Sherlock Holmes' Schöpfer hatte ihn 1893 eigentlich sterben lassen wollen, doch auf Drängen seiner überwältigend grossen Leserschaft liess Doyle den Meister des kriminalistischen Gespürs mit der untrüglichen Kombinationsgabe wiederauferstehen, um den seltsamen Ereignissen im düsteren Dartmoor auf den Grund zu gehen. 'Der Hund von Baskerville' erschien 1902 als Buchausgabe und wurde ein fulminanter Erfolg.
"Robinson Crusoe" is a novel that explores themes of survival, self-reliance, and the human spirit through the story of its titular character, who is shipwrecked on a deserted island for 28 years. Crusoe faces numerous challenges as he learns to fend for himself, building shelter, growing food, and ultimately confronting his isolation. The narrative delves into the philosophical and religious implications of his experiences, reflecting on the nature of civilization and the individual's relationship with God. The story is rich with allegorical elements, drawing on Puritan traditions and biblical references. It also examines the impact of colonialism and the human condition, as Crusoe encounters a native man, whom he names Friday, leading to a complex exploration of friendship and cultural differences. The novel has inspired a vast array of literary criticism, highlighting its significance in the development of the novel as a form and its enduring relevance in discussions of identity and society.
Das Buch enthält ausser der Titelerzählung: Markheim. The Body Snatcher - Der Leichenräuber
A wickedly clever satire uses comic inversions to offer insights into human nature and society. It follows the four voyages of Lemuel Gulliver, a ship's surgeon. In Lilliput, he discovers a miniature world, towering over its inhabitants and observing their society from a god-like perspective. Conversely, in Brobdingnag, Gulliver becomes the curiosity, displayed in markets as a tiny man among giants. His journey continues to Laputa, a flying island where he encounters a society of speculators detached from reality, allowing their homeland to fall into disrepair while they obsess over impractical ideas. Finally, he reaches the land of the Houyhnhnms, gentle horses he admires, contrasting sharply with the Yahoos, filthy creatures resembling humans. Jonathan Swift (1667-1745), born in Dublin, crafted this enduring classic, which remains a profound exploration of the follies and vices of humanity through the lens of fantastical adventures.