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    375 Results with the "Historical Fiction" genre


    • The Crime of Sylvestre Bonnard Cover
      by LovelyMay The Crime of Sylvestre Bonnard by Anatole France is a charming and philosophical novel that tells the story of Sylvestre Bonnard, a kind-hearted and scholarly antiquarian whose passion for rare books leads him into unexpected adventures. Through Bonnard’s reflections and actions, the novel explores themes of love, justice, and morality, often with subtle humor and irony. France’s elegant prose and insightful observations create a rich portrait of a man whose intellectual pursuits are intertwined with his humanity, earning the book the prestigious Prix Goncourt in 1905.
    • Part I–The Log Cover
      by LovelyMay I shut myself up in my room, with the "Golden Legend" opened before me. I was stunned. This, then, was the secret of Princess Trepof! An old almanac-peddler's wife, the signora Coccoz, had become a millionaire and a princess. Nothing more natural in our democratic society, where all is possible. But was it very probable? Above all, was it likely that this same person, having heard me tell Madame Trepof all about the manuscript in Sicily, did, on arriving in Paris, conceive the generous fancy of giving me…
    • Chapter I -The Crime of Sylvestre Bonnard Cover
      by LovelyMay As Sylvestre Bonnard alights from the train at Melun station, he enters a peaceful, night-draped countryside, his senses alive with the warm scents of sun-baked earth and lush grasses. Carrying a light traveling bag filled with essentials prepared by his housekeeper, Bonnard's thoughts drift nostalgically to his schoolboy days, evoking a longing for the innocence and simplicity of youth. He reminisces about his schoolmaster, the stern Monsieur Douloir, and the tender memories of his mother, contrasted…
    • Chapter II -The Crime of Sylvestre Bonnard Cover
      by LovelyMay In the second chapter of "The Crime of Sylvestre Bonnard," the narrator reflects further on the concept of time and life, emphasising the preciousness of time allotted to us and his desire to accomplish his work before death. He introduces Madame de Gabry, who enlivens breakfast with tales of the chateau's ghosts, notably the "Lady-with-three-wrinkles-in-her-back." The setting provides a glimpse into the decay and resilience of the chateau, juxtaposed with the narrator’s efforts to catalog manuscripts in…
    • Chapter III -The Crime of Sylvestre Bonnard Cover
      by LovelyMay Chapter III of "The Crime of Sylvestre Bonnard" unfolds with Sylvestre recalling an odd dream where fairy-like figures accost him, before shifting back to his reality as a scholar. Ignoring his housekeeper's potential fretting, Bonnard chooses to share his intriguing vision with Madame de Gabry, who delightfully acknowledges the dream's charm, suggesting a hidden genius within him, especially during his sleep. This interaction reveals a warm, gentle camaraderie between Bonnard and Madame de Gabry,…
    • Chapter IV -The Crime of Sylvestre Bonnard Cover
      by LovelyMay This diary entry marked the beginning of a new chapter in my life. The City of Books, once my sanctuary of solitude and scholarly pursuit, had become alive with the presence of youth and love. Jeanne and Gelis, with their innocent affections, had transformed the atmosphere from one of solemn studiousness to one of hopeful brightness. As I continued to compile the catalog of my beloved collection for its eventual sale, each book I handled felt like a farewell to an old friend, each with its own story,…
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      The Last Page

      The Last Page Cover
      by LovelyMay On August 21, 1869, within the confines of his study and nearing the completion of his book on the interaction between insects and flowers, Monsieur Sylvestre Bonnard reflects on the intricate relationships within nature. He articulates the crucial role insects play in the process of pollination, emphasizing the evolutionary adaptations flowers have undergone to attract these vital agents. Through detailed observations and references to esteemed scholars like Sprengel, Bonnard marvels at the purposeful…
    • The Cavalry General Cover
      by LovelyMay The Calvary General by Charles Marshall is a classic military text that provides a detailed study of cavalry tactics and the art of mounted warfare. Written by an experienced officer, the book explores the strategies, challenges, and responsibilities of a cavalry general, emphasizing the unique demands of leading mounted troops. It offers insights into battlefield tactics, command decisions, and the adaptability required to manage fast-moving, dynamic cavalry forces effectively. This book serves as both a historical analysis and a tactical guide, valuable for understanding the pivotal role of cavalry in traditional warfare.
    • I-The Cavalry General Cover
      by LovelyMay The chapter begins by emphasizing the importance of offering sacrifices to the gods, seeking their favor to effectively fulfill the duties of a cavalry general. This divine favor is seen as a cornerstone for success in both personal and state affairs, extending to securing loyalty, glory, and widespread usefulness. Attention then shifts to practical matters, starting with ensuring the cavalry reaches its required numbers, including a reserve for remounts to compensate for potential losses. The condition…
    • II-The Cavalry General Cover
      by LovelyMay "The Cavalry General" elucidates the principles and strategies essential for organizing and training a proficient cavalry unit, drawing parallels to the importance and execution as observed in Athenian society. The text emphasizes incentives for excellence through competitions and spectacles, akin to the fervor sparked by choruses for relatively small prizes. It proposes offering rewards for knightly excellence to stimulate ambition among Athenian cavalrymen, highlighting the necessity of esteemed umpires…
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