Books in Classics Collection 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.

Robin Hood lives deep in the heart of Sherwood Forest.Together with his band of merry men, he fights to protect the poor from the evil Sheriff of Nottingham who is on a rise to power.If only this hero could win the heart of the beautiful Maid Marian along the way...Carefully abridged texts, retold in clear contemporary language, these titles are perfect for any English learners and can be enjoyed by all readers.Each page of writing is accompanied by a charming illustration on the facing page, so these well-loved classics will capture the readers’ heart and imagination. By condensing such classics into 48 pages as these, children are encouraged to one day read these stories in their original form.The Classic Collection includes:A Little Princess (978-1-60992-469-0) Fall 2014Robin Hood (978-1-60992-470-6) Fall 14Previous titles:Black Beauty (978-1-60992-445-4) Spring 2014Robinson Crusoe (978-1-60992-447-8) Spring 2014The Adventures of Tom Sawyer (978-1-60992-446-1) Fall 2013Anne of Green Gables (978-1-60992-468-3) Fall 2013Gulliver's Travels (978-1-60992-471-3) Fall 2013The Secret Garden (978-1-60992-444-7) Fall 2013

Poetry's allure -- it rhymes, rhythms, and rich imagery -- can best be appreciated when read aloud. And what a delightful way for children and adults to spend time together! This thematic collection of over 150 poems, which includes selections from Shakepeare, Tennyson, the Bible, from modern poets such as Robert Frost and Ted Hughes, and the works of Carribean, African and Native American Poets, has been compiled with an emphasis on choosing works particularly suited for reading aloud. With its stand-out dramatic color illustrations and its simple black and white line drawings, all of which echo the mood and meaning of the poetry, it is a terrific gift any family would cherish.

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.

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.

The Turn of the Screw has been described by many critics as the most sophisticated and terrifying ghost story in the English language. It is considered one of the great intellectual "spook tales" of all time.In The Turn of the Screw, a naive young governess is hired to take care of two children in a large mansion in the English countryside. Everything is going fine, until she discovers that the children are not as innocent as they seem. The governess believes they have been communing with the ghosts of the former valet and governess. The problem is no one else on the staff can see the ghosts. She alone suspects that the ghosts are controlling the young boy and girl for some evil purpose. The children are evasive when questioned, and the governess begins to fear that the souls of the two children may be in danger. Henry James manages to generate spine-tingling suspense in this mesmerizing tale.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.

When his ship is destroyed at sea, Robinson Crusoe is the only survivor. Washed ashore on a desert island, he builds a shelter, hunts for food, and learns to fend for himself. After years of solitude, Crusoe discovers he may not be alone after all. Who else is on the island, and will Crusoe ever make his way back home? QEB has chosen four fantastic adventure stories for boys to continue their reading in the Classic Collection series. Carefully retold in clear contemporary language, and presented with delightful illustrations, these favorite classic stories capture the heart and imagination of young readers. By retelling the story in a shorter, simpler form, these books engage children, and the color illustrations help with both comprehension and interest level. Part of a collectible series with strong gift appeal.

They limped painfully down the bank, and once the foremost of the two men staggered among the rough-strewn rocks. They were tired and weak, and their faces had the drawn expression of patience which comes of hardship long endured. They were heavily burdened with blanket packs which were strapped to their shoulders. Head-straps, passing across the forehead, helped support these packs. Each man carried a rifle. They walked in a stooped posture, the shoulders well forward, the head still farther forward, the eyes bent upon the ground. “I wish we had just about two of them cartridges that’s layin’ in that cache of ourn,” said the second man.

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.

Take a walk around the Secret Garden. Experience boarding school with A Little Princess. See life through a horse’s eyes with Black Beauty. Be enchanted by charming and hot-headed Anne of Green Gables. Carefully retold in clear contemporary language, and presented with delightful illustrations, these favorite classic stories will capture the heart and imagination of young readers. By retelling the story in a shorter, simpler form, children will find these books highly engaging, and the color illustrations help with both comprehension and interest level.