Showing results for "Ben Johnson" in Literature & Fiction

An outbreak of plague in London forces a gentleman, Lovewit, to flee temporarily to the country, leaving his house under the sole charge of his butler, Jeremy. Jeremy uses the opportunity given to him to use the house as the headquarters for fraudulent acts. He transforms himself into 'Captain Face', and enlists the aid of Subtle, a fellow conman and Dol Common, a prostitute. In The Alchemist, Jonson unashamedly satirizes the follies, vanities and vices of mankind, most notably greed-induced credulity. People of all social classes are subject to Jonson's ruthless, satirical wit. He mocks human...

In Ben Johnson's "The Alchemist," a trio of scammers promise wealth and fortune to their victims, exploiting human greed and gullibility. This podcast episode unpacks Johnson’s comedic masterpiece, delving into the timeless themes of deception, ambition, and the pursuit of wealth. Perfect for listeners who enjoy tales of trickery, wit, and the unraveling of con games with unexpected twists and consequences.

Initially published in 1775, A Journey to the Western Isles recounts a three-month trip to upper Scotland that Samuel Johnson undertook with James Boswell a couple of years previously. During their adventure, they discover a novel culture, stunning landscapes and welcoming locals – all described in Johnson's captivating prose.

A Financial Times Music Book of the Year 2023 'Key to understanding black British history' - Sunday Times 'Sharp and still relevant' - Zadie Smith Recognized as one of the great poets of modern times, and as a deeply respected and influential political and cultural activist and social critic...

Brought to you by Penguin. 'Intense, gorgeous, troubling, seductive - a novel that has to be surrendered to rather than read' Sarah Waters AN INTERNATIONAL BESTSELLER WINNER OF AN ENGLISH PEN TRANSLATES AWARD All Men Want to Know traces Nina Bouraoui's blissful childhood in Algeria, a wild...

Pittsburgh has recently (and more than once) been called the most livable city in America; yet the old image of smoky skies and steel mills spewing forth grit has never quite disappeared. Its history as a dirty industrial center is a part of its residents, a part of their toughness. The people of the steel city fight.