Fifty-Two Stories For Girls

Metadata

Gutenberg ID

25948

Title

Fifty-Two Stories For Girls

Language

en

Book source

Project Gutenberg

Description max 80 words

A collection of fifty-two classic tales for girls, featuring stories of school life, historical romance, adventure, and fairy legends. Edited by Alfred H. Miles, this volume offers a mix of moral lessons, emotional drama, and whimsical fantasy, appealing to young readers with its engaging narratives and timeless themes of courage, love, and resilience.

Summary up to 500 words

Fifty-Two Stories For Girls, edited by Alfred H. Miles, is a Victorian-era anthology that explores the moral growth, social navigation, and adventurous lives of young women through a diverse collection of fiction. The volume opens with 'Gloria Dene's Schoolfellows,' which introduces the spirited Spanish music teacher, Mamselle Narda. Her narrative arc transforms her from a local schoolmistress into a celebrated opera singer, La Narda. Utilizing her artistic talent, she secures a pardon for her imprisoned Russian husband, Count Mirloff, demonstrating the power of art to overcome political adversity. Another prominent tale, 'Estella: The Heiress,' contrasts the miserly habits of Estella's grandfather with the vibrant life of the royal court. The story follows her gardener, Martin, whose peaceful domestic existence is shattered when a wicked fairy reveals a gold mine beneath a cursed shrub. This discovery forces his family into the dark depths of an underground mine, shifting the narrative from pastoral tranquility to desperate survival. The anthology also features a historical account of Lady Nithsdale's daring escape from the Tower of London to save her husband. Her story details her strategic planning, the subsequent political fallout, and her eventual reunion with her family on the Continent. Other tales range from the mythical 'Legends of Langaffer,' featuring tiny folk and cobblers, to historical romances like 'How Cicely Danced Before the King' and 'A Wife's Stratagem.' Collectively, these stories emphasize themes of duty, sacrifice, social class, and the resilience of the human spirit. Written in a distinct Victorian style, the text highlights the adventures of young women navigating complex social landscapes, where love and moral fortitude often triumph over tyranny and misfortune. The collection serves as both entertainment and instruction, offering readers a glimpse into a world where female agency is tested and refined through trials of character.

LLM editorial rating

4.2/5

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Categories

• Fiction
• Children's stories