This collection was designed for optimal navigation on eReaders and other electronic devices. All books included in this collection feature a hyperlinked table of contents and footnotes. The collection is complimented by an author biography.Table of ContentsThe Adventurer and Idler 1753-54; 1758-60A Grammar of the English TongueA Journey to the Western Isles of Scotland 1775Lives of the English Poets: Prior, Congreve, Blackmore, Pope 1779-81Lives of the English Poets: Waller, Milton, Cowle...

This volume contains a generous selection from the essays Johnson published twice weekly as 'The Rambler' in the early 1750s. It was here that he first created the literary character and forged the distinctive prose style that established him as a public figure. Also included here is the best of Johnson's later journalism, including essays from the periodicals 'The Adventurer' and 'The Idler'.

A brief essay on the life and genius of the prolific eighteenth-century English author, followed by a selection of his poetry, letters, and a novella.Under the pen name "Dr. Johnson," English writer Samuel Johnson was a biographer, essayist, lexicographer, literary critic, moralist, playwright, poet, and travel writer. The son of a bookseller, he made so many contributions to the English language that he is regarded as one of the greatest figures of eighteenth-cent...

INCH KEITH I had desired to visit the Hebrides, or Western Islands of Scotland, so long, that I scarcely remember how the wish was originally excited; and was in the Autumn of the year 1773 induced to undertake the journey, by finding in Mr. Boswell a companion, whose acuteness would help my inquiry, and whose gaiety of conversation and civility of manners are sufficient to counteract the inconveniences of travel, in countries less hospitable than we have passed. On the eighteenth of Augus...

When the works of a great writer, who has bequeathed to posterity a lasting legacy, are presented to the world, it is naturally expected that some account of his life should accompany the edition. The reader wishes to know as much as possible of the author. The circumstances that attended him, the features of his private character, his conversation, and the means by which he arose to eminence, become the favourite objects of inquiry. Curiosity is excited; and the admirer of his works is ea...

William Shakespeare Complete Works World's Best CollectionThis is the world’s best William Shakespeare collection, including the most complete set of Shakespeare’s works available plus many free bonus materials.William ShakespeareShakespeare is the first name we think of when we think of English literature. His works have an absolutely timeless quality.The ‘Must-Have’ Complete CollectionIn this irres...

Samuel Johnson and James Boswell spent the autumn of 1773 touring through the Lowlands and Highlands of Scotland as far west as the islands of Skye, Raasay, Coll, Mull, Inchkenneth and Iona. Both kept detailed notes of their impressions, and later published separate accounts of their journey. These works contain some of the finest pieces of travel writing ever produced: they are also magnificent historical documents as well as portraits of two extraordinary men of letters. Together they pa...

The Wit and Wisdom of Samuel JohnsonThis is the world’s best Samuel Johnson quotes collection, including the wittiest and most poignant words from the man known as one of the most quoted men in the English language (second only to Shakespeare).Plus, included is a short biography of the amazing man’s unique and unbelievable life. Johnson is known for his amazing wordplay, his creation of the first ever English dictionary, and his sharp, biting, satiric humor...

The story revolves around the character of Rasselas, the prince of Abyssinia (an ancient kingdom in what is now modern-day Ethiopia). Rasselas grows weary of his life of luxury and seclusion in the Happy Valley, a utopian place where he has been confined with other members of the royal family. Despite being surrounded by material comfort, Rasselas feels dissatisfied and longs for a deeper understanding of the meaning of life.Driven by this restlessness, Rasselas and his companions set out ...

The Library of Alexandria is an independent small business publishing house. We specialize in bringing back to live rare, historical and ancient Books. This includes manuscripts such as: classical fiction, philosophy, science, Religion, folklore, mythology, history, literature, politics and sacred texts, in addition to Secret and esoteric subjects, such as: occult, freemasonry, alchemy, hermetic, shamanism and ancient knowledge. Our Books are available in digital format. We have approximat...

THAT praises are without reason lavished on the dead, and that the honours due only to excellence are paid to antiquity, is a complaint likely to be always continued by those, who, being able to add nothing to truth, hope for eminence from the heresies of paradox; or those, who, being forced by disappointment upon consolatory expedients, are willing to hope from posterity what the present age refuses, and flatter themselves that the regard which is yet denied by envy, will be at last besto...

'What then is to be done? said Rasselas; the more we inquire, the less we can resolve.' Rasselas and his companions escape the pleasures of the 'happy valley' in order to make their 'choice of life'. By witnessing the misfortunes and miseries of others they may come to understand the nature of happiness, and value it more highly. Their travels and enquiries raise important practical and philosophical questions concerning many aspects of the human condition, including the b...