The World's Greatest Books — Volume 04 — Fiction

This volume assembles a remarkable cross‑section of nineteenth‑century fiction, bringing together the first chapters of celebrated novels that have shaped literary history. From the domestic dramas of George Eliot to the satirical wit of Henry Fielding, the selections introduce listeners to a broad palette of voices, settings and themes. Each work is presented in its original opening, letting you step directly into the worlds that once captivated readers across Europe.

The anthology opens with Georg Ebers’ historical romance, “An Egyptian Princess.” A lavish procession winds toward Babylon, carrying Nitetis, daughter of the Egyptian king, to meet her Persian groom, Cambyses. The scene swirls with vibrant detail—golden‑haired princes, ex‑king Croesus, and the tension of two great cultures colliding. As Nitetis navigates the court’s opulence and power struggles, the narrative promises a blend of personal intrigue and grand historical backdrop, inviting listeners to explore a richly imagined ancient world.