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Oscar Wilde

The Ballad of Reading Gaol was written in exile in France. The poem narrates the execution of Wooldridge; it moves from an objective story-telling to symbolic identification with the prisoners as a whole, highlighting the brutalisation of the punishment that all convicts share.

David Moore

Saland Publishing

Timeless Classics

The Ballad of Reading Gaol

Jane Austen

"Love and Friendship" is a collection of Jane Austen's early writings, including letters, poetry, and prose, which provide a satirical and humorous take on the social conventions of the time. The main focus is on the character of Lady Susan Vernon, a charming but manipulative widow who uses her wit and beauty to gain advantage over those around her, including her own daughter. Through her correspondence with friends and family, we see her schemes unfold as she tries to secure financial security and social status for herself and her daughter. Austen's sharp wit and keen observations of human behavior make "Love and Friendship" a delightful read for fans of her work, offering a glimpse into the early development of one of the greatest novelists in English literature.

Mary Adina

Author's Republic

Love and Friendship

Aphra Behn

Coromantin grandson of an African king Prince Oroonoko falls in love with Imoinda, the daughter of that king's top general. The king, too, falls in love with Imoinda. He gives Imoinda the sacred veil, thus commanding her to become one of his wives, even though she was already married to Oroonoko. After Imoinda unwillingly spends time in the king's harem, Oroonoko plans a tryst with the help of the sympathetic Onahal and Aboan.

Susan Lyons

Recorded Books

Oroonoko

Elizabeth Gaskell

"Cousin Phillis" is a novella by Elizabeth Gaskell, which follows the story of Paul Manning, a young man from London who comes to stay with his cousin's family in rural England. Upon his arrival, he meets Phillis Holman, a charming and intelligent young woman with whom he forms a close friendship. As they spend more time together, Paul finds himself drawn to Phillis, but he soon learns that she is already engaged to be married to another man. Despite his feelings, Paul remains devoted to Phillis and continues to visit her and her family, becoming more and more enmeshed in their way of life. However, as Phillis's health begins to decline, Paul realizes that his love for her is deeper than he had imagined, and he is forced to confront the difficult reality of their situation. "Cousin Phillis" is a poignant and beautifully written tale of love, loss, and the complexities of relationships, showcasing Gaskell's skill at capturing the subtleties of human emotion and experience.

Joe Marsh

Naxos Audiobooks

Cousin Phillis

Originally written for Charles Dickens’ Household Words magazine, The Poor Clare is a dark, gothic short novel of thwarted love and a family curse that vividly illustrates the social tensions of Victorian England.

The intentional killing of a woman’s dog unleashes a torrent of rage. In her desire for revenge, the woman curses the dog’s killer: All that the murderer loves most, he will lose.

This haunting tale brilliantly demonstrates Elizabeth Gaskell’s understanding of the tensions between Catholics and Protestants and the harsh realities of class society.

Derek Perkins

Blackstone Publishing

The Poor Clare

"Lady Susan" is a novella written by Jane Austen, which tells the story of the titular character, a beautiful and cunning widow who is determined to secure a wealthy husband for herself and her daughter. The narrative unfolds through a series of letters between Lady Susan and her friends and family, as well as through the eyes of her confidante and friend, Mrs. Johnson. Despite her reputation for scandalous behavior and flirtation, Lady Susan manages to win over the affections of several suitors, including the wealthy and handsome Reginald de Courcy, who is unwittingly drawn into her web of deceit. As the plot unfolds, the true nature of Lady Susan's manipulative and selfish character is revealed, leading to a dramatic and satisfying conclusion. Austen's sharp wit and incisive observations of human nature are on full display in "Lady Susan," making it a must-read for fans of her work and anyone who appreciates clever and engaging storytelling.

A Full Cast

Alcazar AudioWorks

Lady Susan

Virginia Woolf

Lazy and indifferent, shaking space easily from his wings, knowing his way, the heron passes over the church beneath the sky. White and distant, absorbed in itself, endlessly the sky covers and uncovers, moves and remains. A lake? Blot the shores of it out! A mountain? Oh, perfect—the sun gold on its slopes. Down that falls. Ferns then, or white feathers, for ever and ever...

Liz Mourant

Anncona Media AB

Monday or Tuesday

D. H. Lawrence

The novel follows three generations of the Brangwen family living in Nottinghamshire, focusing on relations and sexual dynamics of the characters. The Rainbow represents Lawrence's frank treatment of sexual desire and the power it plays within relationships as a natural and even spiritual force of life, and explores the topic of female homosexuality.

Tony Foster

The Rainbow

"The White Peacock" by D.H. Lawrence is a novel that explores themes of love, relationships, and the search for identity in the English countryside of the late 19th century. The story follows the lives of two sisters, Lettie and Laura, and their cousin George, who is in love with Laura. George is a sensitive and artistic young man, but he is plagued by a sense of insecurity and self-doubt. He becomes enamored with Laura, who is beautiful and charming but also selfish and manipulative. Meanwhile, Lettie, who is plain and unassuming, secretly harbors feelings for George. Lawrence's vivid descriptions of the English countryside and his keen psychological insights into the characters make "The White Peacock" a compelling and thought-provoking read. The novel offers a fascinating glimpse into the cultural and social milieu of England at the turn of the 20th century, as well as a deeply moving exploration of the human heart and its desires.

Simon Evers

The White Peacock

Horace Walpole

On the day of his wedding, Conrad, heir to the house of Otranto, is killed under mysterious circumstances. His calculating father, Manfred, fears that his dynasty will now come to an end and determines to marry his son’s bride himself—despite the fact he is already married. But a series of terrifying supernatural omens soon threaten this unlawful union, as the curse placed on Manfred’s ancestor, who usurped the lawful prince of Otranto, begins to unfold.

First published pseudonymously in 1765, The Castle of Otranto purported to be an ancient Italian text from the time of the crusades and is a founding work of gothic fiction. With its compelling blend of sinister portents, tempestuous passions, and ghostly visitations, it spawned an entire literary tradition and influenced such writers as Ann Radcliffe and Bram Stoker.

Tony Jay

The Castle of Otranto

One of the best examples of Woolf's modernist innovation, the story starts in Jacob's childhood and follows him through college at Cambridge, and then into adulthood. The narrative is told mainly through the perspectives of the women in Jacob's life, including the repressed Clara Durrant and the uninhibited young art student Florinda, with whom he has an affair. His time in London forms a large part of the story, though towards the end of the novel he travels to Italy, then Greece.

Juliet Stevenson

Jacob's Room

"North and South" by Elizabeth Gaskell is a novel set in the mid-19th century, exploring the clash between the industrial North and the agricultural South of England. The story follows Margaret Hale, a young woman from the South who moves to the industrial town of Milton in the North with her family after her father resigns from his position as a parson due to a crisis of faith. The novel explores themes of social inequality, class conflict, and the changing landscape of 19th century England. Through Margaret and John's relationship, Gaskell portrays the need for understanding and compromise between opposing factions, and the potential for personal growth and transformation in the face of challenging circumstances.

Clare Wille

North and South

Charles Dickens

The Old Curiosity Shop is one of the most important novels of the Victorian era. It tells the story of Nell, a young girl who is forced to take care of her grandfather, a shopkeeper known as 'the Old man'. The novel deals with themes of childhood, death, and bereavement, and is considered one of Dickens' most sentimental works.

Anton Lesser

The Old Curiosity Shop

"Dombey and Son" is a novel by Charles Dickens that explores the themes of family, business, and society in 19th century England. The story revolves around the life of Mr. Dombey, a wealthy merchant who is obsessed with having a son to continue his family's legacy and further his business interests. When his son, Paul, is born, Mr. Dombey becomes increasingly distant and cruel, causing Paul's mother to die and Paul himself to become ill. Meanwhile, Mr. Dombey's daughter, Florence, is neglected and mistreated. Through a series of dramatic events and vivid characters, Dickens delves into the complexities of family relationships and the societal norms of the time, painting a picture of a world where love and human connection are often secondary to wealth and power. A powerful tale of love, loss, and the human spirit, "Dombey and Son" is a classic of Victorian literature that continues to captivate readers.

David Timson

Dombey and Son

Sons and Lovers tells the story of Paul Morel, a young man and budding artist. A semi-autobiographical narrative, which Lawrence rewrote four times until he was finally happy with it. Now considered a masterpiece of English literature, and a fine example literary art. In Lawrence's own words the book is a great tragedy and one that mirrors the tragedy of thousands of young men in England.

Paul Slack

Sons and Lovers

Set in Edwardian London, Night and Day contrasts the daily lives and romantic attachments of two acquaintances, Katharine Hilbery and Mary Datchet. The novel examines the relationships between love, marriage, happiness, and success. The sky and stars as well as river Thames serve as supporting characters throughout the book.

Night and Day

"Barnaby Rudge" by Charles Dickens is a historical novel set against the backdrop of the Gordon Riots in 1780 London. The story revolves around the simple-minded Barnaby Rudge and his mother, along with a cast of diverse characters. Amidst political unrest and personal dramas, Barnaby becomes unintentionally entangled in the violence of the riots. Dickens weaves a tapestry of social commentary, exploring themes of mob mentality, class disparities, and the complexities of human nature. The novel's vivid characters and intricate plotlines converge in a dramatic climax, showcasing Dickens' mastery of storytelling and his ability to illuminate both historical events and the timeless struggles of the human condition.

Simon Vance

Barnaby Rudge

Robert Louis Stevenson

In this sequel to the highland adventure Kidnapped, young David Balfour must defend himself and his friend, Alan Breck Stewart, against false murder charges, becoming further entangled in a political conspiracy between feuding Scottish clans. His new adventure will include shipwreck, murder, intrigue, and a Scottish lass named Catriona, with whom he falls in love at first sight. Stevenson considered this novel to be his best work.

Frederick Davidson

Catriona

Cranford is Elizabeth Gaskell’s gently comic picture of life and manners in an English country village during the 1830s. It describes the small adventures in the lives of two middle-aged sisters in reduced circumstances, Matilda and Deborah Jenkyns, who do their best to maintain their standards of propriety, decency, and kindness. At the center of the novel is Miss Matty, whose warm heart and tender ways compel affection and regard from everyone around her. Also revealed are the foibles and attributes of the pompous Mrs. Jamieson and her awesome butler, the genial Captain Brown, the loyal housemaid Martha, and others.

Using an intimate, gossipy voice that never turns sentimental, Gaskell skillfully conveys the old-fashioned habits, subtle class distinctions, and genteel poverty of the townspeople. Cranford is one of the author’s best-loved works.

Wanda McCaddon

Cranford

"Let us hesitate no longer to announce that the sensual passions and mysteries are equally sacred with the spiritual mysteries and passions," wrote D. H. Lawrence inWomen in Love, his masterpiece heralding the erotic consciousness of the twentieth century. Lawrence explores love, sex, passion, and marriage through the eyes of two sisters, Gudrun and Ursula Brangwen. Intelligent, incisive, and observant, the two very different sisters pursue thrilling, torrid affairs with their lovers, Rupert and Gerald, while searching for more mature emotional relationships. Against a haunting World War I backdrop of coal mines, factories, and a beleaguered working class, Gudrun and Ursula's temperamental differences spark an ongoing debate regarding their society, their inner lives, and the mysteries between men and women. Exploring what it means to be human in a time of conflict and confusion, Lawrence considered this to be his best novel.

Timeless Classics - La série de livres

Timeless Classics - La série de livres

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