Set in 1920s England, the novel follows four women—Lotty Wilkins, Rose Arbuthnot, Lady Caroline Dester, and Mrs. Fisher—who, discontented with their lives, decide to rent a beautiful Italian castle for a month. Each woman seeks escape from her own personal struggles and dissatisfaction. Lotty, who is longing for adventure and renewal, proposes the idea, and…
“Great Expectations,” a classic novel by Charles Dickens, chronicles the life of an orphan named Pip, who rises from humble beginnings to become a gentleman in Victorian England. The story, set in the early 19th century, delves into themes of social class, ambition, and personal growth. The novel opens with young Pip living with his…
“Robin Hood” by J. Walker McSpadden is a retelling of the legendary tale of Robin Hood, the famous English outlaw who has become an enduring symbol of resistance against injustice. Set in medieval England, the story follows Robin Hood and his band of Merry Men as they defy the oppressive forces of the time, particularly…
“Dymer,” published in 1926, is a narrative poem by C.S. Lewis that explores themes of individuality, freedom, and the consequences of rebellion. The poem is written in a style that blends elements of epic poetry with allegory and mythology, reflecting Lewis’s early exploration of philosophical and theological ideas. The story begins in a dystopian, totalitarian…
Jacob Abbott’s Cleopatra offers a detailed and engaging biography of Cleopatra VII, the last active ruler of the Ptolemaic Kingdom of Egypt. Written in the 19th century, Abbott’s account is both informative and accessible, providing a thorough exploration of Cleopatra’s life, her reign, and her interactions with some of the most powerful men of her…
Paradise Lost by John Milton is a monumental epic poem first published in 1667. It tells the story of the Fall of Man, the biblical account of Adam and Eve’s expulsion from the Garden of Eden, and explores profound themes such as free will, obedience, and the nature of good and evil. The poem is…
The Yoga Sutras of Patanjali is a seminal text in the tradition of yoga, offering a comprehensive guide to the philosophy and practice of yoga. Attributed to the sage Patanjali, the text is believed to have been composed around 400 CE and consists of 196 aphorisms, or sutras, which are concise statements meant to convey…
1001 Questions and Answers on English Grammar – The Ultimate Guide to Mastering Grammar by Benjamin Hathaway is an invaluable resource for anyone looking to enhance their English grammar skills. Published in 2023, this comprehensive guide has quickly become a cornerstone for students, educators, and language enthusiasts alike, aiming to demystify the complexities of English…
“Olalla” was a “shilling shocker” written for the Christmas season in 1885, just before the publication of Stevenson’s Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde. The nameless protagonist of this Gothic tale, a wounded soldier, goes to the Spanish countryside to recuperate. He finds himself enthralled by the beautiful Olalla, the daughter of his hostess, whose family…
A parody of its famous predecessor, this short piece was written by Owen Wister for the Harvard Lampoon
