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Beggars -- Fiction Books
Best books
Walter Scott
The Antiquary — Complete
"The Antiquary — Complete" by Walter Scott is a novel published in 1816. Set in Scotland during the final decade of the 18th century, it follows an amateur historian and collector of dubious antiquities who befriends a mysterious young man named Lovel. When Lovel becomes entangled with the Wardour family—particularly the captivating Isabella—his uncertain origins threaten their connection. Combining Scottish manners, comic episodes, and melodrama, the story explores how the past shapes the present through treasure hunts, duels, and secrets waiting to be unearthed.
Walter Scott
The Antiquary — Volume 01
"The Antiquary — Volume 01" by Walter Scott is a novel published in 1816. Set in Scotland during the 1790s, it follows the eccentric antiquary Jonathan Oldbuck and the mysterious Lovel, whose forbidden love for Isabella Wardour drives the plot. Their journey weaves through ancient ruins, disputed antiquities, and seaside rescues. When a duel over honor threatens everything, secrets begin to surface alongside buried treasure. Scott's favorite among his own works, this comic novel of manners explores how the past shapes the present in Scottish society.
Walter Scott
De oudheidkenner
No description available.
Walter Scott
The Antiquary — Volume 02
"The Antiquary — Volume 02" by Walter Scott is a novel published in 1816. This second volume continues the adventures of Oldbuck, an eccentric collector of dubious artifacts, alongside the mysterious Lovel and Isabella Wardour's forbidden romance. When a duel over honor leaves blood spilled and secrets exposed, treasure hunts at ancient ruins reveal both genuine riches and calculated deceptions. Scott's favorite among his own works blends Scottish comedy and drama while exploring how the past shapes the present in late 18th-century society.
Pierre Loti
La chanson des vieux époux
"La chanson des vieux époux" by Pierre Loti is a poignant narrative written in the late 19th century. This work falls under the category of a novel and explores themes of aging, love, and the melancholy inherent in the human condition, specifically through the lens of two elderly characters. Set against a backdrop of Japanese culture, the story delves into the lives of an aged couple as they navigate existence in their twilight years. The story centers on Toto-San and Kaka-San, a blind husband and a paralyzed wife, who have devoted their lives to each other despite their deteriorating physical conditions. They can be seen wandering the streets of Nagasaki, relying on alms to survive. The narrative paints a vivid picture of their daily struggles and the deep affection they share, even in suffering. Their lives are punctuated by moments of reflection on their past and the inevitability of death, culminating in Kaka-San's demise during a pilgrimage to a temple. Toto-San's heartbreaking journey after losing his companion highlights not only the profound impact of grief but also the cycle of life and death, as he continues to seek solace in the emptiness left behind. The story encapsulates themes of resilience, tenderness, and the bittersweet nature of love in the face of mortality.
Gouverneur Morris
The Penalty
"The Penalty" by Gouverneur Morris is a novel that appears to have been written in the early 20th century. The story revolves around the complexities of love and ambition, focusing on the character Barbara Ferris, a talented young sculptor navigating her artistic pursuits and personal relationships. The opening of the novel introduces us to Barbara Ferris, who reflects on her many romantic entanglements leading up to her 22nd birthday. As she struggles with self-esteem and societal pressures, the narrative explores her desire to become a serious artist amidst chaotic love affairs. The titular character, a legless beggar known as Blizzard, enters her life, promising a significant transformation as Barbara becomes captivated by his striking face, envisioning a masterpiece inspired by his tragic yet powerful presence. Their encounter foreshadows a deepening connection that intertwines art with underlying themes of despair, societal judgment, and the search for identity.
Chester Cohen
Round-Up Time
"Round-Up Time" by Chester Cohen is a short story likely written in the mid-20th century, around the 1950s. This piece combines elements of speculative fiction and social commentary, exploring themes of mass hysteria and the effects of an unusual spectacle in an urban setting. The narrative centers around the bizarre and chaotic events that unfold when a character known as Queerpants unexpectedly captivates a crowd in Central Park. The story follows a protagonist who, struggling to make ends meet, finds unexpected fortune on the Fourth of July when he encounters a peculiar man, Queerpants. As Queerpants appears to conduct an imaginary performance, a throng of onlookers becomes entranced, showering the narrator with money as they are seemingly spellbound by the spectacle. The excitement crescendos as the crowd follows Queerpants to a strange, hovering structure that resembles a giant banana, where people willingly enter without apparent concern for their safety. Ultimately, the narrator, feeling alienated by the madness and left with a pile of money, grapples with the unsettling reality that everyone around him appears to have lost their sanity, leaving him questioning the events he has just witnessed.
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