Purchase one of 1st World Library's Classic Books and help support our free internet library of downloadable eBooks. Visit us online at www.1stWorldLibrary.ORG - - The Opera ghost really existed. He was not, as was long believed, a creature of the imagination of the artists, the superstition of the managers, or a product of the absurd and impressionable brains of the young ladies of the ballet, their mothers, the box-keepers, the cloak-room attendants or the concierge. Yes, he existed in flesh and blood, although he assumed the complete appearance of a real phantom; that is to say, of a spectral shade. When I began to ransack the archives of the National Academy of Music I was at once struck by the surprising coincidences between the phenomena ascribed to the "ghost" and the most extraordinary and fantastic tragedy that ever excited the Paris upper classes; and I soon conceived the idea that this tragedy might reasonably be explained by the phenomena in question. The events do not date more than thirty years back; and it would not be difficult to find at the present day, in the foyer of the ballet, old men of the highest respectability, men upon whose word one could absolutely rely, who would remember as though they happened yesterday the mysterious and dramatic conditions that attended the kidnapping of Christine Daae, the disappearance of the Vicomte de Chagny and the death of his elder brother, Count Philippe, whose body was found on the bank of the lake that exists in the lower cellars of the Opera on the Rue-Scribe side. But none of those witnesses had until that day thought that there was any reason for connecting the more or less legendary figure of the Opera ghost with that terrible story.

A hilarious story of everyone’s favourite bear, Paddington – now a major movie star!

When Mr Gruber takes Paddington to Buckingham Palace to watch the Changing of the Guard, there are so many people in the way he can’t see anything! Luckily a mysterious someone ‘on high’ appears to like small bears…

Stories of Paddington Bear have delighted children all over the world for more than sixty years.

The Browns first met Paddington on a railway station ? Paddington station, in fact. He had travelled all the way from Darkest Peru with only a jar of marmalade, a suitcase and his hat.

The Browns soon find that Paddington is a very unusual bear. Ordinary things ? like having a bath, travelling underground or going to the seaside become quite extraordinary, if a bear called Paddington is involved.

The hero of the sun-drenched hours, he looks godlike with his golden hair aglow in the sun as he hunts the wild beasts of field and wood. Yet as the light flees at the onset of evening, his self-assurance and bravado fade with the light . . . and he finds himself beset by terrors he cannot reign.

Then he discovers solace, in that terrifying night -- for within the depths of his fears he encounters a strange, beautiful creature who offers him comfort -- a girl, who is as much a creature of the dark hours as he is of sunlit days.

Watching over both their lives is red-haired witch Watho -- who with guilt and malice in her heart first cares for the two youths -- then jealously plots their destruction!

George MacDonald (1824-1905), Scottish author of "Phantastes," here relates the romance of the unusual lovers Photogen and Nycteris, in a land drenched in magic.

Beloved by generations, Charlotte's Web and Stuart Little are two of the most cherished stories of all time. Now, for the first time ever, these treasured classics are available in lavish new collectors' editions. In addition to a larger trim size, the original black-and-white art by Garth Williams has been lovingly colorized by renowned illustrator Rosemary Wells, adding another dimension to these two perfect books for young and old alike.

Whether you are returning once again to visit with Wilbur, Charlotte, and Stuart, or giving the gift of these treasured stories to a child, these spruced-up editions are sure to delight fans new and old. The interior design has been slightly moderated to give the books a fresh look without changing the original, familiar, and beloved format. Garth Williams's original black-and-white line drawings for the jacket of Stuart Little have also been newly colorized by the celebrated illustrator Rosemary Wells. These classics return with a new look, but with the same heartwarming tales that have captured readers for generations.

"A stodgy parent is no fun at all. What a child wants and deserves is a parent who is sparky" Danny has the most marvellous and exciting father anyone ever had. He can repair any car or machine that people bring to him, loves going on adventures with Danny and tells him incredible stories around the stove in the cozy caravan they call home. The land around them belongs to Mr Hazell, a rich bully who NOBODY likes, not one-little bit. So, Danny and his father concoct a daring plot that will give Mr Hazell the greatest shock of his life. But can they pull off this level of mischief-making without getting caught...?

Before you start, here are a few tips. To be a good detective you need the same skills as a good card-player. You must consider and examine every detail, not just the obvious ones. You have to observe every change in a person's face, everything they say, everything they do and you must always expect the unexpected. And finally, you must remember it all. In this most strange tale, you'll see a friend of mine at work. He has an astonishingly analytical mind. So, pit your own powers of analysis against his - and against mine. Can you solve the mystery of the murders in the Rue Morgue?

This 10 Book Collection includes an audio CD and the following giggle-inducing stories:
- I Want My Potty!
- I Want My Dinner!
- I Want My Tooth!
- I Want My Mum!
- I Don't Want to go to Hospital!
- I Don't Want to Wash my Hands!
- I Don't Want to go to Bed!
- I Want my Dummy!
- I Want a Friend!
- I Want to Be!

Adapted and illustrated to introduce children and students to the works of Shakespeare! The Winter's Tale is one of Shakespeare's most popular comedies. The play was first published in 1623, and has since been performed worldwide with great success. It is set in Sicily, and revolves around the main character, King Leontes, who is consumed by doubts about his wife's loyalty. Jealousy drives him to plot his best friend's murder, imprison his wife and disown their unborn child. The play stretches over a period of sixteen long years during which Leontes realises his mistakes, and he is finally reunited with his estranged wife and daughter. Includes a QR code for the FREE audiobook! The easy-to-read narrative and comic-style illustrations are a great way to introduce children and students to the story before approaching the original texts.

Louisa May Alcott's timeless text, illustrated with movie stills from Greta Gerwig's star-studded film adaptation is perfect for a holiday gift Readers have been falling for the March family for over 150 years, and Greta Gerwig's film adaptation is bringing the childhood classic to the big screen for a new generation of fans in 2019. Illustrated throughout with movie stills from the production-starring Saoirse Ronan, Emma Watson, Timothee Chalamet, Laura Dern, Meryl Streep, Bob Odenkirk, and Chris Cooper-this edition of Little Women tells the timeless story of sisters Meg, Jo, Beth, and Amy as they navigate hardship and adventure in post-Civil War Concord, Massachusetts.

Black Beauty is a perennial children's favourite, one which has never been out of print since its publication in 1877. It is a moralistic tale of the life of the horse related in the form of an autobiography, describing the world through the eyes of the creature. In taking this anthropomorphic approach, the author Anna Sewell broke new literary ground and her effective storytelling ability makes it very easy for the reader to accept the premise that a horse is recounting the exploits in the narrative. The gentle thoroughbred, Black Beauty, is raised with care and is treated well until a vicious groom injures him. The damaged horse is then sold to various masters at whose hands he experiences cruelty and neglect. After many unpleasant episodes, including one where he becomes a painfully overworked cab horse in London, Black Beauty finally canters towards a happy ending. Although Anna Sewell's classic is set firmly in the Victorian period, its message is universal and timeless: animals will serve humans well if they are treated with consideration and kindness. There have been many film and television adaptations of the story, but it is only the novel that captures the authentic voice of the central character.

A beautifully packaged collection of Tove Jansson's classic Moomin artwork showcased alongside warm, witty and mindful quotes from the original books and characters. Packed full of stunning artwork from the Moomin archive including book covers, illustrations and a detailed map of Moominvalley, this book is a wonderful introduction to the magical world of the Moomins and a must-have for any Moomin fan. Printed on sturdy, high-quality A4 card, each picture can be pulled out and framed, or the book can be read from start to finish to give a history of the Moomins and their unique world. Tove Jansson's art, creative vision and philosophy have led her to become one of the world's most treasured children's authors and illustrators. Born in Helsinki to artist parents, she worked as a celebrated artist, author, and political cartoonist, but she is best known as the creator of the Moomins, the charming and quirky inhabitants of Moominvalley whose lives are filled with adventure, warmth and kindness. Publishing to celebrate the 75th anniversary of the creation of the Moomins, this gorgeous gift book is peppered with inspirational quotes and additional info alongside the artwork, and will appeal to collectors and new fans alike.

An illustrated adaptation of Sir Arthur Conan Doyle's classic Sherlock Holmes mystery - at an easy-to-read level for readers of all ages! Also includes a QR code for the free audiobook! 'This is not danger. It is definite destruction. Even with all your cleverness, you do not realise it. You must stand clear, Mr Holmes, or you will be crushed underfoot.' Holmes is facing a problem - a big one. He's on the tail of his most dangerous criminal to date, Professor Moriarty. But it seems that the professor is one step ahead. Can the detective unwind Moriarty's web of crime before it's too late? Or could this really be Holmes' last case?

Little Nell Trent's childhood is over. Her grandfather's mind is failing, his dark secret makes him sad and distracted, and he has nobody to care for him but Nell. The grotesque Daniel Quilp is out to cause trouble. What plans does he hatch with the dreadful Sampson and Sally Brass? What use can he hope to make of the foolish Dick Swiveller? Is Nell's one true friend, Kit, a match for Quilp's villainous mind? Nell and her grandfather must disappear or be separated forever, and so they begin their lives as beggars. When a mysterious gentleman arrives in London, determined to track them down, it becomes a race against time and against the evil of Quilp. Can Little Nell keep her grandfather safe? Who will protect Nell? Will the mysterious gentleman find them before it is too late?

An adapted and illustrated edition of the Russian classic, at an easy-to-read level for all ages! Pierre is nothing like his confident, handsome friend Andrei. He is awkward and shy - and when his father dies and leaves Pierre a vast fortune, suddenly very popular. As war rages on the edges of Moscow and the charming young Natasha catches the eye of both friends, Pierre must decide what he wants and who he is. Can Pierre finally find happiness, and will Natasha decide where her heart truly lies? About The Easy Classics Epic Collection: From the dazzling ballrooms of St. Petersburg to the blazing war-torn streets of Moscow, children can now experience the famous, epic Russian stories. Suitably adapted and illustrated for children aged 7+.

A fully revitalized edition of the 1926 classic, featuring full-color versions of the original illustrations by E.H. Shepherd. A great gift for children and readers of any age! Winnie the Pooh has enchanted readers of all ages for nearly one hundred years with its relatable, heartwarming adventures that follow the famously friendly and lovable teddy bear. In this classic collection, Winnie navigates the Hundred Acre Wood with Christopher Robin, Eeyore, Piglet, Owl, and Rabbit, learning the true meaning of friendship and the value of accepting everyone exactly as they are. Now you can own the original 1926 classic by A. A. Milne with all of the illustrations fully colorized by Diego Jourdan Pereira, which bring new life to these time-honored and beloved tales. This beautiful edition is great for bedtime or any time, and is the perfect addition to any bookshelf for readers both young and old.

An adapted and illustrated edition of Jane Austen's romantic classic - at an easy-to-read level for all ages! All Catherine wants is to be like the heroines in the books she reads. On her first trip away from home, she finally gets her chance. A new friendship and a growing love lead her to the spooky Northanger Abbey. There Catherine will find that a little imagination can cause a lot of trouble. About Jane Austen Children's Stories: From the gardens of Pemberley to the spooky halls of Northanger Abbey, join some of literature's most iconic heroines on their path to self-discovery and true love. An adaptation of Jane Austen's famous stories, illustrated to introduce children aged 7+ to the classics.