Universals
ebook
(0)
The Secret Garden
by Frances Hodgson Burnett
Part of the Universals series
The Secret Garden (1911) is a charming story about the transformative power of nature, friendship, and hope. When Mary Lennox, a sullen and orphaned girl, is sent to live in an old manor in Yorkshire, she finds herself surrounded by mysteries, locked doors, and hidden family secrets. Everything changes when she discovers a forgotten garden, hidden behind high walls and years of neglect. As Mary secretly tends to it, her own heart begins to bloom, and with the help of new friends, she learns to open up to the world and heal old wounds.
A timeless classic of children's literature, The Secret Garden continues to move readers of all ages with its tenderness, magical atmosphere, and uplifting message.
ebook
(0)
A Midsummer Night's Dream
by William Shakespeare
Part of the Universals series
A Midsummer Night's Dream is a comedy written by William Shakespeare in about 1595 or 1596. The play is set in Athens, and consists of several subplots that revolve around the marriage of Theseus and Hippolyta. One subplot involves a conflict among four Athenian lovers. Another follows a group of six amateur actors rehearsing the play which they are to perform before the wedding. Both groups find themselves in a forest inhabited by fairies who manipulate the humans and are engaged in their own domestic intrigue. The play is one of Shakespeare's most popular and is widely performed.
ebook
(1)
Little Women
by Louisa May Alcott
Part of the Universals series
Little Women (1868) tells the story of the March sisters-Meg, Jo, Beth, and Amy-growing up in New England during the American Civil War. As they navigate the joys and struggles of life, each sister embarks on her own journey of self-discovery, love, and ambition. The novel explores themes of family, sacrifice, and the pursuit of personal dreams, all while celebrating the enduring strength of sisterhood. A timeless and heartwarming tale about growing up, facing adversity, and cherishing the bonds that hold us together.
ebook
(0)
Black Beauty
by Anna Sewell
Part of the Universals series
Black Beauty (1877) is not just the story of an animal, but a moving account of a life marked by tenderness, hardship, and hope. Told from the perspective of the horse himself, this timeless work transports us to 19th-century England, where the fate of a noble creature can change with every new hand that guides him.
From a carefree youth in green pastures to the noisy streets of London, Beauty endures both human kindness and cruelty with dignity and courage. Anna Sewell wrote this book as a plea against animal mistreatment and a powerful defense of compassion, leaving behind a legacy that has touched millions of hearts around the world.
ebook
(0)
The Canterville Ghost
by Oscar Wilde
Part of the Universals series
A haunted mansion. A frustrated ghost. A family that refuses to be scared.
When the Otis family moves into Canterville Chase, they discover that the mansion is home to a ghost who has terrified generations. But to his dismay, the Otises not only ignore his attempts to frighten them-they mock him.
Desperate, Sir Simon, the mansion's resident ghost, faces his worst nightmare: a fearless family. Only Virginia, the eldest daughter, seems to understand his suffering and may hold the key to his eternal rest.
With humor and a touch of melancholy, The Canterville Ghost is a literary gem that blends the supernatural with satire.
ebook
(0)
The Mysterious Stranger
by Mark Twain
Part of the Universals series
In a small town where routine is law and faith rules all, a mysterious stranger appears. No one knows where he came from or what he wants, but his presence carries an air of mystery and a tempting promise: absolute knowledge.
With mesmerizing words and seemingly impossible tricks, the stranger captivates three young boys, who become fascinated by his apparent magic. But as they delve deeper into his secrets, they begin to question the truths they've always known. Is he a divine messenger or something far more sinister?
The Mysterious Stranger is one of Mark Twain's final and most provocative works, a story that challenges faith, morality, and the very nature of reality.
ebook
(4)
The Strange Case of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde
by Robert Louis Stevenson
Part of the Universals series
In the shadowy streets of Victorian London, Dr. Henry Jekyll, a respected scientist and physician, struggles with a dark secret: the belief that within every human being coexist two opposing natures. Desperate to unleash his wilder, darker side, Jekyll creates a potion that allows him to transform into Edward Hyde, a ruthless and unscrupulous being.
As Hyde commits horrific crimes, Jekyll becomes trapped in an internal battle between his conscience and the monster he has unleashed. The duality of his being threatens to destroy him, and the line between the two characters begins to blur. Can Jekyll control his creation, or will Hyde prevail forever?
ebook
(0)
Heart of Darkness
by Joseph Conrad
Part of the Universals series
Deep in the African continent, a young sailor named Marlow journeys upriver in search of Kurtz, an ivory trader who has become a legend. What begins as a colonial expedition soon turns into a descent into the unknown: the impenetrable jungle, the violence of imperialism, and, above all, the shadows that dwell within the human heart.
First published in 1899, Heart of Darkness is one of the most influential works of modern literature. Conrad weaves a disturbing and ambiguous tale in which adventure merges with philosophical reflection, and outward exploration becomes an inward inquiry into power, corruption, and moral fragility. A masterpiece that continues to challenge readers more than a century later.
ebook
(0)
The Fisherman and His Soul
by Oscar Wilde
Part of the Universals series
When a young fisherman falls in love with a beautiful mermaid, he is faced with an impossible choice: to be with her, he must cast away his very soul. Thus begins a haunting journey through strange lands and spiritual trials, as his discarded soul, unwilling to be forgotten, takes on a life of its own.
In The Fisherman and his Soul, Oscar Wilde weaves a poetic and philosophical fable that explores the boundaries of love, the cost of desire, and the redemptive power of compassion. Rich in symbolism and moral depth, this enchanting story reminds us that the greatest truths often lie hidden in the depths of the heart. A timeless classic from one of literature's most luminous voices.
ebook
(0)
The Legend of Sleepy Hollow
by Washington Irving
Part of the Universals series
In the dark and mysterious village of Sleepy Hollow, Ichabod Crane, a superstitious schoolteacher, falls in love with the beautiful Katrina Van Tassel. But his love is threatened by Brom Bones, his rival and a bold young man. One night, after a party at Katrina's house, Ichabod must ride through the forest where he encounters the village's most feared legend: the Headless Horseman. As he runs for his life, he can't tell if his pursuer is a real ghost or a cruel prank. A gothic tale of mystery, terror, and superstition.
ebook
(2)
Pride and Prejudice
by Jane Austen
Part of the Universals series
Pride and Prejudice is a timeless story of love and misunderstandings set in 19th-century England. Elizabeth Bennet, an intelligent and independent young woman, faces the pressures of societal expectations while longing for true love. When she meets Mr. Darcy, a wealthy and seemingly aloof man, their mutual prejudices lead to conflict and misjudgments. As their relationship evolves, both must confront their own pride and assumptions, ultimately discovering the importance of love, personal growth, and not judging by appearances.
ebook
(1)
Animal Farm
by George Orwell
Part of the Universals series
When the animals of Manor Farm overthrow their human master, they dream of a society where all are equal, free, and happy. But as the pigs take control, that dream slowly turns into a nightmare. Promises of fairness fade, and new tyrants rise under the guise of equality.
Through brilliant satire, Animal Farm (1945) explores how power can corrupt even the noblest ideals. Orwell's sharp prose and unforgettable characters expose the dark side of revolutions. A masterpiece of political allegory, this short novel remains as relevant today as when it was first published. It is a chilling reflection on how freedom can be lost-and how easily truth can be rewritten.
ebook
(0)
The Life and Adventures of Robinson Crusoe
by Daniel Defoe
Part of the Universals series
Robinson Crusoe (1911) is an adventure novel written by Daniel Defoe. It tells the story of a young Englishman who, driven by a desire to explore the world, disobeys his parents and sets out to sea. After a shipwreck, he finds himself stranded on a deserted island, where he must learn to survive using his wit, courage, and faith. Over the course of 28 years, he faces isolation, fear, harsh nature, and unexpected encounters - including one with a native man he names Friday.
Considered one of the first modern novels in English literature, The Life and Adventures of Robinson Crusoe is also a deep reflection on human resilience, self-reliance, and the ability to adapt in the face of adversity.
ebook
(0)
Wuthering Heights
by Emily Brontë
Part of the Universals series
Wuthering Heights (1847) is a passionate and stormy tale of love, hatred, and revenge, set against the desolate moors of northern England. In this timeless novel, Emily Brontë introduces Heathcliff, an adopted child who grows up in a divided household, harboring an impossible love for Catherine Earnshaw, the rebellious young woman who will forever shape his destiny.
Across generations, the echoes of their love and resentment transform the lives of everyone around them, in a cycle of pain, longing, and redemption. Dark, intense, and deeply original, Wuthering Heights defies the conventions of classic romance and remains one of the most powerful works in world literature.
ebook
(0)
The Time Machine
by Herbert George Wells
Part of the Universals series
The Time Machine is a captivating science fiction novel that follows the journey of an unnamed protagonist, known as the "Time Traveler," who invents a machine capable of traveling through time. On his first journey, he travels to the distant future, where he encounters a world divided between the Eloi, a peaceful but fragile civilization, and the Morlocks, shadowy creatures that dwell underground. As the Time Traveler explores this future, he confronts the evolution of humanity and reflects on the consequences of progress, social inequality, and the impact of time on society. With its exploration of the power of technology and its ethical implications, The Time Machine offers a thought-provoking narrative about the fragility of humanity and the dangers of the future
ebook
(0)
Uncle Tom's Cabin
by Harriet Beecher Stowe
Part of the Universals series
Uncle Tom's Cabin (1852) is the novel that moved an entire nation and became a powerful manifesto against slavery. The story follows Tom, a kindhearted and deeply religious enslaved man whose faith and dignity remain unshaken despite oppression and suffering. Published during the intense political tensions preceding the American Civil War, this work not only marked a milestone in American literature but also inspired the abolitionist movement. A moving and courageous tale that continues to remind generation after generation of the importance of freedom and humanity.
ebook
(0)
White Fang
by Jack London
Part of the Universals series
White Fang (1906) tells the extraordinary life story of a unique animal born on the border between the wild and the human world. Half wolf, half dog, White Fang faces the harsh conditions of the Yukon from birth-a relentless land where only the strongest survive. Throughout his life, he experiences the brutality of the wild, the violence of men, and the constant struggle for power and survival. But he also discovers that beyond instinct and fight, there is the possibility of friendship, love, and loyalty. Through encounters with humans both cruel and kind, White Fang learns to trust and form bonds that will forever change his fate.
ebook
(0)
The Curious Case of Benjamin Button
by Francis Scott Fitzgerald
Part of the Universals series
In the city of Baltimore in 1860, Benjamin Button is born with a strange condition: instead of arriving as a baby, he is an old man of seventy. As time passes, Benjamin grows younger instead of aging, experiencing love, war, and society in a completely unique way. His unusual existence forces him to navigate a world that follows the natural course of time while he moves in reverse.
With elegant and melancholic prose, The Curious Case of Benjamin Button is a fascinating reflection on time, identity, and the inevitability of fate, written by F. Scott Fitzgerald
ebook
(0)
Peter Pan
by James Matthew Barrie
Part of the Universals series
Peter Pan, the boy who refuses to grow up, invites Wendy Darling and her brothers John and Michael on a wondrous adventure where the skies shimmer with fairy dust, pirates lurk in the shadows, and childhood dreams come alive. Together, they will confront the daring Captain Hook, befriend the mischievous Tinker Bell, and discover that the greatest magic lies in the power of imagination and the courage to believe.
This beloved classic by J.M. Barrie is a celebration of youth, freedom, and the endless wonder of never letting go of your inner child.
ebook
(0)
Jane Eyre
by Charlotte Brontë
Part of the Universals series
Jane Eyre (1847) is a story of resilience, independence, and forbidden love set in Victorian England. Through the eyes of Jane, a young orphan shaped by hardship, Charlotte Brontë crafts an intimate and deeply moving narrative where the longing for freedom and dignity challenges the constraints of a rigid society.
From her troubled childhood in a hostile household to the austere halls of Lowood School and finally to Thornfield Hall-where she encounters the enigmatic Mr. Rochester-Jane strives to remain true to her principles and her sense of self. Confronting dark secrets, emotional turmoil, and moral dilemmas, her journey becomes a powerful quest for belonging without self-betrayal. Blending social critique, spiritual reflection, and intense emotional depth, Jane Eyre stands as one of the most enduring and influential novels in world literature.
ebook
(0)
A Little Princess
by Frances Hodgson Burnett
Part of the Universals series
In the heart of Victorian London, young Sara Crewe arrives at an elite boarding school accompanied by her beloved doll and an imagination without limits. Raised as a princess, her world collapses the day she loses her entire fortune. From that moment on, she must learn to preserve her kindness, her dignity, and her faith in dreams even amid poverty and humiliation.
First published in 1905, A Little Princess is a timeless story of hope, empathy, and inner strength. A gem by Frances Hodgson Burnett, author of The Secret Garden, that continues to inspire generations of readers with its message of light in times of darkness.
ebook
(0)
Little Lord Fauntleroy
by Frances Hodgson Burnett
Part of the Universals series
Cedric Errol, a kind-hearted boy living modestly in New York with his mother, discovers one day that he is the heir to an English noble title. Suddenly, his life changes completely: he must travel to England to meet his grandfather, a stern and solitary earl.
With his innocence, joy, and generous spirit, little Cedric will transform the gloomy family castle and awaken in his grandfather feelings he believed long forgotten.
First published in 1886, Little Lord Fauntleroy is a touching story about kindness, generosity, and the redeeming power of love. A timeless classic by Frances Hodgson Burnett that continues to win the hearts of readers generation after generation.
ebook
(0)
The Monk
by Matthew Gregory Lewis
Part of the Universals series
In the shadowed cloisters of a Spanish monastery, where silence reigns and virtue is revered, darkness stirs beneath the habit. The Monk is a haunting descent into desire, faith, and the corruption of the soul. Ambrosio, a monk celebrated for his holiness, finds himself confronted by forces -both internal and otherworldly- that threaten to unravel everything he stands for.
A journey into the heart of temptation, where the sacred and the profane entwine in a dance both beautiful and terrifying.
ebook
(0)
Gulliver's Travels
by Jonathan Swift
Part of the Universals series
Gulliver's Travels (1726) is a masterpiece of satirical literature written by Jonathan Swift, blending adventure, boundless imagination, and sharp social critique. Through the extraordinary voyages of Captain Lemuel Gulliver-from the tiny realm of Lilliput to the giant land of Brobdingnag, the floating island of Laputa, and the philosophical horses of the Houyhnhnms-Swift delivers a biting commentary on politics, science, war, and human nature.
With a vivid style and limitless creativity, this novel has captivated readers for centuries and continues to challenge audiences to reflect on the world around them. Gulliver's Travels is a timeless classic that remains as relevant and thought-provoking today as it was when first published.
ebook
(0)
The Pilgrim's Progress
by John Bunyan
Part of the Universals series
A powerful allegory of the spiritual journey, The Pilgrim's Progress follows Christian, an ordinary man who leaves the City of Destruction in search of salvation in the Celestial City. Along a path filled with trials, dangers, and revelations, Christian faces enemies such as despair, vanity, and doubt, while finding guidance and comfort through faith, hope, and truth. Written from a prison cell in the 17th century, this masterpiece by John Bunyan has transcended time with its moral depth, vivid imagination, and enduring ability to move readers across generations. More than a story, it is a map of the human soul in its quest for redemption.
ebook
(0)
Ghost Stories of an Antiquary
by Montague Rhodes James
Part of the Universals series
First published in 1904, Ghost Stories of an Antiquary is far more than a collection of ghost tales: it is a masterpiece of subtle and scholarly horror. M. R. James, a distinguished academic and medievalist, transforms his deep knowledge of the past into living material for terror. In these pages, the supernatural does not scream-it whispers. And when it does, it chills the blood.
Mocked spirits, cursed objects, faceless figures lurking in the shadows… Each story unveils a meticulously crafted atmosphere, where the ordinary slowly twists into the uncanny with unmatched elegance.
ebook
(0)
The Turn of the Screw
by Henry James
Part of the Universals series
In an ancient English mansion surrounded by fog and secrets, a young governess accepts the task of caring for two orphaned children, whose innocence soon begins to seem too perfect. Isolated from the world and with no company but the servants and the echoes of the past, the governess starts to perceive strange figures in the gardens, apparitions that no one else seems to see or admit.
Narrated with subtle and immersive mastery, The Turn of the Screw is a haunting work that continually challenges the reader's perception. Henry James weaves a story where the real and the imagined intertwine until they become indistinguishable, exploring the boundaries between reason and fear, truth and suggestion.
ebook
(0)
The Star Rover (the Jacket)
by Jack London
Part of the Universals series
Through a mysterious ability he calls "star-roving," Standing leaves behind the suffocating walls of San Quentin and journeys across time, space, and countless lives he has lived before. From the courts of medieval Europe to the deserts of ancient civilizations, from the thrill of exploration to the depths of human cruelty, each vision reveals another fragment of his boundless soul.
First published in 1915 under the title The Jacket, The Star Rover is Jack London's bold exploration of reincarnation, freedom, and the unbreakable power of the human spirit. Blending prison drama, adventure, and metaphysical reflection, this haunting novel invites readers to question the limits of reality.
ebook
(0)
The Marvelous Land of Oz
by L. Frank Baum
Part of the Universals series
When young Tip escapes the clutches of the wicked witch Mombi, he sets out on an extraordinary journey across the Land of Oz. Alongside the whimsical Jack Pumpkinhead, the wooden Sawhorse, and the loyal Scarecrow, he braves enchanted forests, peculiar armies, and hidden secrets that will forever change the fate of the Emerald City.
With The Marvelous Land of Oz, L. Frank Baum expands his magical universe in a tale rich with humor, fantasy, and imagination. This second adventure in the Oz series not only introduces unforgettable characters but also deepens the themes of friendship, courage, and transformation, securing its place as a timeless classic of children's literature.
ebook
(0)
The House of the Seven Gables
by Nathaniel Hawthorne
Part of the Universals series
In an old New England mansion, heavy with shadows and secrets, an ancient curse still lingers. The Pyncheon family, marked by guilt and ambition, lives under the specter of a crime committed generations ago. Within the dark walls of the House of the Seven Gables, the echoes of the past intertwine with the lives of its new inhabitants: the melancholic Hepzibah, the gentle Clifford, and the radiant Phoebe, whose arrival brings a ray of hope to a home condemned by time.
The House of the Seven Gables stands as one of the masterpieces of American Romanticism-a novel of decay, justice, and the eternal conflict between the past and the human conscience.
ebook
(0)
The Scarlet Letter
by Nathaniel Hawthorne
Part of the Universals series
In a 17th-century Puritan colony, Hester Prynne is condemned for the sin of adultery and forced to wear a scarlet "A" on her chest as a mark of shame. Despite the social condemnation, Hester faces her fate with unshakable dignity, raising her daughter Pearl amid the rejection of the community. Throughout the novel, the deep moral conflicts of the protagonist are explored, along with the silent suffering of her secret lover and the weight of judgment in a society that does not forgive.
The Scarlet Letter is a profound reflection on guilt, redemption, and the complexity of the human heart.
ebook
(3)
1984 (Nineteen Eighty-Four)
by George Orwell
Part of the Universals series
In a grim future where the world is divided into perpetual war and total surveillance, Winston Smith dares to question the absolute power of the Party. In Oceania, even thoughts are monitored, history is rewritten, and truth is whatever Big Brother says it is. Longing for freedom and truth, Winston begins a quiet rebellion-but in a society where independent thought is a crime, even love becomes dangerous.
With chilling precision, Nineteen Eighty-Four (1949) reveals how totalitarian regimes crush the human spirit. Orwell's haunting vision of a world stripped of privacy, individuality, and truth remains a powerful warning. Both timeless and terrifying, this landmark novel is a stark reminder of how fragile freedom truly is.
ebook
(0)
Mrs. Dalloway
by Virginia Wolf
Part of the Universals series
In a single day in postwar London, Clarissa Dalloway prepares to host a party. As she walks through the city buying flowers and recalling her youth, thoughts, memories, and hidden desires intertwine in her mind like a quiet river. Virginia Woolf unveils the inner lives of Clarissa and those around her: Peter Walsh, Sally Seton, Septimus Warren Smith - souls searching for meaning amid the noise of modern life and the invisible scars of war.
First published in 1925, Mrs. Dalloway stands as one of the masterpieces of literary modernism. With poetic and innovative prose, Woolf transforms a single day into a profound meditation on time, memory, and identity.
ebook
(0)
The Man Who Would Be King
by Rudyard Kipling
Part of the Universals series
Two British adventurers, Daniel Dravot and Peachey Carnehan, set out for the mountains of Kafiristan with a daring dream: to become kings of an unknown land. Armed with little more than their wit, boldness, and blind faith in fortune, they achieve the impossible-conquering an isolated kingdom and being hailed as gods by its people.
With The Man Who Would Be King, Rudyard Kipling delivers a masterful tale of adventure, greed, and the clash of cultures. A fable of empires and men that, more than a century later, remains an unforgettable story about human ambition and its limits.
ebook
(0)
Emma
by Jane Austen
Part of the Universals series
Beautiful, intelligent, and wealthy, Emma Woodhouse lives in the quiet village of Highbury, convinced that her talent for matchmaking is flawless. Determined to pair off her friends, she soon discovers that her plans are not always as perfect as she imagines-and that true love may be hiding where she least expects it.
First published in 1815, Emma is one of Jane Austen's most ingenious and refined works. With her characteristic humor, irony, and sharp social observation, the author portrays the customs of Georgian England and introduces us to one of her most memorable heroines: imperfect, endearing, and full of life.
ebook
(0)
The Wonderful Wizard of Oz
by L. Frank Baum
Part of the Universals series
When a young girl named Dorothy and her dog Toto are swept away by a powerful cyclone, they find themselves in the dazzling yet mysterious Land of Oz. Determined to return home to Kansas, Dorothy embarks on a perilous journey along the Yellow Brick Road, joined by the Scarecrow who longs for a brain, the Tin Woodman in search of a heart, and the Cowardly Lion who yearns for courage.
With The Wonderful Wizard of Oz, L. Frank Baum introduces readers to a world of wonder and imagination that has captivated generations. This first adventure in the Oz series blends humor, fantasy, and timeless wisdom in a story that celebrates friendship, bravery, and the enduring belief that there is no place like home.
Showing 1 to 36 of 36 results