The Diary of a Nobody is so unassuming a work that even its author, George Grossmith, seemed unaware that he had produced a masterpiece. For more than a century this wonderfully comic portrayal of suburban life and values has remined in print, a source of delight to generations of readers, and a major literary influence, much imitated but never equalled. If you don't recognise yourself at some point in The Diary you are probably less than human. If you can read it without laughing aloud you have no sense of humour.

One of the great classics of Western literature，Les Miserables is a magisterial work which is rich in both character portrayal and meticulous historical de*ion. Characters such as the absurdly criminalised Valjean. the street urchin Gavroche.the rascal Thenardier. the implacable detective lavert， and the pitiful figure of the prostitute Fantine and her daughter Cosotte， have entered the pantheon of literary dramatis persoae. The reader is also treated to the unforgettable de*ions of the Battle of Waterloo and Valjean's flight through the Paris sewers.

Oliver Twist was Dickens's second novel and one of his darkest, dealing with burglary, kidnapping, child abuse, prostitution, and murder. Alongside this gallery of horrors are the corrupt and incompetent institutions of 19th-century England set up to address social problems and instead making them worse. The author's moral indignation drives the creation of some of his most memorably grotesque characters: squirming, vile Fagin; brutal Bill Sykes; the brooding, sickly Monks; and Bumble, the pompous and incorrigibly dense beadle. Clearly, a reading of this work must carry the author's passionate narrative voice while being flexible and broad enough to define the wide range of character voices suggested by the text. John Wells's capable but bland reading only suggests the rich possibilities of the material. Restraint and Dickens simply don't go together. The abridgment deftly and seamlessly manages to deliver all major characters and plot lines, but there are many superior audiobook versions of this material, bo

Though not the first novel she wrote, Sense and Sensibility was the first Jane Austen published. Though she initially called it Elinor and Marianne, Austen jettisoned both the title and the epistolary mode in which it was originally written, but kept the essential theme: the necessity of finding a workable middle ground between passion and reason. The story revolves around the Dashwood sisters, Elinor and Marianne. Whereas the former is a sensible, rational creature, her younger sister is wildly romantic--a characteristic that offers Austen plenty of scope for both satire and compassion. Commenting on Edward Ferrars, a potential suitor for Elinor's hand, Marianne admits that while she "loves him tenderly," she finds him disappointing as a possible lover for her sister: Oh! Mama, how spiritless, how tame was Edward's manner in reading to us last night! I felt for my sister most severely. Yet she bore it with so much composure, she seemed scarcely to notice it. I could hardly keep my seat. To hear those

The Dover volume collects 14 of Stoker's lesser-known horror stories such as "The Crystal Cup," "The Burial of the Rats," and "A Gipsey Prophecy." Though most of his other fiction has been overshadowed by Dracula, these offer some real chills and warrant reading. While editions of Dracula, which celebrated its centennial in 1997, are legion, Broadview's offers several extras, including a chronology of Stoker's life and appendixes on Transylvania, London, Mental Physiology, Reviews and Interviews, and more. That along with the full text make this one of the best editions available, especially at this remarkable price.

The story of 'Little Nell' gripped the nation when it first appeared. Described as a 'tragedy of sorrows', it tells of Nell uprooted from a secure and innocent childhood and cast into a world where evil takes many shapes, the most fascinating of which is the stunted, lecherous Quilp. He is Nell's tormenter and destroyer, and it is his demonic energy that dominates the book.

The young Robert Louis Stevenson suffered from repeated nightmares of living a double life,in which by day he worked as a respectable doctor and by night he roamed the back alleys of old-town Edinburgh.In three days of furious writing,he produced a story about his dream existence.His wife found it too gruesome,so he promptly burned the manu*.In another three days,he wrote it again."The Strange Case of Dr.Jekyll and Mr.Hyde" was published as a "shilling shocker" in 1886,and became an instant classic.In the first six months 40,000 copies were sold.Queen Victoria read it.Sermons and editorials were written about it.When Stevenson and his family visited America a year later,they were mobbed by reporters at the dock in New York City.Compulsively readable from its opening pages,Dr.Jekyll and Mr.Hyde is still one of the best tales ever written about the divided self.

The epic tale of a young man's quest to capture a hidden treasure on the open seas -- one of the best-loved adventure stories of all time. EACH ENRICHED CLASSIC EDITION INCLUDES: A concise introduction that gives readers important background information; A chronology of the author's life and work; A timeline of significant events that provides the book's historical context; An outline of key themes and plot points to help readers form their own interpretations; Detailed explanatory notes; Critical analysis, including contemporary and modern perspectives on the work; Discussion questions to promote lively classroom and book group interactio;n A list of recommended related books and films to broaden the reader's experience; Enriched Classics offer readers affordable editions of great works of literature enhanced by helpful notes and insightful commentary. The scholarship provided in Enriched Classics enables readers to appreciate, understand, and en

In Dorian Gray, Wilde's full-length novel, a fashionable youngman sells his soul for eternal youth and beauty. Also included inthe volume are three of the Irish master storyteller's shortworks.

Dickens' final novel, left unfinished at his death in 1870, is a mystery story much influenced by the 'Sensation Novel' as written by his friend Wilkie Collins. The action takes place in an ancient cathedral city and in some of the darkest places in Victorian London. Drugs, disappearances, sexual obsession, disguise and a possible murder are among the themes and motifs. A sombre and menacing atmosphere, a fascinating range of characters and Dickens' usual command of language combine to make this an exciting and tantalising story. Also included in this volume are a number of unjustly neglected stories and sketches, with subjects as different as murder , guilt and childhood romance.

Our Mutual Friend, Dickens' last complete novel, gives one of his most comprehensive and penetrating accounts of Victorian society. Its vision of a culture stifled by materialistic values emerges not just through its central narratives, but through its apparently incidental characters and scenes. The chief of its several plots centres on John Harmon who returns to England as his father's heir. He is believed drowned under suspicious circumstances - a situation convenient to his wish for anonymity until he can evaluate Bella Wilfer whom he must marry to secure his inheritance. The story is filled with colourful characters and incidents - the faded aristocrats and parvenus gathered at the Veneering's dinner table, Betty Higden and her terror of the workhouse and the greedy plottings of Silas Wegg.

The Owl and the Pussy-Cat, Calico Pie and The Pobble Who Has No Toes, together with Edward Lear's crazy limericks, have entertained adults and children alike for over 100 years. This edition, illustrated by the author, contains all the verse and stories of The Book of Nonsense, More Nonsense, Nonsense Songs, Nonsense Stories and Nonsense Alphabets and Nonsense Cookery. It has a biographical Preface by Lear himself, and concludes with some delightful 'heraldic' sketches of his cat, Foss. 作者简介： Edward Lear (1812-1888) Born in London, Edward Lear was the youngest of twenty-one children. He made his reputation as a water-colorist, and invented himself as an Old Man with a Beard.

Kaplan has helped more than 3 million students reach their educational goals. We invest more than $4.5 million annually in research and support for our products. We know that our test-taking techniques and strategies work, and we make every attempt to keep our materials completely up-to-date. However, if you are not satisfied with this book for any reason, you may return it and get your original purchase price back, exclusive of sales tax, shipping, and handling. In order to receive a refund, you must return this book, along with your original sales receipt with the purchase price and date of purchase circled, and a brief (50 words or less) explanation of why you did not find the book helpful. Send to: Simon & Schuster Inc. Customer Service Department 100 Front Street Riverside, NJ 08075 All claims for refunds must be received by Simon & Schuster within 90 days of the date of this

This volume completes the canon of the illustrated Sherlock Holmes stories reprinted from The Strand Magazine. It contains the short story series Reminiscences of Sherlock Holmes The Valley of Fear-a sinister novella which appeared in 1914-15 - His Last Bow:The War Service of Sherlock Holmes and the last twelve stories The Case-Book of Sherlock Holmes.

Each edition includes: Freshly edited text based on the best early printed version of the play; Full explanatory notes conveniently placed on pages facing the text of the play; Scene-by-scene plot summaries; A key to famous lines and phrases; An introduction to reading Shakespeare's language; An essay by an outstanding scholar providing a modern perspective on the play; Illustrations from the Folger Shakespeare Library's vast holdings of rare books. Essay by Michael Neill The Folger Shakespeare Library in Washington, D.C., is home to the world's largest collection of Shakespeare's printed works, and a magnet for Shakespeare scholars from around the globe. In addition to exhibitions open to the public throughout the year, the Folger offers a full calendar of performances and programs. For more information, visit www.folger.edu.

《1984》是一部杰出的政治寓言小说，是奥威尔的传世之作，堪称世界文坛著名的反乌托邦、反极权的政治讽喻小说。书中描述的是对极权主义恶性发展的预言——人性遭到扼杀，自由遭到剥夺，思想受到钳制，生活极度贫乏、单调。特别可怕的是：人性已堕落到不分是非善恶的程度。作品刻画了人类在极权主义社会的生存状态，有若一个永不退色的警示标签，警醒世人提防这种预想中的黑暗成为现实。历经几十年，其生命力益显强大，被誉为20世纪影响为深远的文学经典之一。 George Orwell's prophetic, nightmarish vision of "NegativeUtopia" is timelier than ever-and its warnings more powerful. Written in 1948, 1984 was George Orwell’s chilling prophecyabout the future. And while 1984 has come and gone, Orwell’snarrative is timelier than ever. 1984 presents a startling andhaunting vision of the world, so powerful that it is completelyconvincing from

This collection showcases Dostoyevsky's evolving outlook on man's fate. The compelling works presented here were written at distinct periods in the author's life, at decisive moments in his groping for a political philosophy and a religious answer.

A TARNISHED PAST:Rough and ready as any of the Randolph boys,Monty bristled under his eldest brother's tight rein.All the wanted to do was light out from Texas for a new beginning.But a spirited beauty was hot on his trail,bringing with her a blazing passion he couldn't deny and painful memories he couldn't forget. A SHINING FUTURE:An orphan with nothing to her name excpt a herd of cattle,Iris Richmond had to get her livestock to Wyoming's open ranges before rustlers wiped her out refused to help her.Never one to take no for an answer .Iris saddled up to coax,rope,and tame the ornery cowboy she'd always desired.

Nicholas Nickleby,a gentleman's son fallen upon hard times,must set out to make his way in the world.Along the way various older,money-grubbing villains attempt to injure him.Eventually,with the assistance of kind patrons,he and his family achieve economic security and a happy home.Sounds rather trite,doesn't it? Not with characters written by Dickens(Hard Times,Audio Reviews,LJ 5/1/98).Schoolmaster Squeers would make a fine poster boy for child abusers.Ralph Nickleby's initial desire to injure Nicholas gradually develops into a full-blown obsession.Then there are the kind Cheeryble brothers,the gentle,much-abused Smike,and a host of other friends who provide comic relief.Martin Jarvis does an outstanding job of reading this book.His ingenues sound young(a frequent problem area for male readers)while his villains are deliciously evil.The only problems are with the abridgment.In several places,choppy editing has left brief,disconnected scenes and/or character cameos without relevance to the abridged tale.Still

Emma has long played matchmaker for her friends and believes her own heart immune from the lures of love. This is a fascinating, hilarious coming-of-age tale of one woman seeking her true nature and finding true love in the process.