Powieści i lektury

Magiczna powieść science fiction, w której postapokalitycznym światem odległej planety zawładnęli mściwi hinduistyczni bogowie Ziemia jest daleko. Na skolonizowanej planecie grupa ludzi zyskała kontrolę nad środkami techniki i zyskała nieśmiertelność. Teraz rządzą tym światem jako bogowie hinduistycznego panteonu - Brahma, Kali, Kriszna, a także ten tego, którego kiedyś nazywali Buddą, a który teraz odważa się wystąpić przeciwko ich tyranii, i nazywa się Mahasamatm...

Pełna ciętego humoru i niebanalnego uroku seria, w której się zakochasz! Ella – rozważna, odpowiedzialna i ostra jak brzytwa. Jonasz – arogancki, zawadiacki i szalenie pociągający. Życie, które nie owija... w folię bąbelkową. Niespełna siedemnastoletnia Ella, sama i samotna, idzie przez życie jak lodołamacz, mając przed oczami swój wielki plan. Nie myśli o nawiązywaniu przyjaźni, nie ma czasu na miłość. Jednak wszystko bierze w łeb, kiedy przez zawirowania rodzi...

Fuks wie, że po brutalnym ataku na Sforę w Obrożach i Dziką Sforę, jedyną nadzieją na przetrwanie jest zjednoczenie. Alfa Dzikiej Sfory niechętnie zgadza się, by dołączyła do nich Bella i pozostali członkowie Sfory w Obrożach, jednak Fuks – szpieg, przypłacił tę rolę wyrzuceniem ze sfory i zakazem powrotu. Fuks stara się odnaleźć szczęście w zwróconej mu wolności, jednak samotne życie w lesie i zrujnowanym mieście daje mu się we znaki. Po raz pierwszy od Wielkiego War...

Kiedy Fuks i pozostali członkowie Sfory w Obrożach odkryli las pełen jedzenia i świeżej wody, byli pewni, że odnaleźli nowy dom. Jednak ziemię przywłaszcza sobie Sfora Dzikich Psów, a ich przerażająca alfa nie pozwala położyć na niej łapy. Fuks zmuszony jest przekroczyć linię wroga i zdecydować, które psy są jego prawdziwymi sojusznikami.

Żółty Kieł poświęca całe swoje życie Klanowi Cienia. Mimo że całe jej życie naznaczone jest bólem, jest lojalną medyczką, gotową zrobić wszystko, by zapewnić swoim pobratymcom spokój i bezpieczeństwo. Jednak wkrótce Żółty Kieł zdaje sobie sprawę, że jej przyszłość również będzie pełna cierpienia - ciąży nad nią bowiem mroczna tajemnica, która zagraża nie tylko jej życiu, ale życiu każdego, kogo stara się chronić. Tajemnica, która ma moc, by zniszczyć cztery kocie klany......

Rodzeństwo Cuthbertów planowało adoptować chłopca do pomocy w gospodarstwie, ale przez pomyłkę przybywa do nich dziewczynka. Błąkająca się wcześniej po sierocińcach Ania – piegowaty, rudowłosy wulkan energii – wywraca ich życie do góry nogami, jednocześnie znajdując dla siebie dom pełen miłości i ciepła. Niniejsza edycja wzbogacona została o ilustracje z oryginalnego, pierwszego wydania!

Nie wiem, który z nas był najbardziej podekscytowany, gdy ja i dwóch moich kumpli zarzuciliśmy na siebie plecaki i wyruszyliśmy na szlak. Tuż przed tym, jak skręcaliśmy z naszego podwórka, odwróciłem się, by pomachać po raz ostatni. Ktoś mógłby pomyśleć, że ruszamy na wojnę albo coś, bo ciocia Lou płakała ze wzruszenia i wycierała oczy chusteczką.A myśmy tylko po prostu dorastali.Ciężko jest poukładać sobie w głowie wszystkie te nowe uczucia. Ostatnio dużo myślę o córce nasze...

Jedna z najsłynniejszych powieści science fiction o zgubnych skutkach niebezpiecznych naukowych eksperymentów Do wiejskiej gospody przybywa mężczyzna w wielkim pilśniowym kapeluszu, od stóp do głów ubrany tak, że nie widać ani centymetra ciała. Nieznajomy jest zziębnięty i pragnie jedynie wynająć ciepły pokój. Prosi też, aby mu nie przeszkadzano, gdyż prowadzi bardzo ważne badania. Zaintrygowana tajemniczym gościem gospodyni usiłuje dowiedzieć się, kim on jest, skąd przy...

This is a short romantic romance. „The Pearl of Lima” – one of the lesser-known works of Verne, and for good reason. This is one of his short novels, with a very simplified plot – lovers with crossed stars – and a very sharp ending. This book is romantic and intended for those who love classic prose.

The wreck of the ships of the Spanish Golden Armada off the Scottish coast generates a lot of rumors and superstitions. At the invitation of his uncle, Gordon Darnaway, young Charles visits these places and, through the roar of the breakers, nicknamed the Jolly Fellows, tries to uncover the mystery of the ships „Christ-Anna” and „Espirito Santo” in order to secure the future for himself and his beloved.

This novel, according to many critics, could become one of the main masterpieces of the XIX century. However, Stevenson’s premature death from tuberculosis did not allow him to end it. Only six chapters were written, which were then published in some collected works. This is Stevenson’s attempt to write a psychological action novel, which clearly shows the confrontation between the Father and the Son. A rude, cruel judge is Lord Hermiston, however, a master of his craft, a ...

In the historical novel „"Prince Otto"”, the romance of adventure is combined with the exact recreation of local color and historical setting. This novel is about Prince Otto, who is not very concerned about government affairs and problems, and he devotes all the time to hunting and other entertainments. Once during a hunt, he stumbles upon ordinary peasants who did not recognize him and agreed to shelter him for the night. During the evening dinner, the unrecognized prince...

This is a collection of three stories, which includes small tales. So the fairy tale „The Story of a Lie” talks about how, having returned to England after a trip to Paris, young Richard Nasby quarrels with his father. He also reduces acquaintance with Esther, whom he soon falls in love with. Another tale, „The Body Snatcher,” tells how a lonely living in the small town of Fetts accidentally meets a person from his past – visiting London doctor McFerlen.

A tale of fierce internecine feud that destroyed Lord Henry Darrissdire and his older brother James, also called the ruler of Ballantre. The story of their deaths is described by a devoted servant of the clan – old Ephraim McKellar. The novel tells how easy it is to lose honor and how difficult it is to preserve what is dear to you when money and power are at stake...

The novel, which remained unfinished, was restored from the author’s drafts. The fascinating story of the French youth, who during the Napoleonic Wars was one of the many British prisoners of war. The story of his dangerous and fascinating adventures and a difficult, multifaceted political game in which he unexpectedly found himself drawn into. The book you are reading, literally holding your breath...

Readers are invited to one of the writer’s best novels, The Black Arrow. The exciting adventures of his heroes take place in the heroic times of the war of the Scarlet and White Roses. The brilliantly twisted plot is replete with everything necessary: terrible secrets, courageous love, uncompromising valor and unexpected outcomes have been attracting readers of all ages for many years.The mystery of the gloomy Tanstoll forest and deadly black arrows can captivate even the m...

Very engaging tale of the South Seas, by the author of „Mutiny on the Bounty,” who was quite familiar with the area. This book has the same seafaring merit but is set in the pearl atolls of the southwestern Pacific. Into „The Pearl Lagoon” Charles Nordhoff wove his love and knowledge of the South Pacific islands and their people. It is his only story written through the eyes of young people. It is an adventure story about a California young boy, Charlie Selden who leaves hi...

Ronald Makivor and Jack Bangles decided to find the „peacock throne” of Shah Jehan, who, as they say, Nadir Shah took away from Delhi. Their adventures begin with fleeing wide legs from the rebellious sepoys. Over time, they enter the service of the Afghan prince – a model of knightly honor – who must have been very unlike his compatriots, unless they are greatly offended by the general message. In his company, they go through amazing experience and see that they are fighti...

As a gifted writer with a strong interest in supernatural phenomena, Charles Dickens produced a string of ghost stories with enduring charm. While the three ghosts that visited Ebenezer Scrooge was Charles Dickens’ most famous apparitions, his interest in the supernatural did not end there. „Three Ghost Stories” includes three different stories that are true Gothic classics and were sensational for their time and continue to hold up well, thanks to Charles Dickens’ superb s...

A set of six amazing short stories by Joseph Conrad. However, these six stories are not in the same vein, they differ: themes and ideas. These stories do not so much illuminate anything as they tell an interesting story. The professor, a character from an earlier novel, appears briefly and tells us about his possible fate.

Z pewnością jest to niezwykła sytuacja, mieć osiemnastoletnią matkę, gdy samemu ma się już dwanaście lat. Ale jeśli jesteś sierotą, a ona twoją ciocią – i jedyną matką, jaką znasz – no cóż, sprawdza się to całkiem dobrze.Dlatego tak się zaniepokoiłem usłyszawszy, że dziadek i wujek Charlie rozmawiają o znalezieniu odpowiedniego męża dla cioci Lou!Przecież trzeba było jakoś temu przeciwdziałać. Nie mogłem stać z boku i patrzeć, jak nasza rodzina się rozpada. Dziadek z wujkiem ...

Na podstawie klasycznej powieści Jacka Londona został realizowany film o tym samym tytule. Porywająca powieść przygodowa jednego z najpopularniejszych pisarzy amerykańskich Zew krwi to historia o dzielnym psie, który stanie przed wyborem między życiem w świecie człowieka a powrotem do natury Akcja powieści rozgrywa się na Alasce w czasach gorączki złota. Czteroletni pies Buck wiedzie szczęśliwe życie w domu sędziego Millera w Kalifornii. Jego beztroska kończy się w...

Dawno, dawno temu, w czasach, które zaginęły już w pomroce dziejów, ziemiami naszych przodków wstrząsnął potężny konflikt pomiędzy potomkami króla Anta. Umierający monarcha przekazał władzę swoim synom Lechowi i Krakowi, dzieląc między nich kraj i nakazując wspólną obronę ojcowizny przed najazdem koczowników ze wschodu. Bracia uszanowali wolę ojca i walczyli ramię w ramię, wspierali się w rządach. Założyli własne rody, poślubili wybranki swoich serc i doczekali się pot...

Asia i Maciek są przyjaciółmi. Razem pakują się w tarapaty, i razem ratują się z opresji. Zawsze są za sobą, czy to trzeba przejść przez ciemny tunel, czy obłaskawić leśnego diabełka, czy postawić się niemiłej koleżance z klasy. Są odważni, pomysłowi i prawie zawsze dobrzy! To wcale nie takie trudne, bo co dwie głowy (i dwa serca), to nie jedna!

Magiczny świat, w którym budząca grozę „Baba Jaga” spotyka „Anię z Zielonego Wzgórza”Fantastyczna baśń o przeznaczeniu i sile przyjaźni oraz rodzinnych więzów.Dwunastoletnia Marinka mieszka z babcią w niewielkiej chatce. Co może być w tym niezwykłego? Cóż, nie każdy mieszka z prawdziwą Babą Jagą w domu na kurzych łapach, który co chwilę wędruje w inne miejsce. Może ukrywać się w ciemnym lesie, lub przycupnąć pod szczytem wysokiej góry, gdzie nikt go nie znajdzie. Nikt z żywyc...

Kiedy eksperyment naukowy wymyka się spod kontroli tylko cud może uratować ludzkość. Przez lata króciutkie a znakomite dzieło Bułhakowa odczytywano w kluczu groteski i gorzkiej satyry na rzeczywistość pierwszych pięciolatek władzy realnego komunizmu. A przecież Fatalne jaja to również dramatyczne ostrzeżenie przed ludzką ingerencję w inżynierię przyrody i ciekawa wizja futurystyczna. Wspaniały wynalazek człowieka - czerwony promień, które przemienia żywe organizmy w m...

Nikt nie wie, jak wiele jest we mnie zawsze małego Ziuczka – to słowa które wypowiedział Józef Piłsudski, gdy był już dorosłym, bardzo znanym człowiekiem. Ale kim był mały Ziuk, zanim stał się wielkim Józefem? Co go fascynowało, czym się interesował, a czego bał chłopiec, którego nazwisko można znaleźć dziś na ulicach w prawie każdym polskim mieście? Co spowodowało, że został bohaterem? Czy po prostu urodził się taki? Weźcie do ręki tę książkę i wyruszcie w podróż w p...

„Niedźwiodek Puch” to śląska edycja „Kubusia Puchatka” A.A. Milne’a, arcydzieła literatury światowej. Ukochany miś świata rozprawia po śląsku z gronem swoich przyjaciół z podziwu godną biegłością i swadą, skutkiem czego jego maksymy stają się jeszcze bardziej przemyślane i wyraziste. To niewątpliwa zasługa Grzegorza Kulika, wybitnego popularyzatora śląskiej mowy, autora przekładu na śląski „Małego Księcia” Antoine de Saint-Exupery’ego.

Klasyka literatury dla dzieci - tym razem w gwarze wielkopolskiej. Doskonale znana wszystkim młodym czytelnikom powieść o uroczym Kubusiu Puchatku, znanym po wielkopolsku jako Miś Szpeniolek, o jego przygodach i przygodach przyjaciół, którzy mają tu cudne imiona: Klapiuchol, Proszczoczek czy Piszczoły.

Zabawna i urocza opowieść o wróżce, która jak koty, co muszą miauczeć, musiała mówić prawdę. Każdego dnia i gdziekolwiek, by się znalazła. Ten przymus był jej przekleństwem. Co się stało, że pewnego razu pokochała swe życie i siebie? Książka Matta Haiga – autora bestsellerowej serii: „Dziewczynka, która uratowała Gwiazdkę”, Chłopiec, zwany gwiazdką”, oraz „Ojciec Gwiazdka” - jak zawsze ilustrowana genialnym atramentowym piórkiem Chrisa Moulda.

Pełna uroku, ciepła i baśniowości opowieść o Świętym Mikołaju Każde dziecko słyszało o Świętym Mikołaju, który przynosi prezenty na Boże Narodzenie. Mało kto jednak poznał jego historię. Magiczna opowieść Życie i przygody Świętego Mikołaja daje odpowiedzi na wszystkie trudne bożonarodzeniowe pytania. Dlaczego Święty Mikołaj podróżuje saniami, które ciągną renifery? Jak to się dzieje, że mieści się w kominie, i jak udaje mu się dostarczyć wszystkie zabawki w jedną zimową ...

Although Charles Stanfield was a wealthy man he was far from happy. Everything that money could buy was at his command. He had merely to give the order and it would be fulfilled without delay. From a worldly point of view he was an outstanding example of a prosperous man who had fought his way to the top of the ladder of success. By many he was admired for his keen business qualities; by others he was feared and hated. He was considered a hard man, and merciless in any tran...

Niełatwego zadania przełożenia słynnego „Małego Księcia” na język śląski podjął się mistrz śląskiej mowy Grzegorz Kulik. „Mały Princ” z pewnością rozbawi wszystkich starszych i młodszych wielbicieli „Małego Księcia”. W przekładzie nie stracił jednak nic z filozoficznego charakteru oryginału. Dla tych, którzy nie najlepiej radzą sobie z językiem Ślązaków, autor przygotował specjalny słowniczek.

„To co jezd nojwożniejsze, jezd do ócz nie do zobaczynio”. Brzmi znajomo? Ależ tak – to najbardziej znany cytat z „Małego Księcia” przetłumaczony na... gwarę wielkopolską. Ambitnego zadania przełożenia słynnej książki na gwarę podjął się mistrz poznańskiej mowy, pisarz i publicysta Juliusz Kubel. „Książę Szaranek” z pewnością rozbawi wszystkich starszych i młodszych wielbicieli „Małego Księcia” (bo kto słyszał o „wężu boa, co śrutuje swoją ofiarę wew cołkiyj postaci”?), nie...

Wer weiß, ob sich Jim Hawkins auf dieses Abenteuer eingelassen hätte, wenn er geahnt hätte, in welche Gefahr ihn die geheimnisvolle Landkarte bringt, die er bei dem toten Käpten fand. Zusammen mit seinen Freunden Dr. Livesey und dem Friedensrichter Trelawney begibt sich der mutige Junge auf eine gefährliche Reise auf der Hispaniola in die Südsee – doch sie sind nicht die Einzigen, die es auf den sagenumwobenen Goldschatz des berüchtigten Piratenkäptns Flint abgesehen haben:...

A short book written as a play. It follows the young captain who is getting married, and each scene represents the different stages of the marriage. The book is written almost entirely in dialogue. Be sure to pay attention to the fact that Kipling understands the meaning of the introduction, taking into account where the story ends.

Three Soldiers is a collection of short stories by Rudyard Kipling. Three soldiers of this title - Leroid, Mulvani and Orteris, who also previously appeared in the collection "Simple Tales from the Hills." Books reveal the side of British Tommy in Afghanistan, rarely seen in the Twilight of the British Empire. The soldiers comment on their improvements, act fools, but right against the backdrop of the wars in the Middle East, when the British began to weaken their imperial ...

A wonderful book written in beautiful language, with love for the native land and its history. Despite the fact that all sorts of wars, illnesses and deprivations often flash in the stories, in general the atmosphere is very pleasant, and the book gives a feeling of warmth and tranquility. English guys Dan and Una, brother and sister, meet Elf Pak. He tells them once brought to England, the god Wiland, who once forged a magic sword. Further stories are told already by the d...

“Soldiers Three” is a series of fascinating stories by the great English writer and poet Joseph Rudyard Kipling. A collection of short stories written in 1888 provides a glimpse into the life of “tommies,” as the English soldiers called it, in Afghanistan. They fool around, complain and talk about their daily lives - against the backdrop of the war and sunset of colonial England.

„North of 36” is another magnificent novel by the author of „The Covered Wagon”. This is just a good old-fashioned western about the first cattle drive from Texas to Abilene. Emerson Hough (1857-1923) was an American author best known for writing western stories and historical novels. Hough’s literary career grew out of his taking camping trips and writing about them for publication. His body of work eventually included 27 novels and hundreds of short stories and articles. ...

Kipling’s greatest strength was the author of short stories. And this thematic collection of stories about the British Raj is one of the best attempts to bring together some of his best works. This includes The Man Who Will Be King, The Phantom Rickshaw, and many other favorites. But, first of all, this is connected with several short stories of Kipling about three military men in the army, Mulvani, Lirida and Other.

During the absolutism in France, the young clog-maker Thibaudt has a deep desire to belong to the aristocracy. One day he saves the life of a wolf, who fled from the baron Jean de Vez and his hunting party. A while later Thibaudt imagine his amazement: the wolf transformed himself into a human and offers him a pact. The wolf promises to grant Thibault’s wishes in exchange for a hair on his head. As Thibault wishes harm upon more and more people, the hairs on his head become...

After „The Three Musketeers” and „Twenty Years After” the adventurous story of Athos, Porthos, Aramis and D’Artagnan continues! Against a tender love story, Dumas continues the suspense which began with „The Vicomte de Bragelonne” and will end with „The Man in the Iron Mask”. Can it be true that the King is in love with the Duchess d’Orleans? Or has his eye been caught by the sweet and gentle Louise de la Valliere? No one is more anxious to know the answer than Raoul, son o...

This swashbuckling yarn is the continuation of the story in „Memoirs of a physician,” „The Queen’s necklace,” and „Six Years Later”. „The Countess of Charny or, The Execution of King Louis XVI” is the seventh in Dumas’ series on the retelling of the French Revolution. Known as one of the important early figures in the burgeoning genre of historical fiction, Alexandre Dumas spent much of his life chronicling the social and political unrest that utterly transformed France – a...

„The Three Musketeers” (French: „Les Trois Mousquetaires”) is a historical adventure novel written in 1844 by French author Alexandre Dumas. Set in 1625–1628 when France is under threat, it recounts the adventures of a young nobleman named d’Artagnan after he leaves home to travel to Paris, to join the Musketeers of the Guard. Although d’Artagnan is not able to join this elite corps immediately, he befriends the three most formidable musketeers of the age – the mysterious A...

The bonds that tie family together are among the strongest on earth. But what of those between two brothers born as Siamese twins? The „Corsican Brothers” is a richly drawn tale of fraternal love and revenge. Alexandre Dumas weaves the compelling story of Siamese twins who are separated physically but never in spirit. They have a truly remarkable psychic link, and can feel each others pains and triumphs. When one of the brothers is murdered, the other leaves Corsica for Par...

This is a rare genre, namely historical fiction. You will learn what role the Fenians played in New Brunswick’s determination to become part of the Confederation of Canada. This book has become a revelation for many people. And she revealed the secrets of historical events.

Set out for a rollicking good time with Alexandre Dumas (1802-1870), the renowned French author who created timeless classics such as „The Three Musketeers”, „The Count of Monte Cristo” and „The Man in the Iron Mask”. „Les Compagnons de Jehu” („The Companions of Jehu”) tale is based loosely on a historical account of a band of young aristocrats-turned-highwaymen that continuously steals the money of the Directoire in order to finance the restoration of monarchy and who foug...

Having returned safely home, Robinson Crusoe marries and starts a family. Peace is not for Robinson, he hardly hangs out in England for several years: thoughts about the island are haunted him day and night. He even buys a farm, intends to engage in rural labor, to which he is so accustomed. After the death of his wife, nothing else keeps him in England, Robinson is overcome by the old wanderlust, and sets out with his faithful companion Friday to see his island once again....

„The Haunted Man and the Ghost’s Bargain” is an 1848 ghost story by Charles Dickens. It is the final novella in Dickens’ series of five Christmas Books, the first and best known of which is „A Christmas Carol”. For Victorians these ghost stories began to be associated with Christmas time, and the end of the year. In this story, Dickens narrates the hair-raising experiences of a teacher of chemistry Redlaw. As the protagonist dwells on his past sorrows and mistakes, a phanto...

”Rescue” is not just muscular descriptions of a boiling sea or some kind of intrigue or action. Konrad decisively decides things like lengthy / nuanced conversations. But, as in all his books, „Rescue” is darkly intense, much more happening under the surface than even the characters think. This is not an easy book to concentrate on. Tension, uncertainty about what will happen next, a gloomy atmosphere – all this is alive and overwhelming.

„The Inheritors” is a little-known book of two main British writers. The plot is based on a political scheme to undermine the British Empire, based on a Congo-like colonial enterprise and manipulated by journalists. The main character claims that she is from the Fourth Dimension and works to replace the human race.

Anyone old enough to have friends they haven’t seen for many years knows how difficult it can be to get everyone together again. And when you do, it’s never quite the same. That’s the theme of „Twenty Years After” (1845), Alexandre Dumas’s sequel to „The Three Musketeers” that is a supreme creation of suspense and heroic adventure. This story follows events in France during La Fronde, during the childhood reign of Louis XIV, and in England near the end of the English Civil ...

Set in Paris during the French Revolution, „The Mesmerist’s Victim” tells the story of two star-crossed lovers whose romance blooms at an extremely inopportune moment in European history. Will they be able to find happiness together, or will they be swallowed up in the tumult of radical political and social change? „The Mesmerist’s Victim” is the second in Dumas’ fictional series on the French Revolution. The story continues the tale where „Memoirs of a Physician” left off....

„The Royal Life Guard – A Historical Romance of the Suppression of the French Monarchy” is a historical romance of the suppression of the French monarchy. France had been changed to a limited monarchy from an absolute one, and King Louis XVI had solemnly sworn to defend the new Constitution. But it had been remarked by shrewd observers that he had not attended the Te Deum at the Paris Cathedral, with the members of the National Assembly: that is, he would tell a lie but not...

An adventure is something that happens outside the course of ordinary life. We can’t go on an adventure all the time, but an adventure story will take you right to that adventure. With no time to scout for a library, now these books are at our fingertips. „The Hero of the People” is the fifth book in the fictional series on the French Revolution by the famous French author Alexandre Dumas. Alexandre Dumas is known for penning many masterpieces of historical fiction, includi...

Set at the height of the „tulipomania” that gripped Holland in 17th century, this is the story of Cornelius van Baerle, a humble grower whose sole desire is to grow the perfect specimen of the tulip negra. After his powerful godfather is assassinated, the unwitting Cornelius becomes caught up in deadly political intrigue and is falsely accused of high treason by a bitter rival. Condemned to life imprisonment, his only comfort is Rosa, the jailer’s beautiful daughter, and to...

Charles Dickens’ work is ranked among the finest writing in the Western canon, and the author specialized in seasonal stories to warm the hearts of his adoring fans during the holiday season. Dickens’s relationship with Christmas extends far beyond the success of „A Christmas Carol”, with five short Christmas books and countless slighter stories on a festive theme. In all of them he uses Christmas as a time to wake up the dozing conscience of the prosperous urban middle cla...

Set against the turbulent years of the Napoleonic era, Alexandre Dumas’s thrilling adventure story is one of the most widely read romantic novels of all time, along with „The Three Musketeers”. The historical setting is a fundamental element of the book, an adventure story primarily concerned with themes of hope, justice, vengeance, mercy, and forgiveness. It centers on Edmond Dantès who is wrongfully imprisoned, escapes from jail, acquires a fortune, and sets about exactin...

French author of famous swashbuckler novels Alexandre Dumas again chooses 18th century France for his milieu. No musketeers in this one, for it is the Queen, Marie Antoinette, who needs defending. Set a few years before the deluge of the French Revolution this plot is convoluted beyond belief; schemes, counter-measures, vicious personal agendas, love-struck young people, royal revenge and ecclesiastical machinations – all are present. Fans of historical fiction will love „T...

The d’Artagnan Romances are a set of three novels by Alexandre Dumas telling the story of the musketeer d’Artagnan from his humble beginnings in Gascony to his death as a marshal of France in the Siege of Maastricht in 1673. It is May 1660 and the fate of nations is at stake. Mazarin plots, Louis XIV is in love, and Raoul de Bragelonne, son of Athos, is intent on serving France and winning the heart of Louise de la Valliere. D’Artagnan, meanwhile, is perplexed by a mysterio...

„The Man in the Iron Mask” is the final episode in the cycle of novels featuring Dumas’ celebrated foursome of D’Artagnan, Athos, Porthos and Aramis, who first appeared in „The Three Musketeers”. Some thirty-five years on, the bonds of comradeship are under strain as they end up on different sides in a power struggle that may undermine the young Louis XIV and change the face of the French monarchy. Unbeknownst to D’Artagnan, Aramis and Porthos plot to remove the inept king ...

The d’Artagnan Romances are a set of three novels by Alexandre Dumas telling the story of the musketeer d’Artagnan from his humble beginnings in Gascony to his death as a marshal of France in the Siege of Maastricht in 1673. It is May 1660 and the fate of nations is at stake. Mazarin plots, Louis XIV is in love, and Raoul de Bragelonne, son of Athos, is intent on serving France and winning the heart of Louise de la Valliere. D’Artagnan, meanwhile, is perplexed by a mysterio...

Alexandre Dumas’s 1846 novel, „Captain Paul” is based on life of John Paul Jones, a captain in the American Navy during the revolutionary war. This epic adventure is written in best traditions of Duma’s work featuring numerous desperate battles, true love, brave heroes, devious villains, and intrigue. This tale of high adventure and daring-do is highly recommended for fans of Dumas’s work, and would make for a fantastic addition to any bookshelf! One of the most widely read...

„The Forty-Five Guardsmen”, by Alexandre Dumas (1894), the most celebrated of French romance writers, is in two volumes, and is the third of a series known as „The Valois Romances”. It basically deals with Diana de Meridor and her servant Remy who find a way to take revenge upon Duc d’Anjou for his heinous betrayal of Bussy d’Amboise. Historically it commences with the execution of Salcede and the arrival of the Forty-Five at Paris and deals with the Guise intrigues, the ca...

Following the phenomenal popularity of „Sketches by Boz”, Dickens produced two short volumes of „Sketches of Young Gentlemen” and „Sketches Young Couples"’. Dedicated to „The Young Ladies of the United Kingdom of Great Britain” as well as to other young ladies, „Sketches of Young Gentlemen” scrutinizes in a very witty and humorous fashion certain familiar characteristics of Victorian men and women. Indeed, the sketches center around certain social stereotypes developed by t...

„Sketches of Young Couples” is similarly a relatively early and short work by Charles Dickens – in which he outlines in a humorous and vaguely satirical way various „types” of couples (young, old and matured) in society under different subjects describing their actions, thoughts and decisions as couple. These subjects are chosen as a moral essay to raise the awareness and information in young couple for coming generation of both sexes. As always, Dickens’ scatterings of hum...

Amidst the conspiracy of the Holy League to make the Duke of Anjou king, Bussy d’Amboise falls in love with a lady of the court of Henry III – a lady with a very jealous husband! This sequel to Dumas’ „Marguerite de Valois” begins four years after the sudden death of King Charles IX and succession of his brother Henry III. Bristling with political plots, secret assignations, mysteries, daring escapes, duels, surprising alliances and betrayals, Dumas orchestrates two plotlin...

Based around the Gordon riots of 1780 as seen through the eyes of the simple but good-hearted Barnaby Rudge. This is Dickens fifth novel and it was his first attempt to write an historical novel and was inspired by the Walter Scott’s novels. It is the most neglected, but most rewarding tale of treachery, forbidden love, abduction and the dangerous power of the mob. Barnaby Rudge is a half-witted young innocent simpleton who is devoted to his talkative raven, Grip. When he g...

Written in the form of an autobiography, it describes the life of the eponymous narrator Robinson Crusoe. After surviving a terrible shipwreck, Crusoe discovers he is the only human on an island far from any shipping routes or rescue. At first he is devastated, but slowly, with patience and imagination, he transforms his island into a tropical paradise. For twenty-four years he lives with no human companionship – until one fateful day, when he discovers he is not alone... „...

While „The Battle of Life” is one of Charles Dickens’ Christmas Books – his annual release of a story just before Christmas – this one breaks the tradition by not being concerned with Christmas. Rather, its subtitle, „A Love Story”, reveals more of the plot. The setting is an English village that stands on the site of a historic battle. Some characters refer to the battle as a metaphor for the struggles of life, hence the title. This novel basically depicts the battles one ...

Written in a time when criminal biographies enjoyed great success, Daniel Defoe’s „The Fortunes and Misfortunes of the Famous Moll Flanders” (aka „Moll Flanders”) details the life of the irresistible Moll and her struggles through poverty and sin in search of property and power. Born in Newgate prison and abandoned six months later, Moll Flanders’ drive to find and hold on to a secure place in society propels her through incest, adultery, bigamy, prostitution and a resource...