The Bibliophile's Compass

Title : Four Beasts in One Author : Edgar Allan Poe Publication Year : 1836 Pages : 9 Rating : ⭐ Genre : Adventure, Science Fiction, Satire, Time Travel Source : eBook and audiobook @storytel.tr Opening Sentence : Antiochus Epiphanes is very generally looked upon as the Gog of the prophet Ezekiel. I was taken by surprise! “Four Beasts in One” is a time travel story by Edgar Allan Poe, where our narrator invites us to travel to Antioch in the year 3830 BC. It feels reminiscent of a Doctor Who episode, taking us on a historical documentary adventure in the ancient East. Throughout the story, he provides insight into the culture, its people, and its king. Let me tell you, readers, it’s a unique experience! I’m not entirely sure what to make of this story, except that it explains why pets and animals have been so popular and cherished in Turkey since ancient times. Have you heard about the cats of Istanbul or Turkey? The narrator observes, “Each animal, if you will take the pains ...

Title : The Nose Author : Nikolai Gogol Publication Year : 1836 Rating : ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Genre : Satire Source : Ebook @everand_us This story is utterly bonkers! I mean, we have a nose that sprouted legs and decided to live its best life, and the narrator is out here questioning the author's sanity! First, I was squirming at the thought of a nose stuck in a loaf of bread. But then, without any horror movie gore, I found myself bewildered by the sheer absurdity of it all! The plot thickens as the nose, apparently better off on its own, wanders off while the Major embarks on a wild quest to find it. I followed him from one oddball location to another, feeling like I was in a bizarre reality show. Just when I thought the universe had turned upside down, it’s like nothing ever happened—and then bam, the narrator pops back in, critiquing the poor author’s mental state! In the end, it’s as nonsensical as it is delightful! Of course, Gogol criticizes society within all this absurdity.

Title : The May-Pole of Merry Mount Author : Nathaniel Hawthorne Publication Year : 1836 Rating : ⭐⭐ Genre : Allegory Source : Ebook @everand_us I usually avoid anything that resembles an allegory because they often come with preachy morals and religious advice that feel irritating. However, this one is an exception! Why? Because it turns the tired lessons on their head and doesn't trample on people's freedom and individuality. Ironically, it also critiques free thinkers! So, where exactly does Hawthorne want us to land—on a comfortable fence? It feels like he’s trying to balance on that fence while juggling the skeletons of his Puritan ancestors, who are likely rolling their eyes from the afterlife. This piece seems like Hawthorne's version of a therapy session—he's airing out the family laundry and trying to redeem his lineage from its uptight ways.