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Among the Gnomes: An Occult Tale of Adventure in the Untersberg by Franz Hartmann

In this captivating novel, the protagonist, Karl, embarks on a mystical journey into the heart of the Untersberg mountain range near Salzburg, Austria. As a student of the occult, Karl seeks to unravel the hidden secrets of the underground world inhabited by gnomes and other mystical beings. Original Publication London: T. Fisher Unwin, 1895.  Release Date Jun 18, 2024 Link https://www.gutenberg.org/ebooks/73860 Written by the esteemed occultist Hartmann, this novel weaves a rich tapestry of mystery, adventure, and esoteric themes. While the story is allegorical, it delves into the forces spiritual initiates encounter. Readers are invited to contemplate the deeper aspects of existence through Karl's encounters with gnomes, ancient wisdom, and hidden realms, a testament to Hartmann's profound understanding of the occult. This remarkable novel offers a unique blend of adventure, fantasy, and esoteric wisdom. Franz Hartmann's imaginative storytelling and profound insights...
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Echoes from the Trenches: A Candid Reflection on Harold Baldwin’s ‘Holding the Line

  “Holding the Line” by Harold Baldwin, a memoir that vividly recounts the author’s experiences during World War I, was published in a unique time frame. Unlike many memoirs that were published in the post-war years, this memoir, released in February 1918, was published during the war itself. This distinct timing adds a layer of historical significance to the memoir, making it a compelling read for history enthusiasts. Baldwin, an Englishman living in Canada, wrote this memoir with the intention of using it as a recruiting tool to enlist more Canadians and Americans to fight alongside the British on the Western Front. Original Publication Chicago: A. C. McClurg & Co., 1918.  Release Date May 14, 2024 Link https://www.gutenberg.org/ebooks/73624 Baldwin enlisted in August 1914 and was among the first 20,000 Canadians sent to France. He was wounded at the Second Battle of Ypres in April 1915, which suggests he began writing his memoir well before the United States entered...
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Charming Tales from Victorian London: A Review of 'Memoirs of a London Doll

Published in the 19th century,  Memoirs of a London Doll  by R. H. Horne offers a charming and imaginative adventure through Victorian London, seen from the unique perspective of a doll named Maria Poppet. Original Publication New York: The Macmillan Company, 1922.  Release Date Apr 22, 2024 Link https://www.gutenberg.org/ebooks/73444 It is like taking a leisurely stroll through Victorian London with a charming and chatty porcelain doll as your guide. It's one of those books that wraps you up in a blanket of nostalgia and whimsy. So, here's the scoop: This doll has seen it all. From the fancy drawing rooms of the rich folks to the gritty streets where the poor make their living, she's been there, done that. And boy, does she have stories to tell! What I love about Memoirs of a London Doll is how it mixes serious stuff with a good dose of humour and heart. Sure, there's talk about the big divide between rich and poor and the struggles faced by women and children back...
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The Autobiography of Arthur Young - a life of Agriculture

Rather than reviewing the book itself, I thought we could delve into Arthur Young's life to learn who he was and what he achieved. Original Publication London: Smith, Elder & Company, 1898.  Release Date Apr 19, 2024 Link https://www.gutenberg.org/ebooks/73426 Arthur Young (1741–1820) was an English agriculturist, prolific writer, and influential  observer of  social and political affairs.  Let’s delve into his fascinating life and contributions: Early Life: Born on September 11, 1741, in Whitehall, London, Arthur Young was the second son of Anna Lucretia Coussmaker and Arthur Young Sr., who served as the rector of Bradfield Combust in Suffolk and chaplain to Arthur Onslow. Young attended school in Lavenham and later worked at a mercantile house in King’s Lynn. After his father's death, he became responsible for his family estate at Bradfield Hall and focused on farming there between 1763 and 1766. Young’s interest in agriculture and writing began to flourish...
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“The Heel of Achilles” by E. M. Delafield

  “The Heel of Achilles” by E. M. Delafield is a captivating novel that delves into the complexities of individuality, social climbing, and the price one pays for personal growth.  The story is set against the backdrop of World War I, but instead of focusing on the battlefield, it delves into the lives of young women in England during that time. Original Publication New York: The MacMillan Company, 1921.   Release Date Apr 7, 2024 Link https://www.gutenberg.org/ebooks/73352 At the heart of the story is the protagonist's quest for self-discovery and independence in a world constrained by rigid social norms and expectations. As she grapples with the pressures of family, marriage, and societal conventions, she is forced to confront her desires and aspirations, ultimately leading her on a journey of personal growth and transformation. Delafield's novel is a testament to her  razor-sharp  wit and astute social commentary. The pages are brimming with her ...
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Victorian Adventure with "Four Girls of Forty Years Ago" by Nina Rhoades

"Four Girls of Forty Years Ago" by Nina Rhoades invites readers into a world of nostalgia and charm, where the Victorian era comes to life through the lens of four young women on the cusp of adulthood.  Rhoades' narrative unfolds with the grace and elegance of the period, weaving a tapestry of love, friendship, and societal expectations. Original Publication Boston: Lothrop, Lee & Shepard Co., 1920. Release Date Mar 31, 2024 Link https://www.gutenberg.org/ebooks/73301 In this charming story, four little girls, ranging in age from seven to twelve—are entrusted to the care of their step-grandmother and an aunt.  Their lives unfold on the top floor of their grandmother’s mansion in bustling New York City.  Despite the potential for boredom, their days are anything but mundane. Through a secret door, they encounter a musical neighbour who adds a touch of magic to their lives.  But, when they learn that their father is returning with a stepmother, they grapple wit...
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"Delving into Justice: A Review of 'The Justice of Gideon' by Eleanor Gates"

 "The Justice of Gideon" by Eleanor Gates is a poignant and thought-provoking novel that delves into the themes of justice, redemption, and the complexities of human nature. Set in a small Midwestern town, Gates' story follows the journey of Gideon, a humble blacksmith whose life is irrevocably changed when thrust into the role of judge and arbiter of justice. Eleanor Gates was an American playwright known for her Broadway plays, with “The Poor Little Rich Girl” being her most famous work. “The Justice of Gideon” reflects her drama and character-driven narrative style. Original Publication New York: The Macaulay Company, 1910.   Release Date Apr 2, 2024 Link https://www.gutenberg.org/ebooks/73316 At the novel's heart lies the moral dilemma faced by Gideon as he grapples with the responsibility of meting out justice in a flawed and imperfect world. As he navigates the intricacies of the legal system and confronts society's prejudices and biases, Gideon is force...
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