The title piece “A Hangari Jar” tells the story of the first jar made by a young potter. Unhappy with his first effort, the potter dumps the unsightly jar in his yard. The long-abandoned jar eventually finds use as a pisspot, but is forgotten once again as the potter dies and his kiln crumbles into ruin. The jar spends years in anguish, longing for meaning and value in life. Finally, it is discovered by the potter’s son, who returns to his father’s kiln as a monk. Building a temple and bell pavilion on the ruins, the monk awards the jar its long-awaited purpose—it is buried under the bell as a resonance chamber, giving the bell a clear, ringing tone. At long last, the once forlorn jar becomes “something precious for this world.” Reminding readers that waiting is not in vain, the jar muses, “No matter whose life it is, if you go on waiting and trying . . . life’s dream will come true.” The stories in Lonesome Jar: Poetic Fables follow the travails and triumphs of such objects and animals, presenting charmingly anthropomorphized fables. “Lovebirds” tells the story of a one-winged bird that can only fly after finding his other half; “Surprise Lilies” relates a tale of two cousins turned respectively into a flower and its leaves in punishment for their forbidden love; “The Seomjingang River” gives the account of a rebellious river that finally accepts its destiny of becoming the sea. The brief yet meaningful fables offer insight into the love, patience, and relationships of our human world; with compassion for life and its challenges, they whisper to readers that to live is to love and grow together. Lonesome Jar: Poetic Fables offers twenty such gems that demonstrate Jeong’s broad and integrative worldview that spans both Buddhist and Christian traditions.

The story of Loving revolves around an unlikely heroine: a fish from a wind chime hanging beneath the eaves of Unjusa Temple’s main hall in Hwasun, Jeollanam-do. Named Blue Bubble-Eyes, this fish grows weary of her mundane routine and begins to question the love of her partner Black Bubble-Eyes. While dreaming of escaping both Unjusa Temple and her partner, Blue Bubble-Eyes unexpectedly breaks free of the wire that had kept her attached, becoming a flying fish who soars through the sky in a quest for freedom and true love. Though exciting at first, the adventure proves to be a perilous journey. After several close encounters with death, Blue Bubble-Eyes realizes that love does not come quickly and without pain. Jeong’s tender depiction of Blue Bubble-Eyes infuses the story with a deep warmth. When disheartened by adversity, Blue Bubble-Eyes pours out her heart to Unjusa Temple’s recumbent Buddhas in stirring scenes of self-reflection, gaining insight into love and the world. Her fraught process of learning resembles the meditative journey of Zen monks who follow Hua Tou, phrases that rise from encounter-dialogue with Buddhist teachers. The realistic, relatable dialogue between Blue Bubble-Eyes and the recumbent Buddhas lends a compelling touch to the narrative, making the poet’s message all the more vivid and memorable.

A close-up look at country music argues that it has become a national art form, reflecting the same themes that have characterized American art and literature over three centuries

Fiction. Young Adult. Translated by Brother Anthony of Taize. The title piece "A Hangari Jar" tells the story of the first jar made by a young potter. Unhappy with his first effort, the potter dumps the unsightly jar in his yard. The long-abandoned jar eventually finds use as a pisspot, but is forgotten once again as the potter dies and his kiln crumbles into ruin. The jar spends years in anguish, longing for meaning and value in life. Finally, it is discovered by the potter's son, who returns to his father's kiln as a monk. Building a temple and bell pavilion on the ruins, the monk awards the jar its long-awaited purpose--it is buried under the bell as a resonance chamber, giving the bell a clear, ringing tone. At long last, the once forlorn jar becomes "something precious for this world." Reminding readers that waiting is not in vain, the jar muses, "No matter whose life it is, if you go on waiting and trying...life's dream will come true." The stories in LONESOME JAR: POETIC FABLES follow the travails and triumphs of such objects and animals, presenting charmingly anthropomorphized fables. "Lovebirds" tells the story of a one-winged bird that can only fly after finding his other half; "Surprise Lilies" relates a tale of two cousins turned respectively into a flower and its leaves in punishment for their forbidden love; "The Seomjingang River" gives the account of a rebellious river that finally accepts its destiny of becoming the sea. The brief yet meaningful fables offer insight into the love, patience, and relationships of our human world; with compassion for life and its challenges, they whisper to readers that to live is to love and grow together. LONESOME JAR: POETIC FABLES offers twenty such gems that demonstrate Jeong's broad and integrative worldview that spans both Buddhist and Christian traditions.

"In the murky London gloom, a knife-wielding gentleman prowls the midnight streets with his faithful watchdog Snuff - gathering together the grisly ingredients they will need for an upcoming ancient and unearthly rite. And all manner of players, both human and undead, are preparing to participate."--Publisher.

L. M. Montgomery's 'Ultimate Collection' is a comprehensive treasury of her literary works, showcasing her talent in writing novels, short stories, poetry, letters, and autobiography. This collection includes her most famous works such as 'Anne of Green Gables Series' and 'Emily Starr Trilogy'. Montgomery's writing style is characterized by vivid descriptions, heartfelt emotions, and profound insights into human relationships, making her a beloved author of the early 20th century. Her stories often revolve around strong-willed female protagonists navigating the complexities of life in rural Canada. Montgomery's works are a blend of realism and romanticism, capturing the essence of growing up, facing challenges, and finding one's place in the world. Her writing resonates with readers of all ages, offering timeless lessons and enchanting storytelling. Montgomery's personal life experiences, love for nature, and passion for literature greatly influenced her work, leading her to become one of the most celebrated authors in Canadian literary history. 'Ultimate Collection' is a must-read for anyone seeking classic literature that is both heartwarming and thought-provoking, a true gem in the world of fiction.

Table of Contents: Novels: The Light That Failed Captain Courageous: A Story of the Grand Banks Kim The Naulahka: A Story of West and East Stalky and Co. Short Story Collections: The City of Dreadful Night Plain Tales from the Hills Soldier's Three (The Story of the Gatsby) Soldier's Three - Part II The Phantom 'Rickshaw and Other Ghost Stories Under the Deodars Wee Willie Winkie Life's Handicap Many Inventions The Jungle Book The Second Jungle Book The Day's Work Just So Stories Traffics and Discoveries Puck of Pook's Hill Actions and Reactions Abaft the Funnel Rewards and Fairies The Eyes of Asia A Diversity of Creatures Poetry Collections: Departmental Ditties Ballads and Barrack-Room Ballads The Seven Seas An Almanac of Twelve Sports The Five Nations Songs from Books The Years Between How Shakespeare Came to Write the 'Tempest' Military Collections: A Fleet in Being France at War The New Army in Training Sea Warfare The War in the Mountains The Graves of the Fallen Travel Collections American Notes From Sea to Sea Letters of Travel: 1892 - 1913 Joseph Rudyard Kipling (1865-1936) was an English short-story writer, poet, and novelist. He wrote tales and poems of British soldiers in India and stories for children. He is regarded as a major innovator in the art of the short story; his children's books are classics of children's literature; and one critic described his work as exhibiting "a versatile and luminous narrative gift."

Do you hear that train a-comin'? Comin' round the bend...? Our authors did! Step into an anthology filled with demonic trains and disastrous encounters. Ghosts, time travel, giant spiders, wagon trains, space-transport--whatever you are interested in, we've got you covered. Sit right back and enjoy the ride.

In 'The Collected Works of L. M. Montgomery', readers are treated to a comprehensive collection of 20 novels, over 170 short stories, poems, and even an autobiography. Montgomery's writing style is characterized by a lyrical quality, vivid imagery, and heartfelt storytelling that transports the reader to idyllic Prince Edward Island. Her works often explore themes of family, love, and the beauty of nature, making them timeless classics in the literary world. This collection provides a rare opportunity to delve deep into Montgomery's captivating narratives and gain a deeper understanding of her literary legacy. Readers will find themselves enthralled by the emotional depth and enchanting landscapes that Montgomery skillfully brings to life in her writings. Lucy Maud Montgomery's personal experiences, including her upbringing in Canada and struggles with mental health, undoubtedly influenced her writings. Her unique perspective and keen observation of human nature shine through in each piece, making her a beloved author for readers of all ages. 'The Collected Works of L. M. Montgomery' is a must-read for anyone who appreciates heartfelt storytelling, vivid imagery, and timeless themes that resonate with the human experience.