A PARISIAN who is not rich enough to keep a distinguished chef of his own will occasionally order a dainty dinner to be forwarded to him from some hotel or restaurant; and in these cases the repast, as soon as it is ready, is sometimes put into a hackney cab and driven to the house of the consignee by the cocher, who is not unaccustomed to find this “fare” more remunerative than the fare he habitually conveys. A glance at the cocher, as another of the Parisian types of character, may here ...

The classic short story of gambling and obsessive greed by the celebrated Russian author and poet.An engineer with the Imperial Russian Army, Hermann never gambles with the other officers. But then he overhears the story of a countess who won a fortune using the secret of three magic cards. Obsessed with learning the secret, Hermann locates the elderly woman and poses as a suitor to her young ward. But when his deceitful plan takes a tragic turn, the consequences w...

"History of the Opera" by H. Sutherland Edwards is a comprehensive exploration of the evolution of opera as an art form. The book delves into the origins of opera, tracing its roots from the early 17th century to its development through various cultural and historical contexts. Edwards provides insightful analysis of key composers, notable operas, and the impact of societal changes on the genre. His detailed narrative captures the essence of opera, making it accessible to both enthusiasts ...

"The Life of Rossini" by H. Sutherland Edwards is a captivating biography that delves into the life and works of the renowned Italian composer Gioachino Rossini. Edwards provides a detailed account of Rossini's early years, his rise to fame, and the impact of his operas on the music world. The book not only explores Rossini's artistic genius but also offers insights into his personality, relationships, and the cultural context of his time, making it a valuable resource for both music enthu...

IT has often been said, and notably, by J. J. Rousseau, and after him, with characteristic exaggeration, by R. Wagner, that "Opera" does not mean so much a musical work, as a musical, poetical, and spectacular work all at once; that "Opera" in fact, is "the work," par excellence, to the production of which all the arts are necessary.[1] The very titles of the earliest operas prove this notion to be incorrect. The earliest Italian plays of a mixed character, not being constructed according ...

H. Sutherland Edwards's "The Great Musicians: Rossini and His School" stands as a significant contribution to music literature, offering an insightful exploration of the life and influence of composer Gioachino Rossini. The book is characterized by its engaging prose and a deeply analytical style that combines biographical exposition with criticism of Rossini'Äôs works and those of his contemporaries. Edwards contextualizes Rossini within the broader framework of 19th-century music, detail...

"A most interesting narrative." -British Quarterly Review 1858"Exceedingly curious, full of interest, hope, disappointment, and alarm." - Eclectic Review 1858"We heartily commend it to our readers." -New Quarterly Review 1858In 1854, rebel leader Shamil suddenly assembled about 10,000 men, and rapidly descending from his mountain fastnesses, burst through the Russian frontier cordon at several points, crossed the river Alaza...

In "History of the Opera from its Origin in Italy to the Present Time," H. Sutherland Edwards meticulously catalogs the evolution of opera from its nascent stages in the Italian Renaissance to its contemporary developments. Writing with a blend of erudition and elegance, Edwards employs a chronological narrative that not only highlights significant composers, operas, and historical milestones but also addresses the socio-political influences that shaped this intricate art form. His style i...

The short story collection "The Belkin Tales" consists of five unrelated stories told by various narrators to a landowner who has recently died. Ivan Belkin, the landowner, was a strange and mysterious man, who indulged in the collection of stories. Here, Pushkin has included military figures, rich businessmen and ordinary people, who find themselves in extraordinary situations. The Belkin Prize is also the most prestigious award for short fiction in Russia. The stories included are the au...

"The Undertaker" is a supernatural gothic tale by Pushkin, which features Adrian Prokhorov, an undertaker, who comes to a new place. He is a very straight-forward man, and does not tolerate deviation from the norm. He is then invited to a wedding by his neighbours, where a lot of drinking is spent. The supernatural is just round the corner when a mishandled toast is proposed. The picturesque depiction of the danse macabre/walking-dead midnight party is exceptional, and Pushkin succeeds in ...

"The Queen of Spades" is a short story that explores the sins of gambling and the bottomless greed of man. When an officer learns that there is a woman who holds the key to always winning at cards, he almost sells his soul to the Devil. The following actions reveal the secret to him, but at a horrifying price. The story is Pushkin's probing into human wickedness and how often our greatest desires spell our greatest downfall. A well-paced, supernatural story that keeps you hooked till the l...

The Queen of Spades has long been acknowledged as one of the world's greatest short stories. In this classic literary representation of gambling, Alexander Pushkin explores the nature of obsession...