Titoli in Storia e critica della letteratura

In Passing, Nella Larsen, a prominent voice of the Harlem Renaissance, delves into the intricate dynamics of friendship, identity, and race. Published in 1929, this captivating novel tells the story of two mixed-race women, Irene Redfield and Clare Kendry, who can seamlessly navigate between worlds. While Irene embraces her life in Harlem with her black husband, Clare chooses to marry a prejudiced white man. When Clare reappears in Irenes life after years apart, she reignites unsettling questions about identity and belonging. (Introduction by Elizabeth Klett)

Dive into the mesmerizing world of Joris-Karl Huysmans’ 1884 masterpiece, known as the Bible of Decadence and famously adored by Oscar Wilde. In Against Nature (or Against The Grain in this translation), we follow the reclusive Duc Jean Floressas Des Esseintes, a life-long aesthete who retreats from society into his own carefully crafted artificial paradises. However, this journey is not a solemn reflection; Des Esseintes grand ambitions lead to ludicrous failures, resulting in both personal dissatisfaction and health troubles, while an unsuspecting tortoise becomes an unwitting victim of ...

Dive into a delightful collection of Mark Twains short stories, featuring the whimsical tales of Alonzo FitzClarence and Rosannah Ethelton, alongside sharp reflections on life and language. From the humorous On The Decay Of The Art Of Lying to the thought-provoking Speech On The Weather, this anthology showcases Twains unparalleled wit and insight. Discover enchanting narratives like The Grateful Poodle and The Canvassers Tale, and enjoy Twains unique perspective on society and culture. Perfect for both long-time fans and newcomers alike!

Dive into the haunting beauty of The Encantadas or Enchanted Isles, a thought-provoking novella by the renowned American author Herman Melville. First published in Putnams Magazine in 1854, this collection of ten philosophical sketches explores the enigmatic Galápagos Islands. Included in The Piazza Tales in 1856, The Encantadas stands out as the most critically acclaimed piece of the collection. With rich symbolism woven throughout, Melville masterfully reflects on the harsh realities of life in this remote paradise.

Join Flora Klickmann, a talented writer for the Girls Own Paper and The Flower-Patch Among the Hills, as she invites you into her enchanting world. This delightful volume blends vivid nature descriptions, personal anecdotes, autobiographical reflections, and a touch of humor, all inspired by her charming country cottage, her neighbors, and the rhythms of daily life. - Summary by Lynne Thompson

This delightful book is part of the authors Nature Books For Children series, which offers a charming exploration of natures cycles aimed at young readers. Arthur Michell Ransome, an esteemed English author and journalist, is celebrated for his extraordinary ability to weave enchanting tales for children. In this book, he eloquently captures the essence of each season, reminding us of the beauty in the natural world “When we think of sowing seeds we think of Spring with the new corn green on the red ground, and when we think of Spring we think of Summer, when it is tall and wavy in the wind,...

Discover the timeless wisdom of Washington Irving, one of Americas literary giants. In this captivating collection, Irving shares his reflections from years spent in Europe, giving life to beloved classics such as Old Christmas, Bracebridge Hall, and Tales of a Traveler. Through poignant short stories that explore the delicate nature of the heart, he navigates themes of love, heartbreak, and mortality with empathy and grace. This volume is a cherished addition to a series celebrating his early works. (Greg Giordano)

The Letters of a Portuguese Nun (Les Lettres Portugaises), first published anonymously in Paris in 1669, sparked a literary sensation with their passionate and heartfelt content. This collection of five letters saw five editions released in its inaugural year and more than forty throughout the 17th century. A Cologne edition from 1669 suggested the Marquis de Chamilly as the recipient, but the true identity of the female author remained shrouded in mystery. Translated into numerous languages, these letters not only set the stage for the rise of sentimentalism in European culture but also paved...

I believe the story as a whole is good, although it seems the public has yet to confirm that judgment. - the author. The Claverings stands out as one of the finest novels crafted for The Cornhill, a testament to the authors skill. As noted by Sadleir, It is a novel rich in atmosphere, capturing that elusive environment often perilous for the English novelist—an atmosphere brilliantly evoked by Thackeray, filled with green-hued gambling rooms, the faded allure of half-abandoned spas, the gentle slopes of foreign beaches, hidden accents, forged passports, impoverished nobles, and the audacious...

Dive into the whimsical world of Edward Lears A Book of Nonsense, first published in 1846. This delightful collection of limericks features 112 charming and humorous verses that have enchanted audiences of all ages for generations. Join us as we explore the playful imagination and creativity that have made these poems timeless favorites, expertly narrated by Phil Chenevert.

In her 1795 masterpiece, Lady Susan, Jane Austen showcases her exceptional talent for the epistolary novel. This intriguing short work centers on the cunning Lady Susan, who navigates the complexities of romance and marriage not only for herself but also for her young daughter. The narrative unfolds through a series of letters, revealing the intricate dynamics of human relationships and the art of persuasion. As Lady Susan tailors her correspondence to suit each recipient, Austen cleverly explores themes of identity and the fluidity of character, suggesting that who we are is often shaped by ...

Join Elizabeth, Princess Bibesco, an English writer and socialite, as she weaves captivating tales from her unique perspective. The daughter of a British Prime Minister and the wife of a Romanian aristocrat, she masterfully captures the essence of high society in her stories. With an extraordinary ability to distill complex emotions into concise narratives, her (very) short stories delve into the hopes of newlyweds, the grief of a widow, and the myriad experiences of life in between. (Summary by Wikipedia and Beth Thomas)

In Sinclair Lewis groundbreaking novel, Main Street, we follow the journey of Carol Milford, a bright and ambitious young woman armed with a college education and a passion for progress. A self-sufficient librarian in St. Paul, she is swept off her feet by Will Kennicott, a country doctor who persuades her to leave her urban life behind for the rural town of Gopher Prairie. With dreams of transforming the town into a hub of art, culture, and child welfare, Carol is met with the harsh realities of small-town attitudes, ignorance, and bigotry that gradually stifle her spirit. First published in ...

Dive into a delightful collection of short stories and reflections that capture the magic and spirit of Christmas. Immerse yourself in these charming works, beautifully summarized by David Wales, that celebrate the joy and wonder of the holiday season.

Step back in time to discover the literary treasures of 1903. This collection features an array of captivating short stories, poignant poetry, and thought-provoking non-fiction articles that reflect the diverse voices and ideas of the era. (Summary by BellonaTimes)

In the vibrant backdrop of 1880s Paris, Guy de Maupassants captivating tale follows the unscrupulous journalist Georges Duroy, a man whose charm and good looks mask a profound lack of talent and integrity. With an almost magnetic allure, Duroy learns to manipulate the women around him, propelling his career in journalism with the aid of corrupt colleagues and opportunistic government officials. An emblematic anti-hero, he is neither reckless nor doomed to fail, but rather a cunning provincial Don Juan navigating the treacherous waters of ambition and desire. As we delve into his story, we find...

Dive into the enchanting tales of old Narragansett, where history and folklore intertwine. From familiar fireside stories cherished by longtime residents to vague traditions and summer dreams, this collection captures the essence of a land steeped in rich heritage. Explore family chronicles inspired by Thomas R. Hazards Recollections of the Olden Times and Updikes Narragansett Church. Once home to the Narragansett Indians, this picturesque region evolved dramatically over the centuries, transitioning from Kings Province to what we now know as Washington County. With vast estates owned by a ...

George Eliot, the pen name of Mary Ann Evans, presents a captivating exploration of love and society in her groundbreaking first novel, Adam Bede. Set in a charming rural village in northern England during the late 18th century, the story revolves around a complex love triangle involving the earnest carpenter Adam Bede, the charismatic squire Captain Arthur Donnithorne, and the enchanting Hetty Sorrel. Amidst this romantic tension, the beautiful lay preacher Dinah Morris adds another layer of intrigue. Eliot masterfully crafts a vivid portrayal of everyday life, intricately developing each ...

Immerse yourself in the enchanting world of Christy and The Pipers, beautifully brought to life by LibriVox volunteers with nine captivating recordings of Jean McKishnie Blewetts poem. This piece, a highlight of the Fortnightly Poetry project from November 4, 2018, unfolds in the picturesque backdrop of Scotland, exploring a womans heartfelt response to the evocative sound of the pipes. (David Lawrence)

Montague Glass, a former lawyer turned full-time writer, created a beloved series of stories in the New York Post featuring two iconic characters from the predominantly Jewish garment trade. Drawing inspiration from the legal challenges he encountered, Glass crafted engaging narratives that resonate with both humor and insight. This collection marks the beginning of Potash and Perlmutters journey, which also captivated audiences through stage plays and films during their heyday. - Summary by ToddHW