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The Book of Barely Imagined Beings
By Caspar Henderson. 2013
From medieval bestiaries to Borges s "Book of Imaginary Beings," we ve long been enchanted by extraordinary animals, be they…
terrifying three-headed dogs or asps impervious to a snake charmer s song. But bestiaries are more than just zany zoology they are artful attempts to convey broader beliefs about human beings and the natural order. Today, we no longer fear sea monsters or banshees. But from the infamous honey badger to the giant squid, animals continue to captivate us with the things they can do and the things they cannot, what we know about them and what we don t. With "The Book of Barely Imagined Beings," Caspar Henderson offers readers a fascinating, beautifully produced modern-day menagerie. But whereas medieval bestiaries were often based on folklore and myth, the creatures that abound in Henderson s book from the axolotl to the zebrafish are, with one exception, very much with us, albeit sometimes in depleted numbers. "The Book of Barely Imagined Beings "transports readers to a world of real creatures that seem as if they should be made up that are somehow more astonishing than anything we might have imagined. The yeti crab, for example, uses its furry claws to farm the bacteria on which it feeds. The waterbear, meanwhile, is among nature s extreme survivors, able to withstand a week unprotected in outer space. These and other strange and surprising species invite readers to reflect on what we value or fail to value and what we might change. A powerful combination of wit, cutting-edge natural history, and philosophical meditation, "The Book of Barely Imagined Beings" is an infectious and inspiring celebration of the sheer ingenuity and variety of life in a time of crisis and change. "Irish Fairy Tales (Dover Children's Thrift Classics)
By Philip Smith. 1993
Eight charming tales full of the whimsy and wordplay of Irish folklore. Newly reset in large, easy-to-read type are: "Hudden…
and Dudden and Donald O'Neary," "Conal and Donal and Taig," "The Old Hag's Long Leather Bag," "The Field of Boliauns," "The Sprightly Tailor," and more. 6 new illustrations enhance the text.The Physics of Sorrow
By Angela Rodel, Georgi Gospodinov. 2011
"Georgi Gospodinov wants to blow your mind--or maybe just provide the ultimate bathroom reader. . . . The formal playfulness…
suggests Kundera with A.D.D. and potty jokes."--Ed Park, The Village VoiceA finalist for both the Strega Europeo and Gregor von Rezzori awards (and winner of every Bulgarian honor possible), The Physics of Sorrow reaffirms Georgi Gospodinov's place as one of Europe's most inventive and daring writers.Using the myth of the Minotaur as its organizing image, the narrator of Gospodinov's long-awaited novel constructs a labyrinth of stories about his family, jumping from era to era and viewpoint to viewpoint, exploring the mindset and trappings of Eastern Europeans. Incredibly moving--such as with the story of his grandfather accidentally being left behind at a mill--and extraordinarily funny--see the section on the awfulness of the question "how are you?"--Physics is a book that you can inhabit, tracing connections, following the narrator down various "side passages," getting pleasantly lost in the various stories and empathizing with the sorrowful, misunderstood Minotaur at the center of it all.The Physics of Sorrow will appeal to fans of Dave Eggers, Tom McCarthy, and Dubravka Ugresic for its unique structure, humanitarian concerns, and stunning storytelling.Georgi Gospodinov's Natural Novel was published by Dalkey Archive Press in 2005 and was praised by the New Yorker, New York Times, and several other prestigious review outlets.Angela Rodel won a PEN Translation Fund Grant in 2010 for Georgi Tenev's short story collection. She is one of the most prolific translators of Bulgarian literature working today and received an NEA Fellowship for her translation of Gospodinov's The Physics of Sorrow.The Canterville Ghost and Other Stories (Dover Thrift Editions)
By Oscar Wilde. 2001
Renowned for his poetry, plays, essays, and conversational skills, Oscar Wilde also wrote delightfully entertaining works of short fiction. This…
volume includes four of his finest. Most celebrated is The Canterville Ghost, an engaging, comical tale centering around the ghost of Sir Simon de Canterville, who for some 300 years had terrorized the residents and employees of Canterville Chase. When the manor is bought by the Otises, an American family that refuses to believe in such "supernatural" nonsense, hilarious results ensue.Three other stories include "The Sphinx Without a Secret," a tale of an enigmatic woman who carries the key to a mystery with her to the grave; "The Model Millionaire," a charming story of a "delightful, ineffectual young man with a perfect profile and no profession"; and "Lord Arthur Savile's Crime." Rounding out the volume are Wilde's lyrical Poems in Prose: "The Artist," "The Doer of Good," "The Disciple," "The Master," "The House of Judgment," and "The Teacher of Wisdom."These diverting works offer general readers and devotees of the author a generous sampling of the wit, whimsy, and imaginative gusto of one of the 19th century's most scintillating masters of the English language.Heidi: Adapted for Young Readers (Dover Children's Thrift Classics)
By Johanna Spyri, Thea Kliros. 1998
Beloved classic about the effervescent, nature-loving Swiss miss who ultimately transforms the lives of many people -- among them Clara,…
a handicapped young lady from a wealthy German family; Peter, a goatherd, and his blind grandmother; and above all, Heidi's embittered, reclusive grandfather.This captivating collection contains all nine of Wilde's charming, sensitive stories for young readers. Included are "The Happy Prince," "The…
Selfish Giant," "The Star-Child," "The Nightingale and the Rose," "The Birthday of the Infanta," "The Remarkable Rocket," "The Devoted Friend," "The Young King," and "The Fisherman and His Soul."James Joyce The Dover Reader (Dover Thrift Editions)
By James Joyce. 2015
"A comprehensive, accessible introduction to Joyce's work and provides the reader glimpses into some of the lesser read corners of…
his bibliography." -- The Lexicon DevilInfluential and innovative, James Joyce (1882-1941) led the vanguard of 20th-century fiction. Sooner or later, most undergraduates encounter him, and many scholars devote their entire careers to his exuberantly eloquent prose. Joyce's experimental use of language and stream-of-consciousness techniques continues to captivate modern readers and writers, and this anthology offers a first-rate introduction to the Irish author's fiction and poetry.A Portrait of the Artist as a Young Man, Joyce's coming-of-age novel, appears here in its entirety. Readers will also find the complete texts of the short story collection Dubliners, and the play Exiles. Additional contents include highlights from Ulysses, universally acknowledged as among the English language's most challenging and rewarding novels, and Chamber Music, an early book of poems.Snow White and Other Fairy Tales (Dover Children's Thrift Classics)
By Jacob, Grimm. 1994
Journey to a timeless world of elves, giants, and witches with this collection of 11 fairy tales. In addition to…
the tale of the fairest of them all and her dwarf friends, it recounts the stories of "The Brave Little Tailor," The Elves and the Shoemaker," "The Twelve Dancing Princesses," and more.Celtic Fairy Tales
By Joseph Jacobs. 2011
The two volumes of Celtic folk tales collected by the leading British folklorist Joseph Jacobs (1854-1916) introduced the children of…
the world to the special vision and color, the unique magic of the Celtic folk imagination. The 26 stories of "Guleesh," "The Horned Women," "King O'Toole and His Goose," "The Sea-Maiden," "The Shee An Gannon and the Gruagach Gaire," "The Lad with the Goat-Skin," the legendary "Dierdre," "Beth Gellert," and the other wonderful characters, the curses and hexes, the broken promises and granted wishes are accompanied by eight full-page plates, 37 drawings, and decorated capitals and endpieces that help make this book the charming one that generations of youngsters have proclaimed it to be.Dubliners
By James Joyce. 1993
Although James Joyce began these stories of Dublin life in 1904, when he was 22, and had completed them by…
the end of 1907, they remained unpublished until 1914 — victims of Edwardian squeamishness. Their vivid, tightly focused observations of the life of Dublin's poorer classes, their unconventional themes, coarse language, and mention of actual people and places made publishers of the day reluctant to undertake sponsorship.Today, however, the stories are admired for their intense and masterly dissection of "dear dirty Dublin," and for the economy and grace with which Joyce invested this youthful fiction. From "The Sisters," the first story, illuminating a young boy's initial encounter with death, through the final piece, "The Dead," considered a masterpiece of the form, these tales represent, as Joyce himself explained, a chapter in the moral history of Ireland that would give the Irish "one good look at themselves." But in the end the stories are not just about the Irish; they represent moments of revelation common to all people.Now readers can enjoy all 15 stories in this inexpensive collection, which also functions as an excellent, accessible introduction to the work of one of the 20th century's most influential writers. Dubliners is reprinted here, complete and unabridged, from a standard edition.Celtic Wonder-Tales
By Ella Young, Maud Gonne. 2014
Irish poet and mythologist Ella Young recounts 14 age-old yarns of ghosts, banshees, haunted castles, and mischievous sprites. Imaginatively illustrated…
by noted Irish artist and patriot Maud Gonne, these exciting narratives of magical doings in the twilit world of Celtic legend will enchant readers of all ages.The tales include "The Earth-Shapers," "The Spear of Victory," "The Cow of Plenty," "The Great Battle," "The Golden Fly," "The Children of Lir," and eight others, all abounding in the sly charm, whimsy, and flights of fancy that give Celtic folklore its special appeal.Myths of the Norsemen: From the Eddas and Sagas
By H. A. Guerber.
Over the centuries, Northern mythology has exerted much influence on Western customs, language, and literature. Its principal theme of the…
perpetual struggle of the beneficent forces of nature against the injurious, and its twin characteristics of dark tragedy and grim humor, tinge much European literature and music, most notably Wagner’s Ring Cycle.In this volume, a noted scholar of myth and folklore has assembled a rich collection of Northern mythology as preserved in the Eddas and sagas of Iceland. These are perhaps the purest versions of the original myths, thanks to the island’s remoteness and lack of contact with outside influences. Both grand and tragical, the age-old tales tell of the creation of the world; the heroic deeds of such gods and heroes as Odin, Thor, and Siegfried; the machinations of the evil Loki; the fantastical adventures of giants, dwarfs, and elves; the twilight of the gods; and much else. Sixty-four marvelous, atmospheric illustrations add an additional dimension of charm.In this convenient, reliable edition, Myths of the Norsemen offers not only hours of reading entertainment but also valuable insights into the nature and meaning of myth and how it constitutes part of the deep and ancient wellspring of Western culture.Popular Tales from Norse Mythology
By George Webbe Dasent. 2001
Embodying the fears, fantasies, and forebodings of the people who lived in northern Europe when the world was a darker…
and more frightening place, these 42 authentic folktales were culled from the rich legacy of Norse and German mythology by noted folklorist George Webbe Dasent. They include stories of princes and princesses who have been transformed into animals, trolls, and maneating giants who possess magical powers, and good-hearted, clever young men and women, often poor and ridiculed, who eventually come away with wealth and love beyond measure.In addition to such well-known favorites as "Dapplegrim," "Katie Woodencloak," "Tatterhood," and "Legend of Tannhäuser," this collection also brings to light many gems difficult to find elsewhere. In "The Werewolf," a cruel stepmother thwarts a beautiful princess's marriage plans by transforming her fiancé into a hunted denizen of the forest. The hilarious "Such Women Are" proves the world is never without a sufficiency of fools, while "The Three Dogs" tells of a youth whose four-legged friends defeat a serpent with the nasty habit of devouring a town's young women. Among many other hard-to-find stories are "King Gram," "The Magician's Pupil," "The Outlaw," "Temptations," "The Widow's Son," "The Three Sisters Trapped in a Mountain," and "The Goatherd" (the inspiration for Washington Irving’s story of Rip van Winkle).These stories preserve the ancient myths of Western Europe that have been passed down from generation to generation, but aside from their importance as seminal folktales, they are simply good reading — full of passion and excitement, magic, mystery, and sheer storytelling power. Popular Tales from Norse Mythology will delight any student or admirer of myths and mythology.Leprechauns: The Myths, Legends, & Lore
By Bob Curran. 2017
Explore the magic, mischief, and mystery behind Ireland’s most iconic and beloved mythical creature: the leprechaun. Leprechauns have been at…
the heart of Irish culture for years, capturing our hearts and minds alike—but how much do we really know about the leprechaun, anyway? Often depicted as a little bearded man who partakes in mischief, no one knows if he is a fallen angel, diminished god, or son of fairies? What does he do all day? And what’s the story behind that hidden pot of gold? In Leprechauns, prominent folklorist Bob Curran looks at the origins of this hero of Irish lore. He explores the superstitions surrounding the leprechaun and his enduring place in popular culture, and turns the spotlight on the “real” leprechaun—enigmatic, complex, and contradictory. The perfect read for St. Patrick’s Day—or any time you wish to delve into the thrilling world of a timeless legend—Leprechauns is an essential addition to the collection of all lovers of myth and folklore.Favorite Celtic Fairy Tales (Dover Children's Thrift Classics)
By Joseph Jacobs. 1994
Experience the whimsy, charm and magic of the Celtic imagination in this captivating collection of timeless stories that have enchanted…
generations of youngsters and adults.Among the eight popular tales included here are "The Fate of the Children of Lir," a haunting narrative of four children turned into swans by a wicked stepmother; "The Shepherd of Myddvai," in which a beautiful woman, risen from the sea, orders her husband-to-be to observe certain rules; and "Beth Gellert," a touching tale of a brave dog that dies after saving a child's life. Five additional stories include "The Tale of Ivan," "Morraha," "The Story of Deirdre," "The Llanfabon Changeling," and "The Sea-Maiden."Reset in large, easy-to-read type, these engaging stories are enhanced by six new illustrations.The Three Musketeers: In Easy-To-Read-Type (Dover Children's Thrift Classics)
By Alexandre Dumas. 1994
Swashbuckling novel, filled with high adventure, royal intrigue and romance, relates the escapades of D'Artagnan and his three friends --…
Athos, Porthos and Aramis -- and their involvement in the secret plots of Cardinal Richelieu and his beautiful but treacherous spy, Lady de Winter. Specially adapted and illustrated for young readers.Memoirs of Montparnasse
By John Glassco. 2007
Memoirs of Montparnasse is a delicious book about being young, restless, reckless, and without cares. It is also the best…
and liveliest of the many chronicles of 1920s Paris and the exploits of the lost generation. In 1928, nineteen-year-old John Glassco escaped Montreal and his overbearing father for the wilder shores of Montparnasse. He remained there until his money ran out and his health collapsed, and he enjoyed every minute of his stay. Remarkable for their candor and humor, Glassco's memoirs have the daft logic of a wild but utterly absorbing adventure, a tale of desire set free that is only faintly shadowed by sadness at the inevitable passage of time.The Last Greek (Commander #2)
By Christian Cameron. 2020
Few writers are better at conjuring up a vision of Ancient Greece' THE TIMES* * * * * * *210BCE.The…
most powerful empires in the world brawl over the spoils of a declawed Greece.Philopoemen has a vision to end the chaos and anarchy that consumes his homeland - to stop the endless wars and preserve the world he loves. He must resist the urge of the oligarchs to surrender to their oppressors and raise an army to defend his countrymen from the all-conquering powers of Sparta, Macedon and Rome.It is the last roll of the dice for the Achean League. The moment Philopoemen has been training for his whole life.The new Achilles is poised to restore the glory of the former empire. To herald a new era.To become the last great hero of Greece.* * * * * * *Praise for Christian Cameron:'One of the finest writers of historical fiction in the world' BEN KANE'The master of historical fiction' SUNDAY TIMES'A storyteller at the height of his powers' HISTORICAL NOVEL SOCIETYAsterix and the Griffin: Album 39 (Asterix #39)
By Jean-Yves Ferri. 2021
Be the first to read the next action-packed adventure from the indomitable Gauls by pre-ordering now!Follow Asterix and Obelix as…
they set out on their 39th adventure on a long journey in search of a strange and terrifying creature. Half-eagle, half-lion, and idolised and feared by ancient peoples, this creature is the griffin.How will Asterix, Obelix, Dogamatix, along with the Druid Getafix, get drawn into the epic, perilous quest to find this fantastical animal? Find out in the next instalment of this multi-million bestselling series.The Confusions of Young Törless
By Robert Musil. 2021
The Confusions of Young Torless is a taut, powerful depiction of teenage masculinity in this short novel set in an…
Austrian military academy. An unpopular boy is gradually bullied and humiliated by a coterie of better-off classmates until the almost unbearable conclusion. This was the work which made Musil's name and is his most popular work before his unfinished masterpiece, The Man Without Qualities.