Random Loyal Books Podcasts

  • The Joyful Wisdom by Friedrich Nietzsche
  • From the Earth to the Moon by Jules Verne
  • Bhagavad Gita by Sir Edwin Arnold (Translator)
  • The Four Million by O. Henry
  • Notes from the Underground by Fyodor Dostoyevsky
  • Grimms’ Fairy Tales by Jacob & Wilhelm Grimm
  • Just David by Eleanor H. Porter
  • The Critique of Pure Reason by Immanuel Kant
  • When Mother Lets Us Cook by Constance Johnson
  • Kayray’s Storytime by Various
  • Hard Times by Charles Dickens
  • Selected Letters of Beethoven by Ludwig van Beethoven
  • Euthyphro by Plato
  • Black Beauty by Anna Sewell
  • The Adventures of Reddy Fox by Thornton W. Burgess
  • Antigone by Sophocles
  • Rilla of Ingleside by Lucy Maud Montgomery
  • The Lilac Fairy Book by Unknown
  • How to Listen to Music by Henry Edward Krehbiel
  • Flatland: A Romance of Many Dimensions by Edwin Abbott Abbott
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    The Joyful Wisdom by Friedrich Nietzsche

    The Joyful Wisdom by Friedrich Nietzsche

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    Since Dec 20, 2023 00:00 UTC

    The Joyful Wisdom (later translated as The Gay Science), written in 1882, just before Zarathustra, is rightly judged to be one of Nietzsche’s best books. Here the essentially grave and masculine face of the poet-philosopher is seen to light up and suddenly break into a delightful smile. The warmth and kindness that beam from his features will astonish those hasty psychologists who have never divined that behind the destroyer is the creator, and behind the blasphemer the lover of life. In the retrospective valuation of his work which appears in Ecce Homo the author himself observes with truth that the fourth book, “Sanctus Januarius,” deserves especial attention: “The whole book is a gift from the Saint, and the introductory verses express my gratitude for the most wonderful month of January that I have ever spent.” Book fifth “We Fearless Ones”, the Appendix “Songs of Prince Free-as-a-Bird,” and the Preface, were added to the second edition in 1887.

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    From the Earth to the Moon by Jules Verne

    From the Earth to the Moon by Jules Verne

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    Since Dec 7, 2020 00:00 UTC

    One of the earliest examples of literature written in the science fiction genre, From the Earth to the Moon is a part of the Voyages Extraordinaires series by French novelist Jules Verne. Written more than a century before the Apollo mission, Verne’s classic is somewhat a prophetic novel of man’s travel to the moon with its thorough and descriptive detail. A remarkable blend of action, humor, science, and audacious schemes, the timeless classic is sure to fascinate with its unique vision of lunar exploration. The story unfolds at the Baltimore Gun Club, a society of American Civil War veterans and weapon enthusiasts, who are in the midst of adjusting to a post-war environment and left feeling superfluous. During deliberations on how to deal with the declining need for artillery, club president Impey Barbicane puts forward his idea to build a giant cannon and launch a projectile to the moon. After the initial chaos the proposal causes, the members of the club unite in support of the idea. As the project receives public recognition, the Baltimore Gun Club gains even more courage to proceed with its endeavor, with significant donations pouring in from all over the world. However, Captain Nicholl of Philadelphia, an armor plate designer and old rival of Barbicane, contradicts the venture and makes a series of wagers with him about the success rate of such a feat. Accordingly, the members of the Baltimore Gun Club are busy at work with the formation and scientific calculations for their lunar expedition. Furthermore, a cheerful French adventurer appears and volunteers to be a passenger on board the projectile, and even convinces Barbicane and Nicholl to join him. An unforeseen array of characters and their cooperation brings together elements of comedy and suspense, leaving readers engrossed in the novel’s development. Verne uses his characters to present humorous stereotypes and a caricature representation of American nationalism. Nevertheless From the Earth to the Moon offers adventure, humor, and a range of comical and eccentric personalities. More great books at LoyalBooks.com

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    Bhagavad Gita by Sir Edwin Arnold (Translator)

    Bhagavad Gita by Sir Edwin Arnold (Translator)

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    Since Dec 15, 2023 00:00 UTC

    One of the world’s most valued scriptures, the Bhagavad Gita is a Hindu scripture which is a part of the Indian epic Mahabharata. Undeniably, it is also one of the most important texts in the history of literature and philosophy. The scripture offers a guide on how to achieve a self-sufficient life and clarification of Indian theology. Written in the form of a poetic dialogue between Krishna and Arjuna, the piece is comprised of 700 verses. It depicts the relationship between man and God, a divine purpose, and the omnipresence of God that serves to reward good. The literary piece takes place on the eve of a great battle which promises to be violent and with definite casualties. On the scene of the battlefield, Prince Arjuna is inspecting the area while in doubt and morally insecure about whether or not to go ahead with the battle against his very own kin. In response to the prince’s indecisiveness, Krishna explains his duties as a prince as he proceeds to address certain philosophies using examples and analogies. For that reason, the dialogue has been presented as a concise guide to Hindu philosophy and attainment of self-contentment. Most inspiring is the purpose of the sacred Hindu text, whose aims are not merely to enlighten and instruct on the scope of religion, but also try and reach out to humanity in general in order to incite a better life for everyone and promote coexistence. By means of its philosophies and knowledge, the document presents profound wisdom which is sure to leave an eternal impression through its powerful and perpetual message. A work offering comfort and enlightenment, the Bhagavad Gita is regarded with much respect and love as it directs its readers towards a fulfilling and joyous life. Translated by Sir Edwin Arnold, the book presents a translation magnificently written and true to the original, as it alluringly stirs up emotion and strong imagery within its audience.

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    The Four Million by O. Henry

    The Four Million by O. Henry

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    Since Dec 9, 2023 00:00 UTC

    An impoverished but loving young couple sacrifices their most precious possessions to buy Christmas gifts for each other. A tramp who is desperate to be sent to prison so he can escape the winter cold. Two depressed laborers get their palms read by a Coney Island mountebank. A yellow dog who relates the story of a fat lady and her hen pecked husband. These and other unforgettable characters form part of absolutely delightful and unforgettable short story collection, The Four Million by O Henry. As the master of the “twist in the tail/tale” and the completely unexpected endings, O. Henry is unrivaled. His penchant for word-play, creating utterly charming characters, the deep humanism and romance portrayed in his stories make him one of the most read and loved short story writers. In fact, he has almost appropriated the genre and no classic anthology of English language short stories is considered complete without an O. Henry story. And O. Henry was not even his real name! Born William Sidney Porter in North Carolina, he initially studied to become a pharmacist. He was also a gifted artist. However, he began working in a bank after ill health compelled him to move to Texas. Here he was accused, probably with some cause, of embezzlement and though he was allowed to resign, a later audit conducted by the bank resulted in conviction and a desperate flight to escape arrest. He lived in the Honduras for a while, but soon returned when he got the news of his wife’s fatal illness. A term in prison followed where he began publishing short stories under various pseudonyms. After serving his sentence, he discovered that he was a literary success. He began to churn out stories by the week for various magazines and earned quite a fortune. Known as the American Guy de Maupassant, O. Henry wrote stories that were witty, mischievous and impish in tone. The Four Million is his second collection and contains twenty-five stories, including his most famous one, The Gift of the Magi. Other charming tales include The Skylight Room, about a poor young typist who lives in a cramped little room in a boarding house, The Caliph, Cupid and The Clock about a nervous young suitor who’s helped by a royal prince, Sisters of the Golden Circle which describes a bride who sacrifices her own husband to save another’s and many more that provide hours of reading pleasure. The true hero of The Four Million is the city of New York, with its energy, compassion and kaleidoscope of human emotions.

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    Notes from the Underground by Fyodor Dostoyevsky

    Notes from the Underground by Fyodor Dostoyevsky

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    Since Dec 28, 2019 00:00 UTC

    One of the earliest polished examples of existential literature, Notes from the Underground follows the life of a recluse and depicts his antagonistic attitude toward society. Written in two parts with a first person narration, the novella explores various themes expressing the misleading notion of rationalism and utopianism, existentialism, alienation and human inaction. The psychological novel begins with a monologue in which the protagonist introduces and characterizes himself. Referred to as the Underground Man and remaining unidentified throughout, the protagonist portrays himself as a bitter and misanthropic individual living in isolation and distancing himself from fallacious society. He further reveals that he is a Russian civil veteran in his forties whose spite has intoxicated him and led him to his current position of solitude and self-loathing. The monologue allows the protagonist to convey his thoughts, ideas and philosophies on life. Consequently, he sets many philosophical ideas on the table including free will, reason and logic, suffering, and conscious inaction. After explaining and justifying his beliefs, the narrator begins to tell his audience of his experiences as a young man in his twenties, and accordingly signals the beginning of the second part of the book. This section is dedicated to the events that have driven the protagonist into seclusion and illustrates his destructive interaction with various people in the 1840’s, including an officer, old schoolmates, and a prostitute. All interactions seem to be spurred by revenge, humiliation, bitterness and pessimism, which essentially send him to his personal underground. A paradoxical character, simultaneously unique and universal, illogical and philosophical, pitied and honored, the Underground Man is both a reflection of suppressive society and self-punishment. An influential piece of literature sure to provoke psychological reaction, Notes from the Underground leaves many significant topics open for debate and analysis. The ideologies that the narrator views with much contempt are what make the novel such an enthralling read. Increasing its intensity with every turn of the page, the powerful novella remains an essential for anyone with a critical eye to the requisites of society. More great books at LoyalBooks.com

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    Grimms’ Fairy Tales by Jacob & Wilhelm Grimm

    Grimms’ Fairy Tales by Jacob & Wilhelm Grimm

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    Since Aug 26, 2020 00:00 UTC

    Talking animals, wicked stepmothers, valiant tailors, cruel witches! Sixty-two stories that feature familiar figures like Hansel and Gretel, Rapunzel, Rumplestiltskin, The Twelve Dancing Princesses and Snow-White and Rose Red as well as lesser-known characters like The White Snake, Sweetheart Roland and Clever Elsie are contained in this volume of Grimms’ Fairy Tales by Jacob and Wilhelm Grimm. The original volume published in 1812 contained more than 85 tales and this number kept increasing till it got to the seventh edition which contained more than two hundred stories. Initially the authors meant the collection to be read not just by children, but also adults and was meant to be a compilation of folk-tales that had been passed down orally for generations. The first edition was packed with scholarly foot-notes and interesting information about the cultural connotations of each story. Later, the authors were persuaded to change the format and make it suitable for children. However, many of these stories were found by publishers to be far too gruesome for young readers. Objectionable passages and scenes of violence were removed and replaced with less fearsome ones. The scholarly foot notes were completely eliminated, making the book just a collection of fairy tales that a child might enjoy. The present collection contains some of the most famous and well loved fairy tales that generations of children have enjoyed. The universal themes of fairy tales which include the triumph of good over evil, courage, common-sense, humility, love, the downfall of pride, greed, envy and laziness all find voice in the characters of Grimms’ Fairy Tales. Jacob and Wilhelm Grimm were two brothers born in Frankfurt in the old German kingdom of Hesse. They studied law, but were passionately interested in folklore. Jacob was also a philologist studying language. Though Wilhelm’s ill-health made traveling difficult, they toured Germany and neighboring European countries in the 18th century documenting folk tales commonly recounted by word of mouth in small villages and communities. Their interest in preserving these historical examples of native wisdom and culture has made it possible for modern readers to enjoy these age old stories that were told and retold by countless grandparents to generations of grandchildren. Most of the stories retain the lyrical qualities of oral tradition and are meant to be read aloud, creating a magical world for children. This treasure trove of stories has become an essential part of the bed-time ritual of story-telling for both parents and children all over the world. More great books at LoyalBooks.com

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    Just David by Eleanor H. Porter

    Just David by Eleanor H. Porter

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    Since Dec 9, 2023 00:00 UTC

    A delightful story supporting the notion of finding beauty in all aspects of life, Just David follows a young boy, who slowly transforms the lives of those around him, as he teaches them to embrace the smaller things in life. The classic presents an encouraging tale to look beyond the horizon and not allow the world to dictate one’s action. The story begins with the introduction of a charismatic ten-year old boy David, who together with his father lives in the serene and secluded mountains. Raised to find peace and joy in his natural surroundings, David is ignorant to life outside his idyllic home. Furthermore, he has his beloved violin to keep him company, which he plays in accordance to the tune of nature, while keeping to the modest teachings of his father, which includes appreciation for music. However, when David’s father is beset by illness and later dies as a result, the courageous young boy is thrust into a world quite different from his own, as he is taken into the care of Simeon Holly and his wife. The couple is surprised to learn that the young boy does not know his last name, his father’s name or whether he has any relatives. He introduces himself as “just David”. Initially, the couple is hesitant about taking the boy in, but they finally agree because he reminds them of their estranged son. Witnessing the reality of life far from the cultivated teachings of his father, including cynicism, cruelty, and suffering, David still remains true to his sensible ways. His only solace in life is his violin, which he plays as a means of expression. A truly admirable young boy, David is able to see the best in everyone and everything and leaves a trail of optimism wherever he goes. In addition, he inspires others to follow his footsteps and make the most out of life, as it is too short to squander on superfluous details which in turn bring misery. Nevertheless, an emotionally resonant piece that has withstood the hands of time, Just David will surely inspire both young and old readers to rethink their attitude towards life, while also discovering the true source of happiness. Needless to say, Porter successfully creates an epitome of goodness and innocence, as her classic novel leaves much to ponder over long after its conclusion.

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    The Critique of Pure Reason by Immanuel Kant

    The Critique of Pure Reason by Immanuel Kant

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    Since Nov 16, 2020 00:00 UTC

    The Critique of Pure Reason, first published in 1781 with a second edition in 1787, has been called the most influential and important philosophical text of the modern age. Kant saw the Critique of Pure Reason as an attempt to bridge the gap between rationalism (there are significant ways in which our concepts and knowledge are gained independently of sense experience) and empiricism (sense experience is the ultimate source of all our concepts and knowledge) and, in particular, to counter the radical empiricism of David Hume (our beliefs are purely the result of accumulated habits, developed in response to accumulated sense experiences). Using the methods of science, Kant demonstrates that though each mind may, indeed, create its own universe, those universes are guided by certain common laws, which are rationally discernable. More great books at LoyalBooks.com

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    When Mother Lets Us Cook by Constance Johnson

    When Mother Lets Us Cook by Constance Johnson

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    Since Dec 30, 2023 00:00 UTC

    A book of simple receipts for little folk with important cooking rules in rhyme together with handy lists of the materials and utensils needed for the preparation of each dish.

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    Kayray’s Storytime by Various

    Kayray’s Storytime by Various

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    Since Dec 16, 2023 00:00 UTC

    A collection of my favorite short children’s stories and rhymes.

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    Hard Times by Charles Dickens

    Hard Times by Charles Dickens

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    Since Nov 27, 2023 00:00 UTC

    The shortest novel by far of Charles Dickens’, Hard Times is also one of his most idea based works. In it, he launches a scathing attack on the prevailing fashion of believing in Utilitarianism, a philosophy that proposed the goal of society should be “the greatest good for the greatest number of people.” Dickens felt that such a philosophy saw people as mere statistics and not as individuals. The novel was published in serial form in his magazine Household Words. It is also the only novel where London is not featured. Set mainly in the fictional industrial town of Coketown, the book is divided into three sections “Sowing,” “Reaping” and “Garnering.” It tells the story of a wealthy, retired industrialist, Thomas Gradgrind. His two children are brought up according to strict Utilitarian principles and their teaching is completely devoid of imagination and compassion. When the elder Gradgrind takes in an orphan called Sissy, events are set to take a turn. The Gradgrind children are completely under their father’s control. As they grow, the son becomes a dissolute wastrel, while the daughter is compelled to marry a man thirty years her senior. How the Gradgrinds resolve these issues and how they begin to understand the true value of human life makes up the rest of the story. Filled with memorable characters, as are all Dickens’ novels, Hard Times is also the writer’s attempt to reveal the dark side of the Industrial Revolution. Dickens was also trying to show that morality and wealth do not necessarily coexist. The overwhelming obsession with scientific temper, the worship of facts, the practical and materialistic ethos that was pervading the country in the Victorian era at the cost of all that was imaginative, humane and spiritual are other things that the writer was deeply concerned with. Hard Times besides being Dickens’ shortest work, is devoid of a preface and illustrations unlike all his other books. As a social protest novel, Hard Times also reflects the rapidly changing nature of society in Victorian England. The rise of a newly rich class, arrogant in their power to purchase anything and everything, completely devoid of social graces and the right pedigree was a phenomenon that bewildered many of the older generation. The world was also undergoing great periods of political unrest. Europe was changing and so was America which was then in the grip of the Civl War. Set against this background, Hard Times is a vivid portrayal of the era. Tinged with dark humour and satire, this is indeed a great read for young and old readers!

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    Selected Letters of Beethoven by Ludwig van Beethoven

    Selected Letters of Beethoven by Ludwig van Beethoven

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    Since Dec 14, 2023 00:00 UTC

    A selection of Beethoven’s letters from the compilation by Dr. Ludwig Nohl and translated by Lady Grace Wallace.

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    Euthyphro by Plato

    Euthyphro by Plato

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    Since Oct 5, 2020 00:00 UTC

    Awaiting his trial on charges of impiety and heresy, Socrates encounters Euthyphro, a self-proclaimed authority on matters of piety and the will of the gods. Socrates, desiring instruction in these matters, converses with Euthyphro, but as usual, the man who professes to know nothing fares better than the man who claims to be an expert. One of Plato’s well-known Socratic Dialogues, Euthyphro probes the nature of piety, and notably poses the so-called Euthyphro Dilemma: Do the gods love a thing because it is holy, or is a thing holy because it is loved by the gods? More great books at LoyalBooks.com

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    Black Beauty by Anna Sewell

    Black Beauty by Anna Sewell

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    Since Nov 15, 2023 00:00 UTC

    This unique tale is narrated by a lovely, gentle horse named Black Beauty and has remained a children’s classic since it was first published in 1877. It earned eternal name and fame for its author Anna Sewell, an invalid who died within a few months of publication. According to current estimates, it has sold more than fifty million copies world wide, been translated into many languages and delighted generations of children. The original title page reads: Black Beauty: Translated from the original Equine by Anna Sewell and this gives the reader an instant glimpse into what the book will be about. As an autobiography written by a horse and told from his point of view, it was indeed an original and unique concept for the time. Strangely enough, Anna Sewell never intended the book to be exclusively read by children. She meant it to be a manual for those who worked with horses so that they would develop more compassion and kindness when dealing with these mute beasts. While it apparently talks about animals, the book is a great source of education for human beings too and teaches them how to treat each other with respect, dignity and kindness. The famous opening lines, “The first place I can well remember was a large pleasant meadow….” set the tone for the rest of the book. It traces the journey of the beautiful and noble horse, born in privileged circumstances whose life takes a turn for the tragic when her wealthy owner falls on hard times. Sold into a fashionable household, Beauty is ill-treated and uncared for till his health is finally broken. He is sold to a London cabbie and has to earn his keep pulling heavy carriages in all kinds of weather. The treatment of animals, their welfare and the conditions in which they’re kept, the often inhuman and cruel attitude of people and animal rights are some of the topics touched upon. It is a book that can be read on several levels. For child readers, it is a delightful tale told by an animal. Adults would recognize the essential humanitarian appeal made by the author. In fact, such was the impact of the book that it led to several landmark legislations regarding animal welfare in Britain and America. Filled with memorable characters, vivid descriptions and poignant scenes, Black Beauty is indeed a fabulous book to settle in with for a pleasant read.

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    The Adventures of Reddy Fox by Thornton W. Burgess

    The Adventures of Reddy Fox by Thornton W. Burgess

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    Since Dec 28, 2023 00:00 UTC

    These delightful stories created by the writer known famously as the Bedtime Story Man provide hours of endless enjoyment for readers both young and old. His daily newspaper column which he wrote without a break from 1912 through to 1960 featured a host of engaging characters and their lively pranks and doings. In this charmingly illustrated volume, Reddy Fox, the young hero is sent to stay with his grandma. Grandmother Fox is the “wisest, slyest and smartest fox in all the country around” and she takes it upon herself to educate Reddy in the things that every fox should know! Thus begins a battle of wits between Farmer Brown, Farmer Brown’s Boy, Reddy and Grandmother Fox. Interspersed with each story are tiny nuggets of valuable lessons on life—the dangers of pride and boastfulness, the value of friendship and loyalty, the perils of disobedience, nature’s laws, kindness to others even though they may be our enemies and other such wonderful bits of folksy wisdom. Born in 1874, Thornton Burgess was a passionate and keen American conservationist and naturalist who was brought up by his mother in straitened circumstances after his father’s early death. The young Thornton worked at a variety of odd jobs to put himself through school and college and help his mother run the house. One of his jobs was located in a wooded area near the town and it was here that Thornton developed his passion for wildlife, nature and conservation. He began writing stories on nature while working as an editorial assistant and they were received with great acclaim and enthusiasm the world over. His works were translated into many European languages while his daily radio broadcasts became a bedtime ritual for generations of children. Television adaptations of his stories were made in many countries, while a Japanese anime used many of his characters to wonderful effect. The Adventures of Reddy Fox takes the reader into an unforgettable world set in Green Meadows and Green Forest, and the twenty-six chapters trace Reddy’s development from a timid and fearful youngster into a smart and bold fellow. Reddy’s personality is a wonderful blend of curiosity, childhood rebellion, street-smartness and fun. Peopled with a host of characters like Mister Buzzard, Peter Rabbit (based on Beatrix Potter’s immortal creation) Unc Billy Possum, Jimmy Skunk and many more, this volume is sure to delight readers of all ages.

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    Antigone by Sophocles

    Antigone by Sophocles

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    Since Jan 1, 2024 00:00 UTC

    This is the final installment in Sophocles’s Theban Plays, following Oedipus Rex and Oedipus at Colonus. Oedipus’s daughter Antigone deliberately breaks the laws of Thebes when she buries her brother’s body and is sentenced to death. She clashes with Creon, the King of Thebes, over what constitutes justice and morality: the laws of the state or the laws of the individual.

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    Rilla of Ingleside by Lucy Maud Montgomery

    Rilla of Ingleside by Lucy Maud Montgomery

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    Since Dec 2, 2023 00:00 UTC

    Rilla of Ingleside is the eighth book in the Anne of Green Gables series and focuses on the inspiring journey of Rilla Blythe, the youngest daughter of Anne and Gilbert, as she transforms from a carefree young girl into an enduring young woman swept into the chaos of war. Written from a female perspective, Montgomery accurately depicts a time in history, as she provides a contemporaneous account of the war and serves up the most emotional book in the series. Set during the First World War, the novel explores themes of coming of age, love, separation, and most importantly women’s roles during the war. The novel begins with the introduction of 15-year-old girl Rilla, who appears as a spoilt, self-centered and immature young girl, preoccupied with adolescent strife as she excitedly prepares for her first grown-up party. However, the bliss of the party is interrupted when word reaches of the outbreak of war and throws the town into frenzy as the men talk about joining. Subsequently, Rilla’s brother Jem and his friend Jerry enlist and go to a training camp before leaving to join the front in France. Following a series of events, Rilla is left alone with her parents worrying about the fate of those fighting, which later include her brother Walter and her love interest Kenneth. As the war continues, the young girl slowly matures and turns her back on her past self-serving ways and instead embraces helping others and putting their needs above her own. Assisting the Junior Red Cross, helping a couple wed, and raising a war orphan are just some of the responsibilities Rilla takes up without protest. As the novel progresses, so does the young protagonist who courageously rises to each occasion with the hope of the safe return of loved ones. A heart wrenching and inspirational sequel, Rilla of Ingleside offers a rare insight in the roles and hardships experienced by women during war as they were left to the mercy of uncertainty as each day passed. A story caught up in the shadow of war, the novel is an emotional journey of growth, loss, and sacrifice, but nevertheless a timeless piece of literature.

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    The Lilac Fairy Book by Unknown

    The Lilac Fairy Book by Unknown

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    Since Nov 30, 2023 00:00 UTC

    Published in 1910, The Lilac Fairy Book is the last book in the series of fairytale collections known as Andrew Lang’s “Coloured” Fairy Books and features stories from various folklores and cultures including Welsh, Portuguese, Scottish, Italian, and many other foreign literary branches. Moreover, the collection is a gem in the short story genre due to the fact that Lang collected some of the featured stories from foreign languages and made them available to English audiences. Featuring 33 stories, The Lilac Fairy Book offers a different perspective to the happy-ever-after fairytales most people are accustomed to and expect. The compilation combines faeries, animals, giants, ogres, kings, mermaids, and troubled characters, as it offers not just entertainment, but also enlightens with its allusions. Awe-inspiring for children with its vibrant characters and vivid descriptions, the short stories are equally engaging for adults who want to revive some childhood memories, while being open to some unexpected twists.

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    Flatland: A Romance of Many Dimensions by Edwin Abbott Abbott

    Flatland: A Romance of Many Dimensions by Edwin Abbott Abbott

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    Since Dec 25, 2023 00:00 UTC

    If you’ve never heard the term “Mathematical Fiction” before, Edwin Abbott Abbott’s 1884 novella, Flatland can certainly enlighten you! Flatland: A Romance of Many Dimensions was published in 1884 and since then, it has been discovered and re-discovered by succeeding generations who have been delighted by its unique view of society and people. The plot opens with a description of the fictional Flatland. The narrator calls himself “Square” and asks readers to “Imagine a vast sheet of paper on which straight Lines, Squares, Triangles, Pentagons, Hexagons and other figures, instead of remaining fixed in their places, move freely about… but without the power of rising above the surface or sinking below it, very much like shadows…” This is a country where the “solid” or the three dimensional do not exist. The women are Straight Lines, while the men, depending on their status, are figures with three or more sides. The lowest class are the Triangles, while the highest class of all are the Circles. One night the Square has a dream about a world with two dimensions, but it turns out to be a nightmare, and Square is glad to return to the “reality” of Flatland. He has another strange experience, when he has a visitation. A strange presence enters his room. It is a Sphere. Square and his wife are shocked to see such a weird creature. But it begins talking to them and informs them that it belongs to a world called Spaceland. Square visits Spaceland with his new friend and once he realizes that more dimensions are possible, he undergoes a huge spiritual metamorphosis. However the rulers of Flatland are not about to accept such subversive views… Flatland is essentially a novel that uses satire to portray the rigid, unfair and oppressive social class system that pervaded Victorian England. Birth and status determined everything in a person’s life and it was almost impossible for people to move into the upper echelons of society. Flatland is also a virulent attack on the prevailing ideas about women, their role and status. Abbott portrays the unrelenting hierarchies that prevented people from achieving their personal goals. Readers may be reminded of other allegories and satires, notably Plato’s Cave and Swift’s Gulliver’s Travels. For modern day readers, Flatland is indeed an eye opener into concepts that seemed fixed and certain a century ago, but have been proven otherwise through scientific research. Knowledge is seen as a continuum and not a fixed goal; this is what books like Flatland teach us.

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