Born and educated in Dublin, Ireland, William Butler Yeats (1865-1939) discovered early in his literary career a fascination with Irish folklore and the occult. Later awarded the Nobel Prize for Literature in 1923, Yeats produced a vast collection of stories, songs, and poetry of Ireland's historical and legendary past. The Celtic Twilight includes forty-two Celtic folklore tales, and Yeats makes no secret of his fascination and even belief in the world of the occult and the existence of faeries. Yeats' passion in these tales comes forth through the pages and adds a new dimension to these age-old tales. Though the stories are short in length, there is no scarcity of depth.
Born and educated in Dublin, Ireland, William Butler Yeats (1865-1939) discovered early in his literary career a fascination with Irish folklore and the occult. Later awarded the…
First published in 1959, “The Measure of a Man” is a collection of two influential sermons given by Martin Luther King, Jr. at the first National Conference on Christian Education of the United Church of Christ at Purdue University in August 1958. The two sermons, “What is Man?” and “The Dimensions of a Complete Life”, were printed together and published as “The Measure of a Man” by the Christian Education Press with the consent of King the following year. These sermons reflect ideas that King first began to develop during his days in the seminary and address what King believed to be “one of the most important questions confronting any generation”. He argued that the answer to what precisely made us human and different from other animals was complicated as we are biological beings, but also beings of spirit and thought. King argued that while we are made in the image of God and thus have a connection to the divine and perfect, we are also sinners in need of divine grace from God, our Creator. King’s sermons are as thought-provoking and inspiring now as when he gave them and remain an important addition to his body of work.
First published in 1959, “The Measure of a Man” is a collection of two influential sermons given by Martin Luther King, Jr. at the first National Conference on Christian Education…
Uncle Wiggily Longears is one of the most beloved and enduring characters of children’s literature. The creation of American author Howard R. Garis, the charming Uncle Wiggily is an elderly rabbit who uses a crutch to get around and often visits with and helps his many friends and neighbors, such as his nephew and niece Sammie and Susie Littletail, Dr. Possum, Jennie Chipmunk, Dottie and Willie Lambkin, the friendly bear cubs Neddie and Beckie Stubtail, and many more. The first Uncle Wiggily tale appeared in 1910 in the “Newark News” and Garis continued to publish a story of the adventures of the lovable rabbit and his animal friends six days a week for over 52 years. Uncle Wiggily is clever and brave in these entertaining tales, often there in time to lend a hand to his friends and help them fend off bullies and villains, such as the troublesome Pipsisewah, his sidekick Skeezicks, and the outrageous Scuttlemagoon, all intent on mischief. These engaging stories with their interesting cast of characters have captivated children for decades and remain widely read and enjoyed the world over a century later they first appeared. “Uncle Wiggily’s Story Book” collects thirty-six of Garis’ most popular Uncle Wiggily stories together.
Uncle Wiggily Longears is one of the most beloved and enduring characters of children’s literature. The creation of American author Howard R. Garis, the charming Uncle Wiggily is…
First published in 1923, “Emily of New Moon” is the first of three novels in a series by Lucy Maud Montgomery, the author of famous “Anne of Green Gables” books. The story centers around the life of Emily Starr, a young orphan who is raised by relatives after her father dies of tuberculosis. Montgomery based the character of Emily on her own true-life story and often remarked that her personality and that of the Canadian orphan were very similar. Emily is sent to live with her aunts and cousin at New Moon Farm on Prince Edward Island. There many challenges await her, but also wonderful friends and adventures. Emily struggles to fit into this unexpected and unique place, but discovers she has a lot in common with her new friends. Readers, both young and old alike, will find much to relate to as Emily and her friends face opposition from their families in their wish to follow their dreams and utilize their talents. “Emily of New Moon” was a critical and commercial success when it was first published and endures as a beloved and engaging story of self-discovery and friendship. This edition includes a biographical afterword.
First published in 1923, “Emily of New Moon” is the first of three novels in a series by Lucy Maud Montgomery, the author of famous “Anne of Green Gables” books. The story centers…
First published in 1921, “Rilla of Ingleside” is the sixth book written in the “Anne of Green Gables” saga by Lucy Maud Montgomery. While it was published sixth, “Rilla of Ingleside” is the eighth book chronologically in the series and focuses on Anne’s youngest daughter, fifteen-year-old Bertha Marilla “Rilla” Blythe. Set against the back drop of the First World War, Rilla begins the book carefree with little interest or concern for anything other than having fun. However, soon the war begins and Rilla finds herself left anxiously home alone with her parents while her sisters are away at college and her brothers are off fighting the war. Rilla matures quickly and begins to organize the junior Red Cross in her village and takes on the responsibility of mothering a newborn baby whose mother has died while the father is away at war. More serious in tone than many of the other “Anne of Green Gables” books, Rilla’s story is a realistic and insightful saga of what life was like for those left at home trying to maintain normalcy and stability during wartime. “Rilla of Ingleside” is a touching and emotionally satisfying volume in Montgomery’s popular and well-loved series. This edition includes a biographical afterword.
First published in 1921, “Rilla of Ingleside” is the sixth book written in the “Anne of Green Gables” saga by Lucy Maud Montgomery. While it was published sixth, “Rilla of…
First published in 1860, “Running a Thousand Miles for Freedom”, by William and Ellen Craft, is the fascinating true story of their escape from slavery in Georgia. Ellen was born into slavery in 1826 in Clinton, Georgia. As a result of her mother being a mixed-race slave and her father being a wealthy white plantation master, Ellen closely resembled her white half-siblings. William Craft was also born in Georgia and first met Ellen when he was 16 and he was sold to settle his owner’s gambling debt. The pair married a few years later and planned their escape so they could raise a family. In 1848, Ellen posed as a white male planter and William as her personal servant and the pair travelled openly by train and steamboat to Philadelphia. Their bold escape was widely publicized and became a popular story. Sadly, the Crafts came to fear for their safety and freedom when the Fugitive Slave Act was passed in 1850 and the couple moved to England, where they went on to have five children. Their thrilling tale of bravery and determination continues to be a compelling story of race, class, and gender in nineteenth-century America.
First published in 1860, “Running a Thousand Miles for Freedom”, by William and Ellen Craft, is the fascinating true story of their escape from slavery in Georgia. Ellen was born…
American journalist and satirist Ambrose Bierce is one of the most famous and fascinating figures in all of American literature. He led an adventurous and eventful life, beginning with his birth in a log cabin, to his time as a Civil War soldier, followed by his career as an author and journalist, to finally his mysterious disappearance during the Mexican Revolution at age 71. Bierce is perhaps best known for his short stories about the American Civil War, which influenced authors such as Ernest Hemingway and Stephen Crane. He was also an accomplished horror story writer, whose work inspired the tales of H. P. Lovecraft. Bierce’s gift for story-telling is exemplified by his famous “An Occurrence at Owl Creek Bridge”, which is the story of Peyton Farquhar, a Confederate sympathizer condemned to die by hanging upon the Owl Creek Bridge. It is one of the most anthologized of American short stories and showcases his cutting wit and talent for irony and surprise. This story, along with numerous others, is collected in this representative edition of “The Collected Short Stories of Ambrose Bierce”. This edition includes a biographical afterword.
American journalist and satirist Ambrose Bierce is one of the most famous and fascinating figures in all of American literature. He led an adventurous and eventful life, beginning…
Written in 1542 and first published in 1552, “A Short Account of the Destruction of the Indies” by Bartolome de Las Casas, a Dominican friar, is a moving and shocking account of the atrocities and mistreatment suffered by the indigenous people of South America under Spanish colonial rule. Bartolome de Las Casas, believed to have been born in 1484, immigrated to the island of Hispaniola in the Caribbean from Spain in 1502 with his father and was ordained as a priest in 1510. His work with the Church gave him a startling glimpse into the cruelty and inhumanity that the native peoples were subjected to by the powerful Spaniards. Bartolome de Las Casas was determined to advocate for these oppressed people and traveled back and forth between Spain and the New World several times to bring the plight of the indigenous peoples to the attention of the King. Bartolome de Las Casas documented the ravages of the disease and greed the Spanish brought with them across the sea. “A Short Account of the Destruction of the Indies” is an important and remarkable work, as well as the earliest documentation of a concerted effort to advocate for better and more humane treatment of the native people of the New World.
Written in 1542 and first published in 1552, “A Short Account of the Destruction of the Indies” by Bartolome de Las Casas, a Dominican friar, is a moving and shocking account of…
First published in 1917 and the fifth novel in the “Anne of Green Gables” saga by Lucy M. Montgomery, “Anne’s House of Dreams” begins with Anne’s wedding to her childhood sweetheart Gilbert Blythe and chronicles the early days of their married life together. Shortly following their marriage in the Green Gables orchard at the beginning of the novel, the couple moves into their “house of dreams” at Four Winds Point and Gilbert begins to take over his uncle’s medical practice. As the happy young couple settle into their new life together they meet many interesting characters, such as Captain Jim, an old sailor who maintains the lighthouse, Ms. Cornelia Bryant, an aging spinster who never hesitates to speak her mind, and the lonely and bitter Leslie, whose cruel husband, Dick Moore, returned brain damaged and helpless from a long voyage at sea. The novel follows Anne, Gilbert and their new friends and neighbors for two years through heartbreak, tragedy, unexpected surprises, and eventually happiness and triumph. “Anne’s House of Dreams” is a beautiful and touching installment in the treasured saga of Lucy M. Montgomery’s most popular and well-loved character. This edition includes a biographical afterword.
First published in 1917 and the fifth novel in the “Anne of Green Gables” saga by Lucy M. Montgomery, “Anne’s House of Dreams” begins with Anne’s wedding to her childhood…
Published in 1890 under the pseudonym Nellie Bly, “Around the World in Seventy-Two Days” is the true account by journalist Elizabeth Jane Cochran of her daring trip around the world. Inspired by Jules Verne’s book “Around the World in Eighty Days”, Bly proposed to her newspaper editor that she undertake a similar adventure. On November 14, 1889, she boarded a steamer ship in New York with the goal of completing her journey in 75 days. Travelling with very little, Bly journeyed first to England and then on across Europe and Asia by ship and train. Bly was able to send many brief updates by telegraph and sent longer letters by post that often took weeks to reach New York. A rival newspaper, the “Cosmopolitan”, sent a reporter of their own in the opposite direction to try and beat Bly, which Bly only learned of once she arrived in Hong Kong. While Bly had been delayed in Asia, she arrived back in New York nearly three days ahead of schedule and completed her amazing odyssey to worldwide amazement. The tale of her bold adventure remains an exciting and fascinating account of a woman who dared convention and succeeded.
Published in 1890 under the pseudonym Nellie Bly, “Around the World in Seventy-Two Days” is the true account by journalist Elizabeth Jane Cochran of her daring trip around the…
The third novel in the “Anne of Green Gables” saga, Lucy M. Montgomery’s “Anne of the Island” first debuted in 1915. The plucky young Anne Shirley is now all grown up into a smart beautiful young woman. Having left the environs of Avonlea, where she was employed as a teacher in the preceding novel, “Anne of Avonlea”, Anne is off to pursue her dream of obtaining a college degree at Redmond College in Nova Scotia. She is joined there by childhood friends Gilbert Blythe and Charlie Sloane, both whom have affections for Anne, and by her good friend from Queen’s Academy, Priscilla Grant. Along with old friends there are new ones in the beautiful but frivolous Philippa Gordon, and the darkly handsome and poetic Roy Gardner. “Anne of the Island”, which follows Anne through all four years of college, is the story of how a young woman’s idealized notions of romance are replaced by a mature sensibility of what love really is. This edition includes a biographical afterword.
The third novel in the “Anne of Green Gables” saga, Lucy M. Montgomery’s “Anne of the Island” first debuted in 1915. The plucky young Anne Shirley is now all grown up into a smart…
First published in “Cornhill Magazine” in 1878, “Daisy Miller” is Henry James’ novella which concerns the courtship of its titular character, the beautiful young American girl Daisy Miller. While travelling in Europe with her family, Daisy is taken by the delightfulness of the continent, which unlike her brother, she finds superior to their hometown of Schenectady, New York. Her brother introduces her to Frederick Winterbourne, whom she agrees to visit the Ch?teau de Chillon with, drawing the disapproval of her family. Daisy further rejects the social conventions of the American expatriate community as she becomes increasingly intimate with Giovanelli, a young Italian of a lower class. Through the portrayal of Daisy, James seeks to contrast the differing attitudes of Europeans and Americans at the end of the 19th century, a theme he would revisit throughout his literary career. “Daisy Miller” was Henry James’ first real literary success, one which would bring him immediate and widespread popularity, and which remains to this day as one of his most popular works. This edition includes an introduction by Martin W. Sampson and a biographical afterword.
First published in “Cornhill Magazine” in 1878, “Daisy Miller” is Henry James’ novella which concerns the courtship of its titular character, the beautiful young American girl…
First published serially from 1847 to 1848, “Vanity Fair” is William Makepeace Thackeray’s most famous work in which the author reflects his interest in deconstructing the notions of literary heroism of his era. It is the story of Becky Sharp and Amelia Sedley, who have just completed their studies at Miss Pinkerton’s Academy for Young Ladies and are beginning to embark upon the world. The simple-minded nature of Amelia, who comes from a wealthy family, is contrasted with the strong-willed nature of Becky, who will stop at nothing to climb the social ranks of English society. The novel takes its name from John Bunyan’s Pilgrim’s Progress, one of the most famous work of Thackeray’s day, in which a town called Vanity is depicted to represent man’s sinful attachment to worldly things. Set against the backdrop of the Napoleonic Wars, “Vanity Fair” is Thackeray’s classic satire of the societal trappings of Victorian England, self described as a novel without a hero. This edition includes an introduction by John Edwin Wells, illustrations by Charles Crombie, and a biographical afterword.
First published serially from 1847 to 1848, “Vanity Fair” is William Makepeace Thackeray’s most famous work in which the author reflects his interest in deconstructing the notions…
First published in 1895, “The King in Yellow” is a collection of short stories by Robert W. Chambers for which the author is best known. The title of the collection refers to a fictional forbidden play referenced in the first four of the stories of the collection which induces its readers to madness. The remainder of the stories of this volume have a less eerie tone and are written in the romantic fiction style common to Chambers’ later work. “The King in Yellow” is a prominent example of the type of weird fiction which would become increasingly popular near the end of 19th and first part of the 20th century. It is specifically cited as a prominent influence on the work of H. P. Lovecraft. The ten stories which comprise this volume are as follows: “The Repairer of Reputations”, “The Mask”, “In the Court of the Dragon”, “The Yellow Sign”, “The Demoiselle d’Ys”, “The Prophets’ Paradise”, “The Street of the Four Winds”, “The Street of the First Shell”, “The Street of Our Lady of the Fields” and “Rue Barr?e”. This edition includes a foreword by Rupert Hughes.
First published in 1895, “The King in Yellow” is a collection of short stories by Robert W. Chambers for which the author is best known. The title of the collection refers to a…
Dante Alighieri was born in Florence, Italy in the middle of the 13th century and what is principally known of him comes from his own writings. One of the world’s great literary masterpieces, “The Divine Comedy” is at its heart an allegorical tale regarding man’s search for divinity. The work is divided into three sections, “Inferno”, “Purgatorio”, and “Paradiso”, each containing thirty-three cantos. It is the narrative of a journey down through Hell, up the mountain of Purgatory, and through the revolving heavens into the presence of God. In this aspect it belongs to the two familiar medieval literary types of the Journey and the Vision, however Dante intended the work to be more than just simple allegory, layering the narrative with rich historical, moral, political, literal, and anagogical context. In order for the work to be more accessible to the common readers of his day, Dante wrote in the Italian language. This was an uncommon practice at the time for serious literary works, which would traditionally be written in Latin. One of the truly great compositions of all time, “The Divine Comedy” has inspired and influenced readers ever since its original creation. Presented here is the third volume of “The Divine Comedy” translated into English verse by Henry Wadsworth Longfellow. This edition includes an introduction by Ellen M. Mitchell.
Dante Alighieri was born in Florence, Italy in the middle of the 13th century and what is principally known of him comes from his own writings. One of the world’s great literary…
Dante Alighieri was born in Florence, Italy in the middle of the 13th century and what is principally known of him comes from his own writings. One of the world’s great literary masterpieces, “The Divine Comedy” is at its heart an allegorical tale regarding man’s search for divinity. The work is divided into three sections, “Inferno”, “Purgatorio”, and “Paradiso”, each containing thirty-three cantos. It is the narrative of a journey down through Hell, up the mountain of Purgatory, and through the revolving heavens into the presence of God. In this aspect it belongs to the two familiar medieval literary types of the Journey and the Vision, however Dante intended the work to be more than just simple allegory, layering the narrative with rich historical, moral, political, literal, and anagogical context. In order for the work to be more accessible to the common readers of his day, Dante wrote in the Italian language. This was an uncommon practice at the time for serious literary works, which would traditionally be written in Latin. One of the truly great compositions of all time, “The Divine Comedy” has inspired and influenced readers ever since its original creation. Presented here is the second volume of “The Divine Comedy” translated into English verse by Henry Wadsworth Longfellow. This edition includes an introduction by William Warren Vernon.
Dante Alighieri was born in Florence, Italy in the middle of the 13th century and what is principally known of him comes from his own writings. One of the world’s great literary…
Charlotte Perkins Gilman was an American sociologist, author, poet, and lecturer whose influential work and unorthodox lifestyle made her an icon for future generations of feminists. Much of her work criticized common perceptions of the role of women in marriage and society, and advocated for educational, financial, and cultural equality amongst the sexes. Her advocacy is exhibited in her novella “Herland”, in which she describes a utopian society composed entirely of women, who reproduce asexually, resulting in an ideal society free of conflict. The world is seen through the viewpoints of three male protagonists who have set off to find and explore this fabled land. Through this story Gilman explores the role of gender in society, implying that it is arbitrarily constructed. Also included in this volume is her most famous short story, “The Yellow Wall-Paper”, a semi-autobiographical story written by Gilman in 1890 after a severe bout of post-partum depression. The story of a woman who is driven insane after three months trapped in her home, deprived of any mental stimulation, was a direct criticism of the doctor who “treated” Gilman’s depression. An additional eighteen short stories and sixteen poems are included in this representative selection of Gilman’s work. This edition includes a biographical afterword.
Charlotte Perkins Gilman was an American sociologist, author, poet, and lecturer whose influential work and unorthodox lifestyle made her an icon for future generations of…
The second Theban play written by Sophocles, “Oedipus Rex,” or “Oedipus the King,” is the drama which chronologically begins the Oedipus cycle. After Laius, King of Thebes, learns from an oracle that he is doomed to perish by the hand of his own son, he binds the feet of his newborn child and orders his wife Jocasta to kill the infant. Unable to kill her own child, Jocasta entrusts a servant with the task instead, who takes the baby to a mountaintop to die of exposure. A passing shepherd rescues the baby and names it Oedipus, or “swollen feet”, taking it with him to Corinth where it is raised by the childless King Polybus as if it were his own. When Oedipus hears a rumor that he is not the biological son of Polybus, he seeks the counsel of the Oracle of Delphi who relates to him the prophecy of patricide. Still believing that Polybus is his father he flees Corinth thus initiating a series of events that would fulfill that which the oracle has prophesied. “Oedipus Rex,” along with its Theban counterparts, “Oedipus at Colonus,” and “Antigone,” established Sophocles as one of the most renowned dramatists of his era. This edition follows the translation of E. H. Plumptre and includes an introduction by John William White.
The second Theban play written by Sophocles, “Oedipus Rex,” or “Oedipus the King,” is the drama which chronologically begins the Oedipus cycle. After Laius, King of Thebes, learns…
First published in 1919, W. Somerset Maugham's "The Moon and Sixpence" is an episodic first person narrative based on the life of Paul Gaugin. At the center of the novel is the story of Charles Strickland, an English banker who walks away from a life of privilege, abruptly abandoning his wife and children, in order to pursue his passion to become an artist. Strickland leaves London for Paris and ultimately Tahiti, mirroring the life of Gaugin who would also split with his wife to pursue a life of painting eventually immigrating to Tahiti. The title of the novel, which is never clearly explained in the novel, comes from a review for Maugham's previous work "Of Human Bondage" in which that novel's protagonist, Philip Carey, is described as "so busy yearning for the moon that he never saw the sixpence at his feet." The moon in this sense might be seen as the lofty ambition to pursue a life of artistic expression in contrast to the sixpence which represents the security of a middle-class life style with wife and children to which the protagonist abandons. "The Moon and Sixpence" is the story of the demands that can be placed on a tortured artistic soul and consequently the lives that it touches. This edition is printed on premium acid-free paper.
First published in 1919, W. Somerset Maugham's "The Moon and Sixpence" is an episodic first person narrative based on the life of Paul Gaugin. At the center of the novel is the…
Upon original submission of “Anthem” to Macmillan publishing the book was rejected on grounds that “the author does not understand socialism.” For the harshest of Ayn Rand’s critics this might as well be an analysis of all her work. However, for those who revere Rand’s work and subscribe to her particular philosophy of objectivism this novel could be set in the present day instead of some unidentified future in which mankind has entered a dark age characterized by irrationality, collectivism, and socialistic thinking. In this dystopian novella we find a world where technological advancement is now carefully planned and the concept of individuality has been eliminated. The central characters of the story are Equality 7-2521, a free thinking inventor, and his love interest, Liberty 5-3000. Like most dystopian works, “Anthem” describes a strange and unfathomable world which could never exist. It is in the creation of this extreme world that Rand creates a parable to warn us against what she believed were the perils of socialism. What is clearly a response to the oppressiveness of the Soviet Union, “Anthem” continues to resonate with those fearful of collectivist political philosophy gone too far. This edition is printed on premium acid-free paper.
Upon original submission of “Anthem” to Macmillan publishing the book was rejected on grounds that “the author does not understand socialism.” For the harshest of Ayn Rand’s…
![Данте Алигьери - Dante's Paradiso [Translated by Henry Wadsworth Longfellow with an Introduction by Ellen M. Mitchell]](https://s1.livelib.ru/boocover/1005235042/140/ef42/Dante_Aligeri__Dante039s_Paradiso_Translated_by_Henry_Wadsworth_Longfellow_with_.jpg "Данте Алигьери - Dante's Paradiso [Translated by Henry Wadsworth Longfellow with an Introduction by Ellen M. Mitchell]")
![Данте Алигьери - Dante's Purgatorio [Translated by Henry Wadsworth Longfellow with an Introduction by William Warren Vernon]](https://s1.livelib.ru/boocover/1005234790/140/4295/Dante_Aligeri__Dante039s_Purgatorio_Translated_by_Henry_Wadsworth_Longfellow_wit.jpg "Данте Алигьери - Dante's Purgatorio [Translated by Henry Wadsworth Longfellow with an Introduction by William Warren Vernon]")
