· 1992
The Crucible is a study in the mass hysteria which led to the 1692 Salem witchcraft trials, concentrating on the fate of some of the key figures caught up in the persecution. It powerfully depicts people and principles under pressure and the issues and motivations involved. At the same time, it is also a parable for the events of the McCarthy era in the USA of the 1950s when anyone suspected of left-wing views was arraigned for 'Un-American Activities'.
· 1978
In this first picture book version of Robert Frost's classic poem, Susan Jeffers adds exactly the right visual dimension with the exquisite details and sweeping backgrounds of her frosty New England scenes. Stopping By Woods On a Snowy Eveningis truly a picture book to share with the whole family. Full color.
· 2008
Describes the experiences of a newcomer to the Yukon when he attempts to hike through the snow to reach a mining claim.
A stage adaptation of Robert Louis Stevenson's book, The strange case of Dr Jekyll and Mr Hyde.
· 1984
Engaged in a long-running battle, the Yooks and the Zooks develop more and more sophisticated weaponry as they attempt to outdo each other.
· 2021
In Praise of Folly Desiderius Erasmus - Because some of English extant translations of In Praise of Folly are from the 18th, 19, and 20th centuries, Ive endeavored to present a version with the American reader in mind. Although Erasmus cunning, wit, and sharp criticism are timeless, he wrote in Latin. While Latin is a dead language and fixed, American English transforms itself with each passing year so that meanings change.Erasmus deserves not only to be read, but also to be understood.Folly Erasmus' mouthpiece praises herself endlessly, arguing that life would be dull, colorless, and plain boring without her. In her work she is aided by her assistants: Self Love, Flattery, Oblivion, and Pleasure, whom she believes promote friendship and tolerance within society.Folly praises foolishness, levity, humor, nonsense, and even madness, finding Biblical support in favor of her beliefs. Her entire speech is and endless invective which sets foolishness against authority and pseudo wisdom. Even as she ends her meditations she manages to be sarcastic :I perceive now, that, for a concluding treat, you expect a formal epilogue, and the summing up of all in a brief recitation; but I will assure you, you are grossly mistaken if you suppose that after such a hodge-podge medley of speech I should be able to recollect anything I have delivered.This witty, influential work by one of the greatest scholars of the Renaissance satirizes the shortcomings of the upper classes and religious institutions of the time. The most effective of all Erasmus's writings ripe with allusions, vignettes, and caricatures the literary gem was not only an extremely intelligent and articulate response to pretentiousness of all sorts, it also proved to be spiritual dynamite, leaving monastic brothers and clergymen the objects of universal laughter.The book's purported narrator, the goddess Folly, proclaims herself to be the daughter of Youth and Wealth, nursed by Drunkenness and Ignorance. She is accompanied by such followers as Self-love, Pleasure, Flattery, and Sound Sleep.A clever mix of drollery and fantasy, fast-paced and lighthearted in tone, the work has proved to be a lively and valuable commentary on modern times. It remains, according to the great Dutch historian John Huizinga, "a masterpiece of humour and wise irony something that no one else could have given to the world."
· 1971
One of the most beloved heroes of the stage, Cyrano de Bergerac is a magnificent wit who, despite his many gifts, feels that no woman can ever love him because of his enormous nose. He adores the beautiful Roxanne but, lacking courage, decides instead to help the tongue-tied but winsome Christian woo the fair lady by providing him with flowery sentiments and soulful poetry. Roxanne is smitten-but is it Christian she loves or Cyrano? A triumph from the moment of its 1897 premiere, Cyrano de Bergerac has become one of the most frequently produced plays in the world. Its perennial popularity is a tribute to the universal appeal of its themes and characters.
Presents a collection of essays discussing historical aspects of William Shakespeare's comedy in which Beatrice and Benedick overcome the obstacles preventing their union and ultimately conceding to mutual love and respect for each other.
· 2008
A seemingly ordinary village participates in a yearly lottery to determine a sacrificial victim.