‘A dime a dozen’ as known in America, is perhaps equal to the English ‘cheap as chips’ but whatever the lingua franca of your choice in this series we hereby submit ‘A Rhyme a Dozen’ as 12 poems on many given subjects that are a well-rounded gathering, maybe even an essential guide, from the knowing pens of classic poets and their beautifully spoken verse to the comfort of your ears.1 - A Rhyme a Dozen - 12 Poets, 12 Poems, 1 Topic. Roses - An Introduction2 - A Red, Red Ros...

"Short-story Masterpieces - Vol. IV - Russian" is a carefully curated anthology that presents an exquisite collection of the finest Russian short stories, showcasing the rich tapestry of Russian literature. This volume encompasses works from great literary figures such as Anton Chekhov and Leo Tolstoy, along with emerging voices that reflect the complexities of Russian society and culture through the lens of the short story format. The literary style varies from the stark realism of the 19...

In "The Best British Short Stories of 1922," an anthology curated with careful attention to the literary innovations of the early 20th century, readers are treated to an array of compelling narratives that reflect the socio-political dynamics of post-World War I Britain. This collection showcases the diverse literary styles emerging at the time, from modernist experimentation to traditional storytelling, featuring voices that capture the tumultuous spirit of the era. The juxtaposition of e...

A landmark in Russian literature hailed as "one of the four great masterpieces of twentieth-century prose" by Vladimir Nabokov, author of Lolita.In this incomparable novel of the seething revolutionary Russia of 1905, Andrey Biely plays ingeniously on the great themes of Russian history and literature as he tells the mesmerizing tale of Apollon Apollonovich Ableukhov, a high-ranking Tsarist official, and his dilettante son, Nikolai, an aspiring terrorist, ...

Napoleon Bonaparte (1769-1821) is one of the most illustrated political and military figures of the last two millennia. He has remained in the memory of the world as a legend that the passage of the years has failed to blur. On the contrary, Napoleon Bonaparte widely continues to be considered the personification of human genius.Originally published in this English translation in 1942, leading Russian historian Evgeny Tarle details Napoleon's military campaign to invade Russia in th...

In 'A Dilemma,' Leonid Nikolayevich Andreyev masterfully intertwines psychological depth with a gripping narrative, exploring the tortured psyche of an individual grappling with existential despair. This novella is suffused with a rich, lyrical style that reflects Andreyev'Äôs affinity for symbolist influences, encompassing themes of moral conflict and the human condition. Set against the backdrop of early 20th-century Russia, 'A Dilemma' captures the tension between societal expectations ...

Napoleon Bonaparte (1769-1821) is one of the most illustrated political and military figures of the last two millennia. He has remained in the memory of the world as a legend that the passage of the years has failed to blur. On the contrary, Napoleon Bonaparte widely continues to be considered the personification of human genius.In this memoir, which was first published in this English translation in 1937, author and historian Evgeny Tarle vividly presents in detail Napoleon's life ...

In "The Little Demon," Fyodor Sologub masterfully intertwines the grotesque with the mystical, presenting a haunting exploration of the human psyche against the backdrop of early 20th-century Russia. This novel, written in a style characterized by lyrical prose and vivid symbolism, delves into themes of innocence, corruption, and the duality of human nature. The narrative follows the life of Mascha, a young girl caught in a web of adult vices and supernatural influences, allowing Sologub t...

'A Dilemma' is a psychological thriller from the "Russian Edgar Allan Poe" following the mentally perplexed Anton. He does not love Tatiana, but the fact that she loves the lame Alexis simply enrages him. So yes, he will kill Alexis and free himself of this mental burden.As part of his plan Anton begins to feign insanity, lashing out in public, reverting to a childlike state, all is going to plan...As we are dragged along for this horrific ride, we are forced to wonder, was this ma...

'Silence' is a haunting short story from the 'Russian Edgar Allan Poe' that deals with profoundly emotional and sad themes in an unexpected and shocking way.Vera, the daughter of Father Ignatius, lays languishing in her room, too weak to move, barely able to speak. The cause of her condition cannot be found and she suffers more and more with each passing day. This powerful short deals with the emotional impact of losing a family member and the crushing silence that can envelop one'...

In "The Old House, and Other Tales," Fyodor Sologub masterfully weaves together a tapestry of haunting narratives that delve into the psychological and metaphysical dimensions of human existence. The stories are steeped in the Symbolist tradition, characterized by rich imagery and introspective characterizations that often blur the lines between reality and the surreal. Sologub's exploration of themes such as memory, decay, and the uncanny reflects the societal anxieties of post-imperial R...

When Edward J. O'Brien asked me to cooperate with him in choosing each year's best English short stories, to be published as a companion volume to his annual selection of the best American short stories, I had not realized that at the end of my arduous task, which has involved the reading of many hundreds of stories in the English magazines of an entire year, I should find myself asking the simple question: What is a short story?