Most Americans are more aware of the workings of the federal government than of their own state governments. But these “laboratories of democracy” constitute perhaps the most creative components of the American political experiment.This book serves as a guide for students of government and provides a historical context for understanding the forces at work in the state’s political system. Among the states, Tennessee’s unique blend of legislative and executive powers is, in some resp...

The quality of a man’s love will determine the nature of his deeds; occasion may present the opportunity, but character alone will record the experience. To a life given over to the pursuit of the beautiful and true, the immortal hour only comes when conduct at last rises to the level of aim, and the ideal finds its fulfilment in the realm of the actual. “Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends.” Few lives have been more earnest or constant in the p...

On a mellow day in the early autumn of the year 1900, I sat on an old wooden bench in the open air with an English gentleman, and listened to his conversation with a mixture of curiosity and reverence. The place was one of the fairest counties of England, the town on the other side of a screen of trees was Dorchester, and my seat-mate was Thomas Hardy. I remember his saying without any additional emphasis than the weight of the words, that the basis of every novel should be a story. In con...

"The Secret of Heroism: A Memoir of Henry Albert Harper" delves into the life of a remarkable individual whose contributions shaped the landscape of Canadian history. Through vivid storytelling, the memoir captures Harper's journey, highlighting his unwavering commitment to public service and the values he upheld. The narrative intertwines personal anecdotes with historical context, offering readers a glimpse into the challenges and triumphs he faced. This exploration not only honors Harpe...

The essays in this collection explore the lives and literary contributions of several Russian novelists, including Fyodor Dostoevsky, Leo Tolstoy, Ivan Turgenev, and Anton Chekhov, among others. William Lyon Phelps offers insights into their novels, styles, and themes, providing literary criticism and historical context for readers interested in Russian literature.William Lyon Phelps was a noted educator, literary critic, and scholar known for his contributions to the field of literature. ...

“Rivers to the Sea” is a 1915 collection of poetry by American lyric poet Sara Teasdale (1884–1933). Teasdale produced numerous volumes of poetry in her career, most of which were both well received critically and economically successful, and was the first person to be awarded the Pulitzer Price for a poetry collection in 1917. Her third poetry collection, “Rivers to the Sea” was a bestseller and was reprinted numerous times since its first publication. A fantastic collection of timeless p...

“The Song Maker” is a brand new collection of poetry by American lyric poet Sara Teasdale (1884–1933). Featuring her famous "Love Songs" collection alongside "Rivers to the Sea". Teasdale produced numerous volumes of poetry in her career, most of which were both well received critically and economically successful. She was awarded the Pulitzer Price for her poetry collection “Love Songs” in 1917, which was the first of its kind. A fantastic collection of timeless poems not to be missed by ...

The anthology 'The Greatest Russian Short Stories & Plays' encapsulates the quintessential elements of Russian literature through a diverse array of genres and themes, from the introspective to the absurd, the tragic to the comedic. This collection comprises a profound tapestry of narratives and dialogues that traverse the human condition, society, and morality, showcasing the distinctive range of Russian writing. With tales and dramas that evoke the ethos of a nation at different cultural...

The anthology, 'The Best Russian Plays and Short Stories by Dostoevsky, Tolstoy, Chekhov, Gorky, Gogol and many more,' is a profound exploration of the rich tapestry of Russian literature, offering a window into the evolutionary storytelling that defines the Russian literary tradition. This collection presents a broad spectrum of themes ranging from existentialism and socio-political commentary to profound human emotion and ethical dilemmas. The anthology's diversity is evident in its abil...

In "Robert Browning: How to Know Him," William Lyon Phelps provides an incisive exploration of the complex themes and psychological depth present in the poetry of Robert Browning. Phelps employs a conversational yet analytical literary style, inviting readers to delve into Browning's intricate character studies and dramatic monologues. Set against the backdrop of 19th-century Victorian literature, Phelps contextualizes Browning's innovative approach, discussing how his work reflects the tu...

In "Essays on Modern Novelists," William Lyon Phelps offers a nuanced exploration of the primary figures in the early 20th-century literary landscape. Combining critical examination with personal insight, Phelps delves into the works and philosophies of notable authors, such as James Joyce, Virginia Woolf, and Mark Twain. His essays are characterized by a lucid prose style that effortlessly intertwines literary analysis with biographical context, drawing on his own profound understanding o...

These early works by William Lyon Phelps were originally published in the early 20th century and we are now republishing them with a brand new introductory biography. 'A Collection of Classic Essays by William Lyon Phelps' is a selection of classic essays, including 'The Weather', 'Man and Boy', 'The Devil', and many more. William Lyon Phelps was born on 2nd January 1865, in New Haven, Conneticut, United States. Phelps earned a B.A. in 1887, writing his thesis on the Idealism of George Ber...