Subject
British -- Europe -- Fiction Books
Best books
William Makepeace Thackeray
Vanity Fair
"Vanity Fair" by William Makepeace Thackeray is a novel published serially from 1847 to 1848. Set during and after the Napoleonic Wars, it follows two contrasting women: the cunning, ambitious Becky Sharp, who schemes her way through society despite having no money, and the gentle, wealthy Amelia Sedley. Subtitled "A Novel without a Hero," this satirical work deconstructs traditional ideas of heroism while exposing the vanities and pretensions of early 19th-century British society through an unreliable narrator who frames the story as a puppet show.
Benjamin Disraeli
Vivian Grey
"Vivian Grey" by Earl of Beaconsfield Benjamin Disraeli is a novel published in 1826. This debut work follows an ambitious young man's ruthless pursuit of political power through manipulation and scheming. Lacking experience and navigating England's rigid social structure, Vivian attempts to organize a political party around an influential but ineffectual member of parliament. His naivete and arrogance lead to catastrophic failure, delivering a brutal lesson in human behavior and the realities of the political machine.
Henry James
Confidence
"Confidence" by Henry James is a novel first published in 1879. This light comedy follows artist Bernard Longueville, who is asked by his friend, scientist Gordon Wright, to judge whether he should marry the enigmatic Angela Vivian. Bernard advises against the match, setting off a chain of romantic entanglements and misunderstandings. Years later, Bernard encounters Angela again and discovers his own feelings have changed. The story explores how people deceive themselves and questions whether life can be governed by rational principles.
Anthony Trollope
The Man Who Kept His Money in a Box
"The Man Who Kept His Money in a Box" by Anthony Trollope is a short narrative written during the Victorian era, specifically in the mid-19th century. This tale revolves around themes of travel, trust, and financial security as it chronicles an encounter with an Englishman, Mr. Greene, who is excessively protective over a box containing his money and jewelry. The story captures both the whimsical and precarious nature of human relationships that develop among strangers during their travels. The story follows an unnamed narrator who first meets Mr. Greene and his family while traveling through picturesque regions of Switzerland and Italy. As the Greene family embarks on their journey, Mr. Greene reveals his penchant for carrying cash in an easily stealable box. The narrative escalates when the box goes missing after a boat trip to Bellaggio, prompting a chaotic search for it. As the urgency builds, the narrator becomes embroiled in the family's misadventure, leading him to question the genuineness of their plight. Ultimately, the mixed feelings of sympathy and suspicion towards the Greene family highlight the themes of trust and the human condition, particularly in the context of financial matters and personal interactions among travelers. The conclusion reveals the lost box's unexpected return, and with it, the complexities of human interactions amidst the chaos of travel.
William Makepeace Thackeray
La foire aux vanités, Tome I
"La foire aux vanités, Tome I" by William Makepeace Thackeray is a novel first published as a monthly serial from 1847 to 1848. The story follows two contrasting young women—cunning, ambitious Becky Sharp and gentle, well-to-do Amelia Sedley—as they navigate British society during the Napoleonic Wars. Framed as a puppet show with an unreliable narrator, this satirical work deconstructs conventional notions of heroism while exposing the vanities and moral complexities of early 19th-century England through interconnected tales of romance, betrayal, and social climbing.
William Makepeace Thackeray
La foire aux vanités, Tome II
"La foire aux vanités, Tome II" by William Makepeace Thackeray is a novel first published as a monthly serial from 1847 to 1848. This satirical tale follows the cunning Becky Sharp and gentle Amelia Sedley through British society during the Napoleonic Wars. Framed as a puppet show with an unreliable narrator, the story weaves ambition, romance, and social climbing against the backdrop of war. With its subtitle "A Novel without a Hero," Thackeray dismantles conventional literary heroism while exposing the vanities of early nineteenth-century England.
Benjamin Disraeli
Venetia
"Venetia" by Earl of Beaconsfield Benjamin Disraeli is a novel published in 1837, the year he entered Parliament. This romantic fantasy reimagines the lives of Lord Byron and Percy Shelley under different names and circumstances. Critics found the portraits flawed, with confused portrayals that blend traits of both poets. Written while Disraeli faced mounting debts, the novel served largely as a commercial venture, reshaping Byron's image for Victorian readers.
Unknown
High Noon: A New Sequel to 'Three Weeks'
"High Noon: A New Sequel to 'Three Weeks'" by Elinor Glyn is a novel written in the early 20th century. This story serves as a continuation of the earlier tale from "Three Weeks," exploring the life and emotional journey of Sir Paul Verdayne after significant loss. The opening introduces readers to the complex psyche of Paul as he navigates his sorrow, love, and the determination to move forward in life amidst memories that haunt him. The beginning of the novel sets the stage with Paul traveling to Switzerland, reflecting on his past and the love he once had. Immersed in nostalgia, he plans to revisit the locations tied to his cherished memories, yet is resolute in his decision to seek comfort in the embrace of a new future with Isabella Waring. Characters from his past intrigue him, including Daisy Livingstone, an American girl who becomes fascinated by him, and the enigmatic Comtesse de Boistelle. Their presence indicates a shifting dynamic in Paul’s life, as unexpected encounters and the specter of lost love begin to intertwine, hinting at unfolding romantic complications.
K. (Kate) Prichard
A Modern Mercenary
"A Modern Mercenary" by K. Prichard and H. Hesketh-Prichard is a novel written in the early 20th century. The story centers around John Rallywood, a lieutenant in the Frontier Cavalry of the small and politically volatile Duchy of Maäsau. As the narrative unfolds, it explores the themes of honor, duty, and the intricate dynamics of a society on the brink of conflict, potentially embroiling Rallywood in military and political intrigue. The opening portion introduces the reader to the capital city of Révonde and establishes the atmosphere of tension that characterizes Maäsau. Rallywood has spent years on the frontier and is contemplating resigning, feeling unfulfilled and eager for adventure. Through a conversation with Major Counsellor, Rallywood learns about the brewing troubles in Maäsau and the consequences of his potential departure. He soon receives a summons from the Chancellor, Selpdorf, hinting at opportunities that await him—an invitation that leads to his reappointment as a captain in the Guard. As tensions mount and the backdrop of political machinations takes shape, Rallywood's journey into a world filled with danger, social complexities, and potential romance begins.
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