Bøger i Books to Read Before You Die serien

You’re invited to wander the streets of Victorian London with the nation’s literary greats. Weaving a remarkable collection from the very best writers, tales of love and loss never felt so good…With classics such as Charles Dicken’s ‘Oliver Twist’, you’ll peak behind the scenes at one of the West End’s most loved musicals. You’ll then laugh till you cry at the lives of London’s high society in Thackeray’s ‘Vanity Fair’ and Virginia Woolf’s ‘Mrs Dalloway’. But it’s not all rosy and bright in 18th-century London. In Oscar Wilde’s ‘The Picture of Dorian Gray’, we’ll question and query the true worth of excess. And if the streets of London weren’t strange enough, you’ll also be led down a gothic and gory investigation involving Dr Jekyll and Mr Hyde…Crafting a rip-roaringly dramatic and vivid portrait of Victorian life in London, this impressive collection is perfect for fans of the silver screen adaptions ‘Oliver!’ (1968) and ‘Dorian Gray’ (2009).Oscar Wilde (1854-1900) was an Irish poet and one of the most popular playwrights in the early 1890s. His works include ‘The Picture of Dorian Gray’ and ‘The Importance of being Earnest’Robert Louis Stevenson (1850-1894) was a Scottish novelist, essayist, and travel writer. He is best known for ‘Treasure Island’ and ‘Strange Case of Dr Jekyll and Mr Hyde’.Virginia Woolf (1882-1941) was a hugely influential English writer. A pioneer in the narrative device of streams of consciousness, Woolf’s breathtaking collection spans ‘Mrs Dalloway’, ‘To the Lighthouse’, and the non-fiction title ‘A Room of One’s Own’.William Makepeace Thackeray (1811-1863) was a British author and novelist. He is best known for his satirical works, including ‘Vanity Fair’, ‘The Luck of Barry Lyndon’, and ‘Second Funeral of Napolean’.Charles Dickens (1812-1870) was an English novelist and social critic, known for creating some of the world’s best-known fictional characters. His works include ‘Oliver Twist’, ‘A Christmas Carol’, and ‘Great Expectations’.

Explore an epic trio of ‘Masters of Horror’ in this rip-roaring collection of dark, dangerous, and devilish tales. In ‘Frankenstein’, we’ll uncover Mary Shelly’s masterpiece as Victor Frankenstein strives to give life to a being of his own creation. We’ll then be whisked off to Transylvania to ponder over the meaning of good vs. evil as one young lawyer travels to Castle Dracula – and encounters one very peculiar count... Last but not least, you’ll be led down a gothic and gory investigation involving Dr Jekyll and Mr Hyde…This dark, dangerous, and daring collection is the perfect companion for fans of Netflix's ´Dracula´ and Marcus Sedgwick's ´The Monsters We Deserve´.Mary Wollstonecraft Shelley (1797-1851) was an English novelist, celebrated for her early example of science fiction in her widely read Gothic novel ‘Frankenstein’.Bram Stoker (1847-1912) was an Irish author celebrated for his Gothic horror ‘Dracula’. Robert Louis Stevenson (1850-1894) was a Scottish novelist, poet, and travel writer. He is best known for ‘Treasure Island’ and ‘Strange Case of Dr Jekyll and Mr Hyde’.

You’re invited to wander the streets of Paris with France’s literary greats. Weaving a remarkable collection from the very best romantic writers, tales of love, loss, and laughter never felt so good.With classics such as Victor Hugo’s ‘The Hunchback of Notre Dame’ and Gaston Leroux ‘The Phantom of the Opera’, you’ll peak behind the scenes at some of the West End’s most remarkable musicals. But it’s not all rosy and bright. In 18th-century France, Charles Dicken’s ‘A Tale of Two Cities’ and Émile Zola’s ‘Nana’ portrays the harsh and raw reality for some of society’s most struggling protagonists. This collection will leave you questioning wealth and worth at a time when struggles were rife.Ideal for fans of ‘Les Misérables’ starring Eddie Redmayne, Hugh Jackman, and Anne Hathaway, this unmissable collection is a must-read for French history, art, and culture fanatics.Gaston Leroux (1868-1927) was a French journalist and author of detective fiction. He is best known for writing the epic novel ‘The Phantom of the Opera’, now a musical masterpiece by Andrew Lloyd Weber. Gustave Flaubert (1821-1880) was a French novelist and pioneer of literary realism. His work spans ‘Madame Bovary’, ‘Sentimental Education’, and ‘Three Tales’.Victor Hugo (1802 – 1885) was a Romantic writer and politician. Celebrated for his internationally renowned epic novel, adapted into the Academy Award-Winning film, ‘Les Misérables’, his literary output also includes ‘The Hunchback of Notre Dame’.Émile Zola (1840-1902) was a French novelist, playwright, and one of the most influential writers of French naturalism. Zola’s best-known works include ‘Germinal’, ‘Nana’, and ‘Work’.Celebrated as one of the greatest novelists of the Victorian era, Charles Dickens (1812-1870) was an English writer and social critic. His works include ‘Oliver Twist’, ‘A Christmas Carol’, and ‘Great Expectations’.

Deep dive into one of the greatest coming-of-age stories by the master novelist of the Victorian era, Charles Dickens.Charting young Pip’s experiences of poverty, prison, and fights to the death, ‘Great Expectations’ follows the entwined fates of wealthy spinster Miss Havisham, the beautiful but aloof Estella, and unsophisticated yet kind blacksmith Joe. As Pip journeys through life, his expectations are shaped and shunned by the people around him. Weaving the ultimate tale of good over evil, he must question love and loss at a time when social struggles are rife. The novel has been adapted into countless films and stage adaptations, most notably the 2012 blockbuster hit ´Great Expectations´, starring Ralph Fiennes and Helena Bonham Carter.Challenging our preconceived judgements, social standing, and moral cues, ´Great Expectation´ is ideal for fans of Dev Patel’s ‘The Personal History of David Copperfield’ and fans of West End’s ‘Oliver!’Celebrated as one of the greatest novelists of the Victorian era, Charles Dickens (1812-1870) was an English writer and social critic, known for creating some of the world’s best-known fictional characters. His works include ‘Oliver Twist’, ‘A Christmas Carol’, ‘David Copperfield’, and ‘Great Expectations’.Exploring the hypocrisy of British society at a time when social struggles were rife, Dickens' work probe the institutions, rules, and social codes that formed the bedrock of society as we know it today. Articulated with wit, charm, and plenty of human insight, his work is firmly embedded in modern culture today.

Deep dive into this crackling collection of ‘Classic Christmas Stories’ from the very best writers around the world!We’ll start by dissecting Dickens’ moral message in the famous and festive ‘A Christmas Carol’, before whisking away to Russia as one man attempts to secure his fortune and fate at a party in ‘A Christmas Tree and a Wedding’. We’ll then encounter elves, demons, and dungeons in ‘A Kidnapped Santa Claus’ while witnessing two troubled couples attempt to give it all in ‘The Gift of the Magi’. Lastly, we’re all invited to ‘Christmas at Thompson Hall’ as one unsuspecting woman is forced to face the festive season with her long-lost ex-lover. There are family feuds, festive fights, and plenty of personal politics in this crackling collection of ‘Classic Christmas Stories’. Perfect for fans of ‘The Nightmare Before Christmas’.L Frank Baum (1856-1919) was an American author best known for his children’s books, particularly ‘The Wonderful Wizard of Oz’ and its sequels.Fyodor Dostoyevsky (1821-1881) was a Russian novelist and journalist. His works include ‘Crime and Punishment’, ‘The Idiot’, and ‘The Brothers Karamazov’. Charles Dickens (1812-1870) was an English writer and social critic, known for creating some of the world’s best-known fictional characters. His works include ‘Oliver Twist’, ‘David Copperfield’, and ‘Great Expectations’.Anthony Trollope (1815-1882) was an English novelist and civil servant of the Victorian era. His works include the ‘Chronicles of Barteshire’, ‘The Macdermots of Ballycloran’, and ‘The Warden’.O. Henry, the pen name of William Sydney Porter (1862-1910), was an American writer, celebrated for his short stories. His works include ‘The Gift of the Magi’, ‘The Duplicity of Hargraves’, and ‘The Ransom of Red Chief’.

Deep dive into this dark and dangerous collection of ‘Dystopian Classics’ from some of the greatest writers of futuristic fiction to grace the page!From three friends' attempts at saving their city in ‘Heads of Cerberus’, to reckoning with a powerful plague and changing climates in ‘The Last Man’, this collection features futuristic stories packed with conflicts and dangerous journeys.We’ll stay in the future fast lane in the original tale of the blockbuster hit film adaptation ‘The Time Machine’. But beware, humanity has divided into two dark and dangerous tribes. Which one will our hero choose? Lastly, ‘The Iron Heel’ sees a failed and forced future of the United States in the years preceding World War 2. Weaving a thrilling adventure collection of futuristic tales, ‘Dystopian Classics’ is the perfect companion for film fans of ‘Back to the Future’ and ´The Last of Us´.H. G. Wells (1866-1946) was an English writer and Noble Prize in Literature nominee, prolific across several genres and celebrated as the father of science fiction. Mary Wollstonecraft Shelley (1797-1851) was an English novelist, celebrated for her early example of science fiction in her widely read Gothic novel ‘Frankenstein’.Jack London (1876-1916) was an American novelist and journalist. Celebrated today as a pioneer of commercial fiction and American magazines, he is also dubbed an innovator in the science fiction genre. Francis Stevens, pseudonym of Gertrude Barrows Bennet (1884-1948), was a writer of science fiction and fantasy and one of the leading names on the American literary scene.

Dive into this joyous collection of classical children’s books from some of the best writers for little hearts and young minds. Uncover the magic of childhood classics from ´Anne of Green Gables´, ´The Wind in the Willows´, and ´The Secret Garden´ to ´The Velveteen Rabbit´ and ´The Wonderful Adventures of Nils´. Follow one girl's search for belonging, go on thrilling adventures with our favourite furry friends, discover a magical garden, learn about love and reality with a toy rabbit, and join one boy as he embarks on fantastical farmland adventures! Weaving a touching and intoxicating collection of coming-of-age tales, this ‘Classic Children's Books Collection’ is the perfect companion for fans of Netflix’s ‘Anne with an E’.Lucy Maud Montgomery (1874-1942) was a Canadian author and poet. Best known for her novel ‘Anne of Green Gables’, it remains one of the best-selling books worldwide and has been adapted for both stage and screen.Kenneth Grahame (1859-1932) was a British writer born in Edinburgh, Scotland. He is most famous for the children’s classics ‘The Wind in the Willows’ and ‘The Reluctant Dragon’. Frances Hodgson Burnett (1849-1924) was a British-American novelist and playwright. Best known for her celebrated children’s novels, Burnett’s work spans ‘Little Lord Fauntleroy’, ‘A Little Princess’, and ‘The Secret Garden’.Selma Lagerlöf (1858-1940) was a Swedish author and the first woman to win the Nobel Prize in Literature. Her work spans ‘The Saga of Goesta Berling’, ‘The Wonderful Adventures of Nils Holgersson’, and ‘Jerusalem’.

Rediscover the magic of Christmas with this classic collection from internationally renowned fairy-tale authors, Hans Christian Andersen and the Brothers Grimm. Our adventure begins in the world of ice and snow as Gerda embarks upon a courageous feat to rescue Kai from ‘The Snow Queen’. And for those of us who need to relive and relearn the fantastical festive magic of the season once more, we’ll encounter ‘The Fir Trees’; a charming coming-of-age Christmas tale. Stories of selflessness, giving, and moral might are plentiful in ‘A Little Match Girl’, whilst we try to uncover the identity of the secret and silent helpers in ‘The Elves and the Shoemaker’.Weaving together a crackling Christmas collection of favourite fairy tales, this anthology is the perfect companion for fans of Disney’s ‘Frozen’ and C.S. Lewis' ‘The Chronicles of Narnia’.Hans Christian Andersen was a Danish author and prolific writer of plays, travelogues, and novels. He is best remembered for his literary fairy tales ‘The Princess and the Pea’, ‘The Little Mermaid’, and ‘The Emperor’s New Clothes’.Jacob (1785-1863) and Wilhelm (1786-1859) Grimm, known as the Brothers Grimm, were a duo of German academics, philosophers, and authors. They collectively published folklore and are among the best-known storytellers of folk tales, including ‘Cinderella’, ‘Hansel and Gretel’, and ‘Little Red Riding Hood’.

Deep dive into American literature’s famous female writer with this remarkable collection of ‘Selected Edith Wharton’. Detailing the lives, loves and losses of a country’s people, we’ll start our journey with the isolated farmer and his mean and merciful wife in ‘Ethan Frome’. Next, we’ll explore a women’s pride and position in early 20th-century society in ‘Summer’. We’ll then head to the big smoke as Undine Spragg urges her parents to take action in ‘The Custom of the Country’. In ‘The House of Mirth’, we challenge a woman’s chances and choices. Whilst ‘Glimpses of the Moon’ sees a wealthy couple’s expectations shattered, we’ll explore the highs and lows of high society in ‘The Age of Innocence.’Weaving together a thrilling collection of social status, chances, and choices for American society, ‘Selected Edith Wharton’ is the perfect companion for fans of ‘The Great Gatsby’, starring Leonardo Dicaprio.Edith Wharton (1862-1937) was an American novelist, short story writer, and the first woman to win the Pulitzer Prize for Literature. Her work spans ‘The Age of Innocence’, ‘The House of Mirth’, and ‘Ethan Frome’ – all of which were widely adapted for the screen in the 20th century. Inducted into the National Women’s Hall of Fame in 1996, Wharton remains today a huge influence on American English literature and culture.

Deep dive into the delightful collection of adventure animal tales from the creator of Peter Rabbit, Thornton W. Burgess.In ‘The Adventures of Paddy the Beaver’, we’ll join Paddy as he works to build his dam and protect his home. But when a group of humans threatens to destroy his beloved dam, can Paddy use his resourcefulness to save and secure his home, future, and fate?From escaping the clutches of Granny Fox in ‘The Adventures of Reddy Fox’ to learning valuable life lessons in ‘Old Mother West Wind’, the antics of the lovable animal characters of the Green Meadows and Green Forest will keep readers of all ages entertained.Weaving a thrilling animal adventure collection featuring furry friends such as Peter Rabbit and Reddy Fox, ‘Selected Thornton W. Burgess’ is the perfect companion for fans of Domhnall Gleeson and Rose Byrne in the animated adventure, ‘Peter Rabbit’.Thornton W. Burgess (1874-1965) was an American conservationist and children's author. He is best known for his series of bedtime stories featuring the character Peter Rabbit and other animals, which were published in numerous books and later adapted into a popular animated television show.

Deep dive into internationally renowned Romantic novelist and author of ‘Frankenstein’, Mary Shelley’s collection. Beyond the Gothic novel and sci-fi tale of Victor Frankenstein, the gifted scientist who succeeds in giving life to a being of his own creation, this selection features her breath-taking works ‘Falkner’, ‘Mathilda’, ‘Valperga’, and ‘The Last Man’. Dealing with themes such as suicide in the face of romantic love, incest, death, and a dystopian plague pandemic, Shelley’s stories urge readers to question and explore some of literature’s - and life’s - most timeless and trying themes. Transcending genres whilst providing an early expert example of the novel as we know it today, the 'Selected Mary Shelley' is a must-read for dark academia fans of ‘Northanger Abbey’, ‘Kill Your Darlings’, and Disney+’s ‘Tolkien’.Mary Wollstonecraft Shelley (1797-1851) was an English novelist, celebrated for her early example of science fiction in her widely read Gothic novel ‘Frankenstein’. Adapted into countless films and stage plays, such as the 1931 ‘Frankenstein’ film starring Boris Karloff, Shelley is credited with spawning a complete genre of horror across arts and culture. Her other works include ‘Falkner’, ‘Mathilda’, ‘Valperga’ and ‘The Last Man’. Shelly also edited and promoted the literary works of her husband, Romantic poet and philosopher, Percy Shelley. Her father was the political philosopher William Godwin, and her mother was the philosopher and feminist activist Mary Wollstonecraft. She remains today an internationally renowned novelist and a constant presence in pop culture with ‘Frankenstein’ today.

Deep dive into Alexandre Dumas' swashbuckling historical adventure tale of honour and chivalry, set during the backdrop of the French monarchy’s slow demise, ´The Three Musketeers´. Kickstarting the epic trilogy, ´The Three Musketeers´ follows D’Artagnan's desperate attempt to leave home and join the elite Musketeers of the Guard in Paris. When he befriends three other formidable musketeers his age, the group soon take it upon themselves to save the state and control the courts! But when rogue do-gooders step on the toes of France’s Ancien Régime, there’s bound to be trouble. And violence. Will it be off with the heads? Or will the musketeers show France what a true republic looks like?Weaving a whirlwind adventure tale of courage and might, Dumas’ ‘The Three Musketeers´ is a must-read masterpiece for fans of Luke Evans, Orlando Bloom, and Logan Lerman in the eponymous blockbuster hit film adaptation.Alexandre Dumas (1802- 1879) was a widely celebrated French author, member of the Académie Française, and recipient of the Legion of Honour. Celebrated for his rip-roaring adventure novel ‘The Three Musketeers’, his literary output includes ‘The Count of Monte Cristo', 'Twenty Years After' and 'The Vicomte of Bragelonne: Ten Years Later'.

Deep dive into the ultimate collection of dark and dangerous survival tales from the master-adventure writer, Jack London.From questions about hope and humanity in ‘The Call of the Wild’ and a wolfdog's attempt to adjust to domesticated life in ‘White Fang’ to surviving an ocean collision in ´The Sea Wolf´, this collection explores loss, love, and trust in a variety of profound adventure novels.Weaving a rip-roaring collection of daring tales, ‘Selected Jack London’ is the perfect companion for fans of Leonardo DiCaprio’s tense ‘The Revenant’.Jack London (1876-1916) was an American novelist, journalist, and social activist. Celebrated today as a pioneer of commercial fiction and American magazines, he is also dubbed an innovator in the science fiction genre. London’s famous works span ‘The Call of the Wild’, ‘White Fang’, and ‘Sea Wolf’.Many of his novels are set during the 19th-century American Gold Rush – proving ideal for history, adventure, and Western lovers. Jack London remains today an inspiring writer ahead of his time, both on the page and throughout his political life.

Explore an epic trio of thrilling sci-fi, gothic, and horror tales in this collection of ‘Selected Robert Louis Stevenson’.In ‘Treasure Island’, Jim Hawkins embarks upon a dark and dangerous adventure to recover hidden treasure. But beware, where there’s a prize, there are plenty of pirates and poison. Will he make out alive?Next up, things take a terrifying twist in ‘The Body Snatcher’. When a doctor’s supplier of cadavers fails to leave him alone, there’s murder and mystery on the cards as the bodies start piling up.Last but not least, if the streets of London weren’t strange enough, get ready for a gothic and gory investigation involving Dr Jekyll and Mr Hyde…Crafted a crazed collection of three dark, dangerous, and daring tales, ‘Selected Robert Louis Stevenson’ is the perfect companion for fans of the 2002 Disney movie ´Treasure Planet´.Robert Louis Stevenson (1850-1894) was a Scottish novelist, essayist, and travel writer. He is best known for ‘Treasure Island’, ‘Strange Case of Dr Jekyll and Mr Hyde’, and ‘Kidnapped´. He remains today an influential sci-fi and gothic-horror writer.

Deep dive into this ‘Classic Werewolf Collection’ from the very best fantasy, adventure, and literary fiction writers.From the creator of ‘The Three Musketeers’, Alexandre Dumas, to Frank Powell, author of the first pioneering science-fiction novel about lost worlds and the mastermind of the short story himself, Guy de Maupassant, this unmissable collection paints a dark and dramatic anthology of twilight’s most frightening foe.You’ll encounter the poetic prose of Marie de France, an intoxicating tale from Sabine-Baring-Gold and the heartbreakingly unjust curses of Frederick Marryat. But beware, when the full moon shakes off its spooky shadow, you’ll be howling for mercy when the wolves awaken…This ‘Classic WereWolf Collection’ is ideal for fans of Netflix’s ‘Werewolves Within’ and Disney’s ‘Werewolf by Night’.Alexandre Dumas (1802-1879) was a widely celebrated French author, member of the Académie Française, recipient of the Legion of Honour, and famous for ‘The Three Musketeers’. A British actress and author, Florence Marryat's (1833-1899) work spans ‘Love’s Conflict’, ‘Her Father’s Name’, ‘There is No Death’, and ‘The Blood of the Vampire’.Guy de Maupassant (1850-1893) was a French author and representative of the literary movement ‘Naturalism’. His first published story, ‘Boule de Suif’, remains his most celebrated work today. Frank Powell (1845-1906) was an American author, celebrated for his widely successful science-fiction novel ‘The Wolf-Men’. Marie de France (1160-1215) is the earliest known French female poet, famous for her 12 poems known as ‘lais’.Catherine Crow (1803-1876) was an English novelist, children’s writer, and playwright. Crow was the first female author of werewolf fiction, producing the works ‘A Story of a Weir-Wolf’ and ‘The Night-Side of Nature’. Sabine Baring-Gould (1834-1924) was an Anglican priest and writer, heavily influenced by the gothic and fantasy genre.