Classic English Style

Perhaps the most famous epic poems ever written, the Iliad and the Odyssey have been read for nearly 3,000 years, making them the oldest written works in the Western world. The poems made characters like Paris, Helen, Odysseus, Achilles, Hector, and Ajax instantly recognizable, and they also influenced other ancient poets like Virgil, whose Aeneid is clearly modeled after them.

Drum-Taps is a collection of poetry written by Walt Whitman during the American Civil War and first published in 1865. Drum-Taps contains poems that bear witness to the violence of war.

The first of Homer's epic poems tells of the counsel of Nestor, Achilles' slaying of Hector, and the defeat of the Trojans by the Greeks.

This is a story from the Chilling Ghost Stories collection. The Raven, by Edgar Allan Poe, tells of a talking raven's mysterious visit to a distraught lover, tracing the man's slow fall into madness. First published in January 1845, the poem is often noted for its musicality, stylized language, and supernatural atmosphere.

A collection of classic erotic poetry including "The Kiss", "A Woman Waits For Me", and "Between Your Sheets".

The Iliad of Homer is the earliest work of European literature that we have. Created in the eighth century BC it has continued to arouse interest for over 2000 years. The author intended it to be heard, as delivered by a bard or rhapsode who had made the presentation of Greek epic poetry his profession, and who had command of the vocal resources and the dramatic power to move his audience.

This collection was published in 1923 and won the Pulitzer Prize for the author in the following year. It is laid out in three main sections. The first is a lengthy poem, titled New Hampshire, the name being given to the entire collection. The second section bears the title "Notes", and consists of 14 poems, including the mini drama, "The Witch of Coös". The final section, which contains 30 poems, many of which are very short, is titled "Grace Notes."

Many masters employed the form of the sonnet, including Petrarch, Spenser, Shakespeare, Keats, and Robert Bridges. However, the most celebrated, and oft quoted, examples are to be found in the collection by Shakespeare, first published in 1609. In the 154 poems, Shakespeare surveys and dissects the subject of love in all its guises, and its relationship with youth, age, illness, death, and memory.

There have been many translators of Chinese literature and poetry over time, but Arthur Waley stands out as one of the best known and most loved. This is perhaps because he had an attribute that most others lacked, which is his poetic abilities. Waley was as much a poet himself as a translator, and while his scholarly erudition was matched by a few others at his time, none ever managed to bring out the true character of Chinese poetry quite so well.

"Annabel Lee" tells the story of young love cut short by tragedy. As the speaker (often assumed to be based on Poe himself, whose young wife died shortly before he wrote this poem) discusses his relationship with the now-deceased Annabel Lee, he presents the love between them as pure, eternal, and all-conquering. The love between the speaker and Annabel Lee may have been short-lived, but it remains too powerful to be defeated, even by death. Through describing this intensely idealized love, the poem argues that love is the strongest force on earth.

Jean-Michel La Grenouille has a lot going for him. He's a prince. Handsome. Filthy rich. And definitely charming. But he also spent his first few years as a fly-catching, pond-dwelling frog. All that saved him was the kiss of The One, the girl who saw nobility through his slimy form and fell into True Love. Okay, fine. Technically she was a toddler who tried to eat him, but whatever. The curse broke, and as long as he finds and marries her by his 30th birthday, he's a free man.

Embark on an exhilarating literary journey with "Science Fiction Novels Vol. 03: Five Science Fiction Novels" - a remarkable anthology crafted by the visionary authors of the Shadowplay Collective. Delve into the captivating worlds of the Golden Age of Science Fiction as you immerse yourself in five extraordinary tales that push the boundaries of imagination. In "Galactic Colonization," witness humanity's audacious quest to explore the cosmos and establish colonies on distant celestial bodies. Join intrepid pioneers as they navigate uncharted territories, encounter alien civilizations, and ...

Prepare to be captivated by "Science Fiction Novels Vol. 02: Five Science Fiction Novels," - a breathtaking anthology penned by the visionary authors of the Shadowplay Collective. Delve into the realms of the Golden Age of Science Fiction as you embark on an extraordinary journey through five captivating tales that will ignite your imagination and leave you spellbound. In "Captive," immerse yourself in a high-stakes game of survival where protagonists are thrust into a world of intrigue, danger, and captivity. Unravel the mysteries behind their imprisonment as they navigate treacherous ...

Immerse yourself in the captivating world of "Science Fiction Novels Vol. 04: Five Science Fiction Novels" - an exceptional anthology penned by the visionary authors of the Shadowplay Collective. Journey through the realms of the Golden Age of Science Fiction as you embark on a thrilling adventure across five extraordinary tales that will ignite your imagination and leave you spellbound. "The Only Ship" sets sail on an interstellar voyage, where a courageous crew battles against insurmountable odds to save humanity from an impending cosmic catastrophe. As they navigate treacherous space, ...

Join us! "Science Fiction Novels Vol. 05: Five Science Fiction Novels" is a captivating collection of literary gems, crafted by the talented minds of the Shadowplay Collective. Step into a world brimming with awe-inspiring wonders, imaginative realms, and gripping adventures, all masterfully written in the cherished style of the Golden Age of Science Fiction. Within this volume, you will embark on an unforgettable journey through five extraordinary tales that push the boundaries of human imagination. Brace yourself as you encounter a diverse array of characters, intricate plotlines, and ...

"Science Fiction Novels Vol. 06: Five Science Fiction Novels" - a captivating anthology written by the visionary authors of the Shadowplay Collective. Delve into a world of wonder and imagination as you journey through five extraordinary tales, lovingly crafted in the style of the Golden Age of Science Fiction. In "The Armageddon Weapon," prepare for an epic clash between powerful forces vying for control of a devastating weapon capable of reshaping the destiny of civilizations. With high-stakes conflicts, intricate plots, and larger-than-life characters, this novel will keep you on the ...

From Cover to Cover and Sea to Shining Sea: The Authors who gave America its Voice Instant American Literature delves into our rich literary heritage. Filled with quirky facts and lively illustrations, this spirited survey visits the war-torn trenches with Stephen Crane, creeps through the nightmarish realm of Edgar Allan Poe, and ponders Walden Pond with henry David Thoreau and Ralph Waldo Emerson. If you don’t know who (or what!) Natty Bumppo is or which legendary torne made famous the words “Simplicity! Simplicity! Simplicity! Then this book is for you. In this vastly informative ...

Dive into the riveting world of "Science Fiction Novels Vol. 08: Five Science Fiction Novels" - an enthralling anthology brought to life by the brilliant minds of the Shadowplay Collective. Inspired by the Golden Age of Science Fiction, this collection promises to transport readers on a mesmerizing journey through captivating narratives and thrilling adventures. In "Certainly Not Dead," join a cast of intriguing characters as they unravel the enigma of immortality. Blending mystery, suspense, and mind-bending concepts, this tale will keep you guessing until the final revelation. "The Virgin...

This poetic exploration of the subject of love was composed in Italy 1821, and published anonymously, as the poet wished its circulation to be restricted to the "esoteric few." The title means "concerning or about a little soul", the subject, in this case, being Shelley's inamorata of the time, Countess Teresa (designated "Emily" in the poem) Viviani, a young woman who was immured in the Convent of Saint Anna by her father. Shelley had had a number of contacts with her by letter and in person.

Are you a fan of science fiction short stories? Do you crave the thrill of exploring new worlds, meeting alien species, and facing impossible challenges? Look no further than Science Fiction Short Stories Vol. 06, a collection of gripping tales that will transport you to the farthest reaches of the universe and beyond. Written by The Shadowplay Collective, this anthology is a must-read for anyone who loves to lose themselves in a good story. In this volume, you'll encounter a diverse array of settings, from the icy wastes of a distant planet to the bustling streets of a futuristic ...