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Showing posts from March, 2024

A Prince of Lovers: A Romance by Sir William Magnay

Prince Ludwig is a nobleman with a heart as fiery as a dragon’s breath.  Princess Ruperta is a captivating beauty with eyes that could melt glaciers.  Their love story is a rollercoaster of passion, intrigue, and secret rendezvous.  Imagine cosying up with a cup of tea, lost in the pages of this enchanting tale. 📖❤️ Original Publication United States: Little, Brown and Company, 1905.  Release Date Mar 27, 2024 Link https://www.gutenberg.org/ebooks/73269 👑 Prince Ludwig has got that brooding prince thing going on.  He's torn between duty and desire like a Shakespearean hero with better hair. 👸 Princess Ruperta is no damsel in distress. She yearns for true love and is not afraid to break a few royal rules to find it. 🕵️‍♂️ Enter Count Irromar, a mysterious figure lurking in the shadows.  Is he a friend or foe?  You’ll have to read to find out. 🤺 Lieutenant Von Udo sees a loyal friend caught in the web of love and loyalty.  Think swords, ...

Stepping into the Steam: Exploring Ancient Bathing Culture with Diogenes Laertius

Proving that Project Gutenberg is not just about novels from the turn of the century, Diogenes Laertius takes us on a journey into the world of Turkish baths and their significance in Greek and Roman culture. Written in the 3rd century CE, Laertius offers readers a glimpse into the daily lives of ancient Greeks and Romans, shedding light on the importance of hygiene, health, and social interaction in the ancient world. Original Publication Ireland: William McGee & Co., 1858.   Release Date Mar 24, 2024 Link https://www.gutenberg.org/ebooks/73251 The Turkish Bath, also known as a hammam, has a rich history and is characterized by its use of steam, heat, and water. It has been valued for its potential to promote relaxation, cleanse the body, and improve overall well-being. Diogenes Laertius’s insights provide a fascinating glimpse into this ancient practice. Remember, if men knew how to use water effectively, it could be worth all other remedies combined, as Dr. Macartne...

Science Fiction Novel - The Wellsprings of Space by Albert Teichner

 "The Wellsprings of Space" by Albert Teichner is a captivating science fiction novel that takes readers on an exhilarating journey through the cosmos, exploring the mysteries of the universe and the boundless potential of human exploration.  Set in a distant future where humanity has colonized the stars, Teichner's novel follows the crew of the starship Arcturus as they embark on a daring mission to uncover the secrets of a remote and enigmatic planet. Original Publication New York, NY: Ziff-Davis Publishing Company, 1961.  Release Date Mar 21, 2024 Link https://www.gutenberg.org/ebooks/73226 The story centres around Old Huddleston, a revered figure who has long pondered the limitations of space travel.  He prophesied that all star-bound ships would eventually fail due to electron leakage caused by the weak magnetic field of the galaxy.  Indeed, the few weakened vessels that limped back into the solar system confirmed his theory. Enter the three top scient...

Whimsical Adventures at Willowbrook Meadow: ‘The Picnic Party’ by Oliver Optic

Oliver Optic's “The Picnic Party: A Story for Little Folks”  is a delightful tale that transports young readers to the enchanting world of adventure and camaraderie. A delightful children's book that brings the joy of outdoor adventures to life with charming storytelling and whimsical illustrations. Set in a picturesque countryside, Optic's tale follows a group of young friends as they embark on an unforgettable picnic party filled with fun, laughter, and friendship. Original Publication Boston: Lee and Shepard, 1862, pubdate 1871.  Release Date Mar 20, 2024   Link https://www.gutenberg.org/ebooks/73209 From packing baskets with delicious treats to setting off on a journey through meadows and forests, Optic captures the magic of childhood exploration and the simple pleasures of spending time in nature. Their laughter echoes through sun-dappled meadows, and their imaginations take flight as they explore the great outdoors. Amidst the rustling leaves and the scent ...

Captain Margaret: A Tale of Love and Adventure on the High Seas by John Masefield

In the heart of the vast ocean, where salt-laden winds whip through the rigging, and the horizon stretches infinitely, there sails a ship—the  500-ton vessel ,  The Broken Heart . But this is no ordinary ship; it carries not only cargo and crew but also secrets, desires, and the promise of love.   Original Publication New York: The Macmillan Company, 1916.   Release Date Mar 14, 2024 Link   https://www.gutenberg.org/ebooks/73167 Captain Margaret , a woman of indomitable spirit, commands this vessel. Her eyes, as deep and mysterious as the ocean, hold stories of distant lands and forgotten dreams. She stands at the helm, her fingers tracing the lines of the ship’s wheel, guiding it through tempests and calms alike. Her crew, a motley assortment of souls, look up to her with reverence and awe. Captain Margaret is not just their leader; she is their muse, confidante, and compass in the vast expanse of the sea. “To love is to risk all, to sail into uncharte...

Gripping Whodunit in Roaring 20s NYC: Ashes to Ashes by Isabel Ostrander

"Ashes to Ashes" by Isabel Ostrander is a captivating mystery novel that grips readers from the very first page and keeps them guessing until the thrilling conclusion.  Set in the bustling metropolis of New York City, Ostrander's tale unfolds with suspense, intrigue, and unexpected twists that will leave readers on the edge of their seats. Original Release 1920 by the publisher A.L. Burt Release Date Mar 12, 2024 Link https://www.gutenberg.org/ebooks/73155 Isabel Egenton Ostrander (1883-1924) was a prolific American mystery writer of the early 20th century.  She published under her own name and several pseudonyms, including Robert Orr Chipperfield, David Fox, and Douglas Grant.  Ostrander was a popular writer in her time, and her work was adapted into silent films.  Agatha Christie even parodied her in a short story collection, highlighting her recognition within the detective fiction genre.  However, her work is less widely known today than other authors o...

"Forbidden Love: Exploring the Daring Story of Lady Chatterley"

Here we have a landmark work of 20th-century literature, which will likely quickly reach the top of the Gutenburg most read.  For those who have yet to discover this book, let's explore it here.   Original Publication Garden City, NY: Nelson Doubleday, Inc., 1928.  Release Date Mar 11, 2024 Link https://www.gutenberg.org/ebooks/73144 "Lady Chatterley's Lover" is a novel by D.H. Lawrence.  It was first published privately in 1928 but later published openly in 1960.  The book is infamous for its explicit depiction of sexual relations and its exploration of themes related to love, class, and personal fulfilment. The novel follows the story of Constance Chatterley, a young woman trapped in a loveless marriage to Sir Clifford Chatterley, a wealthy and aristocratic landowner paralyzed from the waist down due to a war injury.  Feeling emotionally and sexually unfulfilled, Constance embarks on a passionate affair with Oliver Mellors, the gamekeeper on her husb...

Cold War Novel - "The Atom Curtain" by Nick B. Williams

 "The Atom Curtain" by Nick B. Williams is a gripping and thought-provoking novel that plunges readers into the heart of the Cold War era, where espionage, intrigue, and scientific discovery collide in a high-stakes race for nuclear supremacy. Set against the backdrop of the tense political climate of the 1950s, Williams weaves a tale of espionage and betrayal that unfolds with relentless tension and suspense. At the story's centre is a cast of compelling characters—spies, scientists, and government officials—whose lives become entangled in a dangerous game of cat and mouse as they navigate the treacherous waters of Cold War politics. Original Publication New York, NY: Ace Books, Inc., 1956.  Release Date Mar 10, 2024 Link https://www.gutenberg.org/ebooks/73135 What sets "The Atom Curtain" apart is its meticulous attention to historical detail and its exploration of the ethical and moral dilemmas posed by the development of nuclear weapons. Williams skillful...

The Royal Banner: A Sparkly Adventure for Young Readers

 "The Royal Banner: Or, Gold and Rubies" by M.H. (Matilda Horsburgh), published in 1879, is a charming children's story aimed at a younger audience. It follows the adventures of a young girl, likely a princess or noblewoman, who becomes determined to recover a stolen royal banner – a symbol of her kingdom's power and glory. Original Publication London: T. Nelson and Sons, 1888.  Release Date Mar 4, 2024 Link : https://www.gutenberg.org/ebooks/73101 It is a captivating tale of royal intrigue, forbidden love, and the pursuit of power in a medieval kingdom. Set against a backdrop of opulence and ambition, this novel transports readers to a world of knights, nobles, and courtly machinations. The book is all about the struggle to control the kingdom's coveted royal banner—a symbol of authority and legitimacy coveted by all who seek to rule. As rival factions vie for power, alliances are forged, and betrayals abound, leading to thrilling twists and turns that keep re...

The Shore Road Mystery: A Classic Tale of Hardy Boys Heroics

 "The Shore Road Mystery," published in 1928 by Franklin W. Dixon (a pseudonym for various authors at the Stratemeyer Syndicate), is the sixth instalment in the famous Hardy Boys detective series.  Original Publication Bedford, MA: Applewood Books, 1928, pubdate 1997.   Release Date Mar 4, 2024 Link https://www.gutenberg.org/ebooks/73102 In "The Shore Road Mystery," brothers Frank and Joe Hardy find themselves embroiled in yet another perplexing case when they stumble upon a mysterious car accident on Shore Road. As they delve deeper into the investigation, they uncover a web of secrets, deceit, and danger lurking beneath the surface of their seemingly peaceful town. What sets this book apart is its fast-paced narrative and clever plot twists that keep readers guessing right up until the end. Franklin W. Dixon masterfully builds suspense with each chapter, leading readers on a thrilling journey filled with unexpected twists and turns. Moreover, the dynamic relat...

"Willow the King: The Story of a Cricket Match" by John Snaith

"Willow the King: The Story of a Cricket Match" by John Snaith is an enjoyable tale that captures the essence of cricket and the camaraderie it fosters among players and fans alike.  Set against a quintessentially English village backdrop, Snaith's story unfolds with charm, wit, and a deep appreciation for the sport. Original Publication New York and Melbourne: Ward, Locke & Co. Limited, 1899.  Release Date Feb 29, 2024 Link https://www.gutenberg.org/ebooks/73075 As the title suggests, the novel core is a cricket match that brings together a colourful cast of characters, each with their own individual quirks and passions.  From the seasoned veterans to the eager newcomers, Snaith's characters come alive on the page, their rivalries, friendships, and aspirations weaving together to create a rich tapestry of human experience. What sets "Willow the King" apart is the way John creates an atmosphere that is an evocative portrayal of cricket as more than ...