The Greatest Romance Classics of All Time: 50 Novels in One Volume

Stendhal · Charles Dickens · William Shakespeare · Burton Egbert Stevenson · Charlotte Brontë · Anne Brontë · Emily Brontë · Henry James · Louisa May Alcott · Jane Austen · George Eliot · Walter Scott · Thomas Hardy · O. Douglas · Edith Wharton · Alexandre Dumas · Meredith Nicholson · Virginia Woolf · Nathaniel Hawthorne · Gaston Leroux · Grace Livingston Hill · Theodore Dreiser · Kate Chopin · Earl Derr Biggers · Fanny Burney · Georgette Heyer · H. G. Wells · E. M. Forster · F. Scott Fitzgerald · Leo Tolstoy · Elizabeth Gaskell · P.G. Wodehouse · R.D. Blackmore · Pierre Choderlos de Laclos · Madeleine L'Engle

Nov 2023 · DigiCat

About this ebook

The Greatest Romance Classics of All Time is a monumental collection that showcases the breadth and depth of romantic literature, spanning centuries and encapsulating a variety of literary styles. From the tragic depths of Tolstoy's explorations of love and loss to the witty and satirical amours immortalized by Jane Austen; from the Gothic passions of the Brontë sisters to the modernist portrayals of love's complexities by Virginia Woolf, this anthology offers a panoramic view of the ways in which romance has been conceived and reconceived in literary history. Standout pieces include the timeless tragedy of Shakespeare's star-crossed lovers, the intricate social dances of Edith Wharton's New York, and the poignant, unspoken desires in the works of E. M. Forster, highlighting the collection's range from the elation of young love to the introspection of love lost. The contributing authors, an illustrious assembly of some of literature's most revered names, bring to this collection an unmatched depth of cultural and historical contexts. The diversity of authors, spanning from the dawn of modern literature with Fanny Burney to the keen observations of social conventions and individual desires by Henry James and the innovative narrative styles of F. Scott Fitzgerald, mirrors the evolution of the romance genre itself. This anthology not only aligns with major literary movements—from Romanticism to Realism to Modernism—but also presents a unique dialogue across cultures and epochs, showcasing the universal and evolving nature of love and human connection. This collection is an indispensable treasure for those who wish to immerse themselves in the rich legacy of romance literature. It offers readers a unique opportunity to explore love in its myriad forms, from the fiery and tumultuous to the subtle and unspoken. This anthology is not merely a celebration of romantic love but an educational voyage through the landscapes of human emotion and societal norms as expressed through romantic encounters across time. It is a must-read for those looking to understand the multifaceted nature of love, appreciate the genius of literary giants, and experience the timeless dialogue between changing societies and the enduring human heart through the lens of romance.

About the author

Marie-Henri Beyle, known by his pen name Stendhal, was a prominent figure in 19th-century French literature. Born in 1783 in Grenoble, he had a profound relationship with the written word, which was markedly ahead of its time in terms of psychological depth and realism. Stendhal's literary style is characterized by a sharp analysis of his characters' psychology, a keen sense of irony, and a relentless pursuit of authenticity within the human experience. His storytelling was innovative, embedding a narrative marked by emotional intelligence within the broader context of post-Napoleonic France. His most significant works include 'The Red and the Black' and 'The Charterhouse of Parma', both of which are celebrated for their intricate character development and exploration of societal themes. Although 'The Greatest Romance Classics of All Time' is not a standalone book by Stendhal, it likely includes his work, reflecting his impact on the romance genre. Stendhal's perception of the 'crystallization' process in love—an analogy he draws from the act of objects being coated with layers of brilliance—has become a foundational concept in the understanding of romantic psychology. Leaving an indelible mark on literature, Stendhal's work remains integral to the study of the novel as an art form and continues to influence writers and thinkers worldwide.