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Odyssey which in Greek literally means «the tale of Odysseus,» has becomes synonymous with a great journey. «The Odyssey» follows Homer's «The Iliad» where we find all the surviving warriors of the great Trojan War have returned home except for Odysseus, who has been detained by the nymph Calypso for her sexual pleasure. Odysseus however wishes to return to his family and loved ones who await his return at home. The Gods send the fleet-footed Hermes to order Calypso to free him and in doing so Odysseus begins his journey. Along the way Odysseus must overcome many obstacles and battle mythical creatures. Contained in this volume is the prose translation of Samuel Butcher and Andrew Lang.
Idylls of the King
A cycle of twelve narrative poems, «Idylls of the King» retells the classic legends of King Arthur and his time. Based primarily on Malory's «Le Morte d'Arthur» and the classic epic poem «Mabinogion», «Idylls» is not just a copy of past works but rather an expansion of the legend, a competent and worthy addition to the genre of Arthurian literature. The twelve idylls respectively tell the stories of: The Coming of Arthur, Gareth and Lynette, The Marriage of Geraint, Geraint and Enid, Balin and Balan, Merlin and Vivien, Lancelot and Elaine, The Holy Grail, Pelleas and Ettare, The Last Tournament, Guinevere, and The Passing of Arthur.
The Overcoat and Other Stories
Nikolai Gogol, an early 19th century Ukrainian-born Russian novelist, humorist, and dramatist, created some of the most important works of world literature and is considered the father of modern Russian realism. Gogol satirized the corrupt bureaucracy of the Russian Empire through the scrupulous and scathing realism of his writing, which would ultimately lead to his exile. Among some of his finest works are his short stories. Together in this collection are collected some of the best of these stories, they include the following: Old Fashioned Farmers, How the Two Ivans Quarrelled, The Nose, The Overcoat (The Cloak), St. John's Eve, The Night of Christmas Eve, and The Mantle.
No Name
William Wilkie Collins (1824-1889) is best known as the innovator of the English detective novel, whose sensational novels, plays, and short stories were hugely popular in the Victorian Era. Today, readers enjoy Collins' intricate and suspenseful plots, and his penetrating social commentary on the plight of women and domestic issues of the time. «No Name», one of Collins' best-known works, takes place at Combe-Raven in West Somersetshire in 1846. Sisters Norah and Magdalen Vanstone lose their father and mother abruptly, and it is quickly revealed that the two were born out of wedlock. This illegitimacy in the eyes of the English court deprives them of their inheritance, a turn of events which Norah resigns to gracefully, but headstrong Magdelen is unable to accept. The social commentary novel shifts dramatically to revenge thriller as Magdelen seeks retribution for the injustice she has suffered.
Rosmersholm
Considered by many critics as Ibsen's masterpiece, «Rosmersholm» is the story of Johannes Rosmer, a former clergyman and owner of the title estate Rosmersholm. When Rosmer intends to use his position in the community to help the newly elected reformist government his ruling-class brethren turn against him. A series of tragic consequences ensue in this classic drama of social and political change.
The Woodlanders
Thomas Hardy's 1887 novel «The Woodlanders» takes place in the woodland village of Little Hintock and concerns the story of Giles Winterborne, an honest woodsman who wishes to marry his childhood sweetheart, Grace Melbury. While the two are informally betrothed to each other, when Grace gains an education through her father's persistent financial sacrifices he feels that his daughter is too good for a simple woodsman and pushes her into the direction of another suitor. Set in a rustic, evocative setting, «The Woodlanders» is rich with such Hardyan themes as unrequited love and social class mobility. A classic novel, «The Woodlanders» is a worthy addition to the works of Thomas Hardy and fans of the author will enjoy this somber and tragic tale.
The Confessions of an English Opium-Eater
"I here present you, courteous reader, with the record of a remarkable period in my life: according to my application of it, I trust that it will prove not merely an interesting record, but in a considerable degree useful and instructive." So begins «The Confessions of an English Opium-Eater.» Originally published in two parts in the «London Magazine» in 1821, it is a gripping account of one Englishman's addiction to opium. Thomas De Quincey details the effects of his opium use and in so doing warns the reader of the dangers and terrors of serious drug addiction.
Tao Te Ching
A classic Chinese text dating from the 6th century B.C., the «Book of the Way» consists of 81 short poems that unfold the spiritual nature of Taoism, one of the ancient Chinese religions. In describing the universal life force implicit in all things, this work shows readers a path that teaches contentment and balance. The simple language of Lao Tzu's manual on the art of living essentially encourages being humble, temperate, and considerate in the face of life's predicaments. The wisdom of being a part of the Tao leads to a serenity of spirit that improves all aspects of human life, from work to family, difficulties and joys. An essential for the meditation of Taoists for thousands of years, the «Tao Te Ching» is as beneficial and informative as it is enduring. This edition is drawn from the authoritative translation of James Legge and is interspersed with detailed critical analysis by the translator.
The History of England, From the Accession of James II (Volume 1 of 5)
Thomas Babington Macaulay was a child prodigy who, by the age of 8, had written a history of the world and a poem in three cantos modeled after the poetry of Sir Walter Scott. He studied law at Trinity College, Cambridge, but drew great attention for several literary essays he contributed to the Edinburgh Review. In 1849, he published the first two volumes of «The History of England, From the Accession of James II», which were immediately well-received. As a Whig, with little tolerance for Tories or understanding of James II, Macaulay disregarded many authoritative texts in his research; as a result, his work is often prejudiced and mistaken in the facts, with little room for philosophy or theorizing. However, it cannot be denied that this work is a lively and beautifully written masterpiece of English literature. This is the first in a series of five volumes, and includes information on the reign of James II.
The Myths of the Norsemen
H. A. Geuerber’s «The Myths of the Norsemen» is a classic collection of stories retold from Norse mythology. Beginning with the Norse myth of creation and following through the sagas of more than twenty gods, heroes and villains, «The Myths of the Norsemen» recounts the rich mythological tradition of the Norse people. Of the more familiar characters in this collection one might immediately recognize the stories of Odin and Thor. These stories are brought together with less familiar Norse myths in a collection that includes reproductions of illustrations from the original edition. Readers both young and old will delight in these classic tales of adventure and fantasy.