Showing titles in Literary History & Criticism

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...

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...

At a time when speculative fiction seems less and less far-fetched, Margaret Atwood lends her distinctive voice and singular point of view to the genre in a series of essays that brilliantly illuminates the essential truths about the modern world. This is an exploration of her relationship with...

Discover the timeless wisdom of The Psychology of Money by Morgan Housel in this comprehensive summary audiobook. This playlist breaks down the key lessons from the book, exploring how our behavior, emotions, and mindset shape our financial decisions more than intelligence or income. From the power of compounding and the role of luck, to defining “enough” and mastering financial survival, each chapter offers actionable insights to help you build wealth, avoid common pitfalls, and rethink your relationship with money. Whether you’re a seasoned investor or just starting your financial ...

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?...

La Reine Margot is a novel of suspense and drama which recreates the violent world of intrigue, murder, and duplicity of the French Renaissance. Dumas fills his canvas with a gallery of unforgettable characters, unremitting action, and the engaging generosity of spirit which has made him one of the world’s greatest and best-loved storytellers.

This is perhaps one of the best-loved of all journals. William Wordsworth's sister, Dorothy, began it in May 1800 and resolved to keep it for a short time. She continued it for nearly three years. In it, she brought the Dove Cottage years to vivid and intimate life. She noted the walks and weather, the friends, country neighbours, and travellers on the roads. She set down accounts of the garden, of Wordsworth's marriage, their concern for Coleridge, and the composition of Wordsworth's poetry.

Since its publication nearly 70 years ago, George Orwell’s 1984 has been regarded as one of the most influential novels of the modern age. Politicians have testified to its influence on their intellectual identities, rock musicians have made records about it, TV viewers watch a reality show named for it, and a White House spokesperson tells of “alternative facts”.

Gathering pieces written between 2003 and 2020, including several never previously published, Languages of Truth chronicles a period of momentous cultural shifts. Across a wide variety of subjects, Rushdie delves into the nature of storytelling as a deeply human need, and what emerges is a love letter to literature itself. Throughout, Rushdie shares his personal encounters, on the page and in person, with storytellers from Shakespeare and Cervantes to Samuel Beckett, Eudora Welty, and Toni Morrison, and revels in the creative lines that can join art and life. 

A new biography exploring J.R.R. Tolkien’s wartime experiences and their impact on his life and his writing of The Lord of The Rings. “To be caught in youth by 1914 was no less hideous an experience than in 1939 … by 1918 all but one of my close friends were dead.” So J.R.R. Tolkien...