Fiction

A Touching Tribute to a Beloved Pet from America’s Foremost Playwright

Renowned playwright Eugene O’Neill composed this work in 1940 to comfort his wife about the death of their Dalmatian, Blemie. Better known for his despairing and pessimistic dramas, O’Neill’s touching piece, written in the voice of the dying pet, is somehow uplifting and joyous in its touching memory of a life shared between owner and animal. It is sure to comfort anyone experiencing the loss of a beloved, furry member of the family. 

This short work is part of Applewood’s American Roots series, tactile mementos of American passions by some of America’s most famous writers. 

“There is nothing in England that exercises a more delightful spell over my imagination than the lingerings of the holiday customs and rural games of former times.”

Originally part of The Sketch Books of Geoffrey Crayon, Gent., which also included the famous stories, Rip Van Winkle and The Legend of Sleepy Hollow, Old Christmas is a tale from iconic early American author Washington Irving. The narrative depicts Irving’s Christmas Eve trip by stagecoach to Yorkshire in England, and the delightful holiday games and rituals he shared with his hosts at their home, Bracebridge Hall. Illustrated by famed artist Randolph Caldecott, this edition will be sure to inspire holiday cheer in anyone. 

The Beloved American Classic in an Elegant Gift Edition 

One of the most popular pieces of American fiction is Washington Irving’s historic, The Legend of Sleepy Hollow. Originally published in 1820 in Irving’s short story collection The Sketch Book of Geoffrey Crayon, Gent, the story is set amongst the lush backdrop of New York’s Hudson River valley after the American Revolution. Rich in Dutch culture, regional history and ghostly encounters, this landmark is published in a hardback gift edition. Re-discover the origins of two unforgettable characters, schoolmaster Ichabod Crane and the Headless Horseman, and celebrate the fall season with a timeless American short story. 

In these classic, fascinating, and often terrifying tales--Mardi Gras Indians, Baby Dolls, the Zulu King, Loup Garou, and the headless horseman of Natchitoches--all share the stage. Ghost stories from around Louisiana mingle with the true horrors of figures such as the infamous New Orleans Axeman. Learn stories of the Creoles and Cajuns, Southern church traditions, Voodoo rituals, hexes, and charms.  Gumbo Ya-Ya, everybody talks at once, expresses the tension between refinement and profanity, the sacred and the sensual--which defines Louisiana culture to this day. This 80th Anniversary Pelican Publishing unabridged edition's contents are wholly true to the 1945 original edition. First commissioned as a project of the Works Progress Administration Louisiana Writers' Program, it has stood the test of time and is a book beloved by historians, locals, and visitors.

Edgar Allan Poe’s Frightening Tale of a Demonic Cat and a Tormented Murderer in an Elegant Hardback Gift Edition

This macabre short story from the father of American horror fiction was first published in 1843 in the Saturday Evening Post. The classic narratives features a murderer tormented by guilt over his terrible deeds and a cat who may be out for revenge. The narrator’s admission that much of his bad behavior and deranged thinking is the result of alcohol is possibly autobiographical, as Poe himself struggled with alcoholism throughout his life.

This short work is part of Applewood’s “American Roots,” series, featuring tactile mementos of American passions by some of America’s most famous writers and thinkers. 

O. Henry’s classic 1905 Christmas story in an elegant gift hardback with illustrations. A treasure for readers of any age.

This sentimental holiday classic follows a young married couple and the sacrifices made to purchase cherished gifts for each other only to discover the true gift of Christmas is not found in objects but in their own devoted love. 

The Applewood Holiday Classics series presents some of the most beloved holiday short stories in a warm, elegant hardback edition with attractive illustrations. Perfect as a cherished seasonal book or a holiday gift for any occasion.

William Faulkner’s short story “The Bear” was first published in the May 9, 1942 issue of The Saturday Evening Post.  The piece—considered one of the best short stories of the twentieth century—is a coming-of-age tale that weaves together themes of family, race, and the taming of the wilderness, as the young main character learns to hunt and track the huge bear known as Old Ben. 

This short work in an elegant hardback gift edition is part of Applewood’s “American Roots,” series, tactile mementos of American passions by some of America’s most famous writers and thinkers.

First published in 1824, Tales of a Traveller included some of Washington Irving's most Gothic stories, set throughout Europe rather than in the familiar haunted precincts of the Hudson River Valley.

Years before Edgar Allen Poe began his literary career, Irving was already in the business of scaring readers silly. Read them... if you dare!

A heart warming old-fashioned Christmas tale from the beloved author of Little Women, Louisa May Alcott, in an elegant hardback edition.

Kate is a young English girl tragically orphaned and left with a large inheritance. Sent to America to live with her extended family, Kate must choose between various uncles and their families to join. Though each is eager for her to choose them, Kate’s choice comes to fruition at Christmas, when Kate surprises everyone with her decision. In his classic tale, Kate embraces the spirit of Christmas to reveal the true meaning of family.

The Applewood Holiday Classics series presents some of the most beloved holiday short stories in a warm, elegant hardback edition with attractive illustrations. Perfect as a cherished seasonal book or a holiday gift for any occasion.

From a judge who must decide which parent will get custody of a young boy at Christmas in �The Christmas Visitation,� to a little girl who only wants a crayon lipstick as her gift in the title story, Mr. Toner�s ten short stories depict times when love rises above life�s obstacles to give new meaning to Christmas.

Melville’s Sumptuous Tribute to a New England Culinary Classic

Chowder is chapter fifteen from one of the greatest works of American literature, Herman Melville’s Moby-Dick. It is so beautifully written, so descriptive and colorful, one can virtually smell the fishy, salt air and picture the warm interior of the Try Pots Inn. Curl up on a cold evening and taste the mouthwatering chowders of Nantucket’s most famous fictional landmark in this homage to New England’s classic dish.

This short work is part of Applewood’s American Roots series, tactile mementos of American passions by some of America’s most famous writers.