Showing results for "Scoop" in Literary History & Criticism

"Moby Dick; Or, The Whale" by Herman Melville is a novel written in 1851. The story follows Ishmael, a sailor on a whaling voyage, who seeks adventure and escape from his gloomy life on land. As he embarks on this journey, he becomes drawn into the complex world of whaling and is introduced to the ominous figure of Captain Ahab, whose obsession with a legendary white whale ultimately drives the narrative. At the start of the novel, Ishmael introduces himself and shares his philosophy about the sea as a remedy for his melancholic disposition. He muses on the magnetic pull of the ocean, ...

"Brownies and Bogles" by Louise Imogen Guiney is a whimsical collection of folklore and fairy tales written in 1888. The book explores the enchanting world of fairies, brownies, and bogles, delving into their characteristics and the roles they play in human life. At its core, it features a discussion on various types of fairy creatures, focusing particularly on Brownies who assist humans with household tasks, and their mischievous counterparts, the bogles. At the start of the narrative, the author defines fairies, contrasting modern interpretations with more romanticized historical views. ...

"Eva's Adventures in Shadow-Land" by Mary D. Nauman is a children's fantasy novel published in 1872. The story follows a young girl named Eva, who finds herself in a mysterious realm called Shadow-Land after a series of magical encounters, including her interactions with a talking toad and a magical pond. As she navigates this enchanting yet perilous world, Eva embarks on a quest to assist Aster, a mysterious boy she meets who has lost his flower and holds a secret that connects their fates. At the start of the book, we meet Eva, a curious and imaginative girl, who is lured by a talking green ...

"As the Goose Flies" by Katharine Pyle is a children's fantasy novel published in 1901. The story follows a little girl named Ellen who embarks on an enchanting journey beyond the nursery wall and into a world filled with whimsical characters and fairy tale creatures. With themes of curiosity and adventure, she encounters figures from nursery rhymes and fairy tales, setting the stage for a series of magical discoveries. At the start of the tale, Ellen is preoccupied with a story her grandmother has forgotten. On a rainy day, while tidying up the bookcase, she discovers a way to slip behind the...

"Le Morte d'Arthur: Volume 1" by Sir Thomas Malory is a historical account written in the late 15th century. The narrative explores the legendary romances of King Arthur and his noble Knights of the Round Table, detailing their adventures, battles, and code of chivalry. Central figures include King Arthur, Merlin the wizard, and Uther Pendragon, as the book delves into themes of honor, loyalty, and the consequences of desires. The opening of the book introduces the backstory of Uther Pendragon, who falls in love with Igraine, the wife of the Duke of Cornwall. After a series of events fueled by...

"The Wonderful Wizard of Oz" by L. Frank Baum is a classic children's novel published in 1900. The story centers on a young girl named Dorothy, who lives on the Kansas prairies and is whisked away to the magical Land of Oz by a cyclone. Dorothy embarks on an adventure to find her way back home, encountering unique characters along the way, such as the Scarecrow, the Tin Woodman, and the Cowardly Lion, each seeking something from the elusive wizard, Oz. The opening of the novel introduces Dorothy's life in Kansas, her loving but weary aunt and uncle, and a perilous cyclone that transports her ...

"Peter and Wendy" by J. M. Barrie is a classic children's novel published in 1904. The story revolves around the adventures of Peter Pan, a spirited boy who refuses to grow up, and Wendy Darling, a girl who symbolizes the transition from childhood to adulthood. Their journey leads them to the magical realm of Neverland, where they encounter various fantastical beings and face the trials of childhood innocence. At the start of the novel, we are introduced to the Darling family and their idyllic life in London, particularly focusing on Wendy and her brothers, John and Michael. The narrative sets...

"Alice's Adventures in Wonderland" by Lewis Carroll is a classic children's novel written in 1865 and is in the public domain. The story follows a young girl named Alice who, feeling bored and sleepy while sitting by a riverbank, encounters a White Rabbit and follows it down a rabbit hole, plunging into a fantastical world filled with curious creatures and whimsical adventures. The opening of the book introduces Alice as she daydreams about her surroundings before spotting the White Rabbit, who is both flustered and animated. Curious, Alice pursues the Rabbit and finds herself tumbling down a ...

"Through the Looking-Glass" by Lewis Carroll is a novel published in 1871 and is in the public domain The story follows Alice as she embarks on a fantastical adventure in a whimsical world that mirrors her own, traversing through the peculiar realm of chess pieces and living flowers, introducing a myriad of unusual characters along the way. As the narrative unfolds, the reader is likely to encounter charmingly chaotic dialogues and nonsensical situations that explore the whimsical nature of language and reality. The opening of the story introduces us to the character of Alice as she interacts ...

"The Life and Adventures of Santa Claus" by L. Frank Baum is a fictional narrative published in 1902 and is in the public domain. This enchanting tale centers around Claus, a human child adopted by the wood-nymph Necile in the mystical Forest of Burzee, as he grows up among immortals and eventually embarks on a mission to bring joy to children everywhere. The opening portion introduces us to the captivating world of Burzee, with its magical inhabitants, and sets the stage for Claus's extraordinary journey. The narrative begins with a vivid description of the forest, highlighting its beauty and...

The Wind in the Willows" by Kenneth Grahame is a classic children's novel written in 1908 and is in the public domain. The story follows the adventures of several anthropomorphic animals, primarily focusing on the characters Mole and Rat as they explore the riverbank and nearby Wild Wood, revealing themes of friendship, nature, and the charm of rural life. The opening of the novel introduces us to Mole, who is tired of spring cleaning his home and is irresistibly drawn to the outside world. Leaving behind his chores, he emerges into the warm spring air and quickly encounters the enchanting ...

"Phantastes: A Faerie Romance for Men and Women" by George MacDonald is a fantasy novel written in 1858 and is in the public domain. The story engages with themes of self-discovery and the exploration of the mystical, as the protagonist, Anodos, embarks on a journey through Fairy Land, filled with enchanting characters and experiences that challenge his understanding of reality and identity. The opening of the novel introduces us to Anodos on the morning after his 21st birthday, where he recalls a night of mysterious events following his inheritance of his father's belongings. As he explores ...

"Lud-in-the-Mist" by Hope Mirrlees is a fictional novel published in 1926 and is in the public domain. The story is set in the small, idyllic country of Dorimare, particularly focusing on its capital, Lud-in-the-Mist, where the protagonist, Master Nathaniel Chanticleer, grapples with his own inner fears and the reality of his life. The town is situated on the outskirts of Fairyland, introducing a rich tapestry of fantasy that intertwines with the lives of its inhabitants. At the start of the narrative, we are introduced to the picturesque setting of Lud-in-the-Mist and its flourishing central ...

"David Blaize and the Blue Door" by E. F. Benson is a whimsical children's novel published in 1918 and is in the public domain. The story revolves around David Blaize, a young boy who believes in the existence of a magical "real world" lying just beneath his mundane everyday experience. As he approaches the age of ten, he is determined to find this hidden world before he becomes too grown-up to explore it. At the start of the story, David is characterized by his lively imagination and frustration with the limits of adult explanations. He often feels that grown-ups are too sleepily wrapped up ...

"The Little White Bird; Or, Adventures in Kensington Gardens" by J. M. Barrie is a whimsical novel published in 1902. The book introduces readers to the character of David, a little boy whose relationship with his father-like figure unfolds through various intriguing sketches of life in Kensington Gardens. The narrative is imbued with a blend of fanciful imagination and poignant realities, exploring themes of childhood, parental relationships, and the world of make-believe. The opening of the book presents a richly detailed glimpse into the mind of the narrator, who expresses both affection ...

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