Prospero, the rightful Duke of Milan, and his daughter, Miranda, were put out to sea in nothing more than a raft but were miraculously spared, arriving safely on an enchanted island. Using the island's magic, which the sorcerer Prospero has learned to control over many years, he conjures up a storm that envelopes a nearby ship containing his enemies. Each separate group of survivors is manipulated by Prospero. Will his marooned rivals apologize for their mistakes?
Orlando makes his way to the court of Duke Frederick, and falls desperately in love with the Duke's niece, Rosalind. Meanwhile, in the Forest of Arden, the Old Duke is living peacefully after having his throne usurped by his brother, Frederick. Orlando learns about a threat on his life and flees to the forest. Shortly thereafter, Rosalind is banished by her uncle and also seeks safety there disguised as a boy. Will the Old Duke recognize his daughter? Will the lovers be reunited?
A beautiful love story turns to tragedy when jealousy takes root. The powerful general, Othello, finds himself hurting the one person he loves most in the world, his wife, Desdemona, when he misplaces his trust in Iago. Treacherous and vindictive, Iago is enraged at being passed over for a promotion and plots his revenge against Othello setting off a chain of events that ends in the ultimate sacrifice.
Although Bassanio owes his friend Antonio a great deal of money, he must borrow more to make a good impression when he courts his true love, Portia. However, Antonio is short of cash and must borrow from the lender, Shylock. More problems arise when Antonio's ships are wrecked, leaving him penniless when Shylock's loan is due. Bassanio must now find a way to save his friend's life, but help is on the way from an unexpected source!
Dr. Jekyll's studies of transcendental medicine lead him to a fascinating discovery. He develops a magic potion that can split his dual nature into two separate identities- one good and one evil. As the evil Hyde, Jekyll is able to live out his wicked fantasies without shame or remorse. His experiments soon turn into a nightmare when Jekyll no longer has control over the transformations.
Prospero uses magic to raise a tempest at sea and wreck the ship of his enemies. What will he do when the survivors come ashore? Will he exact revenge? Or will he need all his magical powers to match his daughter with the love of her life?
Read two of the most intriguing mystery stories written by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle. In "The Adventure of the Speckled Band" the sharp-eyed Holmes, along with his friend, Dr. Watson, is able to save the life of a young woman fated by an evil stepfather to meet a horrifying death. "The Boscombe Valley Mystery" is even more difficult to solve, but Sherlock Holmes comes to the rescue again and saves an innocent young man from a fate he does not deserve.
Two boys- one a prince, the other a pauper- look so much alike that no one can tell them apart! Join them in the days of old England, as they switch places- the prince becoming a pauper and the pauper a prince.
Do UFO's really exist? Could creatures from another planet visit Earth? In The War of the Worlds they do exist and the visitors from the planet Mars come to Earth with not so friendly intentions- to destroy our civilizations! Can humans stop these monstrous invaders before they destroy everything and everyone on Earth?
In this graphic novel version of this early science fiction thriller, the heroes use science and natural resources of the island to create a safe life.
This unforgettable story takes place in nineteenth-century England, through the eyes of Black Beauty. The reader will feel the love and cruelty that this great stallion experiences. Beginning with Black Beauty's wonderful life with his master, Squire Gordon, and the kindness of Jerry Barker to the terrible times as a "cab" horse having to tolerate the torture of the "proper" English bearing reins, Black Beauty's story speaks for all animals that can't speak for themselves.
Dracula opens the door to the unknown. Do all superstitions have a basis in reality, or are they just folklore? Bram Stoker's Dracula is one of the most feared and most loved tales in literature. From Transylvania to London, the reader explores the dark side of mystery and intrigue riding on the coattails of Dracula's cape, changing from wolf to bat, and living on in the nighttime. Do vampires really exist? Read Dracula and decide for yourself.
Mark Twain allows the reader to live life through the eyes of the mischievous Tom Sawyer- the fear of being in the cemetary at the wrong time, the anxiety of being chased by Injun Joe, the excitement of finding buried treasure, the joy of being carefree, and the guilt of hurting Aunt Polly. Join Tom, Huck, Injun Joe, Aunt Polly, and the others on a roller coaster of emotions and excitement without ever leaving your favorite reading chair!
When young Henry Fleming joins the Union army, he dreams of becoming a great hero. But after running in terror from battle, he must face his cowardice and fight bravely to win back his self-respect. Filled with vivid battle scenese, The Red Badge of Courage is considered a masterpiece of literature about war.
A Christmas Carol is without question one of Charles Dickens' greatest works. This extremely popular story introduces some of the most timeless, internationally known characters such as Scrooge, the unforgettable miser; Bob Cratchit, the underpaid clerk; and Tiny Tim, Cratchit's frail, loving son.
Moby Dick is an exciting story about Captain Ahab's compelling obsession to get his revenge and defeat the Great White Whale. The story truly portrays the tragedy of hatred. This timeless epic is considered one of the strangest yet most powerful stories ever written.
You'll be kept in suspense with these four Edgar Allan Poe short stories! The Pit and the Pendulum, The Fall of the House of Usher, The Cask of Amontillado, The Murders in the Rue Morgue.
Many people think that Charlotte Brontë loosely based Jane Eyre on her own life and experiences. See how Brontë tells her story through the eyes of Jane Eyre. Even though Jane was orphaned at an early age and forced to live with her evil aunt, Mrs. Reed, she still managed to be happy. Read along as Jane travels to Lowood School and eventually to Thornfield Hall where she meets Mr. Rochester, the only true love she ever knows.
Have you ever wondered what it would be like to go back in time, knowing what you know now? That is the story of a Connecticut Yankee who is magically transported back to King Arthur's time. But with the knowledge of modern technology. Will modern technology win out over the magic of Merline, the court magician?
Follow the adventures of Buck, a loving family pet, who is stolen from his comfortable home to become a sled dog in the Yukon gold rush territory. As Buck faces freezing temperatures, starvation, and cruelty, he learns that he must be brutal to survive.
A Midsummer Night's Dream takes place in mythical Athens. The theme of the story is that love has no laws and is blind and unpredictable. William Shakespeare wrote many great comedies and tragedies. This story, an entertaining fantasy, takes the reader through a romantic farce on a midsummer's eve, during a time of great rejoicing amongst the elves and fairies who live in the woods. Puck, Oberon, Theseus, Hermia, Demetrius, Helena, Bottom, and Lysander are just a few of the characters in this timeless, world-famous comedy.
This is the sad fate of Philippe, twin brother of the King of France, until a daring plan to rescue him unfolds.
In a time before jet planes or fast boats, Phileas Fogg bets he can go around the world in eighty days- a then unheard of record time. Travel with him as he board boats, trains, and even an elephant! Will he beat the deadline and be rich? Or, will he be ruined?
When a brilliant scientist discovers an invisibility formula, he turns to a life of crime- stealing and terrorizing the public.
This story exemplifies camaraderie and the loyalty the musketeers had to their king, queen, and country. The main characters; Athos, Porthos, and Aramis, the adventurous three musketeers, later joined by d'Artagnan, all unite in their dedication to the defense of France and the destruction of Lady de Winter, "Milady," the conniving spy of Cardinal Richelieu and wicked murderer of Constance Bonacieux, the loyal seamstress and friend of the French Queen.
