LITMIR.BIZ

"The Tale of Genji" by Lady Muraski is one of the world's most influential novels. As the first psychological novel, «The Tale of Genji» delves into the motivations and thoughts of the main characters, which had never been done in previous novels. The famous Japanese story is about Genji, the son of an emperor. When his mother died, Genji's father married another woman who greatly resembled Genji's mother. However, Genji fell in love with his new stepmother, causing problems between him and his own wife. He pursues a number of affairs, and is eventually exiled from the Capitol to a small, rural town. While Lady Murasaki did not base «The Tale of Genji» on a true story, she was inspired by a Minister in the royal court. She wrote the story in small installments for the ladies of the court, which might explain why the story was never «finished;» Lady Murasaki intended to keep the stories going as long as she possibly could. She also created some of the most memorable female characters in literature. As such, «The Tale of Genji» is widely considered to be one of the greatest works in the Japanese literature canon, as well as one of the most influential works of storytelling. Contained in this volume is the abridged translation of Suematsu Kencho.

Подробнее

Considered by many as the greatest of all Spanish authors, Miguel de Cervantes is most well-known of course for «Don Quixote,» a work of such literary impact that its historical importance cannot be understated. Unfortunately Cervantes' other works are often overlooked and characterized as inferior to his masterpiece. While his other writings never gained the popularity of «Don Quixote,» he did author several other works that are worthy of consideration. Amongst these is the pastoral romance «La Galatea.» First published in 1585, it is the story of Elicio and Erastro, best friends who are enamored with Galatea. Along with their friend Floria, the four of them travel to the wedding of Daranio and Silveri. Along the way they meet numerous other characters, who their own tell stories, as they continue on their journey to the wedding. Interspersed within the prose is a rich collection of poems that would inform the lyrical direction in which Cervantes would go for the rest of his career.

Подробнее

There is no greater novel in the monster genre than «Frankenstein» and no more well known monster than the one that is at the center of this novel. However, the monster of «Frankenstein» is more than the common lumbering moronic giant that is most often represented. «Frankenstein's» monster is in reality a thinking intelligent being who is tormented by world in which he does not belong. In this depiction Shelley draws upon the universal human themes of creation, the nature of existence, and the need for acceptance. For it is without this acceptance that the true monster, the violent nature of humanity, emerges.

Подробнее

"The Downfall (La Débâcle)" is Émile Zola’s 1892 novel, the penultimate in the Rougon-Macquart series, which is a story set against the background of the Franco-Prussian War, the Battle of Sedan and the Paris Commune, events that led to the end of the reign of Napoléon III and the Second French Empire in 1870. The novel follows Jean Macquart, a corporal in the French army corps, as they are driven back by the Prussians deeper and deeper into France. The tone of the novel is a somber one as Zola masterfully depicts the demoralization of the French soldiers as they face the prospect of almost certain defeat and the severe and brutal consequences that the war plays upon the soldiers and civilians who must suffer through it. «The Downfall» is a classic and tragic work which provides a dramatic first hand perspective to an important time in French history.

Подробнее

Written in just fifty-two days in the year 1839, «The Charterhouse of Parma» has since become known as Stendhal's finest work. Evidence of haste is infrequently apparent in this remarkable story, which follows the eventful life of the young Italian nobleman Fabrizio del Dongo. From his childhood in the family castle by Lake Como to the battlefields of Waterloo, Fabrizio proves himself charmingly headstrong and painfully naïve. Upon returning injured to Italy, the young man begins to recover and pursue ill-fated amorous exploits while his well-intentioned aunt Gina tries to plan a successful career for him with the help of her lover Count Mosca. When a period of confinement in prison leads Fabrizio to meet the beautiful and passionate Clélia, Stendahl's amazing skill with psychological insight comes to the fore, testing the courage of his characters as never before. Considered by contemporary readers to be one of the greatest French novels of its time, «The Charterhouse of Parma» overflows with military feats, court intrigue, and romance that encapsulates both youthful excitement and the harsh realities that test happiness at every turn.

Подробнее

Sir Walter Scott's 1819 novel «Ivanhoe» is the story of one of the last remaining Saxon noble families. Set in 1194, after the end of the Third Crusade, this historical work of fiction is the story of Wilfred of Ivanhoe, who has fallen out of favor with his father due to his allegiance to the Norman king Richard I of England and due to his courting of Lady Rowena. One of Sir Walter Scott's most popular works, «Ivanhoe» is a classic of romantic fiction that greatly revived interest of the Middle Ages during the 19th century in Europe and America.

Подробнее

Set at the end of the American Civil War, From the Earth to the Moon is a forward-looking tale of space adventure. With no other pressing assignments the Baltimore Gun Club, at the urging of its President, Impey Barbicane, decides to build a gun large enough to propel a projectile from the Earth to the Moon. With a wager being placed on the outcome and the mission being elevated to a «manned» mission, a space race to the Moon begins.

Подробнее

"Uncle Tom's Cabin" is Harriet Beecher Stowe's abolitionist masterpiece. The titular Uncle Tom is the slave of Mr. Shelby, the proprietor of a certain estate in Kentucky, which has fallen into disorder in consequence of the speculative habits of its owner, who, at the opening of the tale, is forced to part not only with Uncle Tom, but with a young quadroom woman named Eliza, the servant of Mrs. Shelby, and wife of George Harris, a slave upon a neighboring estate. Mrs. Harriet Beecher Stowe was an abolitionist and her book is a vehement and unrestrained argument in favor of her creed.

Подробнее

"The Mysterious Stranger and Other Stories" is a collection of Mark Twain's most loved short stories. In this collection you will find the following tales: The Celebrated Jumping Frog of Calaveras County, The Facts Concerning The Recent Carnival Of Crime In Connecticut, The Stolen White Elephant, Luck, The £1,000,000 Bank Note, The Man That Corrupted Hadleyburg, The Five Boons Of Life, Was It Heaven? Or Hell?, and The Mysterious Stranger.

Подробнее

"The House of Mirth" is Edith Wharton's classic and tragic portrayal of Lily Bart, an intelligent New York socialite during the Victorian era, who seeks to secure a husband and a place in upper class society. Central to the theme of the novel is how the Victorian era offered women relatively few other alternatives to achieve upward social and economic mobility than through marriage. A classic depiction of a bygone era, «The House of Mirth» is one of Wharton finest literary achievements.

Подробнее