The World's Greatest Books — Volume 01 — Fiction

Metadata

Gutenberg ID

10471

Title

The World's Greatest Books — Volume 01 — Fiction

Language

en

Book source

Project Gutenberg

Description max 80 words

This anthology presents a curated selection of the world's greatest fiction, ranging from classical masterpieces to modern satires. Edited for accessibility without sacrificing literary flavor, it offers substantial excerpts that allow original authors to tell their own stories. The collection spans diverse genres and cultures, providing an engaging overview of timeless narratives.

Summary up to 500 words

Edited by Arthur Mee and J. A. Hammerton, *The World's Greatest Books — Volume 01 — Fiction* serves as a compendium of literary classics, aiming to preserve original style while condensing content for modern utility. The volume opens with Edmond About's satirical novel, *The King of the Mountains*, which humorously depicts the transformation of Greek brigandage into a regulated business enterprise in 1856 Athens. The narrative follows Hermann Schultz, an archaeologist who observes how the legendary brigand Hadgi Stavros revolutionized banditry into a respectable joint-stock company following Greece's liberation from the Turks. The story culminates in the defeat of the aging chief and his daughter Photini, exploring themes of commerce, honor, and social change. The collection also features Jane Austen's beloved *Emma*, which explores themes of social class, matchmaking, and self-deception. Through the eyes of the titular character, the novel navigates romantic entanglements involving Mr. Elton, Frank Churchill, and Mr. Knightley, while Emma influences her friend Harriet Smith. Austen critiques the dangers of interference in others' lives and the illusions of social standing. Another standout is Apuleius's allegorical *The Golden Ass*, where a Roman named Lucius is transformed into an ass and must navigate a world of magic and morality before regaining his humanity, illustrating the consequences of curiosity and the search for wisdom. Boccaccio's *Decameron* is included, featuring tales like *Griselda*, which tests the limits of wifely patience against a cruel marquis who ultimately proves Griselda's constancy and restores her fortune. The anthology further showcases Melchizedeck's clever defense of religious tolerance before Sultan Saladin in *The Three Rings*. In this tale, three sons inherit identical rings symbolizing the equal validity of Judaism, Islam, and Christianity, illustrating that truth can be found across different faiths. Through these varied selections, the book demonstrates a commitment to bridging ancient wisdom with contemporary utility, offering readers accessible yet faithful retellings of the world's best literature.

LLM editorial rating

4.2/5

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Categories

• Fiction