Showing titles in Literary History & Criticism

Dive into one of the lesser-known gems of adventure science fiction by Jules Verne, Ticket No. 9672 (also known as The Lottery Ticket). This captivating tale blends fiction with a sprinkle of romance, set against the backdrop of breathtaking scenery and travel. Follow the journey of Hulda and her mother, Dame Hansen, as they await the return of Huldas fiancé. Their hopes take a turn when his ship goes missing at sea, leaving behind only a mysterious message in a bottle—a lottery ticket! A series of unexpected events unfolds, leading to a resolution that promises to be anything but ordinary....

Dive into the enchanting world of Wessex Tales, a captivating collection of six short stories penned by Thomas Hardy in the 1880s. Perfect for those new to Hardys works, these stories offer a delightful glimpse into his literary genius. While they may not be as extensive as his major novels, they are rich with the distinctive elements that define Hardys style. Join narrator T. Hynes as he brings these timeless tales to life.

Dive into Theodore Dreisers inaugural collection of short fiction, first published in 1918. Renowned primarily for his novels like Sister Carrie and An American Tragedy, Dreiser also masterfully navigated the realm of short stories, drawing on his experiences as a magazine editor. In this collection, youll encounter tales that encapsulate Dreisers stark naturalistic worldview, where characters often find themselves marginalized and battling against an indifferent universe that offers little hope for fulfillment. Join narrator James Hutchisson as he brings these poignant narratives to life.

In Tim, the first of only three novels by English author Howard Overing Sturgis, we are drawn into the poignant world of a sensitive young boy and his deep affection for an older boy. A close friend of Henry James and the son of affluent American expatriates, Sturgis beautifully captures the nuances of friendship and the complexities of youthful emotions. (Introduction by Dorlene Kaplan)

Dive into Jimmyjohn Boss and Other Stories, the fifth published work by Owen Wister, celebrated author of the quintessential Western novel, The Virginian. Released in 1900, this collection features eight captivating short stories that vividly capture the spirit of the American West. (Summary by David Wales)

Step into the world of Arnold Bennetts The Grim Smile of the Five Towns, a captivating collection of stories published in 1907. This is Bennetts second major anthology, following the acclaimed Tales Of The Five Towns from 1905 (available at Librivox). Set against the backdrop of Stoke-on-Trent, where much of Bennetts finest work unfolds, these stories reveal the authors signature dry wit that belies the grim in the title. Critics have come to appreciate the collections standout tale, Simon Fuge, with Margaret Drabble hailing it as one of the greatest short stories in the English language. John...

Dive into LibriVoxs Short Story Collection 055, featuring an enchanting assortment of 20 captivating short stories in the public domain. This diverse anthology includes works from renowned authors such as J. M. Barrie, O. Henry, Jerome, Joyce, London, Saki, R. L. Stevenson, Trollope, Wilde, and Wodehouse, all masterfully narrated by a talented group of LibriVox members.

Dive into this captivating collection that features additional stories by Rudyard Kipling, spotlighting the beloved characters from Stalky & Co. While these tales were mysteriously left out of the original book, they offer delightful insights and humor reminiscent of adolescent life and the timeless struggles against adult authority. Among the highlights is Stalky, the inaugural story penned in 1898, which perfectly encapsulates the charm and wit of Kiplings portrayal of young boys. Regulus also delivers a hearty dose of humor, though it may feel more challenging to modern readers unfamiliar ...

Roll-Call is the captivating sequel to the Clayhanger trilogy, delving into the youthful journey of George Edwin Cannon, the stepson of Edwin Clayhanger. As an ambitious architect, George embodies the aspirations of his stepfather but is also burdened by the arrogance that comes with family wealth. Bennett skillfully explores the challenges of raising children without spoiling them, making this narrative both poignant and thought-provoking. As Georges story unfolds, he ultimately joins the army, providing a powerful conclusion to this remarkable series. (Summary by Simon Evers)

In a serene country house, a promising young writer encounters an esteemed older author whose works have profoundly influenced him, alongside a captivating and intelligent young woman. Eager to absorb the wisdom of the seasoned writer, the young man probes into not only the nature of art but also the principles that should guide a serious artists life. As the story unfolds, he discovers valuable lessons, albeit not the ones he anticipated. This narrative echoes themes found in Henry Jamess later novel, The Ambassadors, delving into similar existential inquiries.

In this captivating exploration of late 19th-century life, Canadian author Sara Jeannette Duncan—known by her pen name Mrs. Everard Cotes—delves into the complexities of a young womans quest for identity in her novel A Daughter of Today, published in 1894. The story follows Elfrida Bell, who bravely leaves the familiar confines of the American Midwest to seek an artistic education in Paris, and later, a budding career in journalism in London. As Elfrida embodies the spirit of her time—the 1890s—she navigates the vibrant currents of Aestheticism, fin-de-siècle Decadence, and the ideals...

Set against the backdrop of the roaring 1920s, this captivating novel explores the glitz and glamour of the Jazz Age, weaving a tale of ambition, excess, and the elusive nature of dreams. Follow the journey of a hopeful romantic as he strives to rekindle a lost love amidst wild parties, flappers, and the intoxicating allure of bootlegged spirits. - Summary by Kara

On her eighteenth birthday, orphan Lady Margaret Cheyne returns to her ancestral home to live with her bitter maiden aunt and claim her inheritance—the renowned Cheyne jewels. Among them is the legendary Purple Emperor pendant, a priceless gem stolen from a temple during the tumultuous Indian Mutiny. While studying in Paris, Lady Margaret fell in love with Sir Edgar Brenton, the charming son of her aunt’s old flame, who also happens to be their neighbor in the quaint village of Hampton. However, her homecoming triggers a series of mysterious and sinister events that catch the attention of ...

Immerse yourself in the enchanting world of The King of Elflands Daughter, a timeless fantasy novel penned by the illustrious Anglo-Irish writer Lord Dunsany in 1924. Now in the public domain since January 2020, this masterpiece is celebrated as one of the cornerstones of fantasy literature. Dunsanys work is a profound influence on the fantasy genre, particularly in the realms of fairytale fantasy and high fantasy. At its heart, the novel explores enduring themes such as the power of love, the beauty of nature, the quest for fulfillment, the pursuit of fame, the longing for immortality, and ...

Dive into Virginia Woolf’s groundbreaking third novel, *Jacob’s Room*, where traditional storytelling takes a backseat to a richly fragmented narrative. Follow the life of Jacob from his childhood through his education at Cambridge and ultimately to his tragic death in World War I. With a fluid shift in perspectives, readers are invited to piece together Jacobs essence through the voices and opinions of those around him. Though we glimpse moments of his life, the true nature of Jacob remains elusive. Woolfs innovative literary style here sets the stage for even greater experimentation in ...

Dive into the world of Eugénie Grandet, a masterful novel by Honoré de Balzac, first published in 1833 and a cornerstone of his monumental series, La Comédie Humaine. Set against the backdrop of a provincial town in post-Revolutionary France, this poignant tale explores themes of wealth, greed, love, and obsession. At the heart of the story is a wealthy miser struggling to control the desires of his innocent daughter, Eugénie, who ultimately must navigate the perilous waters of a society where money reigns supreme. Balzacs keen attention to psychological depth and vivid detail has left a ...

Join us as we explore the enchanting world of Charles Dickens Christmas novellas, penned between 1843 and 1848. While many are familiar with the beloved classic A Christmas Carol, Dickens also gifted us with four other holiday tales The Chimes, The Cricket on the Hearth, The Battle of Life, and The Haunted Man and the Ghosts Bargain. Each story brings its own unique charm and festive spirit. - Summary by Brad Filippone

Discover the compelling tale of The Rise of Silas Lapham, W.D. Howells’ most celebrated novel and a hallmark of literary realism. This captivating story follows Silas Lapham, a humble farmer who builds a thriving paint business and strives to elevate his familys status in the competitive society of Boston. Unlike the ruthless businessmen of his time, Lapham embodies the principles of the old-fashioned, trustworthy Yankee trader. As he navigates the complexities of industrial capitalism, the novel also delves into the intricacies of social class, portraying the courtship of his daughter and ...

Step into the world of Michael Kohlhaas, an enthralling novella penned by Heinrich von Kleist in 1811, inspired by the true story of Hans Kohlhase from the 16th century. This powerful tale explores the intense and fanatical pursuit of justice, while its unique style blends existentialist detachment with the feel of a historical chronicle. Its modern themes and emotional depth have echoed through the ages, influencing writers and thinkers long after its publication. Notably, Franz Kafka was so moved by this work that he dedicated one of his rare public appearances to reading from it, ...

Dive into the intriguing world of Ivory Tower, an unfinished manuscript that explores the complexities of wealth and power in American society through the eyes of an unsuspecting character. With a style that oscillates between convoluted prose and sharp insight, Henry James invites readers to navigate a labyrinth of inheritance battles and social maneuvering. The first part showcases his unique narrative technique, presenting a narrator as oblivious as the characters themselves, while the second half offers a masterclass in novel development, highlighting the flow of storytelling and resolving...