Benjamin Briggent Libri

Tales of the Alhambra is a collection of essays, verbal sketches, and stories by Washington Irving. Shortly after completing a biography of Christopher Columbus in 1828, Washington Irving traveled from Madrid, where he had been staying, to Granada, Spain. At first sight, he described it as "a most picturesque and beautiful city, situated in one of the loveliest landscapes that I have ever seen." Irving was preparing a book called A Chronicle of the Conquest of Granada, a history of the years 1478–1492, and was continuing his research on the topic. He immediately asked the then-governor of the historic Alhambra Palace as well as the archbishop of Granada for access to the palace, which was granted because of Irving's celebrity status. Aided by a 17-year old guide named Mateo Ximenes, Irving was inspired by his experience to write Tales of the Alhambra. Throughout his trip, he filled his notebooks and journals with descriptions and observations though he did not believe his writing would ever do it justice. He wrote, "How unworthy is my scribbling of the place." Irving continued to travel through Spain until he was appointed as secretary of legation at the United States Embassy in London, serving under the incoming minister Louis McLane. He arrived in London by late September 1829. -- from Wikipedia

Broadview's edition of this classic realist novella includes a very broad range of historical appendices.

Jane Austen è una delle poche, autentiche grandi scrittrici che hanno saputo fare breccia nei cuori e nelle menti di tutti i lettori, senza eccezioni. Fra i suoi tanti capolavori, "Orgoglio e pregiudizio" (pubblicato nel 1813) è sicuramente il più popolare e amato: le cinque figlie dell'indimenticabile Mrs Bennet, tutte in cerca di un'adeguata sistemazione matrimoniale, offrono l'occasione per tracciare un quadro frizzante e profondo della vita nella campagna inglese di fine Settecento. I destini di Elizabeth, Jane, Mr Bingley e dell'ombroso Mr Darcy intrecciano un balletto irresistibile, una danza psicologica che getta luce sulla multiforme imprendibilità dell'animo umano, specie quando si trova alle prese con l'amore o qualcosa che all'amore somiglia.

Featuring selected stories from Lovecraft's renowned Cthulhu mythos, this elegant gift edition showcases his extraordinary imagination through classic tales like "The Call of Cthulhu" and "The Shunned House." Readers will encounter terrifying rituals, grotesque comedies, and chilling narratives that delve into themes of insanity. The book is beautifully designed with a silver embossed cover and stenciled page edges, making it a striking addition for fans of pioneering science fiction.

The narrative explores the satirical voyages of its protagonist, highlighting the absurdities of human nature through encounters with various fantastical societies. Each voyage, from Lilliput to the land of the Houyhnhnms, critiques contemporary politics and social norms. Jonathan Swift employs a sharp, ironic style that has influenced the genre of satire, making this work a cornerstone of English literature. The new edition includes an introductory chapter by George Edward Woodberry, enhancing the reader's understanding of Swift's impact and legacy.

Il singolare "caso" del dottor Jekyll e del suo doppio, il signor Hyde, diventa teatro di uno spietato confronto tra istinto e ragione, tra le esigenze della virtù e le pulsioni più oscure e ribelli che albergano ne] cuore dell'uomo. Scritto in maniera lucida ed essenziale, divenuto ormai un classico dell'horror per il clima di mistero e di terrore in cui si svolge la vicenda, questo racconto ha pagine di alta potenza suggestiva, che uniscono al brivido e alla suspense lo spirito austero e ferrigno dei sermoni.

"Heart of Darkness" is one of the most significant British novels. Written during the height of imperialism, Conrad explores themes of evil, colonial obsession, and racial madness. The story follows Marlow, a sailor who recounts a pivotal experience to four friends aboard a ship at the Thames estuary. As the captain of a steamboat in the Congo, Marlow embarks on a two-month journey into the wilderness, serving a colonial company that brutally imposes nonsensical rules on the locals while extracting treasures from the jungle. In his quest for the unscrupulous colonialist Kurtz, Marlow delves deeper into the enigmatic jungle, confronting the unfathomable darkness that resides within the human soul and uncovering horror. This narrative serves as a profound examination of the experiences that give rise to racial madness, illuminating the complexities of imperialism and human nature.