Dover Thrift Editions: Classic Novels

Virginia Woolf's satirical, prescient novel Orlando, published in 1928, is a groundbreaking work that explores themes of gender, identity, and time. The narrative features a nobleman named Orlando who lives over three centuries, beginning in the Elizabethan era and ending in the twentieth century, and, remarkably, changes from man to woman at the midpoint. With its fusion of masculinity and femininity, this transformation allows Woolf to critique societal norms and expectations tied to gender and class in different periods. Through Orlando's unique life span and gender fluidity, Woolf suggests that gender is not fixed or binary, challenging the traditional concepts of gender roles and stereotypes. A complex and multilayered novel that defies easy categorization, Orlando is lauded for its rich prose and its pioneering representation of gender and queer identity. It is a work of literature that continues to resonate with readers today.

Published in 1900, eleven years prior to her masterpiece Ethan Frome, Edith Wharton's novella The Touchstone explores the emotional complexities of love and betrayal. Penniless and unable to marry the woman he loves, the financially struggling lawyer Stephen Glennard discovers a way out of his predicaments by selling love letters written to him by deceased author Margaret Aubyn. Glennard's psychological anguish as he grapples with his guilt and the repercussions of his actions presents a poignant narrative of human conscience and morality.

Ernest Hemingway's charming and entertaining novella is a hilarious parody of Sherwood Anderson's Dark Laughter and the literary styles and ideas of other great writers, including F. Scott Fitzgerald, Gertrude Stein, James Joyce, and John Dos Passos.

This masterly character study of human transformation, written by Joseph Conrad (1857–1924) during the First World War, chronicles a youth's passage into manhood upon becoming the commander of his first ship. In this poignant tale of maturation, Conrad explores the initiation of this transitional occurrence and delivers a portrait of physical and psychic exile; sensory disorientation; and the final crossover toward a new identity. With realism born of firsthand knowledge of the seafaring life, Conrad delivers an intense evocation of his own first command aboard the ship Otago, which he took on when the previous captain died en route to Bangkok.

"Brilliant…. A successful combination of social comedy and private tragedy."-The Times Literary Supplement Elizabeth Bowen masterfully depicts the Anglo-Irish aristocracy's decline during the Irish War of Independence. Set in the 1920s on a vast country estate, the novel portrays the social and political turbulence through the lens of the Naylor family. Bowen's nuanced characterization and vivid descriptions paint a poignant picture of a world of wealth filled with tennis parties and army camp dances-on the brink of disintegration. Nineteen-year-old Lois Farquar embodies the tensions between tradition and modernity in an existential coming-of-age crisis as she navigates personal and societal upheaval. Bowen skillfully encapsulates Lois's transition from adolescence to adulthood. The Last September is a compelling read exploring identity, the inevitable passage of time, and the fight for freedom-both political and spiritual. "[Elizabeth Bowen] is one of the handful of great…novelists of this century." -The Washington Post. "Had Elizabeth Bowen been a man she would be recognised as one of the finest novelists of the 20th century." John Banville-The Irish Times

"A High Wind in Jamaica by Richard Hughes is like those books you used to read under the covers with a flashlight, only infinitely more delicious and macabre." -Andrew Sean Greer, All Things Considered Set against the backdrop of the Caribbean in the late nineteenth century, A High Wind in Jamaica is a thrilling, suspense-filled adventure. After a storm destroys the plantation that the Bas-Thornton children live on in Jamaica, their parents decide that they must return to England. While traveling home on a ship, the children are kidnapped by pirates. This gripping tale weaves together innocence with betrayal, murder, and violence and examines the thin line between childhood and the primal instincts of survival. Published to critical acclaim in 1929, Richard Hughes's brilliant literary work is listed in the top 100 novels of the twentieth century and has been adapted to the stage, radio, and film. His masterful storytelling and vivid characters make for an unforgettable read that captures the imagination and fascinates readers of all ages from start to finish.

A harrowing and unflinching novel about the brutal reality of World War I, All Quiet on the Western Front starkly contrasts the disillusionment and horror of war with a young German soldier's initial fervor and patriotism. As Paul Bäumer and his comrades grapple with relentless shelling, hunger, and the constant fear of death, their youthful idealism crumbles. Erich Maria Remarque's vivid narrative strips away the glory of war, exposing the senseless violence and loss and the psychological torment endured by a generation of soldiers. Arguably one of the most famous war novels of all the Modern era, this timeless classic presents a scathing critique of nationalism, a devastating indictment of war, and an enduring exploration of what it means to be human under extraordinary duress. The tale is so profoundly moving that it has been adapted into an Oscar-winning cinematic masterpiece not once, but twice.

Doll Bilby is an outcast in the rigid town of Cowan Corners near Salem, Massachusetts. Orphaned after her parents were executed as witches, Doll is suspected of witchcraft by her adopted mother and the townspeople due to a series of unfortunate events. Esther Forbes's hauntingly beautiful 1928 novel, set during one of the darkest chapters of American history, explores the witch hysteria that gripped seventeenth-century New England. An enthralling tale of magic, betrayal, love, and deception, the novel delves into the destructive power of superstitions and allegations. Mirror for Witches masterfully intertwines historical accuracy with psychological insight, capturing the paranoia and fear that permeated Puritan society around the Salem witch trials. Esther Forbes was an American novelist and historian. Her biography of Paul Revere, Paul Revere and the World He Lived In, won the Pulitzer Prize in History in 1943, and her children's book, Johnny Tremain, won the Newbery Award in 1944.

One of the most innovative authors and distinguished literary critics of the twentieth century, Virginia Woolf examines family dynamics and the tensions between men and women in her 1927 novel To the Lighthouse. A pioneer in the use of stream of consciousness as a narrative device, Woolf explores multiple perspectives of the members of the Ramsay family as they navigate experiences of disappointment and loss. Divided into three sections, the story takes place pre– and post–World War I during visits to the Ramsays' summer residence on the Isle of Skye in Scotland.

It was an exciting time for young women of the 1920s as they embraced liberation from the pre–World War I traditions of their mothers. In the mild Mediterranean climate of the Italian Riviera, a rebellious young Sydney Warren cautiously tested her newfound freedom, developing an intimate relationship with the charming middle-aged widow Mrs. Kerr that caused rumors and speculation to stir among the wealthy British guests of a luxurious seaside hotel. A sapphic affair simmers beneath the surface of Elizabeth Bowen's captivating first novel, published in 1927. With its masterful storytelling, combined with Bowen's keen observations and elegant prose, The Hotel beautifully illuminates the contrast between the tranquil Italian setting and the underlying tensions among the privileged characters. The novel is a thoughtful exploration of social norms, personal identity, and the subtle dynamics of group interaction, resulting in a rich story that often relies on what is left unsaid as much as what is written on the page.

In eighteenth-century Peru, a historic bridge connecting the cities of Cuzco and Lima collapses, plunging five people to their deaths. A Franciscan monk, Brother Juniper, witnesses the tragedy and embarks on a spiritual quest to reconcile free will versus fate and the existence of God in the victims' lives: "Why did this happen to those five?" This thought-provoking, Pulitzer Prize–winning second novel by American writer Thornton Wilder was called "a masterpiece" by The New York Times when it was published in 1927. Critically acclaimed, it remains a compelling literary classic exploring destiny, love, religion, and the meaning of life.

In this remarkable debut novel, John Steinbeck, the esteemed author of the Pulitzer Prize–winning masterpiece The Grapes of Wrath, brings to life the enigmatic tale of Sir Henry Morgan - a legendary pirate from the 1600s whose adventures spanned the coasts of Cuba and mainland Latin America, leaving a lasting mark on the ravaged lands of Panama. Treading the line between history and fantasy, Steinbeck weaves an enthralling swashbuckling narrative of a buccaneer's search for fame, fortune, and romance by conquering Panama, the "cup of gold," and possessing the beautiful woman called La Santa Roja. The glimpses of Steinbeck's genius within this work, which was published to mixed reviews in 1929, foreshadow his emergence as one of the twentieth century's most celebrated and critically acclaimed authors.

In the early twentieth century, the Deep South was a landscape of profound transformation and tumultuous change, marked by societal decay, loss, and an enduring search for meaning. William Faulkner's haunting modernist masterpiece The Sound and the Fury, set in Mississippi, portrays the decline of the once-aristocratic Compson family. The novel features the divergent fragmented lives of the Compson siblings-the intellectual disability of Benjy, the brooding rage of Quentin, and the cynical practicality of Jason-as well as the unwavering loyalty of the family servant, Dilsey. Faulkner's evocative prose illuminates the complexities of human nature, revealing the impact of societal change on personal identity and family dynamics during a turbulent period in American history. Faulkner's innovative narrative techniques and deep exploration of themes like time, memory, and history have cemented his legacy as one of the most influential writers of the twentieth century.

Experience the gripping tale of The Man Within by Graham Greene. This riveting novel digs deep into the psyche of Francis Andrews, a conflicted smuggler haunted by his father's oppressive legacy. Andrews finds himself torn between betrayal and redemption after he seeks asylum with a compassionate woman named Elizabeth. As Andrews grapples with guilt, fear, and the quest for his true identity, he finds himself torn between betrayal and redemption. Graham Greene offers an unforgettable journey of human bonding and self-discovery as he masterfully explores themes of loyalty, integrity, and the resilience of the human spirit. Celebrated for his profound literary works that portray human nature's moral and political complexities, English novelist Graham Greene is considered one of the greatest writers of the 20th century. His prolific literary career includes numerous acclaimed novels such as The Power and the Glory, The Heart of the Matter, The End of the Affair, and The Quiet American. His compelling stories have also been adapted into award-winning films like The Third Man.

Ernest Hemingway plunges into the brutal reality of World War I through the eyes of Frederic Henry, an American serving as a lieutenant in the ambulance corps of the Italian Army. As the horrors of war unfold, Frederic finds solace in his passionate love affair with Catherine Barkley, a courageous English nurse. However, their love is tested by the ever-present threats of death and injury and the emotional toll of the conflict. This powerful and poignant story was Hemingway's first bestseller, exploring themes of love and loss, disillusionment with war, and the search for meaning amid chaos. Prepare to be deeply moved by the unforgettable characters and their struggles against the backdrop of a world in turmoil.

D. H. Lawrence is celebrated for his bold artistic vision and transformative portrayal of sex and emotions. His evocative prose, penetrating psychological insights, and fearless examination of human nature offer a rich literary experience in two brilliant novellas. St. Mawr unveils a story of self-discovery and the stark contrast between modern civilization and nature's raw, untamed spirit. Fleeing from a complacent marriage, Lou Witt finds solace in a remote ranch in the mountains of New Mexico alongside a fiery stallion. The Man Who Died explores Resurrection and enlightenment from a mystical and metaphysical perspective. This profound parable reimagines the story of Jesus Christ post-Resurrection, engaging with themes of rebirth, sexual awakening, and divine humanism. Lawrence's narrative challenges traditional religious dogma, proposing a more personal and sensual understanding of spirituality. Together, these works offer a transformative exploration of the human spirit's quest for meaning and authenticity, making them a significant contribution to twentieth-century literature.

Trapped in a bureaucratic quagmire, K., a land surveyor, struggles to gain access to the mysterious, impenetrable Castle, a symbol of unassailable authority. His attempts are met with inexplicable delays, administrative hurdles, and a pervasive sense of alienation. Franz Kafka infuses his narrative with existential dread, crafting a story that is both exasperating and amusing yet deeply human. It's a tale of the individual's struggle against the overwhelming forces of bureaucracy, power, and the quest for identity in a world that often seems indifferent. Well into the twenty-first century, Kafka's tale resonates with anyone who has ever felt unheard or lost in a maze of red tape. Published posthumously in 1926, The Castle was first translated into English in 1930 by Edwin and Willa Muir. Although incomplete because of Kafka's untimely death in 1924, the novel remains a seminal work. Despite Kafka's instruction to his close friend Max Brod to destroy all unpublished manuscripts after his death, The Castle was preserved and published. The novel stands alongside Kafka's "The Metamorphosis" and The Trial as one of the twentieth century's most significant and existentially profound absurdist literary contributions.

A cavalry unit, having crossed the Sahara to relieve a besieged French Foreign Legion fort, arrives to an eerie silence - the enemy has vanished, and the post's walls and ramparts are defended by dead men. The fort's commander, slain by a bayonet through the heart, clutches a letter that links the riddle of the desert massacre to another mystery, the long-ago and far-away theft of a sapphire known as the Blue Water. It was the scandalous disappearance of the Blue Water that led to the self-exile of Beau, the oldest of the Geste brothers. John and Digby couldn't believe that Beau was a thief and refused to allow him to shoulder the blame alone. Thus all three Gestes turned up in North Africa, among the ranks of the Foreign Legion. Their story of suspense, betrayal, and bravery has inspired several movie versions and remains a favorite with readers who relish a classic adventure.