Short Stories/Novellas

There are many reasons why Christmas is often described as the most wonderful time of the year. Christmas has the tendency to conjure up images of Santa, snow, lights, carols, and many other things. And of course there have been many classic stories and unforgettable characters to help reign in the holiday cheer! This edition of Willa Cather’s The Burglar’s Christmas includes a table of contents.

Willa Sibert Cather (1873-1947) was an eminent American author. She spent her childhood in Red Cloud, Nebraska, the same town that has been made famous by her writing. She insisted on attending college, so her family borrowed money so she could enroll at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln. While there, she became a regular contributor to the Nebraska State Journal. She then moved to Pittsburgh, where she taught high school English and worked for Home Monthly, and eventually got a job offer from McClure's Magazine in New York City. Later, she became the managing editor in 1908. The latter publication serialized her first novel, Alexander's Bridge (1912), which was heavily influenced by Henry James. For her novels she returned to the prairie for inspiration, and these works became popular and critical successes. She won the Pulitzer Prize in 1923 for One of Ours (1922). Her other works include: O Pioneers! (1913), The Song of the Lark (1915), My Antonia (1918) and A Lost Lady (1923).

A Death In The Desert is a novella by Willa Cather that tells the story of a young artist named Eric Hermannson who falls in love with a wealthy and beautiful woman named Marian Forrester. Marian is married to a wealthy businessman, but she is unhappy in her marriage and finds herself drawn to Eric's artistic passion and free-spirited nature.As their relationship deepens, Eric becomes increasingly obsessed with Marian and begins to neglect his own work and career. Marian, on the other hand, is torn between her love for Eric and her loyalty to her husband and social status.The story takes a tragic turn when Eric is found dead in the desert, and Marian is left to grapple with the aftermath of their relationship and the consequences of her choices.A Death In The Desert is a poignant exploration of love, passion, and the complexities of human relationships. Cather's vivid and evocative prose brings the desert landscape to life, and her characters are richly drawn and deeply human. This novella is a must-read for fans of Cather's work and anyone who appreciates literary fiction that delves into the depths of the human experience.THIS 36 PAGE ARTICLE WAS EXTRACTED FROM THE BOOK: Youth and the Bright Medusa, by Willa Cather. To purchase the entire book, please order ISBN 1417917318.This scarce antiquarian book is a facsimile reprint of the old original and may contain some imperfections such as library marks and notations. Because we believe this work is culturally important, we have made it available as part of our commitment for protecting, preserving, and promoting the world's literature in affordable, high quality, modern editions, that are true to their original work.

""A Wagner Matinee"" is a short story written by Willa Cather, first published in 1904. The story follows the protagonist, Clark, as he welcomes his Aunt Georgiana to Boston after a long absence. Aunt Georgiana had lived in Nebraska with Clark's uncle for many years, but had moved to Boston to live with her son. During her visit, Clark takes her to a matinee performance of Wagner's music, which she had loved as a young woman. As the music plays, Aunt Georgiana becomes overwhelmed with emotion and memories of her past life in Nebraska. The story explores themes of nostalgia, the passage of time, and the importance of cultural experiences.THIS 18 PAGE ARTICLE WAS EXTRACTED FROM THE BOOK: Youth and the Bright Medusa, by Willa Cather. To purchase the entire book, please order ISBN 1417917318.This scarce antiquarian book is a facsimile reprint of the old original and may contain some imperfections such as library marks and notations. Because we believe this work is culturally important, we have made it available as part of our commitment for protecting, preserving, and promoting the world's literature in affordable, high quality, modern editions, that are true to their original work.

The Sculptor's Funeral is a short story written by Willa Cather. The story is set in the late 19th century and revolves around the death of a famous sculptor named Harvey Merrick. The story begins with the arrival of Merrick's body in his hometown, where he had left many years ago to pursue his art. His body is met with mixed reactions from the townspeople, some of whom are proud of his achievements while others are resentful of his success and the way he left the town.The story is told from the perspective of a young newspaper reporter named Willa who is sent to cover the funeral. Willa is struck by the contrast between the solemnity of the funeral and the gossip and backbiting that goes on behind the scenes. She observes the tensions between Merrick's family, who are proud of his accomplishments, and the townspeople, who are jealous of his success.As the funeral progresses, it becomes clear that Merrick's legacy is more complicated than anyone had anticipated. His success had come at a cost, and he had left behind a trail of broken relationships and disappointments. The story ends with Willa reflecting on the fleeting nature of fame and the importance of living a life that is true to oneself.The Sculptor's Funeral is a powerful meditation on the nature of success, fame, and the human condition. It is a poignant reminder that even the most accomplished among us are flawed and that true success is measured not by external accomplishments but by the impact we have on the people around us.THIS 32 PAGE ARTICLE WAS EXTRACTED FROM THE BOOK: Youth and the Bright Medusa, by Willa Cather. To purchase the entire book, please order ISBN 1417917318.This scarce antiquarian book is a facsimile reprint of the old original and may contain some imperfections such as library marks and notations. Because we believe this work is culturally important, we have made it available as part of our commitment for protecting, preserving, and promoting the world's literature in affordable, high quality, modern editions, that are true to their original work.

On an island in a Nabraskan river, six boys build their last watch fire of the year and tell stories of extinct civilisations.

Uprooted from a well-ordered life in Virginia when she was nine, Willa Cather came of age in the West during the last years of the American frontier. She developed a love for the beauty of the open grassland and an abiding interest in the Old World customs of her neighbors, the dreamers and builders who inhabit her fiction. This collection includes work from the early part of Cather's career and clearly marks themes and landscapes that she would detail and explore for the remainder of her life.

The Diamond Mine is a short story written by Willa Cather, an American author known for her works that explore life on the Great Plains. The story follows the protagonist, Sally, a young woman who has recently moved to New York City. Sally is invited to a dinner party hosted by a wealthy couple, the Stuarts, who have made their fortune in the diamond business. At the party, Sally meets a man named Frank, who works in the diamond mines of South Africa. Frank tells Sally about his experiences working in the mines and the harsh conditions that the workers endure. Sally is fascinated by Frank's stories and begins to see him as a symbol of adventure and excitement. However, as the night goes on, Sally begins to see the darker side of the diamond industry and the toll it takes on the people involved. The Diamond Mine explores themes of wealth, power, and the human cost of materialism.Then the air grew much warmer and the sky cleared. Overhead it was a soft, rainy blue, and to the west a smoky gold. All around the horizon everything became misty and silvery; even the big, brutal buildings looked like pale violet water-colours on a silver ground. Under the elm trees along the Mall the air was purple as wisterias.This scarce antiquarian book is a facsimile reprint of the old original and may contain some imperfections such as library marks and notations. Because we believe this work is culturally important, we have made it available as part of our commitment for protecting, preserving, and promoting the world's literature in affordable, high quality, modern editions, that are true to their original work.

""A Gold Slipper"" is a short story written by Willa Cather. It tells the story of a young girl named Flavia who is forced to marry a wealthy man she doesn't love in order to save her family from financial ruin. Flavia's husband is obsessed with buying her expensive gifts, including a pair of gold slippers. Despite her initial reluctance to wear them, Flavia becomes enamored with the slippers and wears them everywhere she goes. However, her happiness is short-lived when she realizes that her husband's love for her is only superficial and that he values her more for her material possessions than for who she is as a person. The story explores themes of love, marriage, and the dangers of materialism.THIS 36 PAGE ARTICLE WAS EXTRACTED FROM THE BOOK: Youth and the Bright Medusa, by Willa Cather. To purchase the entire book, please order ISBN 1417917318.This scarce antiquarian book is a facsimile reprint of the old original and may contain some imperfections such as library marks and notations. Because we believe this work is culturally important, we have made it available as part of our commitment for protecting, preserving, and promoting the world's literature in affordable, high quality, modern editions, that are true to their original work.

Scandal is a novel written by the renowned American author, Willa Cather. The story is set in the early 20th century and revolves around the life of a successful actress named Myra Henshawe. Myra is a talented and beautiful woman who has worked hard to achieve her success in the theatre industry. However, she is haunted by a dark secret from her past that threatens to destroy her career and reputation.The novel begins with Myra returning to her hometown of Sweet Water, Colorado, after many years of living in Europe. She is accompanied by her husband, Oswald, who is a wealthy businessman. Myra's arrival causes a stir in the small town, and soon rumors begin to circulate about her scandalous past.As the story unfolds, we learn about Myra's troubled childhood and her relationship with a man named Frank Ellinger, who was the son of a local farmer. Myra's affair with Frank was a scandalous affair that ended in tragedy, and she has spent years trying to forget about it.However, when Myra returns to Sweet Water, she is forced to confront her past and the secrets she has been keeping. The novel explores themes of love, betrayal, and redemption as Myra tries to come to terms with her past and rebuild her life.Cather's writing is elegant and poetic, and she creates a vivid and evocative portrait of small-town life in early 20th century America. Scandal is a powerful and moving novel that explores the complexities of human relationships and the consequences of our actions.THIS 36 PAGE ARTICLE WAS EXTRACTED FROM THE BOOK: Youth and the Bright Medusa, by Willa Cather. To purchase the entire book, please order ISBN 1417917318.This scarce antiquarian book is a facsimile reprint of the old original and may contain some imperfections such as library marks and notations. Because we believe this work is culturally important, we have made it available as part of our commitment for protecting, preserving, and promoting the world's literature in affordable, high quality, modern editions, that are true to their original work.

Coming, Aphrodite! is a novel written by Willa Cather, first published in 1920. The story is set in New York City during the early 1900s and follows the life of a young artist named Don Hedger. Don is a talented painter who is struggling to make a name for himself in the competitive art scene of the city. He is also in love with a beautiful, free-spirited woman named Eden Bower, who he believes is the embodiment of the goddess Aphrodite.As Don's career begins to take off, he becomes increasingly entangled in the bohemian lifestyle of the city, which includes parties, drinking, and casual sex. Despite his growing success, he remains obsessed with Eden, who is constantly pushing him away and pursuing her own hedonistic desires.The novel explores themes of love, art, and the pursuit of pleasure, as well as the tension between artistic expression and commercial success. It also touches on issues of gender and sexuality, as Eden is portrayed as a strong, independent woman who refuses to be tied down by societal norms.Overall, Coming, Aphrodite! is a vivid and evocative portrait of the New York art scene during the early 20th century, and a compelling exploration of the human desire for beauty and pleasure.Eden Bower was, at twenty, very much the same person that we all know her to be at forty, except that she knew a great deal less. But one thing she knew: that she was to be Eden Bower. She was like some one standing before a great show window full of beautiful and costly things, deciding which she will order. She understands that they will not all be delivered immediately, but one by one they will arrive at her door.This scarce antiquarian book is a facsimile reprint of the old original and may contain some imperfections such as library marks and notations. Because we believe this work is culturally important, we have made it available as part of our commitment for protecting, preserving, and promoting the world's literature in affordable, high quality, modern editions, that are true to their original work.

Paul's Case is a short story written by the American author Willa Cather. It tells the story of a young man named Paul who lives in Pittsburgh and dreams of a life of luxury and extravagance. Despite his mediocre job as an usher at a theater, Paul spends his time indulging in his fantasies and daydreams, often neglecting his responsibilities and relationships.As Paul's behavior becomes increasingly erratic and his obsession with wealth and status consumes him, he becomes more and more isolated from those around him. When he is finally confronted by his father and teachers, Paul decides to take drastic measures to escape his mundane life and pursue his dreams.The story explores themes of alienation, the pursuit of happiness, and the dangers of living solely in one's imagination. Cather's vivid descriptions of Paul's inner world and his surroundings paint a vivid portrait of a young man struggling to find his place in the world.THIS 42 PAGE ARTICLE WAS EXTRACTED FROM THE BOOK: Youth and the Bright Medusa, by Willa Cather. To purchase the entire book, please order ISBN 1417917318.This scarce antiquarian book is a facsimile reprint of the old original and may contain some imperfections such as library marks and notations. Because we believe this work is culturally important, we have made it available as part of our commitment for protecting, preserving, and promoting the world's literature in affordable, high quality, modern editions, that are true to their original work.

A gentle, hard-working farmer's zest for life touches all who know him

Ardessa is a novel written by Willa Cather, first published in 1927. The story is set in the early 1900s and follows the life of a young woman named Ardessa Kirby. Ardessa is a talented musician who dreams of becoming a concert pianist, but her plans are derailed when she falls in love with a wealthy businessman named Ralph Tracy. Despite their different backgrounds and the disapproval of Ardessa's family, the two marry and begin a life together.As the years pass, Ardessa struggles to balance her artistic ambitions with her duties as a wife and mother. She becomes increasingly disillusioned with her marriage and begins to question whether she has made the right choices in life. Along the way, she encounters a number of colorful characters, including a group of bohemian artists and a charismatic musician named Pauline.Ardessa is a poignant exploration of the challenges faced by women in the early 20th century, as they tried to balance their personal aspirations with societal expectations. Cather's prose is lyrical and evocative, painting a vivid portrait of a bygone era. The novel is a timeless meditation on the nature of love, marriage, and the pursuit of artistic excellence.Despite her indolence, Ardessa was useful to O'Mally as a social reminder. She was the card catalogue of his ever-changing personal relations. O'Mally went in for everything and got tired of everything; that was why he made a good editor. After he was through with people, Ardessa was very skilful in covering his retreat. She read and answered the letters of admirers who had begun to bore him.This scarce antiquarian book is a facsimile reprint of the old original and may contain some imperfections such as library marks and notations. Because we believe this work is culturally important, we have made it available as part of our commitment for protecting, preserving, and promoting the world's literature in affordable, high quality, modern editions, that are true to their original work.

El Dorado: A Kansas Recessional is a novel written by Willa Cather, an American author known for her works that explore the lives of pioneers and immigrants in the American West. The novel tells the story of a young man named Clark who returns to his hometown in Kansas after spending several years in the East. He finds that the town has changed, and its residents are struggling to adapt to the changes brought about by modernization and industrialization.As Clark reconnects with his old friends and acquaintances, he becomes increasingly disillusioned with the town and its people. He witnesses the decline of the once-thriving agricultural community and the rise of urbanization and materialism. The novel explores themes of nostalgia, loss, and the changing face of America in the early 20th century.El Dorado: A Kansas Recessional is a poignant and thought-provoking work that captures the spirit of a bygone era and the challenges faced by those who lived through it. Cather's vivid descriptions of the Kansas landscape and her sensitive portrayal of the characters make this novel a timeless classic of American literature.Here and there, on either side of this deserted way of traffic, were half demolished buildings and excavations where the weeds grew high, which might once have been the sites of houses. For this was once El Dorado, the Queen City of the Plains, the Metropolis of Western Kansas, the coming Commercial Centre of the West.This scarce antiquarian book is a facsimile reprint of the old original and may contain some imperfections such as library marks and notations. Because we believe this work is culturally important, we have made it available as part of our commitment for protecting, preserving, and promoting the world's literature in affordable, high quality, modern editions, that are true to their original work.