A Son of the Sun

One of London's lesser-known works, this collection of eight short stories concerns the adventures of Capt. David Grief. In his South Pacific travels, Grief encounters exploitative natives, pirates, and colonists. This edition has introductions to each story by scholars Thomas R. Tietze and Gary J. Riedl, plus numerous illustrations and maps.

A Heroine of France

"The age of Chivalry - alas! - is dead. The days of miracles are past and gone! What future is there for hapless France? She lies in the dust. How can she hope to rise?" Sir Guy de Laval looked full in our faces as he spoke these words, and what could one reply? Ah me! - those were sad and sorrowful days for France - and for those who thought upon the bygone glories of the past, when she was mistress of herself, held high her head, and was a power with hostile nations. What would the great Charlemagne say, could he see us now? What would even St. Louis of blessed memory feel, could he witness the changes wrought by only a century and a half?

A Dog Of Flanders

The story, of English origin, has little tradition of being read in Belgium, but is becoming more known because of the tourists it attracts to Antwerp. There is a small statue of Nello and Patrasche at the Kapellestraat in the Antwerp suburb of Hoboken, and a commemorative plaque in front of the Antwerp Cathedral donated by Toyota. The story is widely read in Japan, and has been adapted into several films and anime.

A Passion In The Desert

The best aspect of Passion in the Desert is its depiction of how a man, once severed completely from society and forced to survive in a harsh environment, quickly allows the beast within himself to surface. After Augustin has been stranded alone in the desert for several days, he is no longer the cultured, confident solider he once was. He has become a predator, just like the leopard. In fact, his relationship with Simoon is an indication of how much of a beast he has become.

Lysbeth, A Tale Of The Dutch

Teenage and adult readers will be inspired by this historical novel about a Dutch woman who is caught up in the terrors of the Spanish Inquisition during the 1500s.