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Nathaniel Hawthorne: Rappaccini’s Daughter

Rappaccini’s Daughter, a gothic tale by Nathaniel Hawthorne, tells the story of Giovanni Guasconti, a young student who arrives in Padua and settles in a modest room overlooking a mysterious garden. This garden belongs to Dr. Rapaccini, a scientist renowned for experimenting with poisonous plants. Giovanni soon becomes fascinated by Beatrice, the doctor’s beautiful daughter, who seems to live in symbiosis with the garden’s strange plants. As Giovanni approaches Beatrice, he discovers that her beauty hides a deadly danger.

Isaac Asimov: Trends

Trends is a short story by Isaac Asimov, published in July 1939 in Astounding Science-Fiction. Set in a future where religious fundamentalism is on the rise and scientific progress is viewed with suspicion, it tells the story of John Harman, an engineer who defies social and religious opposition to make the first space flight. As the day of the launch approaches, public pressure intensifies, and the threats against his life increase. With unwavering determination, Harman faces the rejection of a world fearful of change, while his enemies claim that his project is a sacrilege that defies divine design.

The Stories of Isaac Asimov

Discover the best stories by Isaac Asimov, master of science fiction and robotics. Explore fascinating tales about artificial intelligence, the future of humanity and space, such as Franchise and The Last Question. Read his complete stories and immerse yourself in his visionary universe.

Ernest Hemingway: The Short Happy Life of Francis Macomber. Summary and analysis

The Short Happy Life of Francis Macomber, written by Ernest Hemingway and published in 1936, is a short story that narrates the intense experience of a wealthy man on a safari in Africa with his wife and a professional hunter. During the expedition, the big game hunt becomes a test of character that exposes his deepest fears and alters the balance of power in his marriage. Between the tension of the hunt and personal conflicts, Macomber faces a decisive moment that will change his life.

The Stories of Ray Bradbury

Discover the best stories by Ray Bradbury, master of science fiction and fantasy. Explore unforgettable tales of the future, nostalgia and the fantastic, such as The Other Foot and There Will Come Soft Rains. Read his complete stories and immerse yourself in his unique imagination.

Clark Ashton Smith: The Enchantress of Sylaire

“The Enchantress of Sylaire” is a fantasy story by Clark Ashton Smith, published in Weird Tales in July 1941. Anselme, a young dreamer, retires to live as a hermit in the forests of Averoigne after being rejected by his beloved Dorothée. One day, while trying to bathe in a pond, he meets Sephora, a sorceress of extraordinary beauty. Attracted to her, he accompanies her to her enigmatic abode, where he discovers an enchanted world full of mysteries. However, Sephora’s former lover, Malachie, warns Anselme about the true nature of the sorceress and the dangers that lurk in Sylaire. Anselme must decide who to trust and how to face the dark secrets of the place.