Titoli in Storia e critica della letteratura

Falkner is the final novel by the renowned Mary Shelley, celebrated for her iconic works such as Frankenstein and The Last Man. This poignant tale unfolds the complex love story between Elizabeth Raby, an orphan raised under the harsh rule of a tyrannical guardian, and Gerald Neville, whose mother was driven to her death by the very man who raised Elizabeth. As both men vie for Elizabeths affection, can they find a way to reconcile their pasts for the sake of love? Or will Elizabeth be forced to sacrifice her own happiness? Shelley regarded this as her finest work—dive in and discover your ...

In volumes 3 and 4 of Remembrance of Things Past, we follow the journey of Marcel as he encounters the enigmatic Duchess of Guermantes, who plays a pivotal role in his familys life as their landlady. As Marcel grapples with his grandmothers declining health and eventual passing, he navigates a captivating evening at the Princess de Parmes gathering. This segment of his story introduces the fascinating M. de Charlus, with whom Marcel develops a complex and cautious relationship. Join us as we delve into the intricacies of love, loss, and society through Marcels eyes. - Summary by Michael OKelly

Step into the enchanting world of Round the Sofa, a collection of captivating tales by the remarkable Mrs. Elizabeth Gaskell, whom Charles Dickens affectionately dubbed his “dear Scheherazade” for her extraordinary storytelling prowess. This 1859 work begins with a delightful short story that serves as a frame for six previously published narratives, all woven together through the interactions of a group of characters sharing their stories during a cozy soirée. Discover the compelling plight of Lady Ludlow, a widowed aristocrat fiercely resisting change, as seen through the eyes of one of...

Step back in time with Washington Irvings Old Christmas, a captivating tale that follows an Americans journey through England during the enchanting Christmas season. When he unexpectedly reunites with an old friend, he finds himself immersed in the festive atmosphere of a grand manor house. Through his eyes as a houseguest, youll discover the rich tapestry of British Christmas traditions and celebrations reminiscent of the Middle Ages, offering a glimpse into a world that feels both timeless and magical. - Summary by Greg Giordano

Dive into a curated selection of LibriVox volunteers favorite chapters, each chosen for its unique charm. Whether its the pivotal moment in a beloved novel, the eloquence of profound ideas, or the captivating performance of a talented reader, these chapters promise to delight and inspire. We hope they bring you as much joy as they have brought us. (Summary by David Barnes).

Published in 1762, Émile, or On Education is a groundbreaking work by Jean-Jacques Rousseau that reshaped the landscape of education and politics. Through the fictional character of Emile, Rousseau explores the intricacies of human development, emphasizing the balance between nurturing the mind and managing passions. His radical views on established institutions sparked significant controversy, notably attracting the ire of Archbishop Christophe de Beaumont, who condemned the book in an encyclical. Rousseau argues that man undergoes two births the first to exist and the second to truly live, ...

Dive into The Expedition of Humphry Clinker, the final picaresque masterpiece by Tobias Smollett, often hailed as his most humorous and brilliant work. First published in London on June 17, 1771, this epistolary novel unfolds through a series of letters penned by six distinct characters the cantankerous Welsh Squire Matthew Bramble, his spirited sister Tabitha, their charming niece and nephew Jery and Lydia Melford, Tabithas witty maid Winifred Jenkins, and Lydias earnest suitor Wilson. The humor shines as each character presents wildly different accounts of the same events, revealing their ...

Aucassin and Nicolette is a captivating medieval romance, masterfully crafted in a unique blend of prose and verse known as a “song-story.” Likely penned in the early 13th century by an anonymous French author, this enchanting tale unfolds the passionate love between the son of a count and a Saracen slave girl who, after her conversion to Christianity, is adopted by a viscount. As Aucassins father vehemently opposes their union, the devoted lovers face a series of harrowing trials imprisonment, perilous escapes, separation in distant lands, and countless other challenges. Aucassin embodies...

Thomas Hardys Far from the Madding Crowd (1874) is a captivating exploration of English rural life, infused with the authors signature touch for tragedy. Originally published anonymously as a monthly magazine serial, it quickly garnered both a devoted readership and critical acclaim. Virginia Woolf praised it as a masterpiece, noting the perfect blend of character and setting that brings to life the essence of its time. This novel is often seen as an early work of feminist literature, featuring the strong-willed Bathsheba Everdene, who defies societal norms by running her own farm. While her ...

Experience the delightful escapades of Elizabeth in Elizabeth and Her German Garden, a charming novel by Elizabeth von Arnim, first published in 1898. This beloved work, a staple of early 20th-century literature, presents a year in the life of its protagonist as she chronicles her gardening journey and the quirky interactions with her friends. With a humorous twist, Elizabeth shares her insightful musings on nature’s beauty and society, often illuminated by her whimsical perspective and frequent gardening blunders. Notably, she critiques the frivolities of her era, declaring, I believe all ...

This captivating collection brings together some of Jane Austens earliest literary endeavors, showcasing her unique voice and style. Included are Love & Freindship and Lesley Castle, both cleverly narrated through letters penned by the characters themselves. Youll also find her delightful History of England, a Collection of Letters, and a chapter filled with Scraps. In these early works, we glimpse the foundations of Austens literary genius and encounter the early iterations of characters who later became iconic. G. K. Chesterton notes the foreshadowing of famous figures, suggesting that ...

Dive into The Beast in the Jungle, a captivating novella by Henry James, first published in 1903 as part of the collection, The Better Sort. Renowned as one of James most profound short narratives, this story explores universal themes of loneliness, fate, love, and death. The poignant tale of John Marcher and his unusual destiny resonates with readers, prompting deep reflections on the value and meaning of human existence. (Summary by Wikipedia)

Dive into the world of The Gambler, a compelling novella by Fyodor Dostoevsky that tells the story of a young tutor caught in the turbulent life of a once-wealthy Russian general. This gripping narrative draws from Dostoevskys own struggles with gambling addiction, as he penned the story under a tight deadline to settle his debts. Experience the intense emotions and psychological depth that make this work a classic exploration of fate and human desire.

Eugene Oneguine is a cornerstone of Russian literature, and its titular character has become an archetype for the so-called superfluous men in Russian literary tradition. Published in serial form from 1825 to 1832, the first complete edition appeared in 1833, with the most recognized version stemming from the 1837 publication. This remarkable work comprises 389 stanzas of iambic tetrameter, featuring a distinctive rhyme scheme known as AbAbCCddEffEgg, where uppercase letters indicate feminine rhymes and lowercase denote masculine rhymes. This unique structure has earned the name Onegin stanza ...

Dive into the captivating tale of David Copperfield, narrated in the first person by the protagonist himself. This groundbreaking novel by Charles Dickens chronicles the journey of David from his tumultuous childhood to his eventual maturity. Orphaned at birth and grappling with the challenges of a new stepfather, Davids life is a rich tapestry of unforgettable characters—some endearing and others best forgotten. Join us as we traverse his experiences, filled with both heartache and joy. (Introduction by Wikipedia & T.Hynes)

Discover the enchanting tales of Hawaii, a land filled with stunning beauty and a vibrant cultural tapestry steeped in history and mythology. Join Dr. Westervelt, who embraced the islands as a young man, as he shares a captivating collection of stories and myths from his beloved adopted home, focusing on the vibrant city of Honolulu. - Summary by Lynne Thompson

This evocative poem, part of Wordsworths Ecclesiastical Sonnets, was crafted during the years 1821 to 1822. Join David Lawrence as he brings this poignant work to life with a captivating summary.

Set against the backdrop of Scotland in 1736, Heart of Mid-Lothian unfolds a gripping historical tale filled with chaos and intrigue, centered around a riot and the turbulent events that follow. Join us as we explore the rich drama of this captivating era. - Summary by Deon Gines

In one of Ibsen’s most profound late-period plays, alongside classics like “The Master Builder” and “John Gabriel Borkman,” “Little Eyolf” delves into the life of Albert Allmers, a writer torn between his desire for literary immortality and the love for his handicapped son, Eyolf. Rita Allmers, his devoted wife, is consumed by an obsessive love for Albert, resenting any rival, be it Eyolf, Alberts literary aspirations, or his devoted sister Asta. The tragic death of Little Eyolf, possibly at the hands of the enigmatic Rat-Wife, sets off a psychological storm among the three ...

This podcast features a captivating 1903 translation of Étienne Pivert de Senancours seminal work, Obermann. Initially overlooked by the reading public when it was first released during the tumultuous Napoleonic Wars in 1804, the novel experienced a revival nearly three decades later, earning accolades from literary giants such as Balzac, George Sand, and even Franz Liszt. Obermann is an epistolary novel presented in the form of a personal diary, where the protagonists inner turmoil takes center stage over physical action. Spanning a decade, the narrative captures Obermanns reflections on ...