The classic short story of gambling and obsessive greed by the celebrated Russian author and poet.An engineer with the Imperial Russian Army, Hermann never gambles with the other officers. But then he overhears the story of a countess who won a fortune using the secret of three magic cards. Obsessed with learning the secret, Hermann locates the elderly woman and poses as a suitor to her young ward. But when his deceitful plan takes a tragic turn, the consequences w...

"Old and New Paris: Its History, Its People, and Its Places" by H. Sutherland Edwards is a captivating exploration of the rich tapestry of Parisian life. The book delves into the historical evolution of the city, highlighting its architectural marvels, cultural landmarks, and the vibrant personalities that have shaped its identity. Edwards paints a vivid picture of Paris, from its medieval roots to the bustling modern metropolis, offering readers a glimpse into the city's past and present ...

"Old and New Paris: Its History, Its People, and Its Places, v. 2" by H. Sutherland Edwards offers a captivating exploration of Paris, delving into its rich history and vibrant culture. The book paints a vivid picture of the city, showcasing its evolution from a medieval settlement to a bustling modern metropolis. Edwards meticulously details the lives of notable figures and the architectural marvels that define Paris, providing readers with a comprehensive understanding of the city's uniq...

"History of the Opera" by H. Sutherland Edwards is a comprehensive exploration of the evolution of opera as an art form. The book delves into the origins of opera, tracing its roots from the early 17th century to its development through various cultural and historical contexts. Edwards provides insightful analysis of key composers, notable operas, and the impact of societal changes on the genre. His detailed narrative captures the essence of opera, making it accessible to both enthusiasts ...

"The Life of Rossini" by H. Sutherland Edwards is a captivating biography that delves into the life and works of the renowned Italian composer Gioachino Rossini. Edwards provides a detailed account of Rossini's early years, his rise to fame, and the impact of his operas on the music world. The book not only explores Rossini's artistic genius but also offers insights into his personality, relationships, and the cultural context of his time, making it a valuable resource for both music enthu...

A PARISIAN who is not rich enough to keep a distinguished chef of his own will occasionally order a dainty dinner to be forwarded to him from some hotel or restaurant; and in these cases the repast, as soon as it is ready, is sometimes put into a hackney cab and driven to the house of the consignee by the cocher, who is not unaccustomed to find this “fare” more remunerative than the fare he habitually conveys. A glance at the cocher, as another of the Parisian types of character, may here ...

H. Sutherland Edwards's "The Great Musicians: Rossini and His School" stands as a significant contribution to music literature, offering an insightful exploration of the life and influence of composer Gioachino Rossini. The book is characterized by its engaging prose and a deeply analytical style that combines biographical exposition with criticism of Rossini'Äôs works and those of his contemporaries. Edwards contextualizes Rossini within the broader framework of 19th-century music, detail...

In "The Life of Rossini," H. Sutherland Edwards offers a rich biographical account of the renowned composer Gioachino Rossini, immersing readers in the vibrant world of 19th-century opera. Edwards employs a narrative style that is both elegantly descriptive and analytically insightful, weaving together Rossini's personal anecdotes with critiques of his musical oeuvre. The work stands as a crucial piece within the tradition of composer biographies, reflecting the historical context of its t...

"A most interesting narrative." -British Quarterly Review 1858"Exceedingly curious, full of interest, hope, disappointment, and alarm." - Eclectic Review 1858"We heartily commend it to our readers." -New Quarterly Review 1858In 1854, rebel leader Shamil suddenly assembled about 10,000 men, and rapidly descending from his mountain fastnesses, burst through the Russian frontier cordon at several points, crossed the river Alaza...

In "History of the Opera from its Origin in Italy to the Present Time," H. Sutherland Edwards meticulously catalogs the evolution of opera from its nascent stages in the Italian Renaissance to its contemporary developments. Writing with a blend of erudition and elegance, Edwards employs a chronological narrative that not only highlights significant composers, operas, and historical milestones but also addresses the socio-political influences that shaped this intricate art form. His style i...

"The Undertaker" is a supernatural gothic tale by Pushkin, which features Adrian Prokhorov, an undertaker, who comes to a new place. He is a very straight-forward man, and does not tolerate deviation from the norm. He is then invited to a wedding by his neighbours, where a lot of drinking is spent. The supernatural is just round the corner when a mishandled toast is proposed. The picturesque depiction of the danse macabre/walking-dead midnight party is exceptional, and Pushkin succeeds in ...

"The Queen of Spades" is a short story that explores the sins of gambling and the bottomless greed of man. When an officer learns that there is a woman who holds the key to always winning at cards, he almost sells his soul to the Devil. The following actions reveal the secret to him, but at a horrifying price. The story is Pushkin's probing into human wickedness and how often our greatest desires spell our greatest downfall. A well-paced, supernatural story that keeps you hooked till the l...