MONEY -- D. J. Durbin had the price of a lavish mansion and a beautiful wife. But he couldn’t buy back his health... or save his life. MYSTERY -- Cass Crane came back from the Orient, knowing a little too much about some things... and not nearly enough about others. ROMANCE -- Beautiful Courtney Durbin was exciting, dangerous—and a glamorous threat to pretty Molly Crane’s love for Cass. THEN MURDER CAME... to suggest an unholy bond between Courtney and Cass... and Colonel Primrose stepped in to solve a double murder, while Grace Latham kept an eye on Molly -- lonely, helpless, and afraid.

In this fascinating study, Anthony J. Lewis argues that it is the hero himself, rejecting a woman he apprehends as a threat, who is love's own worst enemy. Drawing upon classical and Renaissance drama, iconography, and a wide range of traditional and feminist criticism, Lewis demonstrates that in Shakespeare the actions and reactions of hero and heroine are contingent upon social setting—father-son relations, patriarchal restrictions on women, and cultural assumptions about gender-appropriate behavior. This compelling analysis shows how Shakespeare deepened the familiar love stores he inherited from New Comedy and Greek romance. Beginning with a penetrating analysis of the hero's contradictory response to sexual attraction, Lewis's discussion traces the heroine's reaction to abandonment and slander, and the lover's subsequent parallel descents into versions of bastardy and death. In arguing that comedy's happy ending is the product of the gender role reversals brought on by their evolving relationship itself, Lewis shows in meticulous detail how sexual stereotypes influence attitudes and restrict behavior. This perceptive discussion of male response to family and of female response to rejection will appeal to Shakespeare scholars and students, as well as to the theater community. Lewis's persuasive argument, that Shakespeare's heroes and heroines are, from the first, three-dimensional figures far removed from the stock types of Plautus, Terence, and his continental sources, will prove a valuable contribution to the ongoing feminist reappraisal of Shakespeare.

So which one is Loreta Velazquez? Born into an aristocratic Cuban family, Loreta Velazquez moved to New Orleans as a young lady. There she met a dashing officer in the United States Army. Since her family disapproved of the relationship, she eloped with him and they spent the years before the war at different army posts. When the Civil War began, Velazquez was an enthusiastic supporter of secession and desired to serve the Confederacy. So she purchased an officer's uniform and made adjustments to make herself look more convincingly like a man. With some assistance from friends, she became the dashing Lieutenant Harry T. Buford, who is at first a recruiter for the Confederate Army. Later the transvestite Buford serves in combat at the Battles of Bull Run, Balls Bluff, Fort Donelson, and Shiloh. Although wounded, her secrets are not revealed. Later Velazquez returns to female clothing to serve as a spy, a smuggler, and a counterfeiter.

Step into the enchanting world of Frances Little’s The Lady of the Decoration, a novel that masterfully blends romance and cultural exploration. Follow the journey of a remarkable woman as she navigates the complexities of life, love, and identity in a foreign land. As Little’s narrative unfolds, you’ll be captivated by the protagonist’s experiences and the rich cultural backdrop against which her story is set. The novel offers a unique perspective on cross-cultural encounters and personal growth, providing a deeply engaging and thought-provoking read. But here's a question to ponder: How does the protagonist’s journey reflect the challenges and rewards of bridging different cultures? What insights can we gain about personal transformation and cultural understanding through her experiences? Discover the captivating world of The Lady of the Decoration, where each chapter brings new layers of intrigue and emotion. This novel is more than just a romance; it's a profound exploration of identity and the human spirit. Are you ready to embark on a journey of discovery with The Lady of the Decoration? Dive into a story that blends romance with cultural exploration, and let Frances Little’s enchanting tale captivate your heart. Don’t miss the opportunity to experience this compelling novel. Purchase The Lady of the Decoration today and let its rich narrative transport you to a world of beauty and transformation.