I was born in Barnſtable, in New-England, October 2, 1757, of credible Parents, whom I ſerved as an obedient Son, I hope, until the commencement of the late war called me from my home, and led me to exchange the occupation of a Huſbandman, to which I was bred for the more dangerous employment of a Soldier. In this capacity I served my Country 3 campaigns, and know not that my behaviour was censured by my officers. After having returned for a time to the Farming-Buſineſs, I concluded to try...

George Washington's Rules of Civility is a short list of 110 principles or maxims by which, supposedly, proper decent people must abide. While some of these maxims may seem dated others are still quite apt for today. A quick read, George Washington's Rules of Civility is an insightful look at the manners and customs of an age gone by.

According to Wikipedia: "Ebenezer Cooke (ca. 1665 – ca. 1732), a London-born poet, wrote what some scholars consider the first American satire: “The Sotweed Factor, or A Voyage to Maryland, A Satyr” (1708). He has been fictionalized by John Barth as the comically innocent protagonist of The Sot-Weed Factor, a novel in which a series of fantastic misadventures leads Cooke to write his poem. As Barth explained, The Sot–Weed Factor began with the title and, of course, Ebenezer Cooke's origina...

Herman Melville was one of the greatest writers during the American Renaissance. Melville’s unique style helped produce classics in many different genres. This edition of Hawthorne and His Mosses includes a table of contents.

In "The Sot-weed Factor: or, A Voyage to Maryland. A Satyr," Ebenezer Cooke offers a rich and satirical exploration of 17th-century colonial life in Maryland through the lens of a hapless, yet humorous protagonist. Cooke's verse reflects the poetic traditions of Restoration England, interweaving sharp satire and vivid depictions of the landscape and local customs. His use of the mock-epic style not only entertains but also critiques the excesses and follies of colonial desire and ambition,...

Dickens is a name that dominates the landscape of English novelists. His works are masterpieces and he is held everywhere in the highest regard. In his fairly short life of 58 years he accomplished an extraordinary number of classic novels, especially in light of his humble and poor beginnings. Here we collect together his slim number of poems. Concise it may be but from the mind of the master it most certainly reveals a facet of great interest. The poems are also available as an audiobook...

There was once a king's son, who was no longer content to stay at home in his father's house...

In "Franklin's Way to Wealth; or, 'Poor Richard Improved,'" Benjamin Franklin presents a quintessential guide to financial wisdom and self-improvement, couched in a style that is both pragmatic and humorous. Drawing on the aphorisms from his earlier work, "Poor Richard's Almanack," this text synthesizes practical advice with witty observations on thrift, industry, and moral integrity. Written during the Enlightenment, a time characterized by a burgeoning spirit of inquiry and individualism...

In "The Sot-weed Factor: or, A Voyage to Maryland. A Satyr," Ebenezer Cooke delivers a sharp satirical narrative that explores the complexities of colonial America through the lens of the protagonist, Eben Cooke, a naïve yet ambitious young man journeying to Maryland to seek his fortune as a tobacco planter. Cooke's literary style marries keen observation with a sophisticated wit, employing a blend of verse and prose that reflects the cultural tensions of the early 18th century. The work s...

In "A Bell's Biography," Nathaniel Hawthorne crafts a poignant and introspective narrative that explores the interplay between personal aspiration and the societal constraints of the early 19th century. Through the lens of a simple but profound object'—a bell'—Hawthorne delves into themes of identity, ambition, and the oftentimes unrecognized impact of small, quotidian lives on the grand tapestry of history. His rich, allegorical prose, combined with vivid imagery, encapsulates the Romanti...

In "An Old Man's Prayer," George M. Baker masterfully blends lyrical prose with poignant introspection, crafting a narrative that explores the depths of human experience through the lens of age and reflection. Set against a backdrop of personal memories and universal truths, the book delves into themes of loss, redemption, and the quiet power of prayer. Baker's evocative style, rich with metaphor and emotional resonance, invites readers to experience the profound complexities of life's lat...

In "Unfailing Springs," James Hudson Taylor presents a profound exploration of spiritual sustenance amidst life's challenges. Written with evocative simplicity, this work integrates narrative storytelling with poignant reflections on faith and resilience. Taylor's eloquent prose, characterized by an earnest sincerity, places him firmly within the Victorian tradition of evangelical literature, while bridging the gap between personal experience and broader theological discourses. The book in...