Sander's Parachute, Unimog, Combine, Spy Plane, and Guest
Though he might look at his shoes when he talks and has a bit of a stutter, Sander is one of the biggest characters you'll ever meet.Sander's Parachute, Unimog, Combine, Spy Plane, and Guest is a collection of delightful stories centered on Sander, short for Aleksander, the narrator's northerly neighbor. Whether he's establishing a quasi-greenhouse for the locals, or building a bi-plane spy plane by hand using auction and thrift store finds, Sander has no shortage of agricultural and mechanical knowledge, like any hardworking Northern farmer worth his salt, and it always comes in handy.As the landscape of the Canadian North-literally and metaphorically-changes before him, Sander finds himself faced with a sense of loss as farms grow larger and families move away, and the hard-won homesteads of the past become homes to wild animal tenants. But the spirit of the rough-and-tumble North lives on in Sander, he remains a pilgrim from another time, baffling and charming and devoted to the betterment of anyone in his orbit.Though he might not, strictly speaking, have a way with women, he will brush shoulders with romance more than once. And though he is not, strictly speaking, the most forthcoming, he is one of the most cherished and best-loved neighbors any of the locals could have asked for.
Sander's Parachute, Unimog, Combine, Spy Plane, and Guest
Though he might look at his shoes when he talks and has a bit of a stutter, Sander is one of the biggest characters you'll ever meet.Sander's Parachute, Unimog, Combine, Spy Plane, and Guest is a collection of delightful stories centered on Sander, short for Aleksander, the narrator's northerly neighbor. Whether he's establishing a quasi-greenhouse for the locals, or building a bi-plane spy plane by hand using auction and thrift store finds, Sander has no shortage of agricultural and mechanical knowledge, like any hardworking Northern farmer worth his salt, and it always comes in handy.As the landscape of the Canadian North-literally and metaphorically-changes before him, Sander finds himself faced with a sense of loss as farms grow larger and families move away, and the hard-won homesteads of the past become homes to wild animal tenants. But the spirit of the rough-and-tumble North lives on in Sander, he remains a pilgrim from another time, baffling and charming and devoted to the betterment of anyone in his orbit.Though he might not, strictly speaking, have a way with women, he will brush shoulders with romance more than once. And though he is not, strictly speaking, the most forthcoming, he is one of the most cherished and best-loved neighbors any of the locals could have asked for.
Borderlanz
Take a trip to the edges of imagination in this stunning collection of short stories from the five-time award-winning author described by Library Journal as "one of Canada's most original writers of speculative fiction."There's something here for every reader. Award winners and finalists. "Best of" selections. Science fiction and fantasy. Mystery and horror. Darkness and humor. Love and revenge.An immortal battles the Lords of Order and Chaos to save the woman he loves.A woman plans a very special homecoming for the body of her soldier husband.Strange radio broadcasts haunt a man trying to change the past.A shapeshifter confronts his own dark past as a covert agency hunts him.Bizarre deaths threaten a private eye's favorite restaurant.A woman makes an unexplained stopover on a transatlantic flight.Disaster strikes a space freighter when an unlucky newcomer joins the crew.The House promises wealth and fame...if it doesn't kill you first.A thief's attempt to lift a curse goes less than perfectly.A boy has a plan to find his missing brother-a deeply disturbing one.A new father questions his ability to love his disabled son.To win her freedom, a woman must simply prove she's human.A shapeshifter must overcome her hatred of humans to help a young girl.Four warriors set out to slay the last dragon. Two young lovers are hunted across dimensions and time.Welcome to the Borderlanz. "Doug Smith is quite simply, the finest short-story writer Canada has ever produced in the science fiction and fantasy genres. ... His stories are a treasure trove of riches that will touch your heart while making you think." -Robert J. Sawyer, Hugo and Nebula Awards winner"The man is Sturgeon good. Zelazny good. I don't give those up easy." -Spider Robinson, Hugo and Nebula Awards winner"A great storyteller with a gifted and individual voice." -Charles de Lint, World Fantasy Award winner"An extraordinary author whom every lover of quality speculative fiction should read." -Fantasy Book Critic"Smith's writing, evocative yet understated, gracefully brings to life his imagined realms." - Quill and Quire"Stories you can't forget, even years later." -Julie Czerneda"A master of beginnings ... [with] endings that feel satisfying and right." -Canadian Science Fiction Reviews
The Heritage Of Dedlow Marsh And Other Tales
The heritage of dedlow marsh and other tales presents an exploration of an isolated marshland shaped by shifting social pressures, quiet uncertainties, and the lingering weight of an inherited past. The text suggests a landscape where solitude and expectation coexist, using selected details to highlight how an unusual environment influences the inner lives of those who grow up within it. The marsh becomes a space where personal responsibility, unspoken obligations, and the pull of surrounding authority figures intersect, revealing how individuals respond when their world is both sheltered and scrutinized. Elements of artistic longing, practical survival, and subtle resistance appear through brief glimpses of everyday routines, emphasizing the contrast between inward reflection and external demands. The surrounding presence of institutional power hints at broader societal divisions that quietly shape the boundaries of the setting. Through these carefully chosen impressions, the collection conveys a sense of resilience, uncertainty, and the continuing influence of place upon personal identity.
The Next Mother
Jack Donahue is a poet, short story writer, novelist and playwright. Numerous poems and works of fiction written by Donahue have been published in magazines and literary arts journals such as: Takahe (New Zealand); Bindweed (Ireland); Stand (U.K.); Poetry Salzburg Review (Austria); Raconteur, The Main Street Rag; Armarolla (Cyprus); Opossum; North Dakota Quarterly; The Almagre Review and many others. Donahue's first novel Lost on Cherry Street was published by Willow River Press. His second novel, Divine Intimacy was published by Guernica Editions. His second book of poetry, Warning Signs was published by Meat for Tea Press. Jack Donahue received his BA in English from Long Island University, Brooklyn Campus, NY; and earned his Master of Divinity Degree from New Brunswick Theological Seminary, New Jersey. He is married to Carol Donahue, a children's picture book author. They reside in Centerport, NY.
Mrs. Skagg's Husbands And Other Stories
Mrs. Skaggs's husbands and other stories presents a collection of narratives shaped by the rhythms, tensions, and subtle humor of frontier life, using moments of daily bustle to reveal how communities form their own codes of loyalty and resilience. The opening scene unfolds in a lively mining town where early morning routines reflect both hardship and camaraderie, offering glimpses into how people adapt to an environment defined by unpredictability. The descriptions of the landscape and the movement of townspeople establish a world where weathered individuality coexists with an unspoken dependence on shared experience. Through the actions and observations of various figures, the stories explore shifting relationships, quiet struggles, and the search for dignity in places that challenge emotional stability. Light touches of humor soften the harsher realities of labor, isolation, and social judgment, creating space for compassion within rugged surroundings. As the collection progresses, it highlights how ordinary interactions can reveal deeper truths about belonging and identity, showing how even the most unpolished settings carry moments of reflection and unexpected warmth.
Borderlanz
Take a trip to the edges of imagination in this stunning collection of short stories from the five-time award-winning author described by Library Journal as "one of Canada's most original writers of speculative fiction."There's something here for every reader. Award winners and finalists. "Best of" selections. Science fiction and fantasy. Mystery and horror. Darkness and humor. Love and revenge.An immortal battles the Lords of Order and Chaos to save the woman he loves.A woman plans a very special homecoming for the body of her soldier husband.Strange radio broadcasts haunt a man trying to change the past.A shapeshifter confronts his own dark past as a covert agency hunts him.Bizarre deaths threaten a private eye's favorite restaurant.A woman makes an unexplained stopover on a transatlantic flight.Disaster strikes a space freighter when an unlucky newcomer joins the crew.The House promises wealth and fame...if it doesn't kill you first.A thief's attempt to lift a curse goes less than perfectly.A boy has a plan to find his missing brother-a deeply disturbing one.A new father questions his ability to love his disabled son.To win her freedom, a woman must simply prove she's human.A shapeshifter must overcome her hatred of humans to help a young girl.Four warriors set out to slay the last dragon. Two young lovers are hunted across dimensions and time.Welcome to the Borderlanz. "Doug Smith is quite simply, the finest short-story writer Canada has ever produced in the science fiction and fantasy genres. ... His stories are a treasure trove of riches that will touch your heart while making you think." -Robert J. Sawyer, Hugo and Nebula Awards winner"The man is Sturgeon good. Zelazny good. I don't give those up easy." -Spider Robinson, Hugo and Nebula Awards winner"A great storyteller with a gifted and individual voice." -Charles de Lint, World Fantasy Award winner"An extraordinary author whom every lover of quality speculative fiction should read." -Fantasy Book Critic"Smith's writing, evocative yet understated, gracefully brings to life his imagined realms." - Quill and Quire"Stories you can't forget, even years later." -Julie Czerneda"A master of beginnings ... [with] endings that feel satisfying and right." -Canadian Science Fiction Reviews
Tales For Fifteen
Tales for fifteen or imagination and heart offers a gentle exploration of youthful emotion, evolving friendships, and the imaginative inner world that shapes early understandings of affection. The collection reflects the uncertainties of growing up, highlighting how expectation, curiosity, and social pressure influence the ways young people interpret their relationships. The opening scenes follow two close companions confronting the possibility of separation, using their exchanges to reveal how deeply emotional bonds can shape self-perception during formative years. As letters and reflections capture shifting feelings, the narrative shows how imagination often blends with reality, creating hopes and fears that mirror the broader expectations placed on young women. The stories move between introspective moments and subtle societal commentary, suggesting that the transition from innocence to awareness involves negotiating both internal desires and external ideals. Through its focus on emotional sincerity and the delicate balance between personal longing and social boundaries, the collection paints a heartfelt portrait of early connections and the imaginative spirit that accompanies them.
Waifs And Strays
Waifs and strays presents a collection of short pieces shaped around small but meaningful moments that reveal how ordinary life can carry unexpected humor, longing, and social nuance. The opening tale follows an individual determined to obtain a festive accessory that becomes far more than a simple item, transforming into a symbol of confidence, aspiration, and the desire to belong. A delayed journey sets off a series of complications that draw others into an impulsive pursuit, turning a mundane errand into a spirited competition fueled by affection and pride. Through this interplay, the story explores how everyday desires can spark rivalry, self-reflection, and emotional vulnerability. The collection as a whole uses vivid scenes to capture shifting emotions and the ways people navigate hope, frustration, and connection. Lighthearted moments blend with subtle observations about personal identity and social expectations, offering a warm yet incisive look at human behavior. The writing invites readers into situations that appear simple on the surface but hint at deeper motivations and the quiet significance of small choices.
Let Spirits Soar!
Marked by a delightful radiance and beauty of form, the finely crafted poems gathered here will regale you with rich tapestries of love, history, and the natural world. Here, too, are colorful, exquisitely sculpted stories -comic, tragic, zany, lyrical, and even macabre-that feature larger-than-life characters in a cavalcade of quirky incidents sure to bring you unstinting delight.Gilgamesh walks here. Vesuvius erupts. Galileo confesses and Quixote remembers. Barbarians invade, lovers yearn, infants slumber, death approaches, and widowers grieve. Dancers twirl, wolves howl, and between times joyful bedlam often prevails.Permeating all, however, is an intense love of life revealed through an affectionate (and sometimes jarring) sweep of times and circumstances-from crowded buses in midtown Manhattan to mythic gods by Egypt's Nile, from gaudy sands in moneyed Palm Beach to raging fires devouring Pompeii.Rejecting the often anemic, myopic spirit of so much literature today, these energetic tales and lovely poems combine vast erudition with Robert Frost-like simplicity, ensuring that, regardless of your background or training, you'll find in this sumptuous literary banquet many things to make your own spirit soar, today, tomorrow, and forever!
Let Spirits Soar!
Marked by a delightful radiance and beauty of form, the finely crafted poems gathered here will regale you with rich tapestries of love, history, and the natural world. Here, too, are colorful, exquisitely sculpted stories -comic, tragic, zany, lyrical, and even macabre-that feature larger-than-life characters in a cavalcade of quirky incidents sure to bring you unstinting delight.Gilgamesh walks here. Vesuvius erupts. Galileo confesses and Quixote remembers. Barbarians invade, lovers yearn, infants slumber, death approaches, and widowers grieve. Dancers twirl, wolves howl, and between times joyful bedlam often prevails.Permeating all, however, is an intense love of life revealed through an affectionate (and sometimes jarring) sweep of times and circumstances-from crowded buses in midtown Manhattan to mythic gods by Egypt's Nile, from gaudy sands in moneyed Palm Beach to raging fires devouring Pompeii.Rejecting the often anemic, myopic spirit of so much literature today, these energetic tales and lovely poems combine vast erudition with Robert Frost-like simplicity, ensuring that, regardless of your background or training, you'll find in this sumptuous literary banquet many things to make your own spirit soar, today, tomorrow, and forever!
Long Thin Strands (Revised Edition)
A collection of connected stories set in the landscape and culture of the small South Pacific nation of New Zealand (Aotearoa), where it is common for lives to overlap. The interlinked stories in Long Thin Strands present recurring settings and reappearing characters whose lives and challenges cover diverse issues such as loneliness and grief, abuse and injustice, disability and identity. Themes of hope, courage and kindness as means of healing are an integral part of this interwoven narrative. This is the revised 2026 edition.
The Intercessors
The Intercessors: They Walk Among Us by D. L. Norris is a moving and inspiring collection of short stories that celebrates the extraordinary power of intervention. Inspired by real events, each narrative follows individuals confronting adversity-loss, isolation, crisis, regret, and despair-only to be met by timely acts of compassion, guidance, or mysterious encounters that alter the course of their lives. From a struggling writer reignited by a stranger's encouragement, to a homeless man reclaiming dignity through a simple breakfast, and a teacher's final act of courage, these stories reveal the profound impact of kindness and human connection. Threaded throughout every tale is a powerful conviction: redemption and renewal remain possible, no matter how deep the sorrow or how complicated the past. The intercessors-sometimes ordinary people performing extraordinary acts, sometimes figures whose presence defies explanation-offer hope, second chances, and unexpected pathways forward. With warmth, insight, and emotional depth, this anthology invites readers to reflect on the interventions that have shaped their own journeys and to find reassurance in the enduring truth that healing and transformation are always within reach.
Gas Guzzler and the Clock
Drug addicts are viewed by many as pleasure seekers with no self-control. Most drug addicts will agree that they stopped having fun a long time ago. These stories offer insight into the panic, violence, manipulation, and hopelessness, synonymous with the lifestyle of drug abuse.Whether you have struggled with addiction or not, these stories will entertain, and provide perspective into the chaos.
The Intercessors
The Intercessors: They Walk Among Us by D. L. Norris is a moving and inspiring collection of short stories that celebrates the extraordinary power of intervention. Inspired by real events, each narrative follows individuals confronting adversity-loss, isolation, crisis, regret, and despair-only to be met by timely acts of compassion, guidance, or mysterious encounters that alter the course of their lives. From a struggling writer reignited by a stranger's encouragement, to a homeless man reclaiming dignity through a simple breakfast, and a teacher's final act of courage, these stories reveal the profound impact of kindness and human connection. Threaded throughout every tale is a powerful conviction: redemption and renewal remain possible, no matter how deep the sorrow or how complicated the past. The intercessors-sometimes ordinary people performing extraordinary acts, sometimes figures whose presence defies explanation-offer hope, second chances, and unexpected pathways forward. With warmth, insight, and emotional depth, this anthology invites readers to reflect on the interventions that have shaped their own journeys and to find reassurance in the enduring truth that healing and transformation are always within reach.
Dead-heading Roses in the Museum Garden and Other Stories
Some say there is but a thin dividing line between tragedy and comedy, victory and defeat. Many of the protagonists in Dead-heading Roses in the Museum Garden and Other Stories find themselves treading just such a line - and often falling on the less desirable side of it. Consider the bride abandoned at the altar, the young woman being told 'no' in the Social Security office, the man whose declaration of love is rebuffed.Occasionally tragedy strikes in a very real and physical sense - yet balanced against the negative are moments of hope, redemption, opportunity.Whether mundane and humdrum or challenging and spiritual, in Dead-heading Roses in the Museum Garden and Other Stories we are given insights into such lives and such outcomes - and thus surely a private lens through which to view our own lived experience.
Perspectives
A different view...Medusa tells her own story... and its not the version youre familiar with. Different newspaper stories depict the same person as both a hero... and a villain. A regular college student heads home for the holidays... on another planet. Many different peoples lives all intersect... on a street corner in downtown Portland. A mad scientist creates a universe in his basement... and gets annoyed by a certain species on a certain planet. An author creates a story about a student who writes a college paper... about an author who wrote a collection of short stories, each told from the perspective of different characters.Today our society is falteringly undergoing an ongoing cultural moment of revelation about the importance of diverse perspectives: not just yours or mine or someone else's, but everyone's perspectives. We are beginning to understand that if we are to learn and grow in peace and relative harmony with one another, then it's essential to be able to see the world from perspectives other than our own. That's what Perspectives strives to do.Each of the works in this collection explores a unique perspective.One story is told from Medusa's perspective (although it's not exactly the canonical version of the story as you learned it from Greek mythology). Another considers different perspectives on a nonconformist character who is both a hero and a criminal at the same time. One of the "stories" is a fictional book report, written by a fictional college student about a fictional book which is itself a collection of short stories told from a variety of perspectives. Reading on through Perspectives, we hear from a mad scientist; we enjoy the adventures of a perfectly relatable character who just happens to live on another planet; and we imagine a conversation between the Buddha Gotama and the Jain holy monk, Jina Mahavira. And at the center of the collection is the title piece: an impressionistic story examining the perspectives of many individuals who differ by race, gender, age, and circumstances, but who all share a moment together at a singular point in space and time. This collection of Jesse S. Smith's surprising and wonderfully creative experimental short fiction in a variety of genres is rounded out by a lively series of essays considering unexpected perspectives on Eastern philosophies, early Christianity as a social movement, a modern adaptation of Shakespeare, and the use of humor in apocalyptic fiction.So treat yourself to a glass of whatever it is you like to treat yourself to, and put your feet up, and enjoy these wild and crazy perspectives.
The Righteous Road
"The stories in The Righteous Road show off Ryan Shemaker's impressive range, from the dramatic to the satiric-he is a writer who can make you feel deeply in one story and laugh aloud in the next, a rare gift." -T.C. Boyle, author of The Tortilla Curtain and Blue Skies"Family, faith, loss, love and hope-these are the essential elements of Ryan Shoemaker's beautiful stories. A troubled, reckless father, Kurt Cobain, Adam and Eve-Shoemaker weaves gritty reality with the myths of our most ancient stories illuminated by a contemporary imagination that is sure-footed, honest, and unflinching-all while infusing his sentences with the kind of understated humor that you have to earn by living with an open, compassionate heart. Bravo." -Jason Brown, author of Why the Devil Chose New England for His Work: Stories and Character Witness: A Memoir"Shoemaker is one of my favorite short story writers, and this book exemplifies all that makes that statement true. He hooked me with the interplay of LDS culture, our scriptural underpinnings, and our foibles and peculiarities, handled with nuance, fantastic writing, and style. I relished every single story. There was not a miss in the entire collection. Some of the stories left me laughing out loud. Another left me pondering for days the way we deceive ourselves about our own motivations and actions. But all of them captured me with their excellence and fun. Don't miss this collection. It is a treasure trove of meaning and delight." -Steven L. Peck, author of Heike's Void and A Short Stay in Hell
Paraphernalia
In Paraphernalia, Godfrey Bonavia delivers a captivating collection of short stories that explore the thin line between ordinary life and the unexpected. From the haunting transformation of a man whose life is shattered by a single barroom brawl to the suspenseful investigation of a family secret hidden within the pages of old books, these narratives dive deep into themes of resilience, consequence, and the human struggle for connection.With a sharp imagination and a therapist's insight, Bonavia moves seamlessly from gripping thrillers to reflective tales of second chances and even supernatural encounters . Each story is crafted to be a smooth, engaging read, offering a blend of humor, awe, and motivation.Whether navigating a high-speed pursuit through narrow country roads or witnessing the "metamorphosis" of a soul pushed to its limits, Paraphernalia invites readers to relax, reflect, and find a piece of themselves within its pages. These are stories for the curious, the dreamers, and anyone who has ever faced one of life's many hurdles.
Paraphernalia
In Paraphernalia, Godfrey Bonavia delivers a captivating collection of short stories that explore the thin line between ordinary life and the unexpected. From the haunting transformation of a man whose life is shattered by a single barroom brawl to the suspenseful investigation of a family secret hidden within the pages of old books, these narratives dive deep into themes of resilience, consequence, and the human struggle for connection.With a sharp imagination and a therapist's insight, Bonavia moves seamlessly from gripping thrillers to reflective tales of second chances and even supernatural encounters . Each story is crafted to be a smooth, engaging read, offering a blend of humor, awe, and motivation.Whether navigating a high-speed pursuit through narrow country roads or witnessing the "metamorphosis" of a soul pushed to its limits, Paraphernalia invites readers to relax, reflect, and find a piece of themselves within its pages. These are stories for the curious, the dreamers, and anyone who has ever faced one of life's many hurdles.
The Raven of Ruwi and Other Stories from Oman
In this lyrical collection, author Hamoud Saud invites readers into the soul of Oman, a country famed for its long coastline, rugged mountains, and stark desert landscapes. This geography provides the backdrop for stories that reveal both the beauty and hardship of a country and people on the margins. Focused on the capital city, Saud's Muscat is not a postcard-perfect city but a living, breathing place of cement forests, forgotten roundabouts, and ravens perched on flagpoles. Each story is fabulist in spirit but grounded in the textures of everyday life: the scent of karak tea, the chatter of schoolgirls, the heat rising from asphalt. In "The Raven of Ruwi," a narrator wanders the city's commercial district where Indian music drifts from balconies and the streets are filled with weary bank workers. In "The Sad Donkey of Muscat," a blind man recounts the city's history as told to him by a donkey. And in "Post Office of the Dead," a forgotten postmaster receives letters from Dostoevsky and Kafka, triggering a surreal unraveling of time and self. At once intimate and expansive, The Raven of Ruwi and Other Stories from Oman is a powerful meditation on place, identity, and the stories that cities tell
Short Stories
These short stories involve complex relationships among humans, as well as our capacity to embrace and murder.
Short Stories
These short stories involve complex relationships among humans, as well as our capacity to embrace and murder.
Zero to Infinity
'India is a land that lives in several centuries at once. From the sterile, chilled glass towers of Bengaluru's Silicon Valley to the ancient, dust-hewn ruins of Nalanda, the struggle is the same: how do we hold onto our soul in a world that wants to turn it into data?In this evocative collection of twenty-four stories, the boundaries between the ancient and the digital dissolve. A software engineer discovers his monsoon-predicting AI has developed a sense of regret. A tribal leader summons a tiger to a modern courtroom to testify for a law older than the Constitution. A blind spice-librarian in Kerala reads futures in the scent of cardamom, while an elderly cafe owner in Mumbai serves one last cup of chai against the roar of a rising metropolis.Moving from the high-octane grit of Mumbai's local trains to the magical realism of the Kashmiri walnut orchards, Zero to Infinity is a breathtaking map of the Indian psyche. These are the "unfiltered" stories of a people navigating the friction of change, proving that while the world may move at the speed of light, the truth still resides in the slow, the sacred, and the small.
Ralph the Bailiff and Other Tales
A spectral hush falls across the drawing rooms and shadowed corridors of 19th-century England, where every whispered secret might be the prelude to a chilling revelation. Within these pages, the boundaries between the living and the dead blur, and the genteel veneer of Victorian society peels away to expose the dark heart of sensational fiction. Here, ghost stories are not mere diversions but windows into the anxieties and desires that haunted an era obsessed with social identity and the hidden truths that bind-or break-families. Each tale pulses with the suspense and intrigue that captivated readers alongside the works of Wilkie Collins and Braddon, weaving together murder mystery and family secrets with a deftness that is both thrilling and deeply human. This volume, long out of print and now republished by Alpha Editions, stands as a rare testament to the enduring power of Victorian short stories. It has been restored for today's and future generations, inviting literature enthusiasts and new readers alike to rediscover a world where every locked door and flickering candle can signal danger, longing, or redemption. The stories echo the concerns of their time-questions of class, reputation, and the roles women played in a rapidly changing society-making them resonate with female readers and those fascinated by the complexities of the Victorian era. More than a glimpse into the past, this edition is not just a reprint - it's a collector's item and a cultural treasure, meticulously presented to honour its literary and historical significance. For anyone who cherishes the art of storytelling-whether a casual reader seeking atmospheric suspense or a collector curating the finest examples of classic fiction-this restored collection offers a rare opportunity to experience the chills, mysteries, and emotional depth that defined the golden age of sensational literature.
Obscure Destinies
A windblown prairie dusk, the hush broken only by the distant creak of a cartwheel-here, the ordinary becomes profound, and the smallest gestures echo across a vast, untamed landscape. In these finely wrought american short stories, the sweep of the great plains setting is not merely a backdrop but a living force, shaping destinies and quietly revealing the intricacies of human relationships. The collection captures the stark beauty and silent struggles of rural american life, where hope and hardship intertwine beneath an endless Nebraska sky. Each narrative, steeped in the authenticity of early twentieth century literature, invites readers into the intimate, often unspoken moments that define the frontier experience, rendering the everyday luminous and unforgettable. This volume, out of print for decades and now republished by Alpha Editions, has been restored for today's and future generations with meticulous care. It stands as a collector's item and a cultural treasure, its pages resonating with the universal search for belonging and meaning. The stories' subtle emotional power and vivid sense of place make them essential reading for anyone drawn to literary fiction collections or seeking a deeper understanding of classic literature readers' tastes. Echoes of O Pioneers and the nuanced social observation found in the works of Edith Wharton ripple through these tales, making them equally compelling for university literature courses and personal libraries alike. Beyond their historical significance, these stories speak urgently to our own era, reminding us how the challenges and triumphs of the past continue to shape present lives. The Nebraska countryside, rendered with painterly precision, becomes a crucible for character and resilience, offering rare insight into the enduring spirit of the American frontier. For those who cherish the quiet revelations of the human heart, this edition is much more than a reprint-it is an invitation to rediscover a lost world, preserved for readers now and in the years to come.
Let Loose
Gilded drawing rooms shimmer with wit and secrets, while beneath the surface, the rigid codes of nineteenth century England threaten to unravel. In this sharply observed classic novel, the privileged worlds of upper class society and the intricate dance of marriage and relationships are laid bare with a satirical edge that feels as relevant today as it did at the height of Victorian literature. Social satire pulses through each page, exposing the paradoxes of duty and desire that shaped an era when appearances were everything and a woman's choices could echo through generations. Long out of print and now republished by Alpha Editions, this masterwork has been restored for today's and future generations, inviting both literary enthusiasts and book club readers to rediscover its layered brilliance. The narrative deftly explores the aspirations and anxieties of its characters, particularly through the lens of Victorian women writers, whose voices challenged and enriched British fiction. The Edwardian era setting is rendered with exquisite precision, immersing readers in a society at the cusp of change, where tradition and modernity collide in subtle, unforgettable ways. Beyond its compelling story, the book stands as a cultural treasure-a collector's item for those who value the enduring power of classic literature. Its nuanced portrayal of class, gender, and social ambition makes it a vital addition to any classic-collection, shedding light on the complexities of a world both distant and uncannily familiar. This edition is not just a reprint - it's a collector's item and a cultural treasure, offering modern readers a rare glimpse into the heart of a transformative age.
The willow weaver, and seven other tales
A willow bends, not breaks, in the wind-so too do the souls within these pages, caught between the mystical and the mortal. Here, the ordinary world of the early 20th-century United States becomes a threshold, where everyday lives brush against the uncanny, and the familiar is steeped in the shimmer of spirituality and folklore. Each tale in this short story collection invites the reader to dwell in a landscape where morality is not prescribed but discovered, and where the human experience is rendered with a deft blend of lyricism and insight. The stories pulse with a quiet intensity, reminiscent of W. B. Yeats' lyrical mysticism and the speculative wonder found in Edmond Hamilton's narratives, yet they remain distinctly rooted in their own time and place. Rediscovered after decades out of print, this collection has been lovingly restored for today's and future generations by Alpha Editions. It offers more than a glimpse into early 20th-century literature; it is a rare portal into the hopes, doubts, and dreams that have always animated the human heart. The themes of morality and the search for meaning are as vital now as when these stories first appeared, resonating with young adults and general readers alike. Each narrative, whether it explores the tangles of conscience or the allure of the supernatural, is imbued with an enduring relevance that transcends its era. This edition is not just a reprint - it's a collector's item and a cultural treasure, meticulously presented for those who cherish both the art of storytelling and the preservation of literary heritage. For anyone drawn to the interplay of the mystical and the everyday, or who seeks the company of voices that shaped the spiritual undercurrents of a bygone America, this volume is a singular invitation to rediscover what it means to be human, fragile, and forever searching.
The Watcher By The Threshold
A lone figure stands at the edge of the wild Scottish Highlands, where the wind keens through ancient pines and shadows gather with the dusk. Here, the boundary between the known and the uncanny blurs, drawing readers into a world where every footstep echoes with psychological suspense and the threat of the supernatural. Set on a remote Scottish estate, these tales unravel the mysteries that haunt both land and mind, conjuring a landscape steeped in Scottish folklore and Gothic horror. The spectres and secrets at play are not mere phantoms, but reflections of the era's deepest fears-possession and exorcism, the fragility of sanity, and the lure of the unknown-all rendered with the taut elegance that marks early 20th-century literature. This collection stands as a masterwork of supernatural horror stories, its chilling narratives as relevant today as when first penned. Each story pulses with the atmospheric tension and adventure fiction that made its creator a cornerstone of classic horror stories and a peer among the finest John Buchan novels. Yet, beyond their ability to unsettle and enthral, these tales offer a rare glimpse into the anxieties and fascinations of a time when the modern world was encroaching upon the old, and the line between rationality and myth seemed perilously thin. This book was out of print for decades and is now republished by Alpha Editions. It has been restored for today's and future generations, ensuring that the eerie beauty and cultural resonance of these stories endure. This edition is not just a reprint - it's a collector's item and a cultural treasure, ideal for both the casual reader seeking an immersive escape and the discerning collector building a library of literary gems. Step across the threshold and discover why these haunting tales remain a touchstone of Gothic and supernatural fiction.
Tales Of The Dandenongs - Fourth Series
Mist drifts through ancient gums, and the hush of the Australian bush is broken only by the voices of those who call it home-each story here pulses with the raw beauty and quiet drama of the Dandenong Ranges. In these pages, the everyday and the extraordinary entwine, capturing the essence of early 20th century Australia with a clarity that is both nostalgic and immediate. The collection gathers together a tapestry of rural community stories, where the struggles and joys of bush life unfold in vivid detail, inviting readers into a landscape at once harsh and deeply nurturing. The characters, drawn with a keen eye for the subtleties of regional Australian literature, linger long after the last page, their hopes and heartbreaks echoing against the backdrop of Victoria's wild ranges. Rediscovered after decades out of print and now republished by Alpha Editions, this volume stands as both a collector's item and a cultural treasure-restored for today's and future generations. Each tale resonates with the same authenticity and lyricism that have made Australian short stories beloved by readers of Henry Lawson and Banjo Paterson. Yet, there is a distinctive voice at play, one that captures the unique rhythms and cadences of the Dandenong Ranges tales, offering rare insight into the lives and landscapes that shaped a nation's literary imagination. For literature enthusiasts Australia-wide and those who cherish the classics, this edition is more than a mere reprint; it is a bridge to the past, meticulously preserved and newly relevant. Whether you are drawn to the evocative settings of rural Victoria, the nuanced portraits of bush communities, or the timeless qualities of literary fiction collection, you will find yourself transported. This restored work invites both casual readers and classic-collection buyers to experience the enduring spirit of Australian classics-where every page is steeped in history, resilience, and the quiet poetry of place.
The Ten-Foot Chain
A locked room, four strangers, and a chain that binds them-love's boundaries are tested not by distance, but by proximity. In this anthology of love tales, the intensity of romantic short stories unfolds beneath the shadow of confinement, where freedom and desire clash in the most unexpected ways. Each story, penned by some of the early 20th-century fiction's most evocative voices, delves into the delicate dance of interpersonal relationships, exploring how hearts can yearn, rebel, and ultimately transform when fate refuses to grant an easy escape. Within these pages, readers encounter a literary exploration of love that transcends era and circumstance. The anthology's unique premise-love under confinement-serves as both crucible and catalyst, revealing the many faces of longing: tenderness, jealousy, hope, and despair. The collection includes works from luminaries such as Achmed Abdullah and Max Brand, whose stories have long been celebrated for their insight into the human spirit and the complexities of romantic fiction. Their contributions, alongside those of their peers, create a tapestry that is as rich in emotion as it is in historical intrigue. This book was out of print for decades and is now republished by Alpha Editions. It has been restored for today's and future generations, ensuring that the wit, drama, and timeless questions at the heart of these short story collections are once again accessible. For casual readers drawn to early 20th-century romance, and for classic-collection buyers seeking a cultural treasure, this edition is not just a reprint-it's a collector's item and a cultural treasure. The stories within echo with the universal truths of love and freedom, making this anthology as relevant now as when it first captivated the literary world.
Luke Barnicott, and Other Stories
A muddy lane winding through the British countryside, a flicker of lamplight behind cottage curtains, and the quiet dignity of everyday characters-these are the scenes that pulse at the heart of this remarkable anthology. Within these pages, the rhythms of rural life unfold with a candour and warmth rarely found in nineteenth century fiction, offering a vivid portrait of Victorian England beyond the drawing rooms and city streets. Each story captures the subtle drama of social class portrayal, where small acts of kindness or folly reveal the deeper truths of a society in flux. The collection's nuanced exploration of rural life themes and its gentle, often wry observation of character invite comparison with the works of George Eliot, while its compassion for the overlooked and ordinary places it firmly among the most humane English literature anthologies of its era. This volume, long vanished from bookshelves and out of print for decades, is now republished by Alpha Editions. It has been restored for today's and future generations, allowing new readers to discover a lost gem that once stood alongside the contemporaries of Charles Dickens. The stories resonate with a quiet power, weaving together the textures of the British countryside and the everyday struggles and joys of its inhabitants. As a literary study resource, it offers students and enthusiasts a window into the customs, dialects, and aspirations of a world both distant and achingly familiar. This edition is not just a reprint - it's a collector's item and a cultural treasure, meticulously prepared to honour the original while ensuring its relevance in the modern literary landscape. For classic literature readers and those drawn to the authenticity of Victorian short stories, this book stands as both a testament to its time and an enduring pleasure for all who value the richness of our literary heritage.
Fires Burn Blue
Smoke curls over Edwardian England, where the veneer of gentility conceals hearts smouldering with desire, doubt, and defiance. In this early twentieth-century novel, the drawing rooms and quiet lanes of a society on the cusp of transformation become the crucible for unforgettable moral dilemmas and the restless search for meaning. With a wit as sharp as it is compassionate, the narrative peers into the tangled motives of men and women caught between tradition and the tremors of modernity-a literary exploration of human nature that resonates as powerfully now as it did on first publication. Long out of print and now republished by Alpha Editions, this classic British literature gem returns to the shelves, restored for today's and future generations. Its pages evoke the subtle social satire themes and nuanced psychological insight that have drawn admirers of E. M. Forster and Evan S. Connell alike. The novel's deft portrayal of pre-World War One anxieties and ambitions makes it a touchstone for adult literary readers and book club fiction enthusiasts seeking to understand the forces that shaped-and still haunt-contemporary life. Every sentence pulses with the tension of choices made in shadow and light, capturing the fragile certainties of an era before the world was irrevocably changed. The Edwardian England setting is rendered with vivid precision, conjuring a landscape where every gesture and glance carries the weight of unspoken histories. More than a mere reprint, this edition is not just a collector's item and a cultural treasure; it is a testament to the enduring power of storytelling. For those who cherish British literary fiction and the artful exploration of society's deepest questions, this restored work is both a rediscovery and a revelation.
Flower and Weed and other Tales
A moonlit garden, heavy with the scent of blooms and secrets, gives way to shadows where desire and danger entwine. Here, in the half-light between the familiar parlour and the wild unknown, the pulse of sensation fiction beats strongest-each tale a doorway to the unexpected, each character poised at the edge of revelation. This newly restored collection gathers together some of the Victorian era's most evocative short stories, where gothic romance tales brush up against the sharp truths of human longing and folly. Within these pages, readers will find the unmistakable touch of 19th century literature: the intricate dance of virtue and vice, the tremulous suspense that lingers behind every velvet curtain, and the haunting beauty of English short fiction at its most daring. Long out of print and now republished by Alpha Editions, this edition is not just a reprint-it's a collector's item and a cultural treasure. The stories, once whispered about in drawing rooms and devoured by candlelight, have been meticulously restored for today's and future generations. As the boundaries of romantic suspense stories and gothic novels are redrawn, these narratives reveal a world where innocence is always a little suspect and every gesture hints at a hidden past. The collection stands as a testament to the enduring allure of Victorian literature collections, offering a glimpse into a society captivated by the thrill of the unknown and the complexities of the heart. For lovers of classic English literature and period drama narratives, this volume offers both the pleasure of discovery and the satisfaction of returning to a masterful voice. Its tales, at once intimate and grand, remind us why Victorian era authors continue to fascinate: their ability to conjure worlds that shimmer with both dread and delight, and to capture the timeless drama of human nature.
As I Was Saying
A lamp-lit study, the hush of Edwardian England, and the sharp glint of wit-here, the art of the essay flourishes in its purest form. In these pages, readers encounter a tapestry of early 20th century essays, each alive with the restless intellect and satirical verve that made this era a crucible for English nonfiction prose. Social commentary themes ripple through every line, offering glimpses into the anxieties and amusements of a world on the cusp of modernity. Whether reflecting on the peculiarities of British cultural history or wrestling with philosophy and religion, the essays invite the reader to linger, to ponder, and to smile at the subtle ironies that still resonate today. This book was out of print for decades and is now republished by Alpha Editions. It has been restored for today's and future generations, ensuring that both essay enthusiasts and readers of classic literature can rediscover the pleasures of a form that shaped public discourse. The collection stands as a testament to the enduring power of satire and wit, echoing the spirit found in the celebrated essays of Elia and the incisive works of Hilaire Belloc. Within these pages, one finds not only the intellectual curiosity of Edwardian England but also the universal questions that animate all great literary essays collections. Far more than a simple reprint, this edition is not just a reprint - it's a collector's item and a cultural treasure. The careful restoration honours the original voice, preserving the cadence and nuance that marked the golden age of British essay writing. For those who cherish the intersection of history, literature, and the artful turn of phrase, this volume offers an invitation to step back into a world where ideas mattered, and prose sparkled with insight.
Widows grave and otherwise
A single black veil drifting through a silent parlour; the hush of memory pressed between faded letters. Such is the haunting atmosphere evoked by this rare Victorian poetry collection, a volume that gathers the voices of nineteenth-century verse into a tapestry of mourning and remembrance. Here, the shadowed corridors of grief and the delicate radiance of hope are explored with exquisite sensitivity, offering readers a window into the private sorrows and resilient spirits of an age shaped by loss and longing. Each poem is a meditation on widowhood, a reflection on the enduring ache of absence, and a celebration of the quiet strength found in solitude. This anthology stands as a testament to the literary richness of nineteenth-century America and the Victorian era, echoing the emotional candour found in the works of Emily Dickinson and Christina Rossetti. Its pages pulse with the universal themes of love, loss, and the search for meaning amidst despair, making it essential reading for poetry lovers and literature students alike. To encounter these verses is to step into a world where grief is not merely endured but transformed into art, where every stanza becomes an act of remembrance and resilience. This book was out of print for decades and is now republished by Alpha Editions. It has been restored for today's and future generations, ensuring that its poignant insights and evocative language remain accessible to all who seek the solace and beauty of classic literature. This edition is not just a reprint - it's a collector's item and a cultural treasure, meticulously presented for those who cherish the enduring legacy of Victorian poetry. Whether you are drawn to its historical significance or its lyrical exploration of the human heart, this collection invites you to linger in the company of voices that have shaped our understanding of mourning, memory, and the enduring power of verse.
The eternal moment, and other stories
A woman stands at a railway platform, poised between the familiar and the unknown, as time seems to hold its breath. In these masterfully crafted classic British short stories, the everyday is transformed into moments of revelation, where the pulse of early twentieth-century fiction beats quietly beneath the surface of ordinary lives. This collection, long out of print and now republished by Alpha Editions, brings together tales that probe the heart of human relationships, illuminating the subtle tensions and fleeting connections that shape existence. Each narrative is a window onto the shifting landscapes of Edwardian era literature, capturing the nuances of British society settings with a precision that recalls the sharp social commentary literature of Virginia Woolf and the psychological depth of D. H. Lawrence's influence. Restored for today's and future generations, these stories invite readers to linger in the eternal moment where existential questions in fiction are not merely asked but lived. The prose is at once lucid and evocative, drawing the reader into a world where the boundaries between the self and others are blurred, and where the search for meaning is both intimate and universal. For those who cherish literary fiction collections, this edition offers not just a glimpse into the anxieties and aspirations of a bygone era, but also a mirror for our own uncertainties. Carefully curated for readers of classic literature as well as literature students and scholars, this edition is not just a reprint - it's a collector's item and a cultural treasure. Alpha Editions' commitment to reviving neglected works ensures that the sharp insights and emotional truths of these stories continue to resonate. To hold this book is to hold a piece of history, newly alive and ready to speak to the questions that endure across generations.
The Poet and the Lunatics
A city shrouded in fog, where reason teeters on the edge of delirium: here, the line between detective and madman blurs, and every riddle is a mirror reflecting the soul's secret fractures. At the heart of these literary mystery stories lies a singular blend of psychological crime fiction and philosophical crime themes, where eccentric detectives probe not only the motives behind each crime but the very nature of sanity itself. Set against the evocative backdrop of early twentieth century England, these tales invite readers to step into the shadowy streets and parlours of the Edwardian era, where every encounter is tinged with both wit and unease. This book was out of print for decades and is now republished by Alpha Editions. It has been restored for today's and future generations. This edition is not just a reprint - it's a collector's item and a cultural treasure. With prose as sharp as a cut-glass decanter and a narrative that dances between the macabre and the profound, these stories stand alongside the finest British mysteries. Fans of Arthur Conan Doyle and the beloved Father Brown stories will find themselves at home in this world, where each puzzle is as much about the labyrinths of the mind as the clues on the page. What elevates these classic detective fiction tales is their exploration of madness and sanity-not as mere plot devices, but as the very canvas upon which the mysteries unfold. More than a sequence of crimes and revelations, the collection probes the fragility of perception and the elusive boundary between genius and lunacy. For classic literature readers and collectors alike, this restored edition offers not only a gripping journey through the undercurrents of Edwardian society but also a rare opportunity to reclaim a lost gem of psychological intrigue and literary significance.
Tales of Wandering Hearts
Sometimes, all we need is a collection of short stories to help us escape-just for a while-from the noise, uncertainty, and heaviness of the world around us. In times of doubt or despair, stories have the power to transport us to entirely different worlds, offering moments of peace, imagination, and clarity. Whether you're looking for comfort, adventure, or simply a new perspective, short stories can provide a much-needed breath of fresh air.This book brings together a rich and diverse collection of short stories from writers of different backgrounds, each with a unique voice and style. From tales rooted in modern Emirati life to stories set in fantastical worlds or distant futures, from touching narratives grounded in reality to bold explorations of the unknown-there's something here for every kind of reader.You'll find yourself immersed in a wide variety of genres, including contemporary fiction, fantasy, science fiction, and modern Western settings. Each story offers a new window into the human experience, reflecting the creativity and imagination of its author.Join us on this literary journey, and let these stories introduce you to new worlds, new ideas, and new ways of seeing.
"The Oath" and other short stories
Short stories are a unique genre where the concentration of time and events creates a condensed intensity, offering endless opportunities for exploration.The four short tales collected here under one cover are all thematically different from one another. The only thread connecting them is a shared geography: each takes place in Russia during various periods of the 20th century.The English translations are followed by the original texts in Russian.The Oath, the story that gives its name to this collection, recounts a dramatic event that unfolds during the protagonist's mandatory military service in the northern reaches of Russia.The Red Triangle is a triptych of three short historical vignettes focusing on Lenin, Trotsky, and Stalin-key figures of the Soviet Bolshevik Revolution and its aftermath. These individuals played monumental roles in shaping the country's history, and their importance cannot be overstated.The Evil Sorceress tells the tale of an aging former stage actress whose mundane daily life is suddenly disrupted, bringing forth vivid memories of her long-forgotten childhood in the wake of unexpected events.Finally, The Idealist reflects the tragic experiences of a generation captivated by the bright promises of Bolshevik socialism, only to be shattered by the oppressive force of Stalin's tyrannical rule. His reign of terror forever altering the lives of several generations of Russians.
I-96
Like cars snaking down the interstate, Judith Roof's I-96 offers a contemporary collection of singular yet connected short stories fueled by America's lifeblood: individualism and gasoline.Roof's incendiary wit and sly commentary poke at the "-isms" driving our collective road rage . . . regional and political stereotypes, gender and sexual anxieties, parenting and policing, anti-intellectualism and aging, and the being and nothingness that comprise the human condition.In the vein of Kurt Vonnegut Jr., Franz Kafka, Jean Shepherd, and others, just when the protagonists let off the gas, a twist in the route sparks chaos and collision, with others as well as ourselves.I-96 unfolds traditional literary maps to travel new paths - trapping its characters and readers alike in moving vehicles on this never-ending highway - ever isolated but also refusing the share the road.
Fantasy and Reality
Imaginative stories for casual reading by busy people, ranging from micro-stories to more conventional reads, covering historical facts reappraised, ordinary things reperceived, mind-stretching fantasy, and the downright fantastical.
Nocturnal Apparitions
A gorgeous collection from cult classic Polish author Bruno Schulz: 15 of the most captivatingly strange and beautiful short stories ever written. "An accessible, exhilarating introduction to Schulz's oeuvre." --Washington Post Beloved by famous authors from Salman Rushdie to Jonathan Safran Foer, Bruno Schulz remains one of the great transformers of the ordinary into the fantastical. The stories in this collection are rich, tangled, and suffused with mystery and wonder. In the narrowing, winding city streets, strange figures roam. Great flocks of birds soar over rooftops, obscuring the sun. Cockroaches appear through cracks and scuttle across floorboards. Individuals careen from university buildings to dimly lit parlor rooms, through strange shops and endless storms. These 15 stories provide an exciting, accessible introduction to Schulz's work, from mesmerizing classics like "August" and "The Age of Genius," to the hidden gem "Undula," a recently discovered story believed to be Schulz's first-ever published work. Set in a phantasmagoric version of the Eastern European city where the author was born and died, they showcase Schulz's darkly modern sensibility, crowded with moments of stunning beauty. What emerges is a nightmarish reality where the boundaries of time and space are compromised and made strange. A cult classic author whose career was tragically cut short by his murder during World War II, the world of Schulz's imagination - overpowering and utterly unique - is ripe for rediscovery.
The Mother of My Reinvention
THE MOTHER OF MY REINVENTIONessays, stories & lyrical assemblagesRoland Caine, a man lost in retirement, finds his life forever changed by a visiting peahen. Prudie Kayfall, a clumsy, recent widow, struggles to define her purpose against creeping invisibility. Feisty grade-schoolers led by Racie Walker heist a dreaded teacher's weapon of destruction. The gut-punch of a shattering hit & run ripples over countless lives. Essays shine light on caring for an aging mother, navigating family politics with a loving grandmother's hand, the value of creating legacy, and our cultural obsession with youth at all costs.After her fourth novel, CHICK SINGER, was published (Sibylline Press, 2025), author and singer/songwriter, Lorraine Devon Wilke, decided it would be a refreshing pivot to pull together some of her favorite shorter works in a compilation book. Included are award-winning essays and short stories, sharp commentary pieces, personal family memoirs, and select lyrics (with anecdotes behind some of her most popular original songs and accessible links to their recorded tracks). Many entries feature her photographs.Each piece is imbued with her unique view of the world; all will hopefully move, provoke, intrigue, and entertain readers and listeners alike.Cover and interior design by LDWFor more information visit www.lorrainedevonwilke.com.
Alice
Alice, the German writer Judith Hermann's 2009 short-story collection, was short-listed for the Independent Foreign Fiction Prize. When someone very close to you dies, your whole life changes. Everything is different. Alice is the central figure in these five interconnected narratives, which tell of her life at times of loss. Suddenly it is no longer possible to say what the person looked like, how he spoke, cursed, smiled, how he lived his life. Objects are left behind, books, letters, pictures, and every now and again you think you can see them in a crowd. Judith Hermann tells of days of transition, of waiting, of holding on and letting go and of how clear and dazzling such days can sometimes be. Alice is a book of extraordinary power and great literary beauty from one of Europe's finest writers.
