble friar to observe Angelos rule, which quickly reveals itself as cruel and unyielding. When a man is sentenced to death for fornication, ...

One day, a daring editor may curate a comprehensive anthology that encapsulates the wit and humor found throughout Canadian literature. While this collection does not aim for such lofty aspirations, it does present a delightful selection of works from some of our most celebrated writers. These pieces, familiar to many Canadian readers, are sure to bring a smile and a sense of nostalgia, making them all the more enjoyable.

Dive into the intriguing world of Mark Twain with this third volume of his journal writings, which continues the eclectic journey set forth in the first two volumes. This collection features a captivating array of works that were published in magazines during Twains lifetime, alongside essays curated by editors and Twain himself from his larger body of work. Among the treasures in this volume are Buying Gloves in Gibraltar, The Great Revolution in Pitcairn, and A Gift from India, complete with insightful editors notes on Twain’s lecture circuit and his authorship of Personal Recollections of...

Dive into the wisdom of Methuselah, the patriarch who, at the age of 969, imparted invaluable advice to his great-grandson during Shems coming-of-age ceremony. This unique collection presents the only authentic English translation of the 330 parables attributed to Methuselah, revealing insights into the complexities of women and relationships. The book, while interpreted in contemporary language, retains the essence of its origin, showcasing the experiences of someone who has navigated the intricate world of feminine psychology over nearly a millennium. After all, as women often say, a ...