Locke and Rousseau, if in different ways and different degrees, accepted the idea of the Social Contract: Hume, more historically minded, and more conservative in his convictions, was its critic. His sceptical intellect led him to approach political theories - the theory of divine right as well as the theory of Social Contract, but more especially the latter - with a touch of acid realism, which was mingled with a half-ironical suavity. 'There is something,' he seems to say, 'in your diffe...

In the realm of sound, where vibrations dance and melodies soar, Sir William Henry Bragg invites you on an extraordinary journey. "The World of Sound" unveils the captivating secrets of acoustics, from the gentle hum of a tuning fork to the thunderous roar of an orchestra. Through vivid prose and illuminating experiments, Bragg explores the nature of sound waves, their propagation, and their interaction with the human ear. Discover the science behind musical instruments, the principles of ...

"The Netherworld of Mendip" is a captivating exploration of the intricate cave systems and geological wonders found in the Mendip Hills of England. Authored by Ernest A. Baker and H. E. Balch, the book delves into the rich history and natural beauty of this unique landscape. It combines scientific insights with vivid descriptions, making it an essential read for both caving enthusiasts and nature lovers. The authors' passion for the subject shines through, inviting readers to appreciate th...

At the Mountains of Madness is a novella by horror writer H. P. Lovecraft, written in February/March 1931 and originally serialized in the February, March and April 1936 issues of Astounding Stories. It has been reproduced in numerous collections since Lovecraft's death. Lovecraft scholar S. T. Joshi describes the novella as representing the decisive "demythology" of the Cthulhu Mythos by reinterpreting Lovecraft's earlier supernatural stories in a science fiction paradigm.

On an expedition to Antarctica, Professor William Dyer and his colleagues discover the remains of ancient half-vegetable, half-animal life-forms. The extremely early date in the geological strata is surprising because of the highly-evolved features found in these previously unknown life-forms. Through a series of dark revelations, violent episodes, and misunderstandings, the group learns of Earth’s secret history and legacy.At the Mountains of Madness is a very good introduction to...

The Two Treatises of Government (or "Two Treatises of Government: In the Former, The False Principles and Foundation of Sir Robert Filmer, And His Followers, are Detected and Overthrown. The Latter is an Essay concerning The True Original, Extent, and End of Civil-Government") is a work of political philosophy published anonymously in 1689 by John Locke. The First Treatise attacks patriarchalism in the form of sentence-by-sentence refutation of Robert Filmer's Patriarcha and the Second Tre...

'Man was born free, and everywhere he is in chains.'These are the famous opening words of a treatise that has stirred vigorous debate ever since its first publication in 1762. Rejecting the view that anyone has a natural right to wield authority over others, Rousseau argues instead for a pact, or 'social contract', that should exist between all the citizens of a state and that should be the source of sovereign power. From this fundamental premise, he goes on to consider issues of l...

H. P. Lovecraft fans are in for a treat! Included in this trilogy:AT THE MOUNTAINS OF MADNESS“It is absolutely necessary, for the peace and safety of mankind, that some of earth's dark, dead corners and unplumbed depths be left alone; lest sleeping abnormalities wake to resurgent life, and blasphemously surviving nightmares squirm and splash out of their black lairs to newer and wider conquests.”Lovecraft's gripping tale of terror was initially reje...

For the study of the great writers and thinkers of the past, historical imagination is the first necessity. Without mentally referring to the environment in which they lived, we cannot hope to penetrate below the inessential and temporary to the absolute and permanent value of their thought. Theory, no less than action, is subject to these necessities; the form in which men cast their speculations, no less than the ways in which they behave, are the result of the habits of thought and acti...

The Collins Nature Library is a new series of classic British nature writing – reissues of long-lost seminal works. The titles have been chosen by one of Britain’s best known and highly-acclaimed nature writers, Robert Macfarlane, who has also written new introductions that put these classics into a modern context.A Land is Jacquetta Hawkes’ seminal work, and a classic piece of British Nature writing. It is the history of the shaping of Britain and its people from the first, lifele...

This book offers the reader a comprehensive guide to fishing for trout and salmon using bait and the 'spinning' technique. Written in simple, clear language and full of helpful tips, “Spinning And Bait Fishing For Salmon And Trout” will be of considerable utility to fishermen, especially those with little previous experience. Contents include: “A Short History of Fishing”, “Spinning and Bait Fishing for Salmon and Trout”, “Worm Fishing for Salmon and Bull Trout”, “The Prawn or 'Shrimp Bait...

With an Introduction by Derek Matravers.In The Social Contract Rousseau (1712-1778) argues for the preservation of individual freedom in political society. An individual can only be free under the law, he says, by voluntarily embracing that law as his own. Hence, being free in society requires each of us to subjugate our desires to the interests of all, the general will.Some have seen in this the promise of a free and equal relationship between soc...