Historical Stories

Life on the Mississippi is a memoir by Mark Twain of his days as a steamboat pilot on the Mississippi River before the American Civil War published in 1883. It is also a travel book, recounting his trips on the Mississippi River, from St. Louis to New Orleans and then from New Orleans to Saint Paul.

A Tale of Two Cities is a historical novel that explores the themes of justice, sacrifice, resurrection, and the brutality of revolution.

A former convict is released after 19 years of hard labor. Rejected by society, he’s shown compassion by a bishop, which inspires him to change his life.

Set in 15th-century Paris, the novel follows the hunchbacked bell-ringer of Notre-Dame Cathedral, and his tragic connection to a beautiful Romani girl.

Set in 17th-century Puritan Boston, the story follows Hester Prynne, who is publicly shamed for committing adultery and giving birth to a child named Pearl.

A World War I veteran who rents a modest house in West Egg and meets a wealthy man.

Twice-Told Tales by Nathaniel Hawthorne is a collection of short stories.

An American lieutenant who witnesses World War I, and loves an English nurse.

An American journalist living in Paris, is part of a circle of disillusioned expatriates.

A handsome, intelligent, and egotistical young man as he comes of age in early 20th-century America.