Subject
Great Britain -- History -- Victoria, 1837-1901 -- Fiction Books
Best books
Oscar Wilde
The Picture of Dorian Gray
"The Picture of Dorian Gray" by Oscar Wilde is a philosophical fiction and Gothic horror novel published in 1890. When a beautiful young man wishes that his portrait would age instead of himself, his desire becomes terrifyingly real. As Dorian pursues a life of pleasure and moral corruption, he remains eternally youthful while his painted image transforms into a horrifying record of his sins. Wilde explores beauty, morality, and the dangerous influence of hedonistic philosophy in this tale of vanity and its consequences.
Oscar Wilde
The Picture of Dorian Gray
"The Picture of Dorian Gray" by Oscar Wilde is a philosophical fiction and Gothic horror novel published in 1890. When a beautiful young man wishes that his portrait would age instead of himself, his desire comes horrifyingly true. As Dorian pursues a life of hedonistic pleasure and immoral experiences, he remains youthful while his portrait darkens with every sin. Wilde explores themes of beauty, morality, and the corrupting influence of unchecked desire in this classic work that sparked controversy upon release but remains his most famous novel.
William Makepeace Thackeray
The History of Pendennis, Volume 2 His Fortunes and Misfortunes, His Friends and His Greatest Enemy
"The History of Pendennis, Volume 2" by William Makepeace Thackeray is a novel published between 1848-1850. This bildungsroman follows young Arthur Pendennis as he navigates London society, pursuing literary ambitions while entangled in romantic complications. From flirtations with the manipulative Blanche Amory to an innocent attachment with working-class Fanny Bolton, Pen's choices test his character and threaten family bonds. Meanwhile, his cynical uncle schemes, dark secrets emerge about the Clavering family, and misunderstandings drive wedges between those who love him most.
Oscar Wilde
The Picture of Dorian Gray
"The Picture of Dorian Gray" by Oscar Wilde is a philosophical fiction and Gothic horror novel published in 1890. When a beautiful young man named Dorian Gray sees his portrait, he rashly wishes that the painting would age instead of himself. His wish granted, Dorian pursues a life of hedonistic pleasure and immoral experiences while remaining eternally young. Meanwhile, the portrait mysteriously ages and reveals the true cost of his sins. This provocative tale explores beauty, morality, and the consequences of living without ethical boundaries.
Eva March Tappan
In the Days of Queen Victoria
"In the Days of Queen Victoria" by Eva March Tappan is a historical account written in the early 20th century. This work aims to recount the life and times of Queen Victoria, particularly focusing on her early childhood and the circumstances surrounding her ascent to the throne. It intricately portrays the political and familial dynamics leading up to her reign, providing insights into her character, upbringing, and the expectations placed upon her as a future monarch. At the start of the book, we are introduced to Princess Victoria's early life, beginning with her christening and the discussion of her name among her family. The narrative captures the affections of her father, the Duke of Kent, and the warm interactions with her mother and the royal family, all while foreshadowing the weight of her future responsibilities. As the book progresses through her childhood, it illustrates her education and shy yet warm demeanor, highlighting her innate qualities that would define her reign. The opening details not only her upbringing in a most caring environment but also sets the stage for the political landscape that will affect her reign as she ultimately becomes Queen of England.
William Makepeace Thackeray
The History of Pendennis
"The History of Pendennis" by William Makepeace Thackeray is a novel published between 1848-1850. Young Arthur Pendennis leaves his comfortable country home to make his way in London society. Through romantic misadventures, financial missteps, and encounters with rogues and social climbers, Pen navigates the treacherous waters of 19th-century English aristocratic life. Thackeray crafts a satirical bildungsroman featuring memorable characters like the snobbish Major Pendennis and the scheming flirt Blanche Amory, offering sharp insights into human character and the pursuit of fortune.
Oscar Wilde
Das Bildnis des Dorian Gray
"Das Bildnis des Dorian Gray" by Oscar Wilde is a philosophical fiction and Gothic horror novel published in 1890. When a beautiful young man wishes that his portrait would age instead of himself, his desire becomes horrifyingly real. As Dorian pursues a life of hedonistic pleasure and immoral experiences, he remains eternally youthful while his painted image darkly transforms, recording every sin. This exploration of beauty, morality, and the corruption of the soul became Wilde's only novel and a cornerstone of Gothic literature.
William Makepeace Thackeray
A History of Pendennis, Volume 1 His fortunes and misfortunes, his friends and his greatest enemy
"A History of Pendennis, Volume 1" by William Makepeace Thackeray is a novel published between 1848-1850. It follows young Arthur Pendennis as he navigates the pitfalls of English society, from a youthful infatuation with an older actress to extravagant university life and London's literary world. Surrounded by memorable characters—including his snobbish uncle Major Pendennis and various romantic interests—Arthur must mature beyond his sheltered upbringing. This bildungsroman offers Thackeray's characteristic satirical examination of ambition, social climbing, and the journey toward adulthood in nineteenth-century England.
William Makepeace Thackeray
Geschiedenis van Arthur Pendennis : $b Zijn voor- en tegenspoed, zijn vrienden en zijn grootsten vijand
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Oscar Wilde
Le portrait de Dorian Gray
"Le portrait de Dorian Gray" by Oscar Wilde is a philosophical fiction and Gothic horror novel published in 1890. When a beautiful young man named Dorian Gray sees his portrait, he wishes it would age instead of him. His wish is granted, and Dorian pursues a life of hedonistic pleasure and immoral experiences while remaining eternally young. Meanwhile, his portrait ages and reveals the corruption of his soul. The novel explores themes of beauty, morality, and the influence of art on life.
Hugh Walpole
The Duchess of Wrexe, Her Decline and Death; A Romantic Commentary
"The Duchess of Wrexe, Her Decline and Death; A Romantic Commentary" by Hugh Walpole is a novel written in the early 20th century. The story centers around the indomitable figure of the Duchess of Wrexe and the impact of her influential presence on the society surrounding her. As the narrative unfolds, various characters navigate their lives within this aristocratic setting, dealing with personal struggles, secrets, and the looming presence of the Duchess, who embodies both power and decay. The opening of the novel introduces Felix Brun, an art enthusiast eager to share a newly unveiled portrait of the Duchess at a gallery. As he converses with Arkwright, an explorer recently returned from Africa, we are drawn into the atmosphere around the Duchess, whose formidable spirit seems to transcend her physical depiction. Through their dialogue, hints of family tensions emerge, particularly concerning Rachel Beaminster, the Duchess's granddaughter, who feels the weight of her family's expectations. The stage is set for a story that explores themes of tradition, identity, power dynamics, and the complexities of familial relationships intertwined with societal changes.
Charles Dickens
Mrs. Lirriper's Legacy
"Mrs. Lirriper's Legacy" by Charles Dickens is a novella that belongs to the genre of fiction, specifically focusing on domestic and social themes. Written during the Victorian era, this tale offers a rich tapestry of characters and events centered around the life of Mrs. Emma Lirriper, a kind-hearted landlady running a lodging house in London. The story delves into topics of legacy, human goodness, and the complexities of relationships, all intertwined with Dickens's characteristic wit and social commentary. The narrative unfolds through Mrs. Lirriper's perspective as she recounts the various eccentricities of her lodgers and her life. The plot thickens with the unexpected arrival of news regarding a dying Englishman in France, who leaves a financial legacy for her. This man turns out to be the estranged father of Jemmy, Mrs. Lirriper's grandson, connecting the threads of the past and present. As Mrs. Lirriper grapples with forgiveness and the notion of familial ties, the story culminates in a poignant revelation about love, loss, and redemption, encapsulating Dickens's exploration of human resilience and compassion amidst life's tribulations.
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