Charterhouse of Parma

In an astounding act of literary improvisation, Stendhal dictated this complex and innovative novel, combining political and psychological realism with wit, irony and romance, in only 54 days. The result, which Henry James regarded as one of the dozen best novels of all time, feels in many ways like grand opera, an art form to which Stendhal himself was greatly attracted. The tale is set in northern Italy in the early decades of the nineteenth century. The plot revolves around Fabrizio del Dongo, an idealistic young nobleman, his aunt Gina Sanseverina (who loves Fabrizio more than perhaps she ought) and a large cast of other figures (many of them associated with the court at Parma) who have their own designs, romantic and otherwise, upon Fabrizio and his dazzling aunt. Readers who wish to avoid the spoilers in Balzac's delightful but detailed introduction to this edition should begin at section 5. (Summary by Peter Dann)

In an astounding act of literary improvisation, Stendhal dictated this complex and innovative novel, combining political and psychological realism with wit, irony and romance, in only 54 days. The result, which Henry James regarded as one of the dozen best novels of all time, feels in many ways like grand opera, an art form to which Stendhal himself was greatly attracted. The tale is set in northern Italy in the early decades of the nineteenth century. The plot revolves around Fabrizio del Dongo, an idealistic young nobleman, his aunt Gina Sanseverina (who loves Fabrizio more than perhaps she ought) and a large cast of other figures (many of them associated with the court at Parma) who have their own designs, romantic and otherwise, upon Fabrizio and his dazzling aunt. Readers who wish to avoid the spoilers in Balzac's delightful but detailed introduction to this edition should begin at section 5. (Summary by Peter Dann)

"Courtship of Miles Standish" by Henry Wadsworth Longfellow is a timeless narrative that explores themes of love, duty, and the complexities of courtship. Set against the backdrop of early American history, the story delves into the romantic pursuits of Miles Standish as he navigates the challenges of expressing his feelings and the societal expectations of his time. Longfellow's lyrical prose and poignant storytelling resonate with listeners today, reminding us of the enduring nature of love and the struggles that accompany it. This classic work invites reflection on the universal experiences of longing and connection, making it a compelling choice for anyone interested in the intricacies of the human heart.

In an astounding act of literary improvisation, Stendhal dictated this complex and innovative novel, combining political and psychological realism with wit, irony and romance, in only 54 days. The result, which Henry James regarded as one of the dozen best novels of all time, feels in many ways like grand opera, an art form to which Stendhal himself was greatly attracted. The tale is set in northern Italy in the early decades of the nineteenth century. The plot revolves around Fabrizio del Dongo, an idealistic young nobleman, his aunt Gina Sanseverina (who loves Fabrizio more than perhaps she ought) and a large cast of other figures (many of them associated with the court at Parma) who have their own designs, romantic and otherwise, upon Fabrizio and his dazzling aunt. Readers who wish to avoid the spoilers in Balzac's delightful but detailed introduction to this edition should begin at section 5. (Summary by Peter Dann)

In an astounding act of literary improvisation, Stendhal dictated this complex and innovative novel, combining political and psychological realism with wit, irony and romance, in only 54 days. The result, which Henry James regarded as one of the dozen best novels of all time, feels in many ways like grand opera, an art form to which Stendhal himself was greatly attracted. The tale is set in northern Italy in the early decades of the nineteenth century. The plot revolves around Fabrizio del Dongo, an idealistic young nobleman, his aunt Gina Sanseverina (who loves Fabrizio more than perhaps she ought) and a large cast of other figures (many of them associated with the court at Parma) who have their own designs, romantic and otherwise, upon Fabrizio and his dazzling aunt. Readers who wish to avoid the spoilers in Balzac's delightful but detailed introduction to this edition should begin at section 5. (Summary by Peter Dann)

In an astounding act of literary improvisation, Stendhal dictated this complex and innovative novel, combining political and psychological realism with wit, irony and romance, in only 54 days. The result, which Henry James regarded as one of the dozen best novels of all time, feels in many ways like grand opera, an art form to which Stendhal himself was greatly attracted. The tale is set in northern Italy in the early decades of the nineteenth century. The plot revolves around Fabrizio del Dongo, an idealistic young nobleman, his aunt Gina Sanseverina (who loves Fabrizio more than perhaps she ought) and a large cast of other figures (many of them associated with the court at Parma) who have their own designs, romantic and otherwise, upon Fabrizio and his dazzling aunt. Readers who wish to avoid the spoilers in Balzac's delightful but detailed introduction to this edition should begin at section 5. (Summary by Peter Dann)