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Все книги издательства IngramEdgar Allan Poe's Complete Poetical Works - The Original Classic Edition
I love the imagery Poe conjurs. I love the dark psychological revelations experienced by the characters. Dark, intelligent, and at times underrated. Poe is probably one of the best poets/writers from his time. Died way too soon. <p> His body of work is a must have for anyone interested in classic and intelligent literature. His writings depicted very real characters and subjects, at times dark but always cleverly written. <p> Some of classic literature from this time seemed a bit dry and unwelcoming, Poes work in contrast tends to dare you to take the first step into unfamiliar territory, knowing that the journey will both enrich and challenge the reader. For anyone either new to Poes work or simply looking for something new and challenging to read, Id recommend this. <p> All of Edgar Allan Poes works collected into one volume. This book has a lot of stuff in it, and I still havent quite finished it. <p> I guess what sets this book apart from all the other collections of Poe, is the book itself. Its not annotated, but I couldnt find any collections of Poe that were; however, it does come with a great introduction. And after that, pure Poe. <p> The book is very sturdy, and considering its price, a great bargain. I personally cant stand the see-saw cut pages that a lot collections like this get, but this book lacks those, and that makes me happy. I also wont waste your time trying to convince how great Poe was, since the fact that youre browsing here means you already know, or at least have a clue. <p> While any collected Poe book would probably suit you just fine, since there is very little to distinguish them from each other, I would recommend this one, simply because when was browsing through the various collections, this one appears to be the best bang for your buck.
A Damsel in Distress - The Original Classic Edition
A Damsel in Distress is a splendid example of early Wodehouse. As with many Wodehouse classics, this one includes a collection of colorful characters, a complex love story involving many characters, and of course the happy ending where everything works out. <p> It is the story of an American Composer, George Bevan, who falls in love with Maud (The Earl of Marshmoretons daughter). Maud is already in love with another American, Geoffrey Raymond, who she met in Wales the previous year. Her brother and aunt, Lord Belpher and Lady Caroline Byng oppose her getting involved with the American and want her to marry someone from her social class. There are more characters as well, including some servants, Lady Carolines son Reggie, Lord Marshmoretons secretary Alice Faraday, and an acquaintance of Georges Billie Dore who is in the Chorus of Georges latest musical comedy. <p> As with most Wodehouse stories, the plot is very complicated, and attempts to describe it in detail would fail to do it justice. It does involve a case of mistaken identity, a pool among the servants on who will marry Maud, and several characters finding their loves. <p> Overall this is a very good example of a classic Wodehouse story, and it is well worth reading.
The Railway Children - The Original Classic Edition
The Railway Children is a wonderful book. When the book begins, the three children, Roberta (Bobbie), Peter and Phyllis are living a lovely, secure life at Edgecomb Villa. Their father returns home after being away on business, two unknown men come to visit him in the evening after supper, and he simply disappears. Neither the reader nor the children know what has happened to him until Bobbie makes a chance discovery and learns the horrible truth. <p> In the intervening time, their mother, a capable and charming woman, takes her children to live in the country near a railway station, because they must play at being poor for a while. The children handle their new situation with grace and wit, spending hours hanging about the railway station and generally keeping themselves busy, and in the process becoming fast friends with the porter, Perks, and the station master. They also become acquainted with their own old gentleman who lends a hand to help them time and again. <p> Bobbie is the oldest and sweetest of the children, with a longing to be truly good. Peter is the boy, who is madly in love with trains, stubbornly refuses to pushed around, and exhibits an extraordinary courage in the rescue of a baby and a young man in a train tunnel. Phyllis is the youngest, a funny, clumsy child with good intentions that often seem to go awry. <p> I read this book to my four year daughter. She loved it. As the adult, I enjoyed reading it. And, youll be happy to know, it all comes out right in the end.
Howards End - The Original Classic Edition
I have read Howards End two or three times and listened to it once on tape and it remains one of my favorite novels. Many people were introduced to it by the film, which, good though it was, does not begin to capture the subtle wisdom Forster put into this book. <p> Howards End can be seen as a quaint period piece about British culture in the early Twentieth Century. On another level, however, its a brilliant exploration of the human soul. In the Schlegels and the Wilcoxes, Forster has created the perfect embodiment of the eternal conflict between reason and passion. These two families, destined to be united by the marriage of Margaret Schlegel to Henry Wilcox, represent two seemingly irreconcilable aspects of humanity. The Schlegels are artistic, intellectual and impractical; the Wilcoxes materialistic and unapologetically bourgeois. Margaret and Henry have their differences, but it is their relatives who display the more extreme family traits. <p> Margarets sister Helen is a classic bohemian; Henrys son Charles is a humorless and intolerant banker. As the novel unfolds, the two families are forced to confront each other and decide whether to ultimately part company or compromise. What is most impressive to me about the novel is the naturalness and grace with which the story unfolds. When an author uses characters to embody universal qualities, it is quite a challenge to make the people and story real and not merely symbols. <p> Howards End succeeds brilliantly as both a thoroughly engaging novel and a rather profound metaphysical inquiry.
Human, All Too Human - The Original Classic Edition
Nietzsche is often said to have entered a new period with the publication of Human All Too Human and the book is considerably more positivistic than his earlier writings. It aims at debunking unwarranted assumptions more than at defending a grand interpretation of its own, and it marks the high point of Nietzsches interest in, and applause for, natural science. <p> Nietzsche describes what he means by free spirits in the preface to the second edition of Human All Too Human. Free spirits contrast with the typical human being of his era, who was, as the title suggests, all too human. Free spirits in contrast, are ideal companions that do not yet exist but may appear in the future. They are those who have freed themselves from the chains of the dominant culture, even from the bonds of reverence for those things they once found most praiseworthy. The dangerous period of the free spirit is introduced by the desire to flee whatever has been ones previous spiritual world, a desire that leads to a reconsideration of matters that previously had been taken for granted. The ultimate aim of this liberation is independent self-mastery and supreme health in a life of continual experimentation and adventure. <p> Human All Too Human is the first published work in which Nietzsche defends his famed perspectivism, the view that truths are one and all interpretations are thus formulated from particular perspectives. This perspectivism figures importantly in his debunking critique of morality which is first presented in Human All Too Human. Nietzsche denies that morality is anything but perspectival. Contrary to the claims of moralists, morality is not inherent in or determined by reality. It is, in fact, the invention of human beings. Moreover, morality has not been the same in every culture and at every time. Nietzsche explicitly contrasts Christian and Greek moral thought, typically claiming that Greek thought had been vastly superior. <p> Nietzsche, himself, considered the book a breakthrough because it openly articulated his unconventional conclusions for the first time. It also sealed the break with Richard Wagner, who received the book in silence. Nietzsche also considered himself to have moved far beyond Schopenhauerian metaphysics at this point in his life. <p> Human All Too Human was also the first of Nietzsches published aphoristic works, where prior publications had been in the form of essays or similarly structured works.
Plays by Chekhov, Second Series On the High Road, The Proposal, The Wedding, The Bear, A Tragedian In Spite of Himself, The Anniversary, The Three Sisters, The Cherry Orchard - The Original Classic Edition
This translation, which incorporates the original vernacular seamlessly into a contemporary translation, is by FAR the finest translation of Chekhovs plays (especially *Uncle Vanya*) I have ever read, or am likely to. As a professor of dramatic literature, I will never again teach Chekhov without assigning my students this fine edition–may it long stay in print. <p> Chekhov had his own unique style in that his plays were usually mere verbal interaction with most significant action taking place offstage. Even though most of his plays, especially his four act plays, take place at rich, country houses far removed from any sort of normal life, he seems to pick out timeless themes of humanness in several characters and weave them together into an almost plotless commentary. The fact that his plays have endured as long as they have are a testament to his genius and his skill at seeing timeless ideas. <p> Chekhovs long plays are always revered and remembered as classics but this collection gives the reader a chance to see what an unbelievable short play writer he was. They have their own special feel apart from his longer works and give short little insights to the comedy and often comedic tragedy of human nature and human absurdity. <p> The Cherry Orchard, the Seagull, and Uncle Vanya are classic four acts by Chekhov but dont overlook Ivanov. It was one of his earlier ones and one of my favorites. Chekhov does a good job of making several unique characters and having them react around the central situation and an older man and a younger woman give you an interesting view at an interesting love story. <p> For short plays I would recommend The Bear, The Proposal, and A Reluctant Tragic Hero. Especially in the Proposal Chekhovs comedy is especially portrayed. <p> This collection is an all-around great read. Well worth reading this collection of one of the best playwrights.
The Complete Poetical Works of Henry Wadsworth Longfellow - The Original Classic Edition
As a lover of great rhyme poetry, and in particular, a fan of Henry Wadsworth Longfellows poetry – I was glad to finally find that a Complete Works volume was available. If (like me) you are a lover of Longfellows classy and distinctive verse style, then of course there is no faulting the actual content of this book – from his most famous works to his most obscure..its all here! <p> Another fine feature of this book is the brief introductions that give historical and/or background information as to what/where/who inspired Longfellow to write a particular poem (although these intros are not given for every poem in the book, but mainly for the more critically-renowned & famous ones). <p> My rating? Five stars for Longfellows thoughtful and imaginative work with rhyme, rhythm, and imagery. <p> Henry Wadsworth Longfellow is known as one of Americas best known and best loved poets of all time. The Complete Poetical Works, covers I believe, everything ever writteb by this exquisite poet. <p> You will find your most treasured and well-loved favorites, as well as the most obscure findings in this brilliant collection. This is a must-have for all fans of Longfellow and his works. <p> It(mostly) lyric style poetry with a rhyming rhythm that is sure to bring memories back to long-time followers of Longfellow and new poetry lovers as well. He writes with an easy to understand method and obvious themes, these poems come back to me just as easy as some of my favorite mother goose stories, childhood songs, and rhymes. <p> I can honestly, without reserve, recommend this book to all who love Henry Wadsworth Longfellow, American Poetry and Poets.
The Empty House And Other Ghost Stories - The Original Classic Edition
This is a perfect collection for fans of Victorian horror stories, I cannot recommend the first story: The Empty House – enough. It is my go to example of creepy, well told ghost stories! <p> It reminds me of being young and telling ghost stories around a campfire with my cousins. Not bloody or frightening, just more of a G rated collection of spooky ghost story you hear and tell when you are young. <p> This is a high quality book of the original classic edition. <p> This is a freshly published edition of this culturally important work, which is now, at last, again available to you. <p> Enjoy this classic work. These few paragraphs distill the contents and give you a quick look inside: <p> It cannot be ascribed wholly to the imagination, because persons who had spent some time in the house, knowing nothing of the facts, had declared positively that certain rooms were so disagreeable they would rather die than enter them again, and that the atmosphere of the whole house produced in them symptoms of a genuine terror; while the series of innocent tenants who had tried to live in it and been forced to decamp at the shortest possible notice, was indeed little less than a scandal in the town. <p> …Filtered moonlight always seems to paint faces on the surrounding gloom, and as Shorthouse peered up into the well of darkness and thought of the countless empty rooms and passages in the upper part of the old house, he caught himself longing again for the safety of the moonlit square, or the cosy, bright drawing-room they had left an hour before. <p> …Aunt Julia always declared that at this moment she was not actually watching him, but had turned her head towards the inner room, where she fancied she heard something moving; but, at any rate, both positively agreed that there came a sound of rushing feet, heavy and very swift?and the next instant the candle was out! <p> …In the hall they saw nothing, but the whole way down the stairs they were conscious that someone followed them; step by step; when they went faster IT was left behind, and when they went more slowly IT caught them up. <p> …But, though the island was completely deserted and silent, the rocks and trees that had echoed human laughter and voices almost every hour of the day for two months could not fail to retain some memories of it all; and I was not surprised to fancy I heard a shout or a cry as I passed from rock to rock, and more than once to imagine that I heard my own name called aloud.
The Moon and Sixpence - The Original Classic Edition
It has been noted many times that artists are usually not the most pleasant human beings to be around; Maughams novel is, among other things, a compelling examination of why this is so. The obsessed artist who dominates this book, Charles Strickland (based on the notorious Paul Gauguin), walks away from his cushy middle-class existence in England to pursue his dream to paint, amid frightful poverty, in France. Strickland is an unforgettable character, an inarticulate, brutishly sensual creature, callously indifferent to his fellow man and even his own health, who lives only to record his private visions on canvas. <p> It would be a mistake to read this novel as an inspiring tale of the triumph of the spirit. Strickland is an appalling human being–but the world itself, Maugham seems to say, is a cruel, forbidding place. The author toys with the (strongly Nietzschean) idea that men like Charles Strickland may somehow be closer to the mad pulse of life, and cannot therefore be dismissed as mere egotists. The moralists among us, the book suggests, are simply shrinking violets if not outright hypocrites. It is not a very cheery conception of humanity (and arguably not an accurate one), but the questions Maugham raises are fascinating. Aside from that, hes a wonderful storyteller. This book is a real page turner. <p> When he first meets Charles Strickland, a London stockbroker, the young narrator of this novel thinks of him as good, honest, dull, and plain. When Strickland suddenly abandons his wife and children and takes off for Paris, however, the narrator decides he is a cad. Though he has had no training, Strickland has decided to become an artist, a drive so strong that he is willing to sacrifice everything toward that end. Anti-social, and feeling no obligation to observe even the smallest social decencies, Strickland becomes increasingly boorish as he practices his art. Eventually, he makes his way to Tahiti, where he marries, moves to a remote cottage, and spends the rest of his life devoted to his painting. <p> Basing the novel loosely on the life of Paul Gauguin, Maugham creates an involving and often exciting story. His narrator is a writer who feels impelled, after Stricklands death and posthumous success, to set down his memories of his early interactions with Strickland in London and Paris. Because the narrator never saw Strickland after he left Paris, he depends on his meetings with a ship captain and a woman in Papeete for information about Strickland after Stricklands arrival in Tahiti. The ship captain is described as a story-teller who may be spinning tall tales, a constant reminder to the reader that this is fiction, and not a biography of Gauguin. <p> By depicting Strickland as a dull, plain man suddenly gripped by an obsession so overwhelming that nothing else matters to him, Maugham involves the reader in his actions, which even the narrator claims not to understand. The least convincing aspect of Stricklands characterization is the narrators observation that Strickland is completely indifferent to his wife of seventeen years and his children. No confrontation between Strickland and his wife appears, and one wonders if perhaps Maugham found himself unable to depict such an abandonment realistically. The story moves quickly, however, and whatever is sacrificed in the characterization is more than recouped in the plot and its development. <p> Straightforward in its story line, the novel is romantic in its depiction of the artist in the grip of an obsession, his subsequent abandonment of civilization and return to nature, his suffering of a long and terminal illness (during which he paints his masterpiece), and the fate of this creation. Good, old-fashioned story-telling at its best, this uncomplicated story, written in 1919, still has broad appeal.
