The Devil's Laugh and Other Stories is a book of folktales to help you check out your philosophy of life. We all know you don't believe in ol Scratch, and you thought you knew what a sphincter was. You've never heard of the Quarry of Suffering, and can't imagine what it's like to have the evil eye yourself. Therefore, save this book for emergencies like the day you need to remember what it was like to discover the joy of reading. H. Alan Tansson has also written Captions to the Cartoons We Live: Vol. I We Think We Think (2010), and Vol. 2 Antidisestablishmentarianistically Speaking (2010). He earns his keep with a variety of jobs in corporate America and is occasionally retired.

The modem Brazilian short story begins with the mature work of Joaquim Maria Machado de Assis (1839-1908), acclaimed almost unanimously as Brazil's greatest writer. Collectively, these nineteen stories are representative of Machado's unique style and world view, and this translation doubles the number of his stories previously available in English. The stories in this volume reflect Machado's post-1880 emphasis on social satire and experimentation in psychological realism. If he had continued to produce the moralistic love stories and parlor intrigues of his earlier fiction, Machado's legacy would have been an entertaining but inconsequent body of work. However, by 1880 he had begun a devastating satirical assault on society through his fiction. In spite of his ruthlessness, Machado does at times reveal an ironic sympathy for his characters. He is not indifferent to human conflict but uses humor and irony to stress the absurdity of these conflicts, acted out against the backdrop of an indifferent universe. Such a spectacle creates a sense of helplessness that can only inspire wistful amusement. In his technical mastery of the short story. Machado was decades ahead of his contemporaries and can still be considered more modern than most of the modernists themselves. That his stories elicit such strong and diverse reactions today is a tribute to their richness, complexity, and significance.

Newly translated into English, "The Devil's Pool" is the most popular of George Sand's novellas and her best-selling work in France today. Illustrating Sand's brevity, liveliness, and exemplary storytelling, the tale deals with many of her characteristic themes—the relations between the sexes, the plight of the underprivileged, and the role of fantasy in human life—making it an ideal introduction to her work. Also included are translations of two of Sand's most admired short stories, "Lavinia" and "The Unknown God," as well as various relevant essays and documents.

Immerse yourself in the vivid storytelling of Jack London with "When God Laughs, and Other Stories." This collection showcases London's masterful ability to capture the raw emotions and intense experiences of his characters, revealing a world where nature's power and human resilience intertwine. In these compelling tales, London delves into the heart of human struggles and triumphs. Take, for example, the story of Carquinez, who finds a moment of joy amidst a savage storm. As he gazes through rattling windows and listens to the howling gale, his laughter mingles with the warmth of his glass of golden wine, symbolizing a fleeting respite from life's harsh realities. But what drives a person to find happiness in such tumultuous conditions? How do moments of joy emerge from the chaos of existence? London’s stories offer profound insights into these questions, exploring themes of fate, resilience, and the often unpredictable nature of happiness. Are you ready to experience the highs and lows of life through the eyes of one of America's greatest storytellers? Delve into "When God Laughs, and Other Stories" and discover the beauty and struggle inherent in the human condition. Embark on a literary adventure with Jack London's evocative tales. Purchase "When God Laughs, and Other Stories" today and let these gripping stories transport you to a world where human emotions and natural forces collide.

Reproduction of the original: Cecil Castlemaine ́s Gage, Lady Marabout ́s Troubles, and Other Stories by Louise de la Ramée

Reproduction of the original: Ridan the Devil and Other Stories by Louis Becke

Jorge Hernandez is a driven man. What he sets his mind on, he goes after relentlessly, and he doesn’t care if he leaves his adversaries in body bags or covered in pools of blood. He’s ruthless and determined to stake a claim on the Canadian legal marijuana industry. Government operated or privately owned, he and his loyal foot soldiers will muscle in and tear off a big chunk of it for themselves. His sinister ambitions aren’t limited to the pot business. He’s also got dreams of making a splash in the political realm. Unfortunately, if you’re rattling a few cages, some very unsavory characters will take notice. But Jorge is more than a match for whoever takes him on - whether it be muck-raking journalists or political opponents who want to challenge the candidate he bought and paid for. Those who oppose him quickly learn he makes a formidable enemy. Politicians, police or white supremacists, nothing stands in his way because Jorge Hernandez always wins. The angels may sing in heaven but here on earth, the devil will laugh.

Widely known for his humanistic outlook and social realism, Khwaja Ahmad Abbas invariably drew inspiration from real-life situations and characters. In An Evening in Paris And Other Stories, the storyteller charms the reader with aspirational tales of ordinary men and women, guided forward by a lifelong dream. With dabs of magic realism and tales of wishful travel to faraway lands coursing through the stories, this is a fascinating collection. Khwaja Ahmad Abbas, born in Panipat, Haryana, wrote stories and novels in Urdu, Hindi and English, which have been translated into several Indian and foreign languages. As a screenwriter, his most famous films have been Naya Sansaar, Saat Hindustani, Jagte Raho, the Palme d’Or winner Neecha Nagar, and well-known Raj Kapoor movies like Awara, Shree 420, Mera Naam Joker and Bobby. His column ‘Last Page’, holds the distinction of being one of the longest-running columns in the history of Indian journalism. Begun in 1935, in Bombay Chronicle, it was published by the Blitz after the Chronicle’s closure, until his death in 1987. In 1969, Abbas was awarded the Padma Shri by Government of India. Talking Points Includes some of the finest short stories by the author, journalist and film director Each story provides a glimpse into the humanistic outlook of the writer Encompasses a variety of socially relevant themes that were close to the writer’s heart Includes a milestone interview with Abbas about his views on cinema and filmmaking Worldwide readership/market Students of Literature, schools and colleges, libraries, journalism schools, story/screenplay writers, vintage book collectors and general trade