This collection arguably contains some of the most charming lyrics ever written in English. The childlike simplicity and trust of these artless verses are unique.Blake’s poems can be enjoyed, not only for their historical importance in an age which was fiercely proud of its genius and its traditions, but also for their simple and beautiful expression of “two contrary states of the human soul.”Songs of Innocence was originally a complete collection of twenty-three poems, fir...

First published in 1921, Rilla of Ingleside is the 8th book in the Anne of Green Gables series.It is WWI and Canada has entered the war. Young men enthusiastically join up while mothers and sweethearts stay behind and fill the jobs that once were only for men. Rilla, the youngest of Anne and Gilbert’s children, struggles to find how she can possibly contribute. At first frustrated by being the “baby sister,” she soon is challenged by opportunities that will change her beyo...

As the generating force of its plot, Twelfth Night uses a device which has since become a staple in comedy: gender confusion. Viola and her twin brother Sebastian, are shipwrecked on the coast of Illyria, a country ruled by the melancholy Duke Orsino. The twins are separated and Viola is led to believe that her brother has perished. She disguises herself as a male under the name of Cesario and makes her way to the ducal court, where Orsino employs her as a messenger, to communicat...

European tourists travel languidly along the Nile River to Abousir, at the southern frontier of Egypt, aboard “a turtle-bottomed, round-bowed stern-wheeler,” the Korosko. But Dervish warriors threaten danger and then attack and kidnap the tourists.In this novel, Doyle explores themes of British Imperialism and a defensive European perspective on North Africa; racial paternalism; and debates on interference with other countries’ politics and religions. This wonderful novel ...

First published in 1881, the subtitle of this book tells us that it was written “for children and those who love children”. Heidi, a 5-year-old orphan, is handed off by her young Aunt Dete to live with her grandfather in the Swiss Alps. Though her new life is foreign, Heidi soon falls in love with her grandfather, and he with her. They share a contented life of goat-herding.But when Grandfather refuses to allow Heidi to attend school in the small village below, quarrels ensue. Heid...

This collection contains eight of Shakespeare’s best loved comedies. Each exhibits the vigour, humour, and optimism of the young master before he turned to the gloom and bitterness of the great tragedies.ContentsA Midsummer Night’s DreamAll’s Well That Ends WellTwelfth NightMuch Ado About NothingThe Comedy of ErrorsAs You Like ItMeasure for MeasureThe M...

Based upon the short story of the same title by Juliana Horatia Ewing, this full-cast dramatization follows the life of a child whose wonderment of the Christmas holiday is formed by the beauty of Christmas Trees.

The fourth book in the Esther Reid series, Wise and Otherwise deepens the spiritual and relational threads among familiar characters. When Dell Bronson comes to stay with Abbie, their time together is soon shaped by the arrival of a new pastor—one whose past intersects painfully with Dell’s. As his pride and insincerity are revealed, the contrast between self-serving leadership and Christlike humility becomes clear. His selfishness also highlights the need for a true and genuine s...

Much Ado About Nothing, Twelfth Night, and As You Like It are usually regarded as Shakespeare’s crowning achievements in the world of mirth and humor. In this group of plays, written during the playwright’s Second Period (1595–1600), the author depicts chiefly the cheerful, energetic side of life.In As You Like It, a wicked Duke expels his virtuous brother, the lawful ruler, from his domains. The banished Duke takes refuge with his followers in t...

Overtired, overworked, and increasingly irritable, Ester Ried has been relying solely on her own dwindling strength, hoping desperately for a day that might bring change. Inadvertently neglecting her walk with God, she finds herself not only unhappy, but also to be spreading that unhappiness to those around her. Upon receiving a letter from her wealthy cousin inviting her to visit, Ester is finally able to experience change in her life. This begins a course that alters more than she ever d...

Continuing the charming tales of the Ried family, younger sister Julia now embarks on her own journey of overcoming temptation, making tough choices, and finding her way on the path to true faith and love. Facing exceptional and difficult situations with her family, Julia sets out at a young age to find ways to support herself and her ailing mother. However, she becomes distracted and entrapped by the new frivolities and friendships around her. The young Julia must learn the value of etern...