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Mr. Hammond is on his way to America when he hears two passengers discussing a suspicious plan that was going to be executed at 10 o'clock in the evening. The two unknown passengers got aboard in the very last minute. Their baggage was not searched. And their plan consisted of some mysterious box. What do you think happened in the evening? Did Mr. Hammond try to warn the rest of the crew or he escaped with a life boat? Can all be a big misunderstanding or the American steamer will be blown up? Sir Arthur Conan Doyle (1859-1930) was born in Scotland and studied medicine at the University of Edinburgh. After his studies, he worked as a ship’s surgeon on various boats. During the Second Boer War, he was an army doctor in South Africa. When he came back to the United Kingdom, he opened his own practice and started writing crime books. He is best known for his thrilling stories about the adventures of Sherlock Holmes. He published four novels and more than 50 short-stories starring the detective and Dr Watson, and they play an important role in the history of crime fiction. Other than the Sherlock Holmes series, Doyle wrote around thirty more books, in genres such as science-fiction, fantasy, historical novels, but also poetry, plays, and non-fiction.

Chehkov’s short story "The Beggar" revolves around the theme of spiritual transformation where a depraved alcoholic becomes a better person through compassion and kindness. A perfect example of a narrative with a twist, the short story offers some insight into the topic of knowing the other and delving deeper into the human psyche. What is more, Chekhov places his characters and their extraordinary encounters against the mundane daily grind, a typical characteristic feature of his whole work. The unexpected ending reveals Chekhov’s affinity to conclude his stories with a touch of morality. A prolific writer of seven plays, a novel and hundreds of short stories, Anton Chekhov is considered one of the best practitioners of the short story genre in literature. True to life and painfully morbid with his miserable and realistic depictions of Russian everyday life, Chekhov’s characters drift between humour, melancholy, artistic ambition, and death. Some of his best-known works include the plays "Uncle Vanya", "The Seagull", and "The Cherry Orchard", where Chekhov dramatizes and portrays social and existential problems. His short stories unearth the mysterious beneath the ordinary situations, the failure and horror present in everyday life.

"The Shot" is a story about a duel between two people, Sylvio and an unnamed Count. The narrative revolves around the shot that did not take place, one that goes on forever. The unfinished duel becomes something like a lifelong ambition for Sylvio, who is chasing the Count. Switching between different narrators, Pushkin is trying to piece together the line of events as they happened, but every time something new arises. A great story that keeps the reader on tenterhooks, wishing for a swift resolution of the ubiquitous duel business – one that ended Pushkin’s own life as well.Deservedly labelled "the best Russian poet", Pushkin’s short life did not prevent him from ushering Russian literature into its modern era. A master of the vernacular language and multifarious and vivid writing style, Pushkin’s oeuvre was of great influence to a whole legion of Russian writers and literary styles. Among his best-known works are the narrative poems "Ruslan and Ludmila" and "Eugene Onegin", the drama "Boris Godunov", several novels, short stories, and fairy tales.

Chekhov’s short story "The Orator" tells of a rather embarrassing situation when a famous orator stands in front of a crowd at a funeral ceremony. Filled with satire towards and critique of the hypocritical and petty-minded people, Chekhov masterfully presents the world as a reflection in the eyes of a dead man. Connoisseur of the human psyche and a chronicler of Russian daily grind, the author’s irony and sarcasm permeate every level of life, earning his short stories a place among the best in the field.A prolific writer of seven plays, a novel and hundreds of short stories, Anton Chekhov is considered one of the best practitioners of the short story genre in literature. True to life and painfully morbid with his miserable and realistic depictions of Russian everyday life, Chekhov’s characters drift between humour, melancholy, artistic ambition, and death. Some of his best-known works include the plays "Uncle Vanya", "The Seagull", and "The Cherry Orchard", where Chekhov dramatizes and explores social and existential problems. His short stories unearth the mysterious beneath the ordinary situations, the failure and horror present in everyday life.

Anton Chekhov’s short story "The Wife" offers a panoramic description of Russian life amidst the constantly warring oppositions of marriage. The frost of winter cannot compare to the impasse in the relationship between Pavel and his estranged wife. The disintegration of the spouses in their rich mansion is portrayed against the background of abject suffering and poverty of the peasantry. A typical Chekhovian story, "The Wife" focuses mainly on the lack of communication and understanding, and the characters’ disillusionment is a warning sign for the deepening problems Russian aristocracy is facing at that time. A prolific writer of seven plays, a novel and hundreds of short stories, Anton Chekhov is considered one of the best practitioners of the short story genre in literature. True to life and painfully morbid with his miserable and realistic depictions of Russian everyday life, Chekhov’s characters drift between humour, melancholy, artistic ambition, and death. Some of his best-known works include the plays "Uncle Vanya", "The Seagull", and "The Cherry Orchard", where Chekhov dramatizes and portrays social and existential problems. His short stories unearth the mysterious beneath the ordinary situations, the failure and horror present in everyday life.

The only novel Pushkin ever wrote, "The Captain’s Daughter" is a story written in the same vein as Walter Scott’s historical romances. Though his attempts at prose were not that warmly welcomed by the Russian audience as his poetic endeavours, the novel is a masterful and successful experiment with literary conventions and genres. A novel as real as life and portraying the consciousness of Russians at the time, "The Captain’s Daughter" is a romance of oppositions, revolutions, social criticism, and political turmoil, making it a milestone and major influence in Russian literature.Deservedly labelled "the best Russian poet", Pushkin’s short life did not prevent him from ushering Russian literature into its modern era. A master of the vernacular language and multifarious and vivid writing style, Pushkin’s oeuvre was of great influence to a whole legion of Russian writers and literary styles. Among his best-known works are the narrative poems "Ruslan and Ludmila" and "Eugene Onegin", the drama "Boris Godunov", several novels, short stories, and fairy tales.

A non-fiction work by the author of "Uncle Tom’s Cabin", exploring the position of the American household from the second part of the 19th century. Stressing the inevitable aftermath of the Civil War, Stowe discusses the changes that occurred within the once homely, comfortable household as the heart of every family. Talking on subjects like "Homekeeping vs. Housekeeping", "Economy", "Home Religion" or "Is Woman a Worker?", Stowe is pointing at the complexities of life in the after-war period for women and housewives. A thorn in the angry and embittered eyes of the American South, Harriet Beecher Stowe was an American author and ardent abolitionist, whose most famous novel "Uncle Tom’s Cabin" became the fiercest attack on slavery at the time. Stowe’s influence steps across the boundaries of the literary, and enters the domain of the political, opening the eyes of the world towards the horrors of slavery. She also wrote travel memoirs, numerous articles, letters, and short stories.

"Poor Folk" is Dostoevsky’s first novel, exploring in the form of letters the unhappy and arduous strains of poverty. However, the novel is so much more. The author’s major prowess lies in the depiction of the human condition, a characteristic feature of Russian realism. The emotional struggles and the gruesome chasm that separates the two souls in love, never destined to be together, paints a devastating picture of the harshness of life. Definitely a must for any fan not only of Dostoevsky, but of Russian literature on the whole.Fyodor Dostoevsky was a famous Russian writer of novels, short stories, and essays. A connoisseur of the troubled human psyche and the relationships between the individuals, Dostoevsky’s oeuvre covers a large area of subjects: politics, religion, social issues, philosophy, and the uncharted realms of the psychological. He is most famous for the novels "Crime and Punishment", "The Idiot", and "The Brothers Karamazov". His literary legacy was met with mixed feelings, but remains gargantuan in its influence.

A thought-provoking and humorous real-life comedy, "That Pig of a Morin" shows us how some quite ordinary urges can turn devastating for the male character Morin. An innocent kiss sends the protagonist’s life into a state of topsyturvidom, and the result is an outrageous nickname that is here to stay. Maupassant’s skillful presentation of everyday situations and human relations provide additional colour to the farcical situation surrounding the character. A funny story that can appeal to all kinds of readers.Guy de Maupassant was a famous French writer, best known as one of finest practitioners of the French short story. Master of style and dramatic narrative, Maupassant’s stories are mainly interested in the relationships between men and women, often found at the crossroads of life. One of his greatest influences was Gustave Flaubert, who introduced him to some of the central names of the time such as Emile Zola, Henry James, and Ivan Turgenev. Some of his best known works include the novels "Bel Ami" and "Une Vie", more than 300 short stories, travel books, and even an attempt at poetry.

General Heatherstone, who was a while ago a part of the Indian Army, moved to Cloomber Hall. The general was however acting strange and was paranoid for most of the time. His fears were apparently caused by things that happened in his past during the First Afghan War. The situation worsened when three priests from Kurrachee arrived and demanded a meeting with the general. What will happen with him? Will he have the courage to face his past or he will try to run away? What was the real reason for his fears? What was so bad that it caused him paranoid outbursts even forty years later? Sir Arthur Conan Doyle (1859-1930) was born in Scotland and studied medicine at the University of Edinburgh. After his studies, he worked as a ship’s surgeon on various boats. During the Second Boer War, he was an army doctor in South Africa. When he came back to the United Kingdom, he opened his own practice and started writing crime books. He is best known for his thrilling stories about the adventures of Sherlock Holmes. He published four novels and more than 50 short-stories starring the detective and Dr Watson, and they play an important role in the history of crime fiction. Other than the Sherlock Holmes series, Doyle wrote around thirty more books, in genres such as science-fiction, fantasy, historical novels, but also poetry, plays, and non-fiction.

Turgenev’s story is a striking example of a narrative that can easily stand the test of time. Portraying the life of a deaf Russian serf who makes a strong relationship with a rescued dog, the short story elaborately explores the problems and life conditions of Russian serfdom. What is more, the story is based on Turgenev’s own experience with a dog, with the rest of the characters modelled after his family members and friends. A tragic, but emotionally deep tale, "Mumu" is an example of the loneliness of human condition against the sad, tortured heart of society.Ivan Turgenev is universally acknowledged as one of the towering literary presences in Russian literature. A writer of novels and short stories, his oeuvre depict realistic, sympathetic, and often melancholic portrayals of the Russian serfdom and the aristocracy. He was also known for his popularization of Russian realism, the exquisite musical quality of his prose, and memorable characters. His best-known works include the novels "Fathers and Sons" and "On the Eve", as well as the short-story collection "A Sportsman Sketches".

A Norman bar keeper makes his village inn famous with his special drink: the best Cognac in France... Until his life changes in an instance, when he becomes paralysed and his wife uses his body for laying eggs at home. Does this sound peculiar enough? Wait and see until the Master of the short story, Guy de Maupassant, brings some more plot twists to the stage.Guy de Maupassant (1850 –1893) was a French author considered a father of the modern short story. During his prolific work life, he wrote 300 short stories, verse, travel books and novels. One of his most famous works, the novel Bel-Ami, inspired the 2012 movie with the same name, starring Robert Pattinson and Uma Thurman.

May Day 1919 in New York. Gordon Sterrett is a retunerd soldier who goes to see Philip Dean, his old friend from college. Gordon is in trouble and he asks Dean, who is rich, to borrow him some money. The money would assure that Gordon could follow his dreams and become an artist.Dean, however, does not want to loan Gordon the money. Despite of that, the two men end up going to a party together. They don't know yet that this very day will stay in history – huge riots arise in another part of the country when people of lower classes start to claim their rights.‘May Day’ is a political short story from F. Scott Fitzgerald.F. Scott Fitzgerald (1896–1940) is one of the greatest American novelists of the 20th century and author of the classics ‘Tender is the Night’ and ‘The Great Gatsby’. His writing helped illustrate the 1920s Jazz Age that he and wife Zelda Fitzgerald were in the centre of.

“In his blue gardens, men and girls came and went like moths among the whisperings and the champagne and the stars.”It’s the height of the roaring 20’s. Every Saturday, the doors to Gatsby’s gothic mansion are flung wide to the bright young things of New York - the music is loud, the dancing is wild, and the champagne flows freely. Gatsby’s new neighbor, Nick Carraway, is fascinated by the spectacle. But when he pushes beyond the shimmering, glistening veneer of Gatsby’s charmed life, Nick discovers his new friend is tortured by a profound yearning for the one thing – and one person – he can’t have. A vibrant tale of obsession and opulence, corruption and canapes. The promise of the American Dream set against the glittering chaos of the Jazz Age.F. Scott Fitzgerald (1896-1940) is considered one of the greatest American novelists of the 20th century and the author of 'Tender is the Night’ and ‘The Great Gatsby’. He and his wife, Zelda, were prominent socialites and spent much time moving in famous literary circles across Europe.

"A Little Hero" is a short story that deals with the topic of pre-adolescence, maturity, the abandonment of pure childhood, and the resulting and inevitable discovery of the existence of sexual life. The protagonist is trying to understand the world of adults in every possible way, and faces problems at every turn. Interesting enough, this story lacks the trademark disaster and drama in the majority of Dostoevsky’s works, and is a light and humorous reading that does not even look written by him. It should be noted, of course, that Dostoevsky wrote it while he was in prison.Fyodor Dostoevsky was a famous Russian writer of novels, short stories, and essays. A connoisseur of the troubled human psyche and the relationships between the individuals, Dostoevsky’s oeuvre covers a large area of subjects: politics, religion, social issues, philosophy, and the uncharted realms of the psychological. He is most famous for the novels "Crime and Punishment", "The Idiot", and "The Brothers Karamazov". His literary legacy was met with mixed feelings, but remains gargantuan in its influence.

Are memories of past love affairs stronger than time? After a mysterious foreign letter arrives at breakfast, Georges Garin shares with his friend a peculiour travelogue. While inspecting a wrecked ship, an English man with his three daughters approaches him. A passionate love affair flares between Garin and the oldest daughter which settles in his heart for the years to come. The remarkable short story writer, Guy de Maupassant, unveils bit by bit their tale with a subtle expression of eroticism.Guy de Maupassant (1850 –1893) was a French author considered a father of the modern short story. During his prolific work life, he wrote 300 short stories, verse, travel books and novels. One of his most famous works, the novel Bel-Ami, inspired the 2012 movie with the same name, starring Robert Pattinson and Uma Thurman.

"Ivanhoe" is a historical romance about heroism, loyalty and betrayal. The tension between Saxons and Normans, gentiles and Jews starts to mount, after King Richard the "Lionheart" has been taken captive on his way home from the Third Crusade.Will King Richard be rescued or Prince John’s vicious plan of stealing the throne will succeed? Which will prevail - the Saxon's will of liberty or the Norman's thirst of tyranny? What is the destiny of medieval England?This novel is published in 1820 and it is among Scott’s most popular titles. It sends us back to the late 12th century renaissance – times of social transformations, chivalry, romance and adventure. Sir Walter Scott (1771 – 1832) was a Scottish writer, poet and historian who is considered as the creator of the historical novel. By profession Scott was a lawyer and legal administrator, but the fascinating history and culture of his native Scotland inspired him to become a writer. Some of his most popular titles are "Waverley", "Ivanhoe", "The Lady of the Lake" and "Redgauntlet", which has also served as an inspiration for many authors.

Peter, Martin and Jack are three brothers who inherit three coats form their father. The last wish of their father is that they must never sell or alter their coats. In their early age the three boys follow their father’s last words very strictly, but over time fashion changes. Many different and better-looking clothes starts to be produced. This is also the reason why the brothers feel lagging behind and no longer fit into the higher society. They must find a solution fast if they want to regain their position in the elite.What lesson did the father wanted to teach his sons? Will the boys retain the original look of their coats? Or they will be tempted to alter them, so they can fall back into society? Will they regret their choice?Find all the answers in Jonathan Swift’s satire novel "A Tale of a Tub", published in 1704.Jonathan Swift (1667 - 1745) was an Irish author and satirist, who grew up fatherless. His uncle, Thomas Swift, was taking care of the young boy and helped him get a bachelor’s degree from the Trinity College. Thereafter, Jonathan became Dean of St. Patrick’s Cathedral. He is best known for his notorious prose satire "Gulliver’s Travels". Some other popular works by Swift are "A Tale of a Tub", "A Modest Proposal" and "An Argument Against Abolishing Christianity".

Graf von Schulling died and his legacy got sent to the University of Budapest. The legacy consisted of letters and weapons, one of which – a silver hatchet. A few days after the objects had already arrived, tragic cases began to occur. A few people were found brutally killed. The perpetrator - still unknown. The weapon as well. Until shortly after two medical students find a silver hatchet in the snow. What follows after that is more than unexpected. If you want to find out what it is, check the answers in "The Silver Hatchet" by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle. Sir Arthur Conan Doyle (1859-1930) was born in Scotland and studied medicine at the University of Edinburgh. After his studies, he worked as a ship’s surgeon on various boats. During the Second Boer War, he was an army doctor in South Africa. When he came back to the United Kingdom, he opened his own practice and started writing crime books. He is best known for his thrilling stories about the adventures of Sherlock Holmes. He published four novels and more than 50 short-stories starring the detective and Dr Watson, and they play an important role in the history of crime fiction. Other than the Sherlock Holmes series, Doyle wrote around thirty more books, in genres such as science-fiction, fantasy, historical novels, but also poetry, plays, and non-fiction.

Tom Canty is poor boy who has always dreamed of a better life. One day he meets the Prince of Wales, Edward Tudor. In his excitement the boy comes too close to the prince and almost gets beaten up by the guards. However, Edwards saves the boy and invites him to his chamber. After getting to know each other, they decide to switch their places for some days. The prince dresses as the poor boy and goes on the street, while Tom remains in the castle. Edward, however, does not know what awaits him on these dangerous streets.Why did the prince save the poor boy? What is the reason for them to switch places? What do they want to achieve with this experiment? How will prince Edward deal with all the obstacles he is going to face? Will the two boys go back to their real lives?Find all the answers in Mark Twain’s novel "The Prince and the Pauper", published in 1881.Mark Twain, pseudonym of Samuel Langhorne Clemens, (1835-1910), was an American humorist, lecturer, journalist and novelist who acquired international fame for his adventure stories of boyhood, especially "The Adventures of Tom Sawyer" and "The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn" as well as for his travel narratives, especially "The Innocents Abroad", "Roughing It", and "Life on the Mississippi". Twain transcended the apparent limitations of his origins to become a popular public figure and one of America’s most beloved writers.

"In the Wood" is a romantic and humorous story about two middle-aged lovers who decide to revisit the spot of their first acquaintance in order to rekindle their love life. Little do they know that a policeman is about to ruin their frivolous decision. Maupassant’s knowledge of the human soul and his elegant handling of natural surroundings create a vivid atmosphere where love and memories create a symphony that echoes in the hearts of everyone involved. A perfect light reading for relaxation and poetry-lovers.Guy de Maupassant was a famous French writer, best known as one of finest practitioners of the French short story. Master of style and dramatic narrative, Maupassant’s stories are mainly interested in the relationships between men and women, often found at the crossroads of life. One of his greatest influences was Gustave Flaubert, who introduced him to some of the central names of the time such as Emile Zola, Henry James, and Ivan Turgenev. Some of his best known works include the novels "Bel Ami" and "Une Vie", more than 300 short stories, travel books, and even an attempt at poetry.

Wealth, wit, natural grace, and an air of nobility makes the perfect 19th century French gentleman. Add a certain amount of pride and you have Viscount Gontran-Joseph de Signoles, not by chance called Handsome Signoles. His flawless life changes when he challenges a man to a duel and realises that some virtues can be found beyond one’s appearance. Explore the inner battle between a man and his deepest fears told by the master of the short story, Guy de Maupassant.Guy de Maupassant (1850 –1893) was a French author considered a father of the modern short story. During his prolific work life, he wrote 300 short stories, verse, travel books and novels. One of his most famous works, the novel Bel-Ami, inspired the 2012 movie with the same name, starring Robert Pattinson and Uma Thurman.

"The Diamond Necklace" by Guy de Maupassant portrays the complexities and consequences of keeping up appearances in the 19th century. Mathilde is a young and beautiful woman, struggling with the ordinary circumstances of her life and marriage. When she is invited to a fancy ball with her husband, she borrows a diamond necklace from a friend. To her horror, she finds the necklace to be gone by the end of the night. The couple must now find a way to quickly replace the necklace, but the cost turns out to be terribly high. The story has inspired film adaptations, such as the silent film The Necklace (1909).Guy de Maupassant (1850-1893) was a prolific French writer considered a pioneer in modern short story writing. Maupassant was a protégé of French writer Gustave Flaubert and is known for novels such as A Woman's Life and short stories including "The Horla" and "The Dumpling." Maupassant's stories fall into the Naturalist movement, often depicting social entanglements and complex human fates. They have inspired countless film adaptations including the French-Belgian drama called A Woman's Life (2016).

A widower and a loving father of three girls, old Taille is described as a model workman. He provides for his family with honest labour and enjoys a good reputation until his oldest daughter, Anna, runs away and mysteriously turns into one of the richest people in town. Can a family connection once broken be restored? Can money buy happiness and respect? Discover this complex family drama by the Master of the short story, Guy de Maupassant.Guy de Maupassant (1850 –1893) was a French author considered a father of the modern short story. During his prolific work life, he wrote 300 short stories, verse, travel books and novels. One of his most famous works, the novel Bel-Ami, inspired the 2012 movie with the same name, starring Robert Pattinson and Uma Thurman.

"Beside Schopenhauer’s Corpse" is often labelled one of Maupassant’s "newspaper stories" that he indulged in between 1882 and 1887. The narrator meets a dying student of Schopenhauer’s who is reading the same book by his master over and over again. A haunting tale expressing the author’s own views on Schopenhauer’s pessimistic philosophy. What is more, the reminiscences of the dying disciple often verge on the grotesque and carnal, viewing death as an ugly end, not a poetic final stop. Guy de Maupassant was a famous French writer, best known as one of finest practitioners of the French short story. Master of style and dramatic narrative, Maupassant’s stories are mainly interested in the relationships between men and women, often found at the crossroads of life. One of his greatest influences was Gustave Flaubert, who introduced him to some of the central names of the time such as Emile Zola, Henry James, and Ivan Turgenev. Some of his best known works include the novels "Bel Ami" and "Une Vie", more than 300 short stories, travel books, and even an attempt at poetry.

Though he is best known for his realist and deep realistic and psychological novels, Dostoevsky’s literary life produced memorable short stories as well. "Polzunkov" is a story that should not be skipped by the author’s fans and the connoisseurs of short story writing in general. It is a tale about a joke that misfired on the protagonist Polzunkov, whose expectations crash down headlong in the end. Another narrative that explores the theme of financial difficulties and misunderstood actions that inevitably lead to terrible outcomes.Fyodor Dostoevsky was a famous Russian writer of novels, short stories, and essays. A connoisseur of the troubled human psyche and the relationships between the individuals, Dostoevsky’s oeuvre covers a large area of subjects: politics, religion, social issues, philosophy, and the uncharted realms of the psychological. He is most famous for the novels "Crime and Punishment", "The Idiot", and "The Brothers Karamazov". His literary legacy was met with mixed feelings, but remains gargantuan in its influence.

Ardita is a young and rich flapper girl who is spending time at her uncle's yacht. She is not interested in the things her family wants to do; she would rather spend her time sunbathing and reading Anatol France. Besides that, she ends up having an argument with her uncle about her love life. The uncle decides to leave Ardita on the yacht while he is ashore.Soon there comes a change in the situation when a boat filled with seven men approaches the yacht – the men are pirates, and Ardita is more than excited about it!'The Offshore pirate' is F. Scott Fitzgerald's intriguing short story published in 1920.F. Scott Fitzgerald (1896–1940) is one of the greatest American novelists of the 20th century and author of the classics ‘Tender is the Night’ and ‘The Great Gatsby’. His writing helped illustrate the 1920s Jazz Age that he and wife Zelda Fitzgerald were in the centre of.

"A Simple Soul" is a not so simple story about a French maid, who experiences the vicissitudes of life to its full extent. A story that serves as the inspiration behind Julian Barnes’ "Flaubert’s Parrot", the book excels in a perfect mixture of realism and psychological insights. Flaubert constructed a totally different protagonist compared to his earlier novels, teeming with corrupt and vile characters. The attention to detail, picturesque descriptions, and the loving attitude of Félicité makes this story a perfect read for any fan of beautiful prose and selfless acts of love and kindness.Gustave Flaubert has earned his rightful place among the greatest French and Western writers. His literary career is famous for extraordinary style, exact dictum, and remarkable proportions of the depicted situations. Gently navigating the delicate line between romanticism and realism, Flaubert’s influence is undeniable. His best known works include the scandalous and overtly realistic "Madam Bovary", the historical novel "Salammbo" and the painting-inspired "The Temptation of Saint Anthony".

Guy de Maupassant's short story "The Night: A Nightmare" depicts a vivid portrayal of the streets of Paris. Our narrator roams the streets of the city after hours, embracing and explaining his love of night as he goes. Yet this time, the night takes a more a menacing turn and soon becomes a living nightmare for him. Maupassant 's story plunges into the darker places of the human psyche with colorful storytelling, taking the reader on a nocturnal and personal tour of historical 19th-century Paris landmarks. Guy de Maupassant (1850-1893) was a prolific French writer considered a pioneer in modern short story writing. Maupassant was a protégé of French writer Gustave Flaubert and is known for novels such as A Woman's Life and short stories including "The Horla" and "The Dumpling." Maupassant's stories fall into the Naturalist movement, often depicting social entanglements and complex human fates. They have inspired countless film adaptations including the French-Belgian drama called A Woman's Life (2016).

Situado en la iglesia londinense de San Bernabé, el protagonista, obnubilado por la belleza del templo, no da lugar a la sensación de miedo que le apareció al entrar. Al escuchar una música sombría y escalofriante proveniente del órgano, observa a un extraño organista que lo mira con una expresión de odio inimaginable y que de manera repentina y misteriosa desaparece mientras la música sigue sonando.Camino a su casa, el narrador intenta olvidar el absurdo episodio que experimentó hasta que oye una voz de alguien que decía llamarse el Rey de Amarillo, susurrando a su alma. Este escalofriante cuento lo mantendrá inquieto y con suspenso, hasta que en cierto punto la realidad se desgarra e irrumpen las orillas del tenebroso Lago Hali y las torres de Carcosa, donde es la Muerte es Dios...Robert William Chambers (1865 – 1933) nació en Brooklyn en el seno de una familia burguesa. Estudió en el New York Art Students League y en 1886 se mudó a París, donde convivió con el movimiento artístico bohemio, y donde expuso su obra en el salón de 1889. A su regreso a Nueva York, vendió ilustraciones a las principales revistas del momento. No obstante, a pesar de considerar la escritura como algo secundario, su pasión por contar historias lo llevó a publicar su primer libro, In the quarter en 1984 al cual le siguió El Rey de Amarillo, que lo convirtió en un maestro del cuento moderno de terror.Fue un escritor prolífico y sus obras alcanzaron un gran prestigio, llegando algunas a ser best-sellers. El dinero que obtuvo de ello lo invirtió en sus otras aficiones, entre las que se encontraba coleccionar mariposas y porcelana china. Chambers falleció a los sesenta y ocho años tras ser operado de una dolencia intestinal.