Set against the backdrop of World War I, this novella explores the intense inner conflict of a young artist faced with a military draft while seeking refuge in Switzerland. As he grapples with the choice between loyalty to his beliefs and compliance with authority, the narrative delves into themes of personal freedom and moral dilemmas. Aimed at improving English reading skills for learners at levels A2 to B2, this edition presents the text entirely in English, making it accessible for both youth and adults.
Stefan Zweig Book order







- 2024
- 2024
The Royal Game
Englisch Lektüre A2 - B2
The narrative unfolds on a passenger ship traveling from New York to Buenos Aires, featuring the world chess champion Mirko Czentovic, who excels at chess despite his limited intellect. A fellow passenger, Dr. B, challenges him to a game, drawing on his experience of isolation during WWII, where he mastered chess to maintain his sanity. This encounter becomes a profound exploration of the psychological effects of isolation and the resilience of the human spirit, making it a compelling read for those looking to enhance their English skills through classic literature.
- 2024
'One of the masters of the short story' Guardian These six stories of obsession, secrets, delusions and desires from one of the greatest European writers show individuals caught up in forces beyond their control - whether an art dealer agreeing to a heartbreaking deception, a soldier destroyed by war, a servant infatuated with her employer or a young boy witnessing illicit adult passions. Portraying innocence lost and lives crushed by history, each tale is a psychologically acute, startling human drama. Contains 'The Invisible Collection', 'Episode on Lake Geneva', 'Leporella', 'Buchmendel', 'The Buried Candelabrum' and 'Burning Secret'.
- 2023
This work highlights Romain Rolland's significance in literature and his contributions to human thought. Recognized as a classic, it has been meticulously reformatted and retyped to ensure clarity and readability, making it accessible for contemporary readers. Alpha Editions aims to preserve this essential text for future generations, emphasizing its enduring relevance in understanding Rolland's impact on culture and history.
- 2023
Delving into the intricacies of human relationships, this novella presents a psychological drama that examines desire, betrayal, and the repercussions of concealed feelings. First published in 1913 and later translated anonymously into English, it is celebrated for its profound psychological insight and rich thematic exploration.
- 2023
Introducing Little Clothbound Classics: irresistible, mini editions of short stories, novellas and essays from the world's greatest writers, designed by the award-winning Coralie Bickford-SmithCelebrating the range and diversity of Penguin Classics, they take us from snowy Japan to springtime Vienna, from haunted New England to a sun-drenched Mediterranean island, and from a game of chess on the ocean to a love story on the moon. Beautifully designed and printed, these collectible editions are bound in colourful, tactile cloth and stamped with foil.A group of passengers on a cruise ship challenge the world chess champion to a match. At first, they crumble, until they are helped by whispered advice from a stranger in the crowd - a man who will risk everything to win. Stefan Zweig's acclaimed novella Chess is a disturbing, intensely dramatic depiction of obsession and the price of the past.
- 2022
Rundfräge über Karl Kraus
- 50 pages
- 2 hours of reading
- 2022
Recognized as a significant work in human history, this book has undergone preservation efforts to ensure its continued relevance for future generations. By republishing it in a modern format, the aim is to keep its important messages and insights accessible to contemporary readers.
- 2022
Émile Verhaeren
- 286 pages
- 11 hours of reading
- 2022
Jeremiah, a Drama in Nine Scenes.Trans. From the Author's Revised German Text by Eden and Cedar Paul
- 354 pages
- 13 hours of reading