THE LOST WORLD was Professor Challenger's first adventure for Sir Arthur Conan Doyle. Ned Malone narrates the story (aka Dr. Watson). Ned's just been jilted by his lady love, Gladys, so he's up for a new adventure. Still, it takes Prof. Challenger some doing to convince the young man to go along - including a bit of fisticuffs The story is a far departure from the Sherlock Holmes series - even in genre This is Science Fiction. True science fiction, as it was designed by the likes of H.G. Wells The Professor takes Mr. Malone - and others in the zoological field he's been able to cajole into...

Durante degli Alighieri, usually referred to simply as Dante was born in Italy, and lived from c. 1265 to c. 1321. He was a major poet during the Middle Ages. He wrote the famouse Divine Comedy, which was originally called Comedia (modern Italian: Commedia). The work was later christened Divina by Boccaccio. It is widely considered the greatest literary work composed in the Italian language and a masterpiece of world literature. In the late Middle Ages, the overwhelming majority of poetry was written in Latin, and therefore accessible only to affluent and educated audiences. In De vulgari...

Jabez Wilson, a London pawnbroker, consults with Sherlock Holmes. While studying his client, both Holmes and Watson notice his red hair. Wilson tells them an intriguing but odd story - just what Holmes had been looking for All the client seems to be concerned with is his loss of 4 a week; but Holmes sees an intriguing diversion for himself Holmes enlists the services of his companion Dr. Watson, when things look like they might get dangerous, as Holmes finds himself on the trail of one of the most insidious criminals in all of London "

Homer's epic poems in a more readable format for today's enthusiasts The Iliad - the tale of the Trojan War, up to the death of Hector, which all realized spelled the end of the Trojan's chances of winning. It was a war the gods just couldn't keep their hands out of The Odyssey - following Odysseus' epic voyage home after the end of the Trojan War He faces many of the terrible threats of the old world, as Cyclops, sirens and more try to end his voyage early If you haven't read it yet, you're missing one of the most influential writings of all times

In 1831, Edgar Allan Poe went to New York City where he had some of his poetry published. He submitted stories to a number of magazines, but they were all rejected. Poe had no friends, no job, and was in financial trouble. He sent a letter to John Allan begging for help but none came. John Allan died in 1834 and did not mention Edgar in his will at all. This was the beginning of Poe's writing career, which was financially unrewarding during his lifetime. Herein are 6 short stories and 6 poems that will not only make you scream, but prove - beyond a shadow of a doubt - that Poe was, is, and...

A STUDY IN SCARLET was Sherlock Holmes' first adventure, and the first sale for the author, Sir Arthur Conan Doyle. We immediately see that Dr. Watson, Holmes confidante and "side-kick" has a background very similar to the author's. The good doctor enumerates Holmes; faults (starting with his habitual use of cocaine), as well as his more numerous good points (especially the detective's knowledge of chemistry and his violin playing). The story is a tale that shows Holmes' genius, but is also notable for Conan Doyle's apparent treatise on the Mormon religion. The events occur on two continents,...