Description

The World’s Best Reading Reader’s Digest Lot of 5 Decorative Classics 1992. Condition is Like New. Shipped with USPS Media Mail. 1. The House of the Seven Gables by Nathaniel Hawthorne • Published in 1851, The House of the Seven Gables is a Gothic novel by American author Nathaniel Hawthorne. It’s set in a gloomy New England mansion, the titular “House of the Seven Gables,” which is haunted by its dark history. The story follows the Pyncheon family, whose ancestor, Colonel Pyncheon, acquired the land through dubious means, leading to a supposed curse. The novel explores themes of guilt, retribution, and the weight of the past, blending elements of romance and mystery. Key characters include Hepzibah Pyncheon, her brother Clifford, and their cousin Phoebe. Hawthorne’s work often delves into Puritan morality and human psychology, and this novel is a classic example of American Romanticism. A Reader’s Digest edition might condense the narrative while preserving its atmospheric tone and key plot points. 2. Tales of Suspense by Edgar Allan Poe • Edgar Allan Poe, a master of Gothic fiction and the macabre, is best known for his short stories and poems that explore themes of death, madness, and the supernatural. Tales of Suspense is likely a collection of some of Poe’s most famous stories, such as “The Tell-Tale Heart,” where a murderer is driven to confess by the sound of his victim’s beating heart; “The Fall of the House of Usher,” a haunting tale of a decaying family and mansion; or “The Pit and the Pendulum,” which depicts the horrors of the Spanish Inquisition. Poe’s works are known for their psychological depth and chilling atmosphere. A Reader’s Digest edition might include a selection of his most gripping tales, possibly with illustrations to enhance the eerie mood. 3. The Celebrated Jumping Frog and Other Stories by Mark Twain • Mark Twain, the pen name of Samuel Clemens, is one of America’s most beloved authors, known for his humor and social commentary. The Celebrated Jumping Frog and Other Stories likely centers on Twain’s famous 1865 short story, “The Celebrated Jumping Frog of Calaveras County,” which tells the humorous tale of a man who bets on a frog-jumping contest only to be outwitted by a stranger. The collection might also include other Twain stories like “The Man That Corrupted Hadleyburg,” a satire on greed and hypocrisy, or “A Dog’s Tale,” a poignant story from a dog’s perspective. Twain’s writing often uses regional dialects and sharp wit to critique human nature. A Reader’s Digest edition would likely preserve the humor and charm of Twain’s storytelling, possibly with a focus on his shorter works. 4. A Journey to the Center of the Earth by Jules Verne • Published in 1864, A Journey to the Center of the Earth is a science fiction novel by French author Jules Verne, a pioneer of the genre. The story follows Professor Otto Lidenbrock, his nephew Axel, and their guide Hans as they descend into an Icelandic volcano to explore the Earth’s interior. They encounter prehistoric creatures, underground oceans, and other wonders, blending adventure with speculative science. Verne’s novel is notable for its imaginative scope and early use of scientific concepts like geology and paleontology, though some ideas (like a hollow Earth) are outdated today. The book is a thrilling mix of exploration and discovery, appealing to readers of all ages. A Reader’s Digest edition might condense the journey while retaining its sense of wonder, possibly with illustrations of the fantastical underground world. 5. The Return of Sherlock Holmes by Arthur Conan Doyle • Published in 1905, The Return of Sherlock Holmes is a collection of 13 short stories by Arthur Conan Doyle, marking the return of the iconic detective Sherlock Holmes after his apparent death in “The Final Problem” (1893). Set in London, the stories feature Holmes and his loyal friend Dr. John Watson solving mysteries with Holmes’ signature deductive reasoning. Notable stories in this collection include “The Adventure of the Empty House,” where Holmes reveals he survived his encounter with Professor Moriarty, and “The Adventure of the Dancing Men,” which involves a cryptic code. Doyle’s stories are celebrated for their clever plotting and vivid depiction of Victorian England. A Reader’s Digest edition might include a selection of these stories, focusing on the most famous cases, with possible annotations or illustrations to highlight Holmes’ methods.