The village of Colonus, near Athens, was, in the year 495 BC, the birthplace of Sophocles. Sophocles place in Greek Tragedy is assured. His birth places him between the two other giants of Greek tragedy; schylus and Euripides. He was 30 years younger than schylus, the reigning master of drama and was fifteen years older than Euripides, who would, in turn, usurp Sophocles. Sophocles was a handsome and agile youth and selected, at the age of sixteen, to lead with dance and lyre the chorus which celebrated the triumph of Athens and its Allies over Persia at the battle at Salamis. Sophocles career as a dramatist was marked by a victory in competition with schylus, under exceptional circumstances. At the time the remains of the hero Theseus were being removed by Cimon from the isle of Scyros to Athens and, at the same time, a contest involving the two dramatists was being held. schylus was lauded at the time as the supreme dramatist but Sophocles was popular if inexperienced. The first prize was awarded to Sophocles, greatly to the disgust of the veteran schylus, who taking umbrage, soon afterward departed for Sicily. By all accounts Sophocles would now write and exhibit tragedies and satyric dramas for the next sixty years. The canon of his work varies to between 120 and 180 plays, naturally a number were fillers and not of his highest standard but the prodigious output is extraordinary. In the annual Dionysia, the number of first prizes he won is put at between eighteen and twenty-four, with many more second prizes. On this basis alone schylus and Euripides were left a long way behind. So far from being dulled with age and toil, his powers seem only to have assumed a mellower tone, a more touching pathos, a sweeter and gentler mode of thought and expression. Sophocles was spared the misery of witnessing the final overthrow of his country, dying, at the age or around 90 after a long life full of triumphs and honours, a few months before the defeat of Aegospotami brought the downfall of his beloved Athens. This naval Battle of Aegospotami took place in 405 BC and decisively determined the outcome of the Peloponnesian War. In the battle, a Spartan fleet under Lysander destroyed the Athenian navy. This effectively ended the war, since Athens could not import grain or communicate with its empire without control of the sea. There are only seven dramas of Sophocles that have survived. It can be argued that Sophocles and his works were the high-water mark of Athenian excellence. He is rightly lauded and we can only wonder at the splendours he wrote that are now lost to us.

The reality is that little is known of Aristophanes actual life but eleven of his forty plays survive intact and upon those rest his deserved reputation as the Father of Comedy or, The Prince of Ancient Comedy. Accounts agree that he was born sometime between 456BC and 446 BC. Many cities claim the honor of his birthplace and the most probable story makes him the son of Philippus of gina, and therefore only an adopted citizen of Athens, a distinction which, at times could be cruel, though he was raised and educated in Athens. His plays are said to recreate the life of ancient Athens more realistically than any other author could. Intellectually his powers of ridicule were feared by his influential contemporaries; Plato himself singled out Aristophanes' play The Clouds as a slander that contributed to the trial and condemning to death of Socrates and although other satirical playwrights had also caricatured the philosopher his carried the most weight. His now lost play, The Babylonians, was denounced by the demagogue Cleon as a slander against the Athenian polis. Aristophanes seems to have taken this criticism to heart and thereafter caricatured Cleon mercilessly in his subsequent plays, especially The Knights. His life and playwriting years were undoubtedly long though again accounts as to the year of his death vary quite widely. What can be certain is that his legacy of surviving plays is in effect both a treasured legacy but also in itself the only surviving texts of Ancient Greek comedy.

The life of William Shakespeare, arguably the most significant figure in the Western literary canon, is relatively unknown. Shakespeare was born in Stratford-upon-Avon in 1565, possibly on the 23rd April, St. George's Day, and baptised there on 26th April. Little is known of his education and the first firm facts to his life relate to his marriage, aged 18, to Anne Hathaway, who was 26 and from the nearby village of Shottery. Anne gave birth to their first son six months later. Shakespeare's first play, The Comedy of Errors began a procession of real heavyweights that were to emanate from his pen in a career of just over twenty years in which 37 plays were written and his reputation forever established. This early skill was recognised by many and by 1594 the Lord Chamberlain's Men were performing his works. With the advantage of Shakespeare's progressive writing they rapidly became London's leading company of players, affording him more exposure and, following the death of Queen Elizabeth in 1603, a royal patent by the new king, James I, at which point they changed their name to the King's Men. By 1598, and despite efforts to pirate his work, Shakespeare's name was well known and had become a selling point in its own right on title pages. No plays are attributed to Shakespeare after 1613, and the last few plays he wrote before this time were in collaboration with other writers, one of whom is likely to be John Fletcher who succeeded him as the house playwright for the King's Men. William Shakespeare died two months later on April 23rd, 1616, survived by his wife, two daughters and a legacy of writing that none have since yet eclipsed.

Kevesen vagyunk, s még tovább fogyunk, kik h?séggel, népünkért dolgozunk. Sokan kérdik: ?mért vagytok ostobák?” Csak hallgatunk és dolgozunk tovább. Más bíztat: ?Fordulj már végre el e romtemplomtól, és gazdag leszel!” De fog-szorítva tesszük, amit kell, jutalom, megtorlás, nem érdekel. Olyanok leszünk mint a parázsszemek! ?lesztünk tüzet, mely tán már elveszett.

The wonderful seaside story from Jennifer Bohnet, perfect for fans of Fern Britton and Veronica Henry! One summer they’ll never forget… Meet Sabine, desperately fighting to save her little kiosk from closure whilst turning down her friend Owen’s proposals, time and time again. Cue Harriet, returning to Dartmouth after thirty years, haunted by the scandal that drove her away and shocked by a legacy that threatens her relationship with her journalist daughter. Enter Rachel, the mysterious newcomer who has an unexpected chemistry with a local widower, and who sets in motion a chain of events she could never have predicted… One thing’s for sure, as the autumn tide turns, there’ll be more than one secret laid bare!

One girl could change four lives forever… Mysterious Leila, who is on the road trip of a lifetime, has a habit of crashing into people’s worlds at the moment they need someone the most. There’s Hudson, who is willing to throw away his dreams for love. And Bree, a runaway who seizes every Tuesday—and a few stolen goods along the way. Elliot who believes in happy endings… until his own goes off-*. And Sonia who worries that she’s lost her ability to love. Hudson, Bree, Elliot and Sonia find a friend in Leila. But Leila’s trip could help her discover something bigger — that sometimes, the only way to find what you’re looking for is to get lost along the way… Praise for Let's Get Lost 'Reminiscent of John Green’s Paper Towns' School Library Journal ‘Balances both the quirky fun and the harsh realities of adolescence’ Entertainment Weekly ‘Let's Get Lost is an absorbing, beautiful novel we all need in our lives. Phenomenal!’ Pretty Little Memoirs ‘A sweet tale with real heart – get in early before the rest of the reading world catches up’ Heat 'For readers of John Green' Fresh Fiction

Friends. Allies. Lovers? Jackson Freeling lost his sense of purpose when he left the marines. Lissa McLaughlin gave him a new one: protecting a man with the ability to forge weapons from his tattoos. Together, they defend the innocent from the criminals vying for control of their city's drug trade. Lissa inked those tattoos. After watching her friend risk losing a piece of himself every time he used his powers, she decided to suppress her own strange gift. But, without quite understanding how, she has given Jackson a tattoo that lets him become invisible…. While Jackson and Lissa do their best to save their ally, they also fight the growing passion between them. Everyone they care about is in danger. And they have to decide whether their feelings for each other are a strength or a deadly weakness. With this sequel, Misty Simon continues the bewitching tale she began with her urban fantasy debut, Wicked Ink.

How did Audrey Griffin–a blacksmith by trade– become a wine hostess? Sure, she's all about "seizing the day," but she's a tomboy, not a booth bunny. Granted, her makeover has transformed her into a hottie–but when you're working with a straitlaced Aussie god like vintner Shane Preston, a little fashion goes a long way! Unfortunately, no-strings-attached doesn't work for Shane. Something about Audrey makes him want more from their fiery attraction–despite the fact that "commitment" leaves Audrey shakier than a horse on Rollerblades. Is she balking at love…or simply biding her time?

A LADY WITH A SECRET SORROW Reeling from heartbreak, Lady Laura Campion has transformed herself into the infamous Scandal’s Virgin of high society – flirtatious, alluring and utterly shocking – and yet she has always stopped short of absolute ruin. But now she has new hope. The daughter she thought lost is alive, and under the guardianship of the powerful Avery Falconer, Earl of Wykeham. Going into battle against Lord Wykeham might be her only option to win little Alice back, but she doesn’t expect the irresistible attraction that simmers between her and the formidable Earl. Laura finally has a chance at happiness – but can she persuade Avery to forgive her past?

Veterinarian Carter Phillips wants answers. The scandal surrounding his employer's prizewinning horse has left Carter unable to clear Quest Stables' name…or his own. But then Carter spies an exquisite painting of an unknown horse that could finally lead him to the truth…. Artist Gillian Cameron knows exactly who the horse is: he's her family's Thoroughbred, Picture of Perfection. But Carter's suspicions compromise the horse's future and that of her family. She knows she can't trust Carter's agenda…so why does she find herself wanting to trust him with a mystery of her own?

Samantha knows what she wants from life – and she’s got it! 1.A loving family. OK, her Mum’s plan to marry her off to the world’s most metrosexual man might not be ideal… but it’s only because she cares! 2.A great job. Or at least: a job that leaves plenty of time to update Twitter and shop for designer bargains online… 3.A credit card, with a very generous limit. So generous that she’s just spent over $10,000 on an antique kimono… But suddenly Samantha’s charmed life starts to fall apart! From a hair-related fire to losing her job, Sam’s facing bad karma – and it all started when she bought that kimono… Sure, it’s ridiculous. How could a piece of silk ever bring bad luck? But it can! Because, whether Samantha likes it or not, someone wants to teach her a lesson: it’s what’s inside that counts. But will Samantha slow down long enough to listen?

Right Man, Wrong timing! Young mum Bronwyn Reynolds is devoted to her little boy Theo, but she’s married to a not so devoted husband! Juggling two jobs to make ends meet, Bronwyn’s self-esteem is at an all-time low. Enter Harrison Baxter. Harrison is confident, flirty and breathtakingly handsome – and everything Bronwyn’s husband is not! What’s worse is that she knows every sexy thought about him is forbidden, which makes him all the more tempting. The only woman that ladies’ man Harrison has ever wanted is one he can never have. Bronwyn has left her mark on him, and he can’t get her out of his mind no matter how hard he tries! Bronwyn and Harrison have every reason not to fall in love, but are they brave enough to break all the rules? For fans of The Boy Who Sneaks in my Bedroom Window, this short story is unputdownable!

"So, Miss Lange with an e, will you take the job?" Ruby Lange might be unconventional, but her struggle to find the ideal career isn't from lack of trying! Now the latest option is "traveling nanny"–so she takes a deep breath, packs her vintage suitcase and heads for Italy. Ruby's new boss, architect Max Martin, may be utterly gorgeous, but he's far too buttoned up for her liking! Yet traveling around Venice together, Ruby discovers that the man who took a risk on her is masking a huge heart–he just needs a reason to trust it again….

Garrett Blackwell is not a superhero, and his tattoos aren't just ink. They're the weapons he uses to hunt those who hurt the innocent as he tries to atone for his dark past of violence and crime. And he pays a price every time he uses his gift to summon the darkness around him. Dory Miller has lived beside Garrett for two months and is torn by her feelings toward her sexy, reclusive neighbour. He's the hottest man she's ever met, but as more women in her building become targets of a stalker, she doesn't know who she can trust - especially after she finds Garrett bleeding from a knife wound. Despite her fears that Garrett might be the one responsible for the violence, she feels compelled to help heal his wounds. Garrett reluctantly lets her, and is shocked to discover that she can heal not only his physical wounds, but also the darkness brought by his powers. But if letting her in means putting her in danger, Garrett may have to keep his distance to keep her safe.

Fast Fiction Historical - short romantic stories to take you back in time Cowboy Josh Baxter hadn't bargained for a feisty widow and her newborn baby when he came home to take over his family ranch. After all, he hadn't even known his brother had married. Bound by duty to care for mother and child, Josh has only one solution—marriage. Emily will do anything to hold on to her share of the ranch she loves—except agree to a proposal of convenience. But she can't deny the tender feelings that overcome her when she sees Josh holding her tiny daughter. And she isn't sure she can hold out against the handsome cowboy for long!

Returning home to Blossom Valley was the last thing millionaire David Blaze wanted to do, but his family must come first. And seeing widow Kayla Jaffrey, as beautiful as ever, caused David to wonder if maybe they were being given a chance to rewrite history…this time together…

36 Hours Serial As a devastating summer storm hits Grand Springs, Colorado, the next thirty-six hours will change the town and its residents forever…. The Parent Plan Part 2 Cassidy has been angry and hostile ever since Vicki's accident, blaming Karen for working at the hospital while Vicki needed her. It's causing a rift in their marriage that gets bigger every day. Karen can't face the loneliness anymore of being with a man too frozen inside to love. Is a separation the only way out? And if Karen and Cassidy try to solve their problems apart, how can they ever get back together? The story concludes in The Parent Plan Part 3.

36 Hours Serial As a devastating summer storm hits Grand Springs, Colorado, the next thirty-six hours will change the town and its residents forever…. Partners in Crime Part 2 Jack Stryker's investigation into Olivia Stuart's death leads straight to Josie. He'll have to do his job–even if it means arresting the woman he hasn't been able to get out of his mind since their night together. Josie can't believe Jack thinks she could murder her friend. If he were suspected of murder she would believe in him, no matter how damning the evidence. She'll trust her heart over her head any day. How can a relationship survive when two lovers are on opposite sides of the law? The story concludes in Partners in Crime Part 3.

36 Hours Serial As a devastating summer storm hits Grand Springs, Colorado, the next thirty-six hours will change the town and its residents forever…. Marriage by Contract Part 3 For Bethany Kent, life has never been more perfect. She has a beautiful baby and a gorgeous, accomplished husband. Despite the marriage of convenience start to their life together, she and Tony are falling in love. But then Christopher's birth mother returns and wants her son back. If Bethany does what is right and gives up Christopher, will she lose Tony, as well? Don't miss the next book in the continuing story of Grand Springs in Partners in Crime by Alicia Scott.

May the Best Man Win…the Maid of Honor? Lassiter Media millionaire Matt Hollis never let a woman stand between him and his career. But now Matt's best friend is marrying the Lassiter heiress–and her insufferable maid of honor has stolen Matt's heart. Kayla Prince is way more than this skilled negotiator bargained for. But Kayla's conflicted. The man left her in the lurch for his L.A. gig; now he wants her back? Fool her once, shame on Matt, fool her twice…well, actually, this second chance feels like the real thing. But a fateful night is about to put that feeling to the ultimate test…. Beauty and the Best Man is a DYNASTIES: THE LASSITERS prequel novella. The story continues in The Black Sheep's Inheritance by USA TODAY bestselling author Maureen Child, only from Harlequin Desire!

36 Hours Serial As a devastating summer storm hits Grand Springs, Colorado, the next thirty-six hours will change the town and its residents forever…. Father and Child Reunion Part 3 Investigative reporter Rio Redtree is digging into the mayor's murder. But the closer he gets to answers, the more signs are pointing to Hal Stuart–the son of the murdered mayor and brother to the woman Rio realizes he has never stopped loving. The only thing he wants more than to catch Olivia's killer is to be with Eve and her daughter, Molly. How will Eve trust him if he's willing to send her own brother to prison? Can Rio risk the family life he's always wanted to see justice done? Don't miss the next book in the continuing story of Grand Springs in The Rancher and the Runaway Bride by Susan Mallery.