One of the most beloved and prolific writers of Yiddish literature, Sholom Aleichem (1859–1916) produced a wealth of wonderful stories that combine traditional Jewish oral humor with Western literary tradition. For years a living legend, he wrote enduring gems of fiction, eleven of which are included in this entertaining collection. The master storyteller brilliantly recaptures the joy and tribulations of Jewish life in such tales as "Geese," "At the Doctor's," "Three Widows," "The Passover Eve Vagabonds," "On America," "Someone to Envy," "Three Calendars," "The Ruined Passover," the title story, and two others. Introduced and ably translated by Curt Leviant, these tales sparkle with wit, wisdom, and a warm humanity that will appeal to a wide audience of readers, especially those with an interest in Jewish cultural life.

Reproduction of the original: Beatrice Boville and Other Stories by Louise de la Ramée

"White Nights" is a short story by Fyodor Dostoyevsky, originally published in 1848.

Reproduction of the original: The Busted Ex-Texan and Other Stories by W.H. H. Murray

W. H. H. Murray's 'How Deacon Tubman and Parson Whitney Kept New Year's. And Other Stories' is a collection of heartwarming tales set in rural America, focusing on themes of community, faith, and redemption. Written in the style of 19th-century American literature, Murray's work captures the essence of small-town life and the challenges faced by its inhabitants. The stories are filled with vivid descriptions and moral lessons, making them a delightful read for both young and adult readers seeking a nostalgic glimpse into the past. W. H. H. Murray was a clergyman and naturalist who found inspiration in the simplicity of rural life. His firsthand experiences in the countryside and his keen observations of human nature are reflected in the characters and events he portrays in his stories. Murray's deep understanding of the human condition shines through in his writing, making his stories resonate with readers on a personal level. I highly recommend 'How Deacon Tubman and Parson Whitney Kept New Year's. And Other Stories' to anyone interested in classic American literature or seeking a work that reinforces timeless values of kindness, community, and faith. Murray's stories serve as a reminder of the importance of human connections and the enduring power of friendship and goodwill.

Reprint of the original, first published in 1874.

Diana is all set to welcome her loved ones for Christmas. An unexpected (and uninvited!) guest shows up at her door, spoiling her festive mood. All her attempts to thwart Dylan’s intrusion go in vain as he keeps dropping in, again and again, insisting that she join his family for Christmas Eve dinner. Against her better judgment, she finally gives in, just to get him off her back. As they stand under the mistletoe after the dinner, Diana and Dylan know things have changed for the better for both. A group of passengers is stranded at the airport together on New Year's Eve. Their plans were to celebrate the last day of the year and then ring in the new year with their loved ones by their side. But a delayed flight mars their plans and their happiness. They end up talking to each other, exchanging their New Year's Eve plans and how they celebrated it these many years so far. As they all welcome the new year together at midnight, their combined resolutions are to stay in touch with each other. They also resolve to make the best out of whatever life throws their way. Because as they have seen and experienced, not all things go as planned, always. Samantha is visiting her native, Benakatti, after many years. Even though it’s Christmas time, it's not a happy occasion in the family. As friends and family drop in for a visit, Samantha recalls the many winter breaks she spent in this village as a child. An unexpected guest shows up one day, bringing forth a cherished memory they had made on a foggy winter day many years ago. These and 10 other stories encompass this festive special anthology. These are stories of hope, love, healing, new beginnings, acceptance, and everything that the holidays represent.

The first collection of Fonseca's short stories to appear in English, ranging across his oeuvre, exploring the sights and sounds of Rio de Janeiro. Fonseca's Rio is a city at war, where vast disparities, in wealth, social standing and prestige are untenable. Rich and poor live in an uneasy equilibrium, where only overwhelming force can maintain order and violence and deception are the essential tools of survival. From the tale of the businessman who rans over pedestrians to let off steam to a serial killer being pushed to kill more by his lover, this collection is a true gem.

One of the most prolific crime writers of the last century, Evan Hunter published more than 120 novels from 1952 to 2005 under a variety of pseudonymns. He also wrote several teleplays and screenplays, including Alfred Hitchcock's The Birds, and the 1954 novel The Blackboard Jungle. When the Mystery Writers of America named Hunter a Grand Master, he gave the designation to his alter ego, Ed McBain, best known for his long-running police procedural series about the detectives of the 87th Precinct. This comprehensive companion provides detailed information about all of Evan Hunter's/Ed McBain's works, characters, and recurring themes. From police detective and crime stories to dramatic novels and films, this reference celebrates the vast body of literature of this versatile writer.