It wasn't until the 1950s that seeing The Nutcracker at Christmastime became an American tradition. But the story itself is much older and its original intent more complex. This eye-opening new volume presents two of the tale's earliest versions, both in new translations: E.T.A. Hoffmann's Nutcracker and Mouse King (1816), in which a young girl is whisked away to the Land of Toys to help her an…
In this timeless tale adventure, loyalty, and intrigue, a young man and his spirited comrades, Athos, Porthos, Aramis, navigate duels, political plots, and treachery in 17th century France.
Just arrived in Paris and looking for adventure, D'Artagnan finds more than he bargains for. Within hours he has offended three of the King's musketeers - and has to duel with all of them! Within days he's in love...and embroiled with spies, politicians, English noblemen, and being seduced by the most beautiful - and deadly - woman in France: Milady de Winter! Filled with intrigue, mystery, pas…
The Musketeers are back in another exciting adventure! The rich and powerful King Louis XIV rules over all of France. But there is a terrible secret -- one that threatens the French throne. Mysterious prisoner with ties to the king has been locked away. Who is the man? Why is his face hiddenbehind an iron mask? and what will happen to the Musketeers when the secret is finally revealed
All for one, and one for all! - Headstrong young d'Artagnan, fresh from the country, meets the three musketeers in an unusual way. One by one, he challenges each of them to a duel! But before long, they become good friends as d'Artagnan and the musketeers get caught up in the trickery of the French court. They must guard the queen against the evil plots of Cardinal Richelieu. Will their wits an…