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Dogs -- Fiction Books

Best books

Arthur Conan Doyle

The Hound of the Baskervilles

"The Hound of the Baskervilles" by Arthur Conan Doyle is a crime novel serialized from 1901 to 1902. Sherlock Holmes and Watson investigate a centuries-old legend of a demonic hound haunting the Baskerville family on the desolate moors of Dartmoor. When Sir Charles Baskerville dies under mysterious circumstances, his heir Sir Henry arrives from Canada to claim his inheritance—only to face strange threats and supernatural dangers. Holmes must determine whether the curse is real or if a cunning murderer lurks behind the legend.

Jack London

The call of the wild

"The Call of the Wild" by Jack London is an adventure novel published in 1903. Buck, a powerful dog living comfortably in California, is stolen and sold into service as a sled dog during the Klondike Gold Rush. Thrust into the brutal Yukon wilderness, he must fight to survive among other dogs and harsh masters. As Buck endures the unforgiving environment, he grows increasingly primitive, shedding his domesticated life and answering an ancient instinct that pulls him toward something wild and primal.

Jerome K. (Jerome Klapka) Jerome

Three men in a boat (to say nothing of the dog)

"Three Men in a Boat (To Say Nothing of the Dog)" by Jerome K. Jerome is a humorous novel published in 1889. Three friends and a dog embark on a two-week boating holiday up the Thames from Kingston to Oxford. What begins as a planned travel guide transforms into a comic masterpiece filled with misadventures, digressive anecdotes, and witty observations about everything from camping disasters to fishing mishaps. The humor remains fresh over a century later, capturing the timeless absurdities of friendship, leisure, and the great British pastime of muddling through.

Arthur Conan Doyle

The Hound of the Baskervilles

"The Hound of the Baskervilles" by Arthur Conan Doyle is a crime novel serialized from August 1901 to April 1902. Set on the eerie moors of Dartmoor, the story follows Sherlock Holmes and Dr. Watson as they investigate a terrifying legend: a demonic hound that has cursed the Baskerville family for generations. When Sir Charles Baskerville dies under mysterious circumstances and his heir arrives from Canada, strange events begin to unfold. Is the hound supernatural, or is something more sinister at play?

Mark Twain

A Dog's Tale

"A Dog's Tale" by Mark Twain is a short story written in 1903. Told from the perspective of a mixed-breed dog, the narrative follows her devotion to her human family through moments of heroism and heartbreak. After saving a child from a nursery fire, she suffers a cruel misunderstanding. Later, tragedy strikes when her own puppy becomes the victim of a scientific experiment, leading to a haunting conclusion about loyalty, sacrifice, and the innocent suffering of animals.

Alfred Ollivant

Bob, Son of Battle

"Bob, Son of Battle" by Alfred Ollivant is a children's book published in 1898. Set in England's North Country, it tells the story of two rival sheepdogs and their masters locked in bitter competition. Young David is caught between his cruel, alcoholic father M'Adam and his surrogate father figure James Moore. As the dogs compete for the coveted Shepherd's Trophy, a mysterious sheep killer threatens the community, and suspicion falls on both champions. The tale follows David's struggle toward manhood amid rivalry, romance, and dark secrets.

Jack London

Michael, Brother of Jerry

"Michael, Brother of Jerry" by Jack London is a novel likely written in the early 20th century. This story follows the adventures of Michael, an Irish terrier, as he navigates the human world after being separated from his former companion, Jerry. Through Michael's eyes, readers will explore themes of companionship, loyalty, and the brutal realities of human nature, particularly the treatment of animals. The opening of the novel sets the stage with a foreword that reflects on the author's disdain for the cruelty involved in training animals for entertainment, a sentiment that affects his characters and their interactions. Michael is introduced on the shores of Tulagi, where he forms an immediate bond with Dag Daughtry, a ship's steward on the steamer Makambo. As Michael is mistaken for a lost dog and subsequently follows Daughtry on board, a series of events unfolds that involves Michael meeting new characters and confronting the complexities of loyalty and identity in a world where he is caught between the innocence of doghood and the harsh realities of mankind. This opening passage draws the reader into a narrative that promises to explore deeper issues surrounding humanity's relationship with animals while showcasing Michael's spirited personality.

Marshall Saunders

Beautiful Joe: An Autobiography

"Beautiful Joe: An Autobiography" by Marshall Saunders is a novel published in 1893. Told from a dog's perspective, the story follows Beautiful Joe, an abused dog rescued from near death after his cruel owner mutilated him. Written as an animal autobiography inspired by "Black Beauty," this groundbreaking tale brought worldwide attention to animal cruelty. The book became the first Canadian work to sell over a million copies, winning a Humane Society contest and touching readers globally with its unique narrative approach.

Eleanor Atkinson

Greyfriars Bobby

"Greyfriars Bobby" by Eleanor Atkinson is a novel published in 1912 based on the true Scottish legend of a devoted dog. Written from the dog's perspective, the story follows Bobby and his deep bond with Auld Jock, a humble shepherd. When his master dies, the loyal Skye terrier faces an impossible choice between survival and devotion. Set in Edinburgh and rich with Scottish dialogue, this tale explores the extraordinary lengths of canine loyalty and captures a heartwarming chapter of Scottish folklore.

Lester Del Rey

Keepers of the house

No description available.

Marshall Saunders

"Boy" the Wandering Dog: Adventures of a Fox-Terrier

"Boy" the Wandering Dog: Adventures of a Fox-Terrier by Marshall Saunders is a work of fiction written in the early 20th century. The narrative follows a resourceful and expressive fox-terrier named Boy as he navigates the challenges of urban life and seeks companionship and adventure in the bustling city of New York. Throughout the story, themes of loyalty, friendship, and the unique perspectives of animals are explored. At the start of the story, Boy arrives in New York after his wanderings and immediately realizes the importance of making friends in such a vast city. He encounters a rather gruff bulldog named Gringo, who initially appears standoffish but soon warms up to Boy, sharing insights about the city and its challenges for dogs. As their conversation unfolds, Boy also reflects on the changes he's seen in the city and his desire to belong, showcasing his witty personality and sharp observations about both human and animal behavior. The opening portion sets the tone for a whimsical yet profound exploration of life through the eyes of a dog, inviting readers to empathize with Boy’s adventures and the fascinating characters he meets.

Arthur Conan Doyle

Tajemnica Baskerville'ów: dziwne przygody Sherlocka Holmes

"Tajemnica Baskerville'ów: dziwne przygody Sherlocka Holmes" by Arthur Conan Doyle is a crime novel serialized from August 1901 to April 1902. When a legendary demonic hound appears connected to the mysterious death of Sir Charles Baskerville, Sherlock Holmes and Dr. Watson investigate the curse plaguing the Baskerville family on the desolate moors of Dartmoor. As the new heir arrives to claim his inheritance, strange occurrences multiply and danger lurks in the fog, testing Holmes's powers of deduction against supernatural terror.

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