Thomas-Alexandre Dumas (Entry 386.DA1125)

The novel begins in 1866 when ships of various nationalities report sightings of a mysterious sea monster. Professor Pierre Aronnax, a French marine biologist, his servant Conseil, and Canadian harpooner Ned Land join an expedition to find and destroy the monster. They discover that the 'monster' is actually a futuristic submarine called the Nautilus, commanded by Captain Nemo. The story follows their year-long underwater adventures as they visit various oceanic regions, including the Antarctic ice barrier, the Red Sea, and the South Pole. The novel explores themes of technological innovation, scientific discovery, and Captain Nemo's quest for revenge against terrestrial civilization.

The Black Count by Tom Reiss tells the fascinating true story of General Thomas-Alexandre Dumas, a black man who rose to become one of the highest-ranking military officers in the Western world during the French Revolution. The book explores themes of racial equality, military leadership, and the impact of Napoleon's rise to power on Dumas's life. It also delves into how Dumas inspired his son Alexandre Dumas's famous novels, such as 'The Count of Monte Cristo'.

The novel tells the story of Count Dracula, a vampire who moves from Transylvania to England to spread terror and create more vampires. The story begins with Jonathan Harker, an English solicitor, who travels to Transylvania to finalize the sale of a property to Count Dracula. Upon discovering Dracula's true nature, Harker barely escapes with his life. Dracula then travels to England, where he targets Harker's fiancée, Mina, and her friend Lucy. A group of characters, including Professor Van Helsing, Dr. John Seward, and Quincey Morris, band together to hunt down and destroy Dracula. The novel explores themes of good vs. evil, modernity vs. tradition, and the fears and anxieties of the Victorian era, including immigration, sexual desire, and the role of women in society.