Harvard Classics - The Complete Shelf of Fiction: Volume 1-20

Bjørnstjerne Bjørnson · Theodor Storm · Charles Dickens · Theodor Fontane · Gottfried Keller · Mark Twain · Edgar Allan Poe · Henry James · Victor Hugo · Jane Austen · Alphonse Daudet · Guy de Maupassant · George Eliot · Walter Scott · Laurence Sterne · Henry Fielding · George Sand · Washington Irving · Juan Valera · Alfred de Musset · Nathaniel Hawthorne · William Makepeace Thackeray · Edward Everett Hale · Francis Bret Harte · Ivan Turgenev · Leo Tolstoy · Fyodor Dostoevsky · Johann Wolfgang Goethe · Honoré Balzac · Alexander L. Kielland

Nov 2022 · DigiCat

About this ebook

The Harvard Classics - The Complete Shelf of Fiction encapsulates a monumental gathering of narrative richness, showcasing an extensive spectrum of literary styles, from the sumptuous romanticism of George Sand to the biting realism of Fyodor Dostoevsky. This anthology traverses a plethora of themes—love, morality, society, existential inquiry—while also engaging with a diversity of cultural landscapes. It is a testament to the enduring power of narrative to reflect and shape human experience. Within its pages lie standout pieces that have shaped the literary canon, offering readers a panoramic view of the literary achievements from the 19th to early 20th centuries, holding a mirror to the complexities and beauties of humankind across epochs and geographies. The contributors to this anthology are as varied in their backgrounds as they are in their writing styles. From the pastoral concerns of Tolstoy's Russian nobility to Charles Dickens's vivid depictions of Victorian England, each author brings their unique perspective to the collective tableau. The collection aligns with several key literary movements—Realism, Romanticism, the Gothic. This cohesion of diverse voices not only enriches the reader's understanding of the thematic threads woven through the anthology but also illustrates the universality of certain human preoccupations, regardless of cultural or historical context. Encouraging a deep dive into its carefully curated contents, The Harvard Classics - The Complete Shelf of Fiction offers readers an unrivaled opportunity to explore the multifaceted nature of narrative art across time and place. It stands as both an educational journey and a pleasure read, fostering a dialogue between the voices of the past and those of contemporary readers. The anthology beckons to all who seek to immerse themselves in the breadth and depth of human experience as captured by some of the finest storytellers in literary history.

About the author

Bjørnstjerne Bjørnson (1832-1910) was a luminary of Norwegian literature, whose work encompasses the realms of poetry, drama, and the novel. A key figure in the nation's literary landscape, Bjørnson is often mentioned alongside Henrik Ibsen, Alexander Kielland, and Jonas Lie as one of the 'Great Four' of 19th-century Norwegian writers. His prolific output contributed significantly to the development of a distinct Norwegian cultural identity during a period of rising nationalism. Rooted in the tradition of folk tales and ballads, his literature often focused on the rural life in Norway, embodying both the realist movement and elements of romantic nationalism. Bjørnson's novel 'Synnøve Solbakken' is a prime example of his early folk tale-inspired romanticism, while later works, such as 'En glad gut' (A Happy Boy), demonstrate his shift towards Realism. A vocal advocate for political reform and an ardent campaigner for the Norwegian language, Bjørnson's contributions to literature and public life were recognized when he was awarded the Nobel Prize in Literature in 1903. His inclusion in the 'Harvard Classics - The Complete Shelf of Fiction' speaks to his international acclaim and the enduring resonance of his literary voice.