Mary Balogh’s charming and warm-hearted eBook original short story is a testament to the steadfast devotion of true love, as a young miss on the marriage mart cleverly plots to claim her one and only. If circumstances were different, Philippa Dean would be happy to fall in love with Viscount Darleigh. He is certainly the perfect gentleman and everything her parents want: titled, handsome, respectable. His blindness only reinforces his quiet power and strength. But Philippa does not love him. Her heart is already taken and there is only one thing she can do: Thwart the matchmaking plans. Julian Crabbe is desperate to rescue the woman he fell in love with two years ago. Then, he was a reckless cub, justly earning Philippa’s parents’ scorn. Now, he is every inch a respectable suitor and determined to prove it before it is too late. Intrude on the viscount’s house party? Gladly. Interrupt the match of the season? Happily. For nothing can stop the power of a love that will not be denied. Includes a preview of Mary Balogh’s delicious new novel, The Arrangement! Praise for The Proposal “This is Mary Balogh at her riveting best. Everyone loves a wounded hero, and Balogh introduces us to an unforgettable one who discovers the healing power of love.”—Debbie Macomber “[Mary Balogh] writes with wit and wisdom. . . . The Proposal is both moving and entertaining and the beginning of what promises to be an outstanding series.”—Romance Reviews Today “A historical romance of unusual thoughtfulness and depth.”—Publishers Weekly
This book contains ten Uzbek short stories which have been translated into English. Each story is unique in its own way in that it portrays the cultural life of the Uzbek nation as well as the social and political events of Uzbekistan. These stories are translated to provide the English reader with information about Uzbekistan and its society. Some of the included stories were written by such famous writers as Abdulla Qahhar, Ghafur Ghulom, Sayed Ahmad, and Khayriddin Sultonov.
Charles Dickens' 'A Dickens Boxed Set' is a comprehensive collection of the acclaimed author's works, including 20 novels, over 200 short stories, plays, poems, and articles. The collection showcases Dickens' versatile writing style, ranging from social commentary to ghost stories, all set against the backdrop of Victorian England. Readers will be captivated by Dickens' intricate plots, vivid characters, and poignant themes that continue to resonate with modern readers. This boxed set offers a glimpse into the literary world of one of the most influential writers of the 19th century. Dickens' use of satire, humor, and compassion makes this collection a must-read for any literature enthusiast. Dive into the pages of this boxed set to experience the timeless brilliance of Charles Dickens' storytelling. With something for everyone, from the casual reader to the serious literary scholar, 'A Dickens Boxed Set' is a treasure trove of literary gems waiting to be explored.
W. Somerset Maugham's collection of novels, short stories, plays, and travel sketches offers readers a comprehensive view of his diverse literary talents. Known for his clear and unadorned prose style, Maugham's works often explore complex psychological themes and moral dilemmas. This collection showcases his ability to captivate readers with compelling narratives and rich character development, making it a valuable addition to any literature enthusiast's library. Maugham's writing reflects the cultural and social context of early 20th-century England, offering insights into human nature and society's intricacies. William Somerset Maugham's own experiences as a playwright, novelist, and traveler undoubtedly influenced the depth and variety of his works. His background in medicine and his extensive travels in Southeast Asia and the Pacific provide a unique perspective that shines through in his storytelling. Through this extensive collection, readers can appreciate Maugham's versatility and keen observations of the human condition, making it a must-read for those interested in classic literature and the complexities of human relationships. For those seeking a comprehensive introduction to W. Somerset Maugham's works or looking to explore the diverse genres in which he excelled, this collection is a perfect choice. From timeless classics to lesser-known gems, this edition offers a glimpse into the brilliant mind of one of the 20th century's most celebrated authors.
Washington Irving's 'The Complete Works of Washington Irving' is a comprehensive collection of his short stories, plays, historical works, poetry, and autobiographical writings, all illustrated to enhance the reader's experience. Known for his captivating storytelling and vivid imagery, Irving's literary style is characterized by a blend of humor, folklore, and romanticism, reflecting the cultural and historical context of early 19th-century America. This anthology allows readers to delve into Irving's diverse body of work, showcasing his versatility as a writer across different genres. Each piece provides insight into the author's unique perspective on society, nature, and the human experience. From the classic tale of 'Rip Van Winkle' to his historical works on American heritage, Irving's writings continue to captivate audiences with their timeless relevance and charm. The inclusion of illustrations adds an extra layer of visual appeal to this literary masterpiece, making it a must-have for enthusiasts of American literature and Irving's works.
While the short story has existed in various forms for centuries, it has particularly flourished during the last hundred years, and especially in recent decades. Though many outstanding novels have been written in the 20th century, most of these writers have also published short fiction. And in many cases, their short stories exhibit a greater degree of coherence and integrity than their longer works. The rise of creative writing programs in the 1960s helped fuel the growth of the short story and brought academic attention to it. So, too, the emergence of multiculturalism encouraged authors of diverse backgrounds to write about their cultures. This reference is a guide to the contemporary English-language short story. Included are alphabetically arranged entries for roughly 50 English-language short story writers from around the world, such as Chinua Achebe, John Barth, Jamaica Kincaid, Salman Rushdie, and Amy Tan. More than half the American writers profiled are from historically marginalized groups, such as Jewish-Americans, African-Americans, and Asian-Americans. Most of these authors have been active since 1960, and they reflect a wide range of experiences and perspectives in their works. Each entry is written by an expert contributor and includes biographical material, a brief review of existing criticism, a lengthier analysis of specific works, and a selected bibliography of primary and secondary sources. The volume begins with a detailed introduction to the short story genre and concludes with an annotated bibliography of major works on short story theory.
This collection contains works by such writers as Poe, Hawthorne, Gaskell, Dickens and M.R. James. It brings together stories from the earliest decades of Gothic writing with later 19th and early 20th century tales.
This is an account of the wanderings of a spiritualist, geographical and speculative. Should the reader have no interest in psychic things—if indeed any human being can be so foolish as not to be interested in his own nature and fate,—then this is the place to put the book down. It were better also to end the matter now if you have no patience with a go-as-you-please style of narrative, which founds itself upon the conviction that thought may be as interesting as action, and which is bound by its very nature to be intensely personal. I write a record of what absorbs my mind which may be very different from that which appeals to yours. But if you are content to come with me upon these terms then let us start with my apologies in advance for the pages which may bore you, and with my hopes that some may compensate you by pleasure or by profit. I write these lines with a pad upon my knee, heaving upon the long roll of the Indian Ocean, running large and grey under a grey streaked sky, with the rain-swept hills of Ceylon, just one shade greyer, lining the Eastern skyline. So under many difficulties it will be carried on, which may explain if it does not excuse any slurring of a style, which is at its best but plain English. There was one memorable night when I walked forth with my head throbbing and my whole frame quivering from the villa of Mr. Southey at Merthyr. Behind me the brazen glare of Dowlais iron-works lit up the sky, and in front twinkled the many lights of the Welsh town. For two hours my wife and I had sat within listening to the whispering voices of the dead, voices which are so full of earnest life, and of desperate endeavours to pierce the barrier of our dull senses. They had quivered and wavered around us, giving us pet names, sweet sacred things, the intimate talk of the olden time. Graceful lights, signs of spirit power had hovered over us in the darkness. It was a different and a wonderful world. Now with those voices still haunting our memories we had slipped out into the material world—a world of glaring iron works and of twinkling cottage windows. As I looked down on it all I grasped my wife's hand in the darkness and I cried aloud, "My God, if they only knew—if they could only know!" Perhaps in that cry, wrung from my very soul, lay the inception of my voyage to the other side of the world. The wish to serve was strong upon us both. God had given us wonderful signs, and they were surely not for ourselves alone. I had already done the little I might. From the moment that I had understood the overwhelming importance of this subject, and realised how utterly it must change and chasten the whole thought of the world when it is whole-heartedly accepted, I felt it good to work in the matter and understood that all other work which I had ever done, or could ever do, was as nothing compared to this. Therefore from the time that I had finished the history of the Great War on which I was engaged, I was ready to turn all my remaining energies of voice or hand to the one great end. At first I had little of my own to narrate, and my task was simply to expound the spiritual philosophy as worked out by the thoughts and experiences of others, showing folk so far as I was able, that the superficial and ignorant view taken of it in the ordinary newspapers did not touch the heart of the matter. My own experiences were limited and inconclusive, so that it was the evidence of others which I quoted. But as I went forward signs were given in profusion to me also, such signs as were far above all error or deception, so that I was able to speak with that more vibrant note which comes not from belief or faith, but from personal experience and knowledge.
In 'The Complete Short Stories of Sir Arthur Conan Doyle (Illustrated Edition)', readers are taken on a thrilling journey through the masterful storytelling of one of the most iconic mystery writers in literary history. This collection includes all of Doyle's short stories, showcasing his brilliant plotting, clever detective work, and vivid characterizations. Doyle's literary style is marked by its clarity, attention to detail, and ability to keep readers on the edge of their seats until the very end. The stories included in this edition provide a fascinating glimpse into the world of 19th-century detective fiction, establishing Doyle as a pioneer in the genre. With stunning illustrations that bring the stories to life, this edition is a must-have for any fan of classic mystery literature. Arthur Conan Doyle's work is as timeless as it is captivating, making this collection a valuable addition to any library. His background as a physician and his keen observational skills undoubtedly influenced his writing, allowing him to create unforgettable characters and intricate plots that continue to captivate readers to this day. Whether you are a longtime fan of Doyle's work or new to the world of Sherlock Holmes, 'The Complete Short Stories of Sir Arthur Conan Doyle' is a literary treasure that promises hours of suspense and intrigue. It is a must-read for anyone who appreciates finely crafted storytelling and the art of deduction.
