Subject
Master and servant -- Fiction Books
Best books
Harriet Beecher Stowe
Uncle Tom's Cabin
"Uncle Tom's Cabin" by Harriet Beecher Stowe is a novel written in the mid-19th century that explores the moral complexities surrounding slavery in America. The story introduces us to a variety of characters affected by the institution of slavery, focusing particularly on Uncle Tom, a devout and dignified enslaved man, alongside other figures like Eliza, who is desperate to save her child from being sold, reflecting the heart-wrenching realities of such a system. The opening of the book sets the stage in Kentucky, where Mr. Shelby, in financial distress, contemplates selling Uncle Tom and the young boy Harry to settle debts while conversing with the trader Haley. Through their dialogue, Stowe highlights the inhumane circumstances under which slaves are viewed as property rather than human beings, and we witness the initial stirrings of turmoil that compel Eliza to flee with her son upon hearing of their impending sale. The emotional depth and ethical dilemmas presented in these early chapters lay the groundwork for a powerful narrative that challenges readers to confront the harsh truths of slavery.
Samuel Richardson
Pamela, or Virtue Rewarded
"Pamela, or Virtue Rewarded" by Samuel Richardson is an epistolary novel published in 1740. Through letters and journal entries, fifteen-year-old maidservant Pamela Andrews recounts her employer Mr. B's persistent unwanted advances after his mother's death. Torn between her religious principles and desire for approval, Pamela faces seduction attempts, assaults, and kidnapping as the wealthy landowner pursues her. This groundbreaking work explores virtue, class barriers, and the troubling boundaries between aggression and courtship in eighteenth-century England.
William Godwin
Caleb Williams; Or, Things as They Are
"Caleb Williams; Or, Things as They Are" by William Godwin is a three-volume novel published in 1794. A humble young man enters service with the wealthy Ferdinando Falkland, whose volatile temperament conceals a dark secret. When Caleb's curiosity leads him to uncover his master's guilt in a past murder, he becomes trapped in a desperate game of pursuit and persecution. This gripping tale exposes how power and institutions destroy innocent lives, offering a scathing critique of tyrannical justice in Godwin's England.
William Makepeace Thackeray
The Memoirs of Mr. Charles J. Yellowplush
"The Memoirs of Mr. Charles J. Yellowplush" by William Makepeace Thackeray is a novel written in the early 19th century, characterized by satirical humor and social commentary. The narrative is presented through the voice of the protagonist, Mr. Charles James Harrington Fitzroy Yellowplush, a former footman who offers an irreverent view of society and its class distinctions, reflecting Thackeray's ingenuity in critiquing the social structures of his time. At the start of the story, readers are introduced to the life and origins of Charles Yellowplush, who recounts his childhood and early experiences with his eccentric mother and a series of jobs as a servant. He shares various anecdotes, revealing the chaotic and often absurd circumstances of his upbringing. As he describes his first position working for Mr. Bago and later for the flamboyant master, Mr. Frederic Altamont, the stage is set for a blend of humor and social observation as Yellowplush navigates the complexities of servant-master dynamics and the world of fashion and money. His reflections provide insight into the lives of both lower and upper classes, making for an engaging exploration into Victorian society.
Harriet Beecher Stowe
Uncle Tom's Cabin, Young Folks' Edition
"Uncle Tom's Cabin, Young Folks' Edition" by Harriet Beecher Stowe is a historical novel written during the mid-19th century, specifically in the context of America's pre-Civil War tensions surrounding slavery. The book explores the moral implications of slavery, following its impact on both enslaved individuals and their owners, while advocating for the abolition of slavery. The story revolves around Uncle Tom, a devout and dignified enslaved man who is sold from his family and master, Mr. Shelby, to a cruel trader named Legree. As Tom experiences and witnesses the harsh realities of slavery, two parallel narratives emerge: the struggles of Eliza, a mother who escapes with her son Harry to prevent his sale, and the plight of Tom as he faces the brutality of his new master. Throughout their journeys, themes of sacrifice, faith, and the inherent humanity of enslaved people are poignantly illustrated. The book not only highlights the suffering of individuals under an oppressive system but also seeks to evoke empathy and inspire social change among its readers.
Clemens Brentano
Aus der Chronika eines fahrenden Schülers (Zweite Fassung)
"Aus der Chronika eines fahrenden Schülers (Zweite Fassung)" by Clemens Brentano is a narrative written between 1802-1806, with a later version published in 1818. Johannes, a poor wandering student born in 1358, finds work as a scribe for Knight Veltlin and entertains the household with stories. He recounts his own origins and shares interwoven tales of love, loss, and enchantment—including mysterious sisters drawn to dangerous seas, a beautiful beggar seeking sacred objects, and a seductive Pearl Spirit who lures mortals to their doom.
Júlia Lopes de Almeida
A Intrusa
"A Intrusa" by Júlia Lopes de Almeida is a novel written in the early 20th century. The story unfolds around Argemiro Cláudio, a widowed lawyer, who seeks a governess for his daughter, Maria da Glória, as he tries to navigate his life as a single father in a society layered with complexities and expectations. The characters' interactions reveal various aspects of domestic life and the struggles of personal relationships, particularly the themes of love, jealousy, and the challenges of accepting change. The opening of the novel introduces a rainy night scene at Argemiro's house, where he and his friends engage in conversation over a game of poker. This setting allows for an exploration of their personalities and a glimpse into Argemiro's solitude after losing his wife. The dialogue hints at personal ambitions, with political discussions and reflections on the nature of happiness, while establishing a backdrop of camaraderie tinged with underlying tensions. As Argemiro reveals his intention to hire a young woman from an advertisement to assist with his household and help care for his daughter, we witness both his desperation for companionship and the societal judgments that accompany such decisions—setting the stage for the conflicts that will arise as the story progresses.
Harriet Beecher Stowe
Onkel Tom's Hütte : $b oder die Geschichte eines christlichen Sklaven. Band 3 (von 3).
"Onkel Tom's Hütte: oder die Geschichte eines christlichen Sklaven" by Harriet Beecher Stowe is an anti-slavery novel published in 1852. Written in response to the Fugitive Slave Act, this sentimental work depicts the horrors of slavery through the story of Uncle Tom, a long-suffering enslaved man around whom other characters' lives revolve. Stowe asserts that Christian love could overcome slavery's evils. The novel became a bestseller, profoundly affecting American attitudes toward slavery and helping fuel the abolitionist movement that led toward the Civil War.
William Makepeace Thackeray
Les mémoires d'un valet de pied
"Les mémoires d'un valet de pied" by William Makepeace Thackeray is a satirical novel written in the mid-19th century. The story is told from the perspective of John-Herbert-Sigismond-Fitz-Roy de la Pluche, a footman who provides a humorous and critical view of the social dynamics surrounding the English aristocracy and those who serve them. The narrative sets the stage for an exploration of class distinctions, social ambitions, and the absurdities of human behavior. At the start of the novel, the protagonist introduces himself with a flourish, joking about his grand names and obscure parentage. He recounts his childhood and the chaotic life lived under the care of his mother, ultimately leading him to become a footman. The chapter presents his first master, Frédéric Altamont, and paints a picture of the household dynamics, particularly involving Mary Shum, the beautiful but troubled daughter of the landlord. Tensions arise from family disputes, jealousy between sisters, and the peculiarities of Altamont’s hidden life, hinting at the mysteries yet to unfold in their social interactions.
Harriet Beecher Stowe
Onkel Toms Hytte
"Onkel Toms Hytte" by Harriet Beecher Stowe is an anti-slavery novel published in 1852. The story centers on Uncle Tom, a long-suffering enslaved man whose experiences reveal the brutal realities of slavery in America. Written to expose slavery's horrors while promoting Christian love as a solution, the novel became a bestseller that profoundly shaped public attitudes. Its impact was so significant that it's credited with helping fuel the abolitionist movement and laying groundwork for the Civil War, making it a landmark in protest literature.
Harriet Beecher Stowe
La case de l'oncle Tom; ou, vie des nègres en Amérique
"La case de l'oncle Tom; ou, vie des nègres en Amérique" by Harriet Beecher Stowe is an anti-slavery novel published in 1852. Written in response to the Fugitive Slave Act, the novel depicts the horrors of slavery through the story of Uncle Tom, a long-suffering enslaved man around whom other characters' lives revolve. The book became a sensation, selling 300,000 copies in its first year and profoundly influencing American attitudes toward slavery. It is credited with helping fuel the abolitionist movement and laying groundwork for the Civil War.
William Makepeace Thackeray
Gedenkschriften van den heer Yellowplush : $b Voorheen bediende in vele aanzienlijke huizen
Translation of four of the pieces first published in Fraser's magazine, 1837-1840, under title: The Yellowplush correspondence. Several collections were later published under various titles: The Yellowplush correspondence; The Yellowplush papers; Memoirs of Mr. Charles J. Yellowplush.
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