One of the earliest gothic novels, «The Castle of Otranto» is the story of the Prince of Otranto, who out of concern for carrying on his lineage attempts to marry off his son to a young girl by the name of Isabella. When a tragic accident kills the Prince's son, a series of eerie events are set in motion. «The Castle of Otranto» is a chilling gothic masterpiece that will be enjoyed by any fan of the genre.
The novel «The Chimes» by the Englishman Charles Dickens (1812—1870) belongs to the series of «Christmas stories». After talking to the judge, Toby begins to believe that all the poor are bad from birth. However, the spirits of church bells with the help of magic change Toby himself as well as the course of events.
First Published in 1653, Izaak Walton's «The Compleat Angler» is a much loved treatise on the art of fishing. In the 1676 edition of the book, Charles Cotton added a second part thus expanding the volume. Those two parts are included here in this edition. «The Compleat Angler» is a classic of fishing literature and a copy belongs in the library of any true sportsman.
Set in Dunnet Landing, Maine in a summer of the late 1800s, «The Country of the Pointed Firs», is the story of a female writer seeking isolation and inspiration for her writing in a small coastal New England town. Rich with the dialect of the region and the culture of the time «The Country of the Pointed Firs» is an intimate examination of the relationships amongst the members of a rural New England fishing village in the late 1800s.
The novel «The Cricket of the Hearth» by the English writer Charles Dickens (1812—1870) belongs to the series of «Christmas stories». This is a story about a happy driver’s family. Dramatic events caused by the appearance of a stranger threaten the happiness of the family. However, magical creatures come to the rescue and the spirit of Christmas wins.
