Margaret Oliphant

Toda familia tiene secretos, especialmente las de rancio abolengo, y la mejor manera de guardarlos es tras un grueso y silencioso muro piedra. Los Randolf han habitado durante siglos en el antiguo castillo de Gowrie, fortaleza famosa (o infame) por sus historias de fantasmas y pasadizos ocultos. Cuando el joven John Randolph, ahora lord Lindores, alcanza la mayoria de edad, esa misma noche, su padre, el conde, lo despierta para guiarle en una fatidica excursion nocturna a las entrañas del castillo. Como heredero de la familia, debera cargar tambien con su terrible secreto.Margaret Oliphant (1828 1897), habitual escritora de la revista Blackwood, se inspiro en las historias de fantasmas ancestrales, habitaciones que desaparecian y ritos demoniacos del castillo de Glamis (Angus, Escocia) para escribir este escalofriante relato de terror para la edicion navideña de 1876. Criptica Editorial redescubre esta magnifica obra de la escritora escocesa inedita en castellano, al igual que ya hizo con La ventana de la biblioteca.

"Hay algo misterioso en observar sin ser visto, sin saber nada de quien estás viendo. Missy ha ido a pasar el verano a casa de su tía, donde transcurre el día leyendo en el espacio que hay en el hueco de la ventana. Sin embargo, al escuchar una extraña conversacion entre la tia Mary y sus ancianas amigas respecto a la ventana de enfrente, la de la antigua biblioteca, se despierta en la joven una profunda curiosidad por intentar discernir si la ventana es de verdad o falsa, una curiosidad que se convierte en obsesion al ver como va mutando el interior dependiendo de la hora en la que mire y de quien observe ¿Que oculta la maldita ventana de la biblioteca?Publicada por primera vez en 1896, The library window forma parte de las historias de fantasmas que escribio Margaret Oliphant y que publico en la revista Blackwood. Oliphant ha sido previamente traducida al castellano con La puerta abierta (1882), obra insignia de su ciclo sobrenatural, y ahora, en la coleccion Almaya, apostamos por La ventana de la biblioteca, una novela envolvente donde no sabras que es real y que no."

Una novela extraordinaria de una gran escritora victoriana La anciana Catherine Vernon es la figura dominante de la pequeña localidad inglesa de Redborough. Ha logrado abrirse paso en un mundo de hombres y dirigir el banco Vernon, el negocio familiar que salvo de la ruina cuando era mas joven. Desde su atalaya, Catherine contempla todo y a todos con distancia y cierto cinismo. Solo dos personas consiguen atravesar su coraza. Una es Hester, una joven con una personalidad tan fuerte como la suya con la que se enfrenta a menudo, y la otra es Edward, su favorito y heredero aparente, a quien trata y quiere como a un hijo. Entre Edward y Hester surgira un vinculo complejo que impulsara a ambos en una aventura de riesgos sexuales y financieros que terminara afectandolos no solo a ellos dos, sino tambien a Catherine y a todos los habitantes de Redborough. Margaret Oliphant es una de las grandes novelistas victorianas, y esta edicion de Hester, la primera en castellano, contribuye a restablecer su redescubierta importancia.

IT was an old manor-house, not a deserted convent, as you might suppose by the name. The conventual buildings from which no doubt the place had taken its name, had dropped away, bit by bit, leaving nothing but one wall of the chapel, now closely veiled and mantled with ivy, behind the orchard, about a quarter of a mile from the house. The lands were Church lands, but the house was a lay house, of an older date than the family who had inhabited it from Henry VIII.s time, when the priory was destroyed, and its possessions transferred to the manor.

Though Scottish-born author Margaret Oliphant dabbled in a remarkable number of literary genres over the course of her career, critics and fans alike agree that some of her most abiding contributions were her tales of fantasy, science fiction, and the supernatural, many of which broke new ground in their time. A Beleaguered City blends elements of fantasy and science fiction, and the end result is an astonishingly compelling read. Margaret Oliphant (4 April 1828 25 June 1897), was a Scottish novelist and historical writer, who usually wrote as Mrs. Oliphant. Her fictional works encompass "domestic realism, the historical novel and tales of the supernatural". In the 1880s she was the literary mentor of the Irish novelist Emily Lawless. During this time Oliphant wrote several works of supernatural fiction, including the long ghost story A Beleaguered City (1880) and several short tales, including "The Open Door" and "Old Lady Mary". Oliphant, during an often difficult life, wrote more than 120 works, including novels, books of travel and description, histories, and volumes of literary criticism.

In "Jeanne DArc: her life and death," Margaret Oliphant intricately weaves a narrative that transcends mere biographical recounting to explore the cultural and spiritual significance of one of historys most enigmatic figures. Employing a blend of vivid prose and meticulous historical detail, Oliphant immerses the reader in the complex socio-political landscape of 15th century France. This work is not only a depiction of Jeanne dArcs life and martyrdom but also a reflection on nationalism, faith, and the role of women in a patriarchal society, placing Jeanne within a broader context of gender and power. Margaret Oliphant, a prolific Victorian novelist and biographer, drew on her own deep sense of social justice and fascination with figures who defy societal norms. Her extensive studies in literature and history position her uniquely to address such themes, reflecting her own struggles as a female author in the predominantly male literary sphere. This biographical work emerges from her desire to illuminate overlooked female figures who challenge the status quo, signifying the resilience of their spirits amid adversity. I highly recommend "Jeanne DArc: her life and death" to readers interested in historical biographies, feminist literature, or anyone captivated by tales of courage. Oliphants exploration of Jeannes righteousness and conviction serves not only as a compelling biography but also as a timeless commentary on the human spirits fight against oppression.

Margaret Oliphants Jeanne DArc: her life and death is a meticulously researched and engaging account of the life of the renowned historical figure, Joan of Arc. Written in a compelling narrative style, Oliphant delves into the intricate details of Joans life, exploring her resilience, courage, and ultimate tragedy. The book captures the essence of the medieval period and provides a vivid portrayal of the political and social landscape of the time. Oliphants eloquent prose and deep analysis make this biography a valuable contribution to the historical literature on Joan of Arc. Margaret Oliphant, a prolific Scottish writer, was known for her keen insight into human nature and historical subjects. Her interest in Joan of Arcs story likely stemmed from her fascination with strong female figures in history and her desire to shed light on their often overlooked contributions. Oliphants expertise in historical research is evident throughout the book, as she presents a nuanced and thorough examination of Joan of Arcs life. I highly recommend Jeanne DArc: her life and death to readers interested in delving into the life of Joan of Arc and exploring the historical context of medieval France. Oliphants masterful storytelling and in-depth analysis make this biography a captivating read for history enthusiasts and literary scholars alike.

Illustrator: George Reid

Hester Margaret Oliphant - Hester is an 1883 novel written by Margaret Oliphant. It examines the cycle of history through the lives of the Vernon family. The book was published in three separate volumes corresponding to three parts of the storyComplete 3 Volumes of Hester by Margaret Oliphant, which tells the story of the Vernon banking family. Hester is an 1883 novel written by Margaret Oliphant. It examines the cycle of history through the lives of the Vernon family. The book was published in three separate volumes corresponding to three parts of the story.

Una novela extraordinaria de una gran escritora victoriana La anciana Catherine Vernon es la figura dominante de la pequeña localidad inglesa de Redborough. Ha logrado abrirse paso en un mundo de hombres y dirigir el banco Vernon, el negocio familiar que salvo de la ruina cuando era mas joven. Desde su atalaya, Catherine contempla todo y a todos con distancia y cierto cinismo. Solo dos personas consiguen atravesar su coraza. Una es Hester, una joven con una personalidad tan fuerte como la suya con la que se enfrenta a menudo, y la otra es Edward, su favorito y heredero aparente, a quien trata y quiere como a un hijo. Entre Edward y Hester surgira un vinculo complejo que impulsara a ambos en una aventura de riesgos sexuales y financieros que terminara afectandolos no solo a ellos dos, sino tambien a Catherine y a todos los habitantes de Redborough. Margaret Oliphant es una de las grandes novelistas victorianas, y esta edicion de Hester, la primera en castellano, contribuye a restablecer su redescubierta importancia.

Galería de espectros responde al deseo de presentar al lector las mejores historias escritas sobre aparecidos, espectros y fantasmas, en definitiva lo que en el mundo anglosajón se define como «ghost

Una broma pesada, una muerte imprevista, y unos efectos indeseados, son los materiales de los que Margaret Oliphant se sirve para contar la historia de un malentendido. Un error de tanta envergadura que subsanarlo, implicara que su protagonista atraviese una frontera. Lady Mary es una novela de aparecidos que entronca con la tradicion del gotico ingles en el que su autora se mueve como pez en el agua. La novela envuelve al lector en una atmosfera de visitante, un invitado en la mansion en la que todo tendra lugar. Sus personajes son encantadores, en especial la juguetona anciana Mary que da titulo al relato. Pero Oliphant no se engaña respecto a las pasiones humanas y al irrefrenable deseo de vida de la protagonista, cuyos rasgos de bondad y placidez se ven aplastados por un narcisismo infantil que acarreara graves consecuencias. Dialogos chispeantes, descripciones precisas y bellas y una atmosfera de extraña cotidianeidad, hacen de Lady Mary una pequeña joya literaria en el mundo de los fantasmas.

Returning home to tend her widowed father Dr Marjoribanks, Lucilla soon launches herself into Carlingford society, aiming to raise the tone with her select Thursday evening parties. Optimistic, resourceful and blithely unimpeded by self-doubt, Lucilla is a superior being in every way, not least in relation to men. This Penguin Classics edition of Miss Marjoribanks (1865) is introduced and edited by Margaret Oliphant's acclaimed biographer Margaret Jay.

Margaret Oliphant is one of the great Victorian novelists and "Hester" is a masterpiece of psychological realism published in 1883. In exploring the difficulty of understanding human nature, it is also a compulsive story of financial and sexual risk-taking that inevitably results in a searing climax."Hester" tells the story of the ageing but powerful Catherine Vernon, and her conflict with the young and determined Hester, whose growing attachment to Edward, Catherines favourite, spells disaster for all concerned.Catherine Vernon, jilted in her youth, has risen to power in a mans world as head of the family bank. She thinks she sees through everyone and rules over a family of dependants with knowing cynicism. But there are two people in Redborough who resist her. One is Hester, a young relation with a personality as strong as Catherines, and as determined to find a role for herself. The other is Edward, who Catherine treats like a son. Conflict between the young and the old is inevitable, and in its depiction of the complex relationships that develop between the three principal characters.