Showing results for "The Two Cultures" in Literature & Fiction

Under the shadow of an illustrious father, Sambhaji finds himself thrust into the Maratha-Mughal conflict from a tender age. His mistakes cost him dearly and when his father suddenly dies and he becomes the chhatrapati, it is as if he has inherited a crown of thorns. In the nine years that...

An entertaining and surprising ride through an India you thought you knew...

Harry Potter has been heralded as one of the most popular book series of all time, and the philosophical nature of Harry, Hermione, and Ron's quest to rid the world of its ultimate evil is one of the many things that make this series special. The Ultimate Harry Potter and Philosophy covers all seven titles in J.K. Rowling's groundbreaking series and takes fans back to Godric's Hollow to discuss life after death, to consider what moral reasoning drove Harry to choose death, and to debate whether Sirius Black is a man or a dog.

Step into a realm of enchantment with the legendary storytellers E.T.A Hoffmann, George MacDonald, Violet Hunt, J. Sheridan Le Fanu, and Bram Stoker. This captivating collection invites you to explore the mystical worlds of faeries, gnomes, changelings, phantoms, and other extraordinary beings that defy the limits of imagination. Enjoy six mesmerizing tales that will delight anyone who cherishes the art of fantasy literature at its finest. - Summary by kadath

The Metamorphosis is a haunting novella by Franz Kafka, first published in 1915, and remains one of his most acclaimed works. It tells the unsettling story of Gregor Samsa, a traveling salesman who wakes up to discover he has been transformed into a grotesque verminous creature. This chilling tale, marked by its stark and absurd simplicity, has earned its place as a cornerstone of twentieth-century literature. This translation is by Ian Johnston, and the summary is narrated by David Richardson.

In this enchanting tale, a young Victorian housewife unexpectedly transforms into a fox, leading her husband into a whirlwind of challenges as he navigates her increasingly untamed behavior. This unique narrative offers a fresh perspective on the timeless struggles inherent in the dynamics of marriage, revealing the wild nature that lies beneath the surface. - Summary by Tony Addison

Join us as we explore the groundbreaking ideas presented in this book, where the author passionately challenges the notion of speciesism—long before the term even existed. Delve into arguments against vivisection, the exploitation of horses and wildlife, and the practices of hunting, fishing, and the fur trade. Advocating for a vegetarian lifestyle, this work is often hailed as one of the first significant discussions on animal rights. Narrated by Angus Taylor and James Hyslop, this is a thought-provoking journey into the ethics of our relationship with animals.

Dive into the delightful world of perennial flower gardening and landscaping with this insightful book. It serves as a comprehensive guide on nurturing plants from seed, while offering expert advice on the care of traditional garden flowers, bulbs, trees, and shrubs. Explore various aspects of ornamental gardening, including enchanting water gardens and tips for winter house plant care. The author shares a wealth of unexpected yet valuable wisdom in her chapter of Don’ts, such as this gem Don’t provide cut flowers and plants to those who splurge on luxuries while questioning your ...

In his groundbreaking essay Nature, published anonymously in 1836, Ralph Waldo Emerson lays the cornerstone of transcendentalism—a philosophy that invites us to embrace a profound and non-traditional appreciation of the natural world. With the support of emerging discoveries in zoology, botany, and geology, Emersons insights on the intricate connections within Nature resonate even more powerfully today. This pivotal publication marked a turning point for transcendentalism, establishing it as a significant cultural movement. Influenced by Nature during his time at Harvard, Henry David Thoreau...

Daisy Miller is a captivating novella penned by Henry James, first published in the Cornhill Magazine in June–July 1879, and later released in book form in 1880. This enchanting tale follows the courtship of the stunning American girl, Daisy Miller, by the refined Frederick Winterbourne, who finds himself entangled in a web of social expectations and Daisys flirtatious nature. Set against the picturesque backdrops of Switzerland and Italy, their romance is challenged by the disapproving gaze of expatriates who question Daisys unconventional behavior. Join us in exploring themes of love, ...

Step into a poignant family drama that unfolds in three acts. Ghosts, much like Ibsens renowned works, offers a sharp critique of 19th-century morality and societal norms. Join Mrs. Helen Alving, a widow grappling with her past, as she navigates the complexities of family and obligation. With a talented cast bringing vivid characters to life, this adaptation promises to captivate and provoke thought. (Summary by Kristingj) Cast Mrs. Helen Alving, widow of Captain Alving Rhonda Federman; Oswald Alving, her son, a painter Chris Marcellus; Pastor Manders Algy Pug; Jacob Engstrand, a carpenter ...

The heartbreaking story of the love affair between Boris Pasternak, the author of Doctor Zhivago, and Olga Ivinskaya—the true tragedy behind the timeless classic. When Stalin came into power in 1924, the Communist government began persecuting dissident writers. Though Stalin spared the life of...

Marcus Brigstocke persuades his reluctant guests to try new experiences: things that they've perhaps always meant to try but haven't had the time, the courage or possibly the inclination. Enjoy hearing some famous names embrace new challenges, such as Phill Jupitus drinking absinthe, Mark Steel constructing flat-pack furniture, Esther Rantzen finally joining Facebook, Kelly Holmes trying her first deep-fried Mars bar, Giles Coren having a go at being vegan, and Frank Skinner getting a spray tan.

Tumbling from one love entanglement to another, 30-something teacher Izzy Comyn has a predilection for inappropriate men. Over the three hilarious series of Up the Garden Path, Izzy, played by Imelda Staunton, deals with the complicated ups and downs of her attempts to find true love.

Delve into the enchanting world of Strange Tales from a Chinese Studio, also known as Strange Tales of Liaozhai, a mesmerizing collection of nearly five hundred supernatural narratives penned by the talented Pu Songling during the early Qing Dynasty. Written in Classical Chinese, these tales blur the lines between the ordinary and the extraordinary, drawing on a rich tradition of oral storytelling. Pu, believed to have completed most of these stories around 1679, offers readers a captivating glimpse into a realm populated by vixen spirits, ghosts, scholars, court officials, Taoist exorcists, ...

Dive into Volume 2 of this delightful ten-volume collection, showcasing the wit and humor of Americas most beloved wordsmiths. Featuring a rich tapestry of amusing tales, clever observations, and charming anecdotes, this installment includes works from iconic writers like Ambrose Bierce, Oliver Wendell Holmes, Mark Twain, and Bret Harte. Join Lynne Thompson as she guides you through these timeless pieces that continue to tickle our funny bones.

"Since time immemorial, India has been an ocean bed over which numerous stories have flowed and enriched the world. Storytellers from Tulsidas to Rohinton Mistry have added their magic to this magnificent repository. Inspired in part by Somadeva’s Kathasaritasagara, William Radice collects...

The original abridged recordings of the beloved Tales of the City series, Armistead Maupin’s best-selling San Francisco saga, in one collection! For almost four decades Armistead Maupin’s Tales of the City has blazed its own trail through popular culture—from a groundbreaking newspaper...

In the pursuit of our desires, we often uncover the deepest curses. This tale follows a fisherman who, upon accidentally ensnaring a mermaid in his net, finds himself enchanted by her beauty and vows to marry her. However, she reveals that the only way to attain her love is to part with his soul. Guided by a witch, the fisherman learns how to sever this bond, but his soul, now free, seeks to reclaim its place through cunning persuasion. As it spins tales of a mesmerizing dancer nearby, the fisherman is drawn back to a dark reality—his soulless essence has turned malevolent. Beware of what ...

Welcome to Slow 2 Speak with Vooch, a captivating podcast that explores life's diverse landscapes. Join insightful host Vooch and occasionally his wife Anji, as they delve into meaningful discussions about faith, culture, entertainment, and more.Unlike fleeting hot takes, Slow 2 Speak with Vooch offers sincere and introspective reflections. Prepare for engaging conversations that spark curiosity and leave you pondering. Whether seeking connections or broadening perspectives, Slow 2 Speak with Vooch is your destination for meaningful dialogue.