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1Penguin Island

By Anatole France

The novel (original French title -- L'Île des Pingouins) is a satire on human nature. The first publication was in 1908. These penguins are mistaken for humans by the 97-year-old priest, Father Mael, because of his bad eyesight. He baptizes them, and once baptized, they have no choice but to become human. They take on human traits (build civilizations, go to war, etc.). The book is very funny and powerful. (Summary by Michael)

2French Mediaeval Romances from the Lays of Marie de France

By Marie de France

The tales included in this little book of translations are derived mainly from the "Lays" of Marie de France. I do not profess them to be a complete collection of her stories in verse. The ascription varies. Poems which were included in her work but yesterday are withdrawn to-day, and new matter suggested by scholars to take the place of the old. I believe it to be, however, a far fuller version of Marie's "Lays" than has yet appeared, to my knowledge, in English. Marie's poems are concerned chiefly with love. To complete my book I have added two famous mediaeval stories on the same excellent theme. This, then, may be regarded as a volume of French romances, dealing, generally, with one aspect of mediaeval life. (Summary by Eugene Mason, from his preface to Lays of Marie de France)

3Thais

By Anatole France

The fourth century ascetic Paphnuce, journeys from his remote desert hermitage to urban Alexandria determined to locate the stunningly beautiful and libertine actress, Thais. He earnestly desires that she convert to Christianity. Gaining an audience by deception, the hermit passionately speaks to the actress of eternity. Remarkably, Thais repents and retires to a convent for the rest of her days. The hermit however, cannot rid his mind of her charms, not even with the help of the most severe austerities. After years of anguish the monk learns of Thais' immanent demise and hastens to her side. There he confesses the unspeakable. (Summary by Rom Maczka)

4Revolt of the Angels

By Anatole France

Anatole France, in his satirical and allegorical fashion, weaves a tale of fantasy which finds a mischievous guardian angel stealing books from his earthly charge, who happens to be an archbishop in possession of a plethora of literature, mostly theological in nature. After voracious reading and then becoming a "fallen" angel, he decides to search for and recruit other "fallen" angels who devise a plan to attempt an overthrow of the rule which had set their fate, realizing that revolt is necessary and inevitable. What follows is preparation for a battle to revenge what has befallen them (and mankind itself). But surprises find their way into the plans, as well as the question that if they win the war, what will change? - Summary by Roger Melin

5Gods are Athirst

By Anatole France

The Gods Are Athirst (French: Les dieux ont soif, also translated as The Gods Are Thirsty or The Gods Will Have Blood) is a 1912 novel by Anatole France. <br /><br /> The story follows the young Parisian painter Évariste Gamelin, who rises speedily from his humble beginnings to a member of the Revolutionary Tribunal in the second and third year of the French Revolution. In brilliant prose, Anatole France describes how Évariste's idealism turns into fanaticism, and he allows more and more heads to roll and blood to flow, placing himself and those he loves into ever greater danger. - Summary by Wikipedia and Carolin

6Honey-Bee

By Anatole France

A sweet fairy-tale, Honey-Bee tells the story of two children raised as brother and sister, but who are not. One day they venture out to find the lake where the nixies dwell, though they are forbidden to do so. On this ill-fated journey, young George is kidnapped by the nixies and little Honey-Bee is captured by the dwarves. The tale tells of their seven years in captivity, and has some lessons on morality and love. - Summary by Kate Follis

7Crime of Sylvestre Bonnard

By Anatole France

Noted historian sets out to locate and research a rare manuscript: the French version of -- "The Golden Legend" -- and meets the daughter of a woman he once loved. Complications follow. - Summary by David Crosby