by F. Scott Fitzgerald
F. Scott Fitzgerald’s “Tales of the Jazz Age” captures the essence of the Roaring Twenties with a vibrant collection of short stories that explore the era’s exuberance, excess, and underlying disillusionment. Published in 1922, this anthology reflects Fitzgerald’s keen observations of the social dynamics and cultural shifts that defined the Jazz Age. Each story delves into different facets of the time, from the flamboyant lifestyles of the rich and glamorous to the … Read More
by Gaston Leroux
“The Phantom of the Opera” is a Gothic novel written by French author Gaston Leroux. It was first serialized in the French newspaper “Le Gaulois” from September 1909 to January 1910. It was later published as a novel in 1910. The novel combines elements of mystery, romance, and horror.
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by Theodore Roosevelt
“Theodore Roosevelt: An Autobiography” is an autobiographical work written by the 26th President of the United States, Theodore Roosevelt. Roosevelt wrote the autobiography in 1913 and published it in 1914, shortly after the end of his presidency (1901–1909). The book covers Roosevelt’s early life, political career, and experiences as president.
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by Ernest Hemingway
“The Sun Also Rises” is a novel written by American author Ernest Hemingway. It was published in 1926 and is considered one of Hemingway’s most famous works. The novel is often seen as a quintessential piece of literature from the “Lost Generation,” a term used to describe the disillusionment and aimlessness experienced by many individuals in the aftermath of World War I.
The story is primarily set in the 1920s and follows a group of expatriates, mainly American and British, as they na… Read More
by Fyodor Dostoevsky
“The Brothers Karamazov” is a novel written by the renowned Russian author Fyodor Dostoevsky. It was first published in 1880 and is considered one of Dostoevsky’s masterpieces and a classic of world literature.
The novel is a complex and sprawling work that explores profound philosophical, ethical, and psychological themes. It revolves around the relationships and conflicts within the Karamazov family, consisting of the father, Fyodor Pavlovich Karamazov, and his three sons: Dmitri, Ivan, … Read More
by Edgar Allan Poe
“Poetry” is a collection of popular poems, written by Edgar Allan Poe. His poetry is renowned for its Gothic and melancholic themes, known for its musical and rhythmic qualities, and he often used rhyme and meter to create a haunting and atmospheric mood. His works have had a lasting impact on the genres of horror and Gothic literature, and he is considered one of the most significant and influential American writers of the 19th century.
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by Henry James
“The Turn of the Screw” is a novella written by Henry James, an American-British author, and was first published in 1898. It is a work of gothic fiction and is known for its ambiguity and psychological complexity.
The story is narrated by an unnamed governess who is hired to take care of two orphaned children, Miles and Flora, at Bly, a remote country estate in England. As the governess settles into her role, she becomes increasingly troubled by strange and eerie occurrences. She starts to s… Read More
by Henry David Thoreau
“Walden or Life in the Woods” is a book written by American transcendentalist author Henry David Thoreau. It was first published in 1854 and is a reflection on simple living in natural surroundings. The book is part personal declaration of independence, social experiment, voyage of spiritual discovery, satire, and manual for self-reliance.
Thoreau wrote “Walden” during a two-year period when he lived in a cabin he built near Walden Pond, located in Concord, Massachusetts. The book docume… Read More
by John Milton
“Paradise Lost” is an epic poem written by the English poet John Milton. It was first published in 1667 and later revised in 1674. The poem is considered one of the greatest literary works in the English language and a seminal piece of epic poetry.
The story of “Paradise Lost” is based on Christian theology and draws heavily from the Bible, particularly the accounts of the Fall of Man in the Book of Genesis. The poem narrates the biblical story of the rebellion of Satan and his followers… Read More
by Oscar Wilde
“The Picture of Dorian Gray” is a novel written by the Irish author Oscar Wilde. It was first published in 1890 and is considered one of Wilde’s most famous and enduring works. The novel is known for its exploration of themes related to aestheticism, moral corruption, the nature of beauty, and the consequences of indulgence.
The story revolves around the character of Dorian Gray, a young and handsome man living in Victorian-era London. Dorian becomes the subject of a portrait painted by hi… Read More
by Joseph Conrad
“Heart of Darkness” is a novella written by Joseph Conrad, first published in 1899. It is considered one of the most important works in English literature and a classic of modernist literature. The story is framed as a narrative within a narrative and is primarily set in the Congo Free State (now the Democratic Republic of the Congo) during the late 19th century, during the height of European colonialism in Africa.
The novella follows the journey of Charles Marlow, an English seaman and narr… Read More
by Kenneth Grahame
“The Wind in the Willows” is a classic children’s novel written by British author Kenneth Grahame. The book was first published in 1908 and has since become one of the most beloved works of children’s literature.
The Wind in the Willows received negative reviews upon its initial release, but it has since become a classic of British literature. It was listed at No. 16 in the BBC’s survey The Big Read and has been adapted multiple times in different media.
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by Franklin W. Dixon
The Hardy Boys is a popular series of mystery novels for young readers created by the American writer Edward Stratemeyer. The series features two teenage brothers, Frank and Joe Hardy, who solve various mysteries and crimes in the fictional town of Bayport.
“The Tower Treasure” (1927): In the first book, Frank and Joe Hardy’s father, Fenton Hardy, a private detective, is hired to locate some stolen jewelry. When he gets injured during the investigation, the Hardy boys take over the case. T… Read More
by William Shakespeare
“King Lear” is a tragedy written by William Shakespeare. It is one of his most famous and enduring plays, believed to have been written between 1605 and 1606. The play tells the story of King Lear, an aging monarch who decides to divide his kingdom among his three daughters based on their professions of love for him. However, the distribution of the kingdom leads to treachery, betrayal, and ultimately tragic consequences.
The central themes of “King Lear” include the nature of power, the… Read More
by H. Rider Haggard
King Solomon’s Mines is a classic adventure novel written by Sir H. Rider Haggard, an English author, and first published in 1885. The novel is set in Africa and follows the journey of three Englishmen, Allan Quatermain, Sir Henry Curtis, and Captain Good, as they search for the legendary mines of King Solomon, said to be filled with immense wealth.
The story is narrated by Allan Quatermain, a skilled hunter and adventurer, who is approached by Sir Henry Curtis and his friend Captain Good. The… Read More
by Leo Tolstoy
“Anna Karenina” is a novel written by the Russian author Leo Tolstoy. It was first published in serialized form between 1873 and 1877. The novel is considered one of Tolstoy’s masterpieces and a pinnacle of realist fiction.
The story is set in 19th-century Russia and follows the lives of several characters, each representing different social strata and moral dilemmas. The main plot revolves around the tragic character of Anna Karenina, a beautiful and aristocratic woman who becomes involve… Read More
by Nathaniel Hawthorne
“The Scarlet Letter” is a historical fiction novel written by Nathaniel Hawthorne, first published in 1850. Set in the 17th-century Puritan Massachusetts Bay Colony, the story explores the consequences of sin, guilt, and redemption.
The novel begins with the protagonist, Hester Prynne, being publicly shamed and forced to wear a scarlet letter “A” on her dress as a mark of her adultery. She refuses to reveal the identity of the father of her illegitimate child, Pearl. Despite her humiliat… Read More
by Johann David Wyss
“The Swiss Family Robinson” is a classic adventure novel written by Swiss author Johann David Wyss. It was first published in 1812 and has since become a beloved children’s and young adult’s book, as well as a timeless piece of literature.
The story revolves around the Robinson family, who are shipwrecked on a deserted tropical island during a storm. The family consists of William Robinson, his wife Elizabeth, and their four sons: Fritz, Ernest, Jack, and Franz. The novel is narrated by … Read More
by Charles Darwin
“The Origin of Species” is a revolutionary book written by Charles Darwin and published on November 24, 1859. Its full title is “On the Origin of Species by Means of Natural Selection, or the Preservation of Favoured Races in the Struggle for Life.” This groundbreaking work is considered one of the most influential scientific books ever written and has had a profound impact on our understanding of biology and the theory of evolution.
The main idea presented in the book is Darwin’s theo… Read More
by James Fenimore Cooper
“The Last of the Mohicans” is a historical novel written by James Fenimore Cooper and published in 1826. It is set during the French and Indian War, which took place in North America in the mid-18th century. The novel is the second book in Cooper’s five-volume series called “The Leatherstocking Tales,” but it can be read as a standalone work.
“The Last of the Mohicans” follows the adventures of a group of characters against the backdrop of the frontier wilderness. The story primari… Read More
by Howard Pyle
“The Merry Adventures of Robin Hood” is a famous novel that tells the story of Robin Hood, a legendary outlaw hero of English folklore. The novel was written by Howard Pyle and first published in 1883. It has since become a classic and has been adapted into various films, television series, and other forms of media.
The story is set in medieval England during the reign of King Richard the Lionheart. Robin Hood is depicted as a skilled archer and swordsman who, together with his band of Merry… Read More
by Edith Wharton
“The Age of Innocence” is a novel written by American author Edith Wharton. It was first published in 1920 and won the Pulitzer Prize for Fiction in 1921, making Wharton the first woman to receive the award.
Set in the 1870s in New York City’s high society, “The Age of Innocence” explores the themes of love, duty, and social expectations. The story follows Newland Archer, a young lawyer who is engaged to the beautiful and conventional May Welland. However, everything changes when May�… Read More
by Edgar Rice Burroughs
“Tarzan of the Apes” is a novel written by Edgar Rice Burroughs. It was first published in 1912 and is the first book in the series known as the “Tarzan” series. The story follows the adventures of Tarzan, a man who was raised by apes in the African jungle.
The novel begins with the shipwreck of the English couple John and Alice Clayton on the west coast of Africa. They manage to survive and build a treehouse, but are eventually killed by the savage apes. However, their infant son, John … Read More
by Mark Twain
“The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn” is a novel written by Mark Twain, first published in 1884. It is often considered one of the greatest works of American literature and has been widely studied and celebrated for its themes, characters, and social commentary.
The story is set in the pre-Civil War era along the Mississippi River and follows the adventures of Huckleberry Finn, a young boy and the narrator of the story. Huckleberry Finn is the son of an abusive alcoholic and has been taken in… Read More