Showing titles in Literary History & Criticism

Bartleby the Scrivener A Story of Wall Street is a captivating short story by Herman Melville that delves into the complexities of human nature and the modern work environment. First published anonymously in Putnams Magazine in two parts between November and December of 1853, this thought-provoking tale was later reprinted in Melvilles collection, The Piazza Tales, in 1856 with some minor changes. The narrative, inspired in part by Melvilles engagement with Emersons philosophies, resonates with themes of individuality and societal expectations. The story has also been adapted for the screen ...

Pathemata, Or, The Story of My Mouth is an experiment in interiority written in the pandemic studio. Something of a companion piece to 2009’s Bluets, Pathemata merges a pain diary chronicling a decade of jaw pain with dreams and dailies, eventually blurring the lines between embodied...

Dive into The Book of Dreams and Ghosts by Andrew Lang, a captivating exploration of ghostly tales and mystical phenomena. This unique work transcends mere storytelling, offering an anthropological lens on the enchanting narratives that fall under the realm of Psychical Research, a term popular during Langs lifetime. Through fourteen chapters and 79 captivating stories, along with two insightful prefaces, Langs engaging prose and literary flair will keep you spellbound as he shares these bewitching accounts of the otherworldly. - Summary by Aiden Javurek Humig

Soy José Navarro Padilla y déjame leerte un libro. Cierra los ojos y escucha.

On a fateful Christmas Eve, seven years after the passing of his business partner, Ebenezer Scrooge is a man devoid of kindness and compassion. He despises the spirit of Christmas, dismissing it as humbug, and refuses his nephew Freds heartfelt invitation to dinner. Scrooges cold-hearted nature is further revealed as he turns away two gentlemen seeking donations to provide a festive meal for the less fortunate. This classic tale explores the transformative power of kindness and redemption. (Summary by Wikipedia and Kara)

“A wise, tremendously moving exploration of what it means to seek companionship and understanding, in books and in life.”—Hua Hsu, author of Stay True “Stirring and sparkling.”—The Washington Post A PUBLISHERS WEEKLY AND ELECTRIC LIT BEST BOOK OF THE YEAR ONE OF THE BEST BOOKS OF...

A dual-language volume of poems on darkness and light—many appearing in English for the first time—by one of the greatest writers of the twentieth century Revered for his magnificent works of fiction, Jorge Luis Borges thought of himself primarily as a poet. Poems of the Night is a...

Dive into The Lays of Ancient Rome, a captivating collection of four narrative poems by Lord Thomas Babington Macaulay that vividly recounts iconic tales from Roman history. Each poem serves as a powerful reminder of Roman virtues in the face of adversity, showcasing their moral strength against the treachery of their enemies. Discover the gripping stories within - **Horatius** - Join Horatius and his two brave companions as they stand resolute against a massive Etruscan army, risking their lives to safeguard Rome by holding back the tide at a critical bridge. Will their sacrifice buy enough ...

NEW YORK TIMES BEST SELLER An insightful look into the mind of a master storyteller—and a unique look at the craft of writing from the beloved and best-selling author of 1Q84, Norwegian Wood, and What I Talk About When I Talk About Running. "Murakami is like a magician who explains...

Dive into Maude, a poignant novella by Christina Rossetti, penned in 1850 and published posthumously in 1897. This semi-autobiographical tale follows the life of 15-year-old Maude Foster, a contemplative and introspective girl whose poetry captures the delicate balance between fervent religious devotion and the allure of worldly desires. Featuring several of Rossettis early verses, this work beautifully intertwines personal reflection with artistic expression, offering a glimpse into the mind of one of the 19th centurys most celebrated poets. - Summary by Elizabeth Klett

Dive into the world of Gobseck, a captivating installment in Balzacs La Comédie Humaine and a follow-up to the renowned Father Goriot. This short novel centers around the enigmatic pawnbroker and moneylender Gobseck, who played a critical role in sustaining the lavish lifestyles of Goriots pampered daughters. As we reconnect with one of these daughters, Mme Restaud, prepare for a rich exploration of ambition, greed, and the intricacies of human relationships. (Summary by JCarson)

Dive into The Corsair (1814) by Lord Byron, a thrilling narrative that follows Conrad, a pirate torn between his past and a relentless quest for redemption. Rejected by society for his transgressions, Conrads journey leads him to attack the fortress of Pacha Seyd in a daring attempt to reclaim his stolen treasures and rescue women from the pasha’s harem. Captured during his mission, he finds an unlikely ally in Gulnare, the pashas slave, who hatches a bold plan for their escape. However, when their scheme falters, desperation drives her to a shocking act of violence. Together, they flee to ...

A Man Could Stand Up marks the third and final installment of Ford Madox Fords acclaimed Parades End tetralogy, following Some Do Not and No More Parades, with Last Post serving as its poignant coda. While this novel can be enjoyed on its own, it truly shines for those already acquainted with its predecessors. Set against the backdrop of World War I, particularly in the trenches of France in 1918, it weaves a rich tapestry of social upheaval, profound love, and the complexities of human experience. Much like Virginia Woolfs Mrs. Dalloway, published just a year prior, Fords work appeals to ...

Terry Pratchett joins up with a leading folklorist to reveal the legends, myths and customs of Discworld, together with helpful hints from Planet Earth. Most of us grew up having always known when to touch wood or cross our fingers, and what happens when a princess kisses a frog or a boy pulls a...

One of The Economist's 2011 Books of the Year THE TRUE BUT UNLIKELY STORIES OF LIVES DEVOTED―ABSURDLY! MELANCHOLICALLY! BEAUTIFULLY!―TO THE RUSSIAN CLASSICS No one who read Elif Batuman's first article (in the journal n+1) will ever forget it. "Babel in California" told the true story of...

The Moral Compass is the inspiring and instructive companion volume to William J. Bennett's bestselling work, The Book of Virtues, offering many more examples of good and bad, right and wrong, in great works from literature and in exemplary stories from history. Organized by the stages along...

Novelist and critic Colm Tóibín provides “a fascinating exploration of writers and their families” (Entertainment Weekly) and “an excellent guide through the dark terrain of unconscious desires” (The Evening Standard) in this brilliant collection of essays that explore the...

A dazzling new look into the short but intense, tragic life and remarkable work of John Keats, one of the greatest lyric poets of the English language, seen in a whole new light, not as the mythologized Victorian guileless nature-lover, but as the subversive, bawdy complex cynic whose life and...

This national bestseller is "a significant contribution to discussions of the art of fiction and a necessary challenge to received views about whose stories are told, how they are told and for whom they are intended" (Laila Lalami, The New York Times Book Review). The traditional writing...

Brought to you by Penguin. An English teacher's love letter to reading and the many ways literature can make us, and our lives, better. How can a Victorian poem help teenagers understand YouTube misogyny? Can Jane Eyre encourage us to speak out? What can Lady Macbeth teach us about empathy?...