A novel that has become a defining symbol of Franz Kafka’s body of work. Interestingly, Kafka left no clues that might allow one to reconstruct the novel's plot; the chapters were unnumbered and kept in separate envelopes. Josef K. is a rational protagonist set against an absurd society. His unremarkable—even somewhat banal—life was proceeding as usual until he was informed that proceedings had...

*The Queen of Spades* is one of Alexander Pushkin’s most enigmatic novellas. Pyotr Tchaikovsky’s opera of the same name, frequent stage productions, and numerous screen adaptations bear eloquent witness to the work’s immense popularity; indeed, the famous three, seven, ace are known even to those unfamiliar with the story of Hermann. Rivaling it in popularity and literary significance are the...

*The Hunchback of Notre-Dame* (1831) is a famous historical novel by Victor Hugo. It is thanks to this work that we can admire one of the world's most beautiful Gothic cathedrals, located in the very heart of Paris. Hugo drew attention to the cathedral through his writing—and did so deliberately, as there were plans to demolish Notre-Dame. The author made no secret of the fact that the novel’s...

Emma Woodhouse has it all—a loving father, a fortune, social standing, beauty, and a sharp mind—except for a husband. Yet she is in no rush to tie the knot, preferring instead to play matchmaker for her friends and acquaintances—a pastime that constantly lands her in the most unexpected and amusing situations...

*Eugene Onegin* (1823–1831) is one of the most significant works of Russian literature. With its poignant love story, dramatic plot twists, subtle psychological depth, and detailed depiction of the era's way of life and social mores—it is no coincidence that Belinsky called the novel an encyclopedia of Russian life—the work reflects the entirety of Russian existence like a mirror.

*Legends and Myths of Ancient Greece* by N. A. Kun—a distinguished scholar of ancient history and literature—is one of the most popular, accessible, and authoritative works introducing readers to the culture of the ancient world. Since its initial publication in 1914, the book has seen numerous reprints; reader interest remains undiminished in these captivating, vivid tales regarding the...

Clarity, precision, conciseness, and a rejection of stylistic embellishment—these are the hallmarks of Pushkin’s prose; yet, beneath this outward simplicity lies such a wealth of meaning that literary scholars have spent nearly two centuries deciphering his masterpieces. He turned to prose—a medium he had once dismissed as ‘despicable’—only in the late 1820s, having already achieved fame and...

Northanger Abbey is a coming-of-age novel and a satire of Gothic novels.

Comprising four dramatic scenes—*The Covetous Knight*, *Mozart and Salieri*, *The Stone Guest*, and *A Feast in Time of Plague*—the *Little Tragedies* focus on gripping tales of destructive passions. Greed and lust, envy and a craving for immortality take possession of Pushkin’s characters. They do not merely experience passion; they affirm it as the supreme value of existence, serving and...

This edition presents two of the author’s finest novels: *Treasure Island* and *The Black Arrow*. Thrilling adventures, brilliantly crafted plots, and unforgettable characters define these works, which are beloved by children and adults alike across the globe.

*Resurrection* is Tolstoy’s final novel, reflecting the spiritual and creative quests of his later years. Begun in 1889, the novel was not completed and published until a decade later, in 1899. In Russia, the publication of many scenes and even entire chapters was banned. *Resurrection* was among the works by Tolstoy that led to his excommunication from the Church.

This edition presents Leo Tolstoy’s so-called ‘Caucasian works’: the short stories ‘The Raid,’ ‘The Wood-Felling,’ and ‘The Prisoner of the Caucasus,’ as well as the novellas *The Cossacks* and *Hadji Murat*. These works reflect the impressions the writer gathered during his three-year service in the Caucasus. In 1851, he traveled there to join his older brother Nikolai—an officer in the active...