Ocean State Libraries

The work of a master storyteller, Quo Vadis is a panoramic historical novel that has captivated readers for generations. "Sienkiewicz wrote Quo Vadis for the entire world and the world took it to its heart," commented James Michener. Now, a sparkling new translation restores the original glory and splendor missing from earlier English translations of this great tale. Set at a turning point in history (A.D. 54-68), as Christianity replaces the era...

A young Englishman, seeking to avenge the death of his father, becomes involved in the band of the Black Arrow and the events of the War of the Roses.

"The epitome of the chivalric novel, Ivanhoe sweeps readers into Medieval England and the lives of a memorable cast of characters. Ivanhoe, a trusted ally of Richard-the-Lion-Hearted, returns from the Crusades to reclaim the inheritance his father denied him. Rebecca, a vibrant, beautiful Jewish woman is defended by Ivanhoe against a charge of witchcraft -- but it is Lady Rowena who is Ivanhoe's true love. The wicked Prince John plots to usurp England's...

In 1366, while England is at war with Spain, young Alleyne Edricson becomes a squire to Sir Nigel Loring and travels to France to join a bold band of archers known as the White Company.

The foreman of a large cattle ranch on the Wyoming frontier lives by the honor code of the West even though it means helping lynch a friend or possibly losing the girl he is to marry.

This classic novel of farmers, outlaws, and forbidden romance beautifully evokes seventeenth-century rural life in England's West Country. Amidst the social and religious upheaval of seventeenth-century England, the once-noble Doone family has been transformed. Now a notorious clan of outlaws, the Doones show their victims no mercy-a lesson the yeoman John Ridd learns when they murder his father. Though he longs for revenge, John must continue to...

"Though The Deerslayer (1841) was the last of James Fenimore Coopers five Leatherstocking Tales to be written, it is the first in the chronology of Natty Bumppos life. Set in the 1740s before the start of the French and Indian War, when Coopers rugged frontiersman is in his twenties, Coopers novel shows us how 'Deerslayer' becomes 'Hawkeye.' It remains the best point of entry into the series for modern readers. In his introduction, Ezra Tawil examines...

Tales and sketches dealing with Hudson Valley traditions and life in England as seen by an American observer.

A picaresque historical novel by Charles Reade, published in 1861 and set in late medieval Holland and Europe. The novel focuses on the story of a young scribe and illuminator named Gerard Eliason and his love for Margaret Brandt, daughter of a poor scholar. Interacting with them is a cast of vividly drawn characters and various historical personages. The overarching theme through all of their adventures is the conflict between man's obligations to...

Twenty four of the best of Hawthorne's short stories.