Books in The Classic Edition series

Ben-Hur could be said to be the first American blockbuster. When it was published in 1880, it sold over two million copies and was translated into numerous languages. It combines all the best elements of popular classic, epic, and action stories against a background of authoritative historical detail. The pace and immediacy of Ben-Hur was the basis of its appeal to filmmakers—Charlton Heston's portrayal of the title role became one of the classics of the cinema. Wallace's original novel has been largely forgotten now, but as this reading shows, the story, together with the sweeping rhythm of the writer's prose, make it ideally suited to audio.This novel is part of Brilliance Audio's extensive Classic Collection, bringing you timeless masterpieces that you and your family are sure to love.

Featured title on PBS's The Great American Read in 2018Dickens’ extraordinary novel of Victorian valuesGreat Expectations chronicles the progress of Pip from childhood through adulthood. As he moves from the marshes of Kent to London society, he encounters a variety of extraordinary characters: from Magwitch, the escaped convict, to Miss Havisham and her ward, the arrogant and beautiful Estella.In this fascinating story, Dickens shows the dangers of being driven by a desire for wealth and social status. Pip must establish a sense of self against the plans which others seem to have for him—and somehow discover a firm set of values and priorities.This novel is part of Brilliance Audio’s extensive Classic Collection, bringing you timeless masterpieces that you and your family are sure to love.

A young British girl born and reared in India loses her neglectful parents in an earthquake. She is returned to England to live at her uncle's castle. Her uncle is very distant due to the loss of his wife ten years before. Neglected once again, she begins exploring the estate and discovers a garden that has been locked and neglected. Aided by one of the servants' boys, she begins restoring the garden, and eventually discovers some other secrets of the manor.

Internationally acclaimed illustrator and author Robert Ingpen spins a fantastic spell in this imaginative book. The illustrations are taken from a massive mural he donated to the National Library of Australia in 2018. It depicts a bookshelf without books. Instead, the shelves are filled with characters from classical stories who, through the imagination of the illustrator, are borrowed from the pages of books where they traditionally belong.

Featured title on PBS's The Great American Read in 2018Emily Bronte’s time-tested story of love turned on itself and the violence and misery that result from thwarted passionA novel of immense power, Wuthering Heights is filled with the raw beauty of the English moors and a deep compassion for the conflicting destinies of men and women. The novel begins with Lockwood, a tenant who takes up residence close to Wuthering Heights. His landlord, Mr. Heathcliff, proves to be surly, unfriendly, and rude. When Lockwood discovers a mildewed book with the names Catherine Earnshaw, Catherine Heathcliff, and Catherine Linton scratched on its cover, he begins to read, sojourning on a strange tale that proves irresistible. The heart-wrenching story he discovers about stubborn Cathy and wild-as-the-wind Heathcliff has been a favorite since its original publication in 1848.This novel is part of Brilliance Audio’s extensive Classic Collection, bringing you timeless masterpieces that you and your family are sure to love.

A novel that has enjoyed remarkable success and enduring popularity, Black Beauty is the classic story of a courageous horse.A fictional tale told from an animal's point of view, Black Beauty offers the listener a unique perspective of the human world. Through tales about his various owners, he encourages the virtues of having a kind and compassionate spirit, particularly toward animals. Upon its first publication, Black Beauty was an immediate success, and author Anna Sewell passed away knowing that her words had indeed encouraged others to treat animals well.

Widely considered one of the first mystery novels, The Woman in White is a psychological thriller with a Victorian sensibility.Late one moonlit night, Walter Hartright encounters a solitary and terrified woman dressed completely in white. After saving her from capture by her pursuers, he determines to solve the mystery of her alarming predicament. A spellbinding tale of murder, madness, and mistaken identity, the literary power of The Woman in White is as enthralling today as it was during the nineteenth century.This novel is part of Brilliance Audio's extensive Classic Collection, bringing you timeless masterpieces that you and your family are sure to love.

The book that launched F. Scott Fitzgerald to stardomThis Side of Paradise was first published in 1920 and was considered daring and intellectual in its day. Its enormous popularity helped to launch young Fitzgerald's career as a major writer.Amory Blaine has been brought-up by a wealthy, idiosyncratic, and alcoholic mother. Snobbish because he knows no better, he is uncomfortable with others and must learn the proper social etiquette and values embraced by his peers. As he progresses to Princeton University from the Midwest, he flirts with some predatory young women and chances friendship with some intellectual young men. Will he find happiness, or will his life be forever burdened by his ineptitude this side of paradise?This novel is part of Brilliance Audio's extensive Classic Collection, bringing you timeless masterpieces that you and your family are sure to love.

Little Gray and the other cats prefer the freedom of the park to the company of people. But Christmas is coming, and the townspeople are bustling with preparations for a holiday fair. The cats try to keep out of the way, but then a curious man captures Little Gray’s attention. He’s friendly and attentive, and he’s on his way home with a Christmas tree for his boy. Little Gray decides this man will be her new human, though it might take a little convincing.

Verne's most outrageous "voyage extraordinaire"—a hasty world tour taken up on a gentleman's club wager!Mr. Phileas Fogg, master of precision, enters into the strangest wager ever made over the whist table—that he will circle the globe in 80 days. The news astounds Jean Passepartout, sometime wandering minstrel, bareback rider, funambulist, gymnast, and fireman, now turned valet to Mr. Fogg in the expectancy of a quiet and well-regulated life. For the next 80 days, their lives are anything but quiet or well-regulated.This novel is part of Brilliance Audio's extensive Classic Collection, bringing you timeless masterpieces that you and your family are sure to love.