Henry van Dyke Bücher

«Ihr kennt die Geschichte der drei Weisen aus dem Morgenland, wie sie aus fernen Landen kamen, um ihre Gaben an der Krippe zu Bethlehem zu opfern. Habt Ihr aber jemals die Geschichte von dem anderen Weisen gehört, der auch den Stern aufgehen sah und sich aufmachte, ihm zu folgen, aber nicht mit seinen Brüdern bei dem kleinen Jesuskinde eintraf? Und habt ihr von dem glühenden Wunsch dieses vierten Pilgers gehört, von dem Wunsch, der ihm versagt blieb und dennoch in der Versagung erfüllt wurde? Und auch von seinen vielen Pilgerfahrten und Seelenprüfungen, von dem langen Weg seines Suchens und von der wunderbaren Fügung, die ihn zu dem führte, den er gesucht hatte? Laßt mich die Geschichte erzählen, so, wie ich Bruchstücke davon in der Halle der Träume, in dem Palast des Menschenherzens Gehört habe.»

Exploring the thrill of outdoor sports, particularly fishing, this collection of essays reflects on nature, spirituality, and the human experience. Van Dyke's lyrical prose invites readers to journey through serene landscapes, capturing the beauty of nature and the angler's craft. Each piece is infused with a sense of awe and love for the natural world, offering philosophical musings on patience, resilience, and the quest for inner peace. This contemplative writing encourages a reconnection with the simplicity and tranquility of the outdoors, contrasting modern life's complexities.

Reflecting on nature and travel, Henry van Dyke's essays offer profound spiritual insights drawn from his experiences. Published in 1921, this collection serves as a source of inspiration and guidance, akin to campfires and guide-posts for wanderers. His poetic prose invites readers to explore the beauty of the world and find deeper meaning in their journeys.

Originally published over a century ago, this classical work holds significant historical importance. Alpha Editions has undertaken the preservation of this text by republishing it in a modern format, ensuring its accessibility for current and future generations. The book has been meticulously reformatted, retyped, and designed, offering a clear and readable presentation that avoids the issues often found in scanned copies of original works.

Set on Christmas Eve in 722, the narrative paints a serene and enchanting landscape along the Moselle River. Snow-covered meadows and mystical rose-covered hills create a picturesque scene under a soft azure sky. The imposing cloister of Pfalzel stands as a focal point, bathed in hues of gray and purple. A profound stillness envelops the area, enhancing the atmosphere as nature seems to pause in anticipation, with the gentle murmur of the river echoing down the valley, inviting contemplation and wonder.

The preservation of classical literature is highlighted in this modern reissue of a historically significant work. Efforts have been made to ensure clarity and readability, with the text being reformatted and retyped rather than scanned. This edition aims to keep the work accessible for both present and future generations, emphasizing its importance throughout human history.

A lost midcentury classic—the farcical misadventures of a queer Black teen sharing a house with two adoptive mothers, a lascivious cook, and a reticent ghost. In a small Michigan town, in the late 1950s, the widow Etta Klein—wealthy and Jewish—has for more than thirty years relied for aid, comfort, and companionship on her Black housekeeper Harriet Gibbs. Between “Aunt Harry” and Etta, a relationship has developed that is closer than a friendship, yet not quite a marriage. They are inseparable, at once absurdly unequal and defined by a comic codependence. Forever mourning the early death of her favorite son, Sargent, Etta has all but adopted Aunt Harry’s nephew, the precocious, gay seventeen-year-old Oliver, who has been raised by both women. Oliver is facing down his departure to college—and fending off the advances of Etta’s cook, Nella Mae—when the household is disrupted by the arrival of a self-proclaimed “warlock,” one Maurice LeFleur, who has convinced Etta and Harry that he might be able to contact Sargent in the afterlife . . . Ladies of the Rachmaninoff Eyes was the debut of the extraordinary Henry Van Dyke, whose witty and outrageous novels look back to the sparkling, elaborate comedies of Ronald Firbank and forward to postmodern burlesques like Fran Ross’s Oreo. There is nothing else quite like them in American fiction.

Exploring the transformative power of love and the complexities of human emotions, this work delves into the lives of characters navigating personal desires and societal expectations. The narrative intertwines themes of passion, sacrifice, and the search for meaning, set against a backdrop of rich, evocative prose. Van Dyke's insightful observations on the nature of relationships and the human spirit invite readers to reflect on their own passions and the choices that define them.

Set against the backdrop of the Christmas season, this short story explores the origins of the first Christmas tree through a charming legend. It reflects themes of hope and joy, characteristic of Henry Van Dyke's inspirational storytelling. As an American author and clergyman, Van Dyke infuses the narrative with a sense of spirituality, making it a heartwarming tale suitable for the holiday spirit.

Set in a serene yet eerie nighttime atmosphere, a young boy lies awake in his bed, captivated by thoughts of a mysterious Stranger and the tales he tells. The rhythmic ticking of the clock and the whispering wind outside create a sense of anticipation as the moonlight dances through the clouds, illuminating the room. This enchanting setting invites readers to explore the boy's imagination and the allure of storytelling amidst the tranquil yet restless backdrop of night.