De Optimo Republicae Statu deque Nova Insula Utopia (translated On the Best State of a Republic and on the New Island of Utopia) or more simply Utopia is a 1516 book by Sir (Saint) Thomas More. The book, written in Latin, is a frame narrative primarily depicting a fictional island society and its religious, social and political customs. The name of the place is derived from the Greek words οὐ u and τόπος tópos , with the topographical suffix -εία eía, hence Οὐτοπεία outopeía (Latinized as ...

Book #5 in the Wizard of Oz series.~~ includes all the original illustrations (over 130) by John R. Neill, and a new Preface by Oz expert and Eltanin Editor Joseph Nusbaum. ~~~~ An excerpt from the preface:"If Baum’s prior book, Dorothy and the Wizard in Oz, struck too dark and grim a tone with many Oz fans, The Road to Oz brings readers back to a marvelous fairyland where the greatest hardship our...

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...

This story was begun, within a few months after the publication of the completed "Pickwick Papers." There were, then, a good many cheap Yorkshire schools in existence. There are very few now.Of the monstrous neglect of education in England, and the disregard of it by the State as a means of forming good or bad citizens, and miserable or happy men, private schools long afforded a notable example. Although any man who had proved his unfitness for any other occupation in life, was free...

"The Metamorphosis" is a novella by Franz Kafka, first published in 1915. It is often cited as one of the seminal works of fiction of the 20th century and is widely studied in colleges and universities across the western world. The story begins with a traveling salesman, Gregor Samsa, waking to find himself transformed into a monstrous vermin.Franz Kafka (3 July 1883 – 3 June 1924) was an influential German-language writer of novels and short stories, regarded by critics as one of ...

Moll Flanders by Daniel Defoe is a gripping tale of survival, sin, and redemption in 17th-century England. Born in Newgate Prison, Moll narrates her tumultuous life as she strives for security and wealth in a harsh, unforgiving society. Through a series of marriages, thefts, and betrayals, Moll navigates poverty and prosperity, driven by desperation and ambition. Her journey takes her from London to Virginia and back, entangled in moral ambiguity and societal critique. Despite her crimes, ...

"The Rime of the Ancient Mariner" is Samuel Taylor Coleridge's haunting ballad about guilt, punishment, and redemption.The poem follows a sailor who kills an albatross, bringing a curse upon his ship and crew. As terrible events unfold-stagnant seas, ghostly visions, and the death of his companions-the Mariner is forced to confront the consequences of his cruelty. Through suffering, he learns to appreciate the beauty and sanctity of all living things.Rich in vivid imagery a...

Enter the eerie and enigmatic world of Henry James' classic novella, "The Turn of the Screw." Follow the harrowing tale of a young governess who is tasked with caring for two children in a remote country estate. As she becomes entangled in a web of supernatural events and unsettling secrets, the line between reality and imagination blurs, leading to a chilling and unforgettable climax. Experience the brilliance of Henry James, a master of psychological horror and gothic fiction, as h...

It seems a strange thing to mix theology with mystery fiction, but that is exactly what G. K. Chesterton did in his book of short stories, The Man Who Knew Too Much and other stories, published in 1922. The eight stories revolve around the detective, Horne Fisher, as he solves crimes occurring among the political elites in pre-war England. He is both aided and hindered in his efforts by the fact that he himself is so enmeshed in the lives of these politicians, due to friendships or familia...

Take a trip through the rich folklore of Ireland in this enchanting volume from author James Stephens. Fairy kings, femmes fatales, bewitched animals, epic feuds -- these action-packed stories traverse a broad spectrum of themes and settings. Folklore fans and readers interested in Gaelic and Celtic culture will appreciate this collection.

In "Wives and Daughters," Elizabeth Cleghorn Gaskell crafts a rich narrative exploring the complexities of women's lives in Victorian England. The novel is marked by its insightful character development and social commentary, depicting the protagonist, Molly Gibson, as she navigates the intricacies of love, family dynamics, and societal expectations. Gaskell's style blends realism with profound emotional depth, utilizing detailed descriptions and intricate dialogue that bring to life the s...

Long, long ago there lived, in Japan a brave warrior known to all as Tawara Toda, or My Lord Bag of Rice. One day he sallied forth in search of adventures, for he had the nature of a warrior and could not bear to be idle. So he buckled on his two swords, took his huge bow, much taller than himself, in his hand, and slinging his quiver on his back started out.