Hermann Stiehl Books

The classic tale of a group of English school boys who are left stranded on an unpopulated island, and who must confront not only the defects of their society but the defects of their own nature. Lord of the Flies remains as provocative today as when it was first published in 1954, igniting passionate debate with its startling, brutal portrait of human nature. Though critically acclaimed, it was largely ignored upon its initial publication. Yet soon it became a cult favorite among both students and literary critics who compared it to J.D. Salinger's The Catcher in the Rye in its influence on modern thought and literature. Labeled a parable, an allegory, a myth, a morality tale, a parody, a political treatise, even a vision of the apocalypse, Lord of the Flies has established itself as a true classic

Exploring the pressures of societal expectations, the novel follows Laurence, a seemingly perfect woman in 1960s Paris, who juggles a successful career, a loving family, and a lover. Despite her outward success, she struggles with the relentless pursuit of perfection that has overshadowed her happiness. The turning point comes when her daughter, Catherine, begins to express her frustrations about the world's injustices, prompting Laurence to confront her own sacrifices and desires. Translated by Lauren Elkin, this work delves into themes of feminism and identity.

Mitten im 18. Jahrhundert verlassen die Zwillinge Colin und Bea die Schweiz, um eine lange Reise nach China anzutreten: Er hat ein außergewöhnliches Talent als Uhrmacher, und der Kaiser benötigt seine Fähigkeiten; sie hat eine bezaubernde Schönheit geschenkt bekommen. Doch erst als sie die fabelhafte Stadt Ayuthia mit ihren tausend goldenen Kuppeln erreichen, begegnen die beiden Geschwister ihrem Schicksal: Colin verliebt sich in eine Frau, die der Herrscher ganz für sich beanspruchen will, während Bea sich von einer Leidenschaft mitreißen lässt, die sie zum Verrat führen wird...

One man's vision of erecting a magnificent cathedral spire heralds apocalypse in this epic tale of obsession by the radical Nobel Laureate and author of Lord of the Flies, William Golding (recorded by Benedict Cumberbatch as an audiobook). There were three sorts of people.