The films of Andrei Tarkovsky have been revered as ranking on a par with the masterpieces of Russia's novelists and composers. His work, from films such as Ivan's Childhood, Andrei Rublev, Solaris, Mirror, Nostalgia and Sacrifice, has had an enormous influence on the style of contemporary European film, with its open narrative structures and slow, pensive mood; yet Tarkovsky has remained an elusive subject for reflection and analysis. T...

Crime and Punishment, The Brothers Karamazov, Demons, The Idiot – the complex and prolific Fyodor Dostoevsky (1821-1881) is responsible for some of our greatest literary works and most enduring characters. He is acknowledged by critics as a pre-eminent writer of psychological fiction and a precursor of twentieth-century existentialism.Set in the troubled political and social world of nineteenth-century Russia, this book describes how Dostoevsky’s...

"Tenderfoot Days" is a memoir written by George Robert Bird that tells the story of his youth in the American West during the late 19th century.Born in Iowa in 1862, Bird moved with his family to Kansas and then to Colorado as a young boy. Growing up in the rugged and untamed wilderness of the West, Bird had many adventures and experiences that shaped his life and worldview."Tenderfoot Days" is a collection of stories and anecdotes from Bird's youth, including his encounters with Native Am...

This is a memoir by a non-Mormon about his experiences in the prospecting camps of Utah at the turn of the 19th century. Written as a first-person perspective by an outsider, it gives a sympathetic account of the Mormons, but also brings up some darker aspects about their history. It's also pretty racist towards Native Americans, so, as always with these old books, please bear in mind the context and the era in which it was written.

This book is neither a History nor a Topography of the Territory of Utah in the early seventies of the last century. The volume is due to the experiences of an outsider who tried to be impartial in his views and sympathies. The personal note, of course, rings in this record of those past days. No onslaught is made on the "wild and woolly" west, nor on the eccentric religion of the majority of the people. Through much peril and privation, the wild wastes of the Territory had been occupied b...

A dramatic historical novel rooted in early American frontier life.

In "Sheppard Lee, Written by Himself," Robert Montgomery Bird presents an innovative narrative structure that intertwines social satire with a rich exploration of identity and transformation. The novel tells the tale of Sheppard Lee, a character who gains the ability to inhabit various bodies throughout his life, allowing him to critique and examine the social mores of early 19th-century America. Bird's prose is marked by a keen wit and vivid imagery, reflecting the burgeoning American lit...

A dramatic historical novel rooted in early American frontier life.

In "Nick of the Woods; Or, Adventures of Prairie Life," Robert Montgomery Bird crafts a vivid tapestry of American frontier life, intertwining adventure with an exploration of the moral complexities facing settlers. The narrative unfolds through the eyes of the protagonist, Nick, as he navigates the treacherous terrain of the wilderness and the intrusions of cultural conflicts between settlers and Native Americans. Bird's prose is marked by a raw and dynamic style, reflective of the romant...

In "Sheppard Lee, Written by Himself," Robert Montgomery Bird presents a compelling narrative that intricately weaves social commentary with a vivid portrayal of early American life. The novel's literary style is marked by a unique blend of realism and satire, reminiscent of both the picaresque and the emergent American Gothic traditions. Through the adventures of Sheppard Lee, a man who experiences life through various incarnations, Bird explores themes of identity, societal norms, and th...

In Robert Montgomery Bird's novel 'The Infidel,' the author explores themes of faith, morality, and social justice in the context of early 19th-century American romanticism. The book is intricately written, with vivid descriptions and complex character development that highlight the struggles of the protagonist as he grapples with his beliefs and values. Bird's use of language and literary devices such as symbolism and allegory add layers of depth to the narrative, making it a captivating ...

The Great American Adventure: 20 Classic Novels offers a sweeping panorama of the American frontier, maritime exploits, and the pioneering spirit that has defined America's literary canon. This anthology's overarching theme revolves around adventure, exploration, and the enduring quest for freedom and identity. The collection encompasses a variety of literary styles ranging from the realism of Mark Twain and Herman Melville to the romanticism of James Fenimore Cooper and Zane Grey. Notable...