Last collection of books

The Poetry of Derek Walcott 1948-2013

2014, Derek Walcott

This book is a comprehensive collection of the author's best and most famous works spanning over six decades. The author, a Nobel laureate, is known for his exploration of cultural identity, particularly in relation to his Caribbean heritage. His poems often reflect the beauty and harsh realities of

On Food and Cooking

1984, Harold McGee

This book is an in-depth exploration of the science and history behind various culinary techniques and ingredients. It provides readers with a comprehensive understanding of how and why certain cooking processes work, from the chemical reactions involved in baking to the origins of different food tr

Lunch Poems

1964, Frank O'Hara

"Lunch Poems" is a collection of verse that captures the hustle and bustle of everyday life in New York City during the 1960s. The poems are spontaneous, conversational, and often humorous, reflecting the author's observations and thoughts during his lunch breaks. The collection is a celebration of

Complete Poems

1969, Elizabeth Bishop

"Complete Poems" is a comprehensive collection of works by a renowned poet, showcasing her mastery of language and imagery. The book features a wide range of themes including travel, nature, loss, and human connection. The poet's keen eye for detail, unique perspectives, and her ability to infuse or

The Collected Poems of William Carlos Williams

1986, William Carlos Williams

This collection of poems by a renowned American poet spans three decades of his work, from 1909 to 1939. The poet's unique style of imagism and modernism is evident in his vivid and concise language. His work often reflects his experiences as a physician, the realities of urban life and the natural

The Waste Land

1922, T. S. Eliot

"The Waste Land" is a long poem that presents a bleak and despairing view of the world following the devastation of World War I. The poem is divided into five parts and uses a wide range of literary and cultural references, as well as multiple narrators, to depict a world in ruins. It explores theme

Care of the Soul

1992, Thomas Moore

This book is a guide for personal growth that encourages readers to explore their inner selves and develop a deeper, more spiritual understanding of their own lives. The author suggests that by acknowledging the sacredness of everyday experiences and appreciating the beauty in ordinary things, indiv

Captain Hornblower R.N.

1937, C. S. Forester

This book follows the thrilling adventures of a brave and strategic naval officer during the Napoleonic Wars. The protagonist is placed in charge of the 'Atropos', the smallest ship in the Navy's fleet, where he must navigate a series of challenging missions, including the recovery of treasure from

The Tale of Peter Rabbit

1902, Beatrix Potter

This children's classic tells the story of a mischievous young rabbit who disobeys his mother's warning and ventures into Mr. McGregor's garden. After indulging in the garden's bountiful offerings, the young rabbit finds himself chased by Mr. McGregor, narrowly escaping capture. He eventually makes

Mason & Dixon

1997, Thomas Pynchon

"Mason & Dixon" is a postmodern historical novel which follows the story of the 18th-century British astronomers and surveyors Charles Mason and Jeremiah Dixon, who are known for the Mason-Dixon line. The novel is written in a complex, digressive style, and it includes numerous sub-plots and a wide

Don Juan

1819, Lord Byron

This epic satirical poem tells the story of Don Juan, a handsome, charming young man from Spain who gets into various adventures and romantic escapades throughout Europe and the Ottoman Empire. Throughout his journey, he encounters a variety of characters, including pirates, sultans, and aristocrats

Call to Arms

1922, Xun Lu

"Call to Arms" is a collection of short stories that vividly capture the impact of the socio-political upheaval during the early 20th century in China. The narratives delve into the lives of ordinary people, predominantly the peasantry and the lower classes, who are often caught in the throes of soc

The Hearts and Lives of Men

1987, Fay Weldon

The Hearts and Lives of Men is a satirical novel that follows the story of a couple, their love, separation, and eventual reunion. The couple's daughter, who is kidnapped as part of an art scam, serves as the catalyst for their reconciliation. The narrative is filled with twists and turns, exploring

The Master of Ballantrae

1889, Robert Louis Stevenson

"The Master of Ballantrae: A Winter's Tale" is a captivating adventure story set in Scotland during the Jacobite rebellion of 1745. The narrative revolves around two brothers, James and Henry Durie, who are torn apart by their conflicting loyalties to the English king and the exiled Stuart court. Th

The Winter's Tale

1623, William Shakespeare

"The Winter's Tale" is a tragicomedy that tells the story of Leontes, a king who unjustly accuses his wife Hermione of infidelity with his best friend. Consumed by his jealousy, he orders her imprisonment, causing their son's death and supposedly leading to Hermione's death as well. After 16 years,

The Collected Poems of Theodore Roethke

1966, Theodore Roethke

This collection showcases the work of an acclaimed 20th-century poet, featuring a diverse range of themes and styles. The poems delve into the author's personal experiences, his connection with nature, and his exploration of the human condition. They demonstrate his mastery of language, his unique p

The Green Knight

1993, Iris Murdoch

"The Green Knight" is a philosophical novel that explores themes of morality, truth, and the nature of good and evil through the interconnected lives of its characters. The story revolves around a middle-aged woman and her three daughters who become involved with a mysterious stranger after he is ac

The Unicorn

1963, Iris Murdoch

"The Unicorn" is a psychological thriller set in a remote coastal region of Ireland, where a young governess becomes entangled in the mysterious circumstances surrounding her employer, a woman seemingly imprisoned in her own home. As the governess delves deeper into the secrets of the house and its

A Severed Head

1961, Iris Murdoch

In this novel, a London wine merchant is living a seemingly comfortable life with his wife when his world is turned upside down by a series of shocking revelations. His wife confesses to an affair with her psychoanalyst, who is also his best friend, and plans to leave him. As he grapples with this b

The Short Stories Of Thomas Hardy

1988, Thomas Hardy

This collection showcases the short stories of a renowned 19th-century English novelist and poet, renowned for his vivid depiction of rural life and his profound understanding of human nature. The stories explore themes of love, tragedy, fate, and the struggle against social constraints, offering a

Party Going

1939, Henry Green

"Party Going" is a novel that centers around a group of wealthy, self-absorbed young people waiting for a train to take them to the French Riviera. Their journey is delayed by heavy fog, forcing them to take up residence in a nearby hotel. As they interact with each other and the hotel staff, their

Living

1929, Henry Green

"Living" is a novel that offers a vivid and absorbing depiction of the British working class in the 1920s. The narrative follows the lives of factory workers and their families in Birmingham, focusing on the minutiae of their daily lives, their struggles, hopes, and dreams. The novel is renowned for

The Short Stories of F. Scott Fitzgerald

1989, F. Scott Fitzgerald

This book is a collection of short stories written by a renowned American author, known for his depictions of the Jazz Age (the 1920s), with all its excess, glamour, and despair. The anthology includes both popular and lesser-known works, providing a comprehensive view of the author's talent and ver

The Old Curiosity Shop

1841, Charles Dickens

The Old Curiosity Shop tells the story of Little Nell Trent, a beautiful and virtuous young girl who lives with her grandfather in his shop of curiosities. After her grandfather loses his entire fortune with his gambling addiction, he and Nell are forced to leave their home and live as beggars. The

The Remorseful Day

1999, Colin Dexter

In this final installment of a popular detective series, the protagonist, a Chief Inspector, is facing health issues but is determined to solve his last case. The case involves the mysterious death of a nurse, initially thought to be due to natural causes. However, as the inspector delves deeper int

The Bridge

1930, Hart Crane

"The Bridge" is an epic poem that uses the Brooklyn Bridge as a central symbol to explore the American experience from the early 20th century. The work traverses various historical periods and geographical locations, from the time of the Native Americans to the industrial age, interspersing mytholog

The Stories of Raymond Carver

1981, Raymond Carver

This collection of short stories presents a gritty and realistic view of American life, often focusing on characters struggling with poverty, alcoholism, and failed relationships. The author's minimalist style and use of everyday language create a stark and often bleak portrait of the human conditio

Nights At The Circus

1984, Angela Carter

"Nights at the Circus" is a fantastical tale set in the late 19th century, centering around a trapeze artist who claims to be a swan princess with wings. A journalist is intrigued by her story and joins the circus to uncover the truth. As the troupe travels from London to Siberia, the journalist bec

Water Music

1982, T. C. Boyle

"Water Music" is a historical fiction novel that follows the adventures of two men, an explorer and a petty criminal, during the late 18th century. The narrative alternates between the perspectives of the explorer, who embarks on a quest to discover the source of the Niger River in Africa, and the c

Early Novels and Stories

1984, James Baldwin

"Early Novels and Stories" is a compilation of works by a renowned 20th-century writer, exploring themes of racial, sexual, and personal identity against the backdrop of mid-century America. The collection includes several novels and short stories, each delving into the experiences of African Americ

Einstein's Dreams

1992, Alan Lightman

The book is a collection of fictional dreams that are said to be experienced by Albert Einstein when he was working on his theory of relativity in 1905. Each dream presents a different concept of time: some dreams depict time as circular, others see it as flowing backwards, and some present a world

Wild at Heart

1990, Barry Gifford

The book tells the story of Sailor Ripley and Lula Pace Fortune, two young lovers from the South who embark on a terrifying and exhilarating journey across America. Sailor, a rebellious outlaw with a troubled past, and Lula, a passionate woman with a zest for life, face numerous challenges and dange

In Watermelon Sugar

1968, Richard Brautigan

The novel is set in a post-apocalyptic commune named iDEATH, where the sun shines a different color every day and the inhabitants live off watermelon sugar. The protagonist, who is also the narrator, is writing a book about his experiences in the commune. The novel explores themes of love, loss, and

The Diary of Anais Nin, 1931-1934

1966, Anaïs Nin

This book is a deeply personal journal of a woman's life from 1931 to 1934, providing an intimate look into her experiences, thoughts, and emotions during this period. The author explores her relationships, her struggles with her writing, and her journey of self-discovery. The diary also captures he

Selected Poems of Gabriela Mistral

1957, Gabriela Mistral

This book is a compilation of selected poems by a renowned Latin American poetess, who was the first Latin woman to win the Nobel Prize in Literature. The collection features a wide range of themes including love, sorrow, nature, and death. Her unique poetic style, often characterized by emotive lan

Collected Works of Edna St. Vincent Millay

1956, Edna St. Vincent Millay

This collection encompasses the prolific works of a renowned Pulitzer Prize-winning poet. The book includes her famous sonnets, lyrical poems, and plays, all of which are marked by their romanticism, feminism, and social and political commentary. Her profound exploration of human emotions and experi

The Complete Stories

1995, Zora Neale Hurston

"The Complete Stories" is a collection of short stories that explore the complexities of African American life, particularly in the rural South. The author uses rich, vibrant language to create a tapestry of human emotion, delving into themes of love, loss, race, and gender. The stories range from h

The Collected Works

1920, Kahlil Gibran

"The Collected Works" is a compilation of the most significant writings by a renowned philosopher and artist. It contains a variety of profound and thought-provoking pieces, including essays, parables, and poems, that delve into themes such as love, friendship, joy, sorrow, and spirituality. The boo

Collected Poems 1912-1944

1983, Hilda Doolittle

This collection of poems, written between 1912 and 1944, showcases the poet's innovative and pioneering work in the Imagist movement. The book is filled with evocative and emotionally rich verses that explore themes of love, nature, mythology, and war. The poet's unique style, characterized by preci

The Complete Short Stories of Jack London

1993, Jack London

This collection features the complete short stories written by a renowned American author, known for his vivid portrayals of adventurous and survivalist themes. The stories, often set in the harsh landscapes of the Klondike Gold Rush or the South Pacific, examine complex human nature, survival insti

1910, Rudyard Kipling

This book is a collection of paternal wisdom, offering advice and guidance to a young man navigating through life's challenges. The author shares insights on various life aspects such as integrity, humility, patience, loss, and triumph. The book serves as a timeless guide to personal development, mo

1910, Rudyard Kipling

The Collected Short Stories of Maxim Gorky

1899, Maxim Gorky

This collection of short stories showcases the work of a renowned Russian author who is known for his realistic and empathetic portrayal of the lower classes. Each story provides a vivid depiction of the hardships and struggles faced by the poor and marginalized in society, often highlighting their

Collected Short Stories of Saki

1930, Saki

"Collected Short Stories of Saki" is a compilation of witty, dark, and satirical tales that explore human nature and society through the lens of the Edwardian era. The stories, often featuring animals and children who act as the voice of reason, use humor and irony to critique the aristocracy, socia

Best Science Fiction Stories of H. G. Wells

1933, H. G. Wells

This book is a collection of the best science fiction stories by a renowned British author, known for his pioneering work in the genre. The anthology contains a variety of tales that explore themes such as time travel, alien invasion, evolution, and dystopian futures. The author's vivid imagination,

The Collected Poems of Langston Hughes

1994, Langston Hughes

This anthology is a comprehensive collection of the works of a renowned African American poet, spanning five decades of his prolific career. The collection includes over 800 poems that touch on themes of love, life, race, and social issues, reflecting the poet's experiences and observations in the H

The Voyage Out

1915, Virginia Woolf

"The Voyage Out" is a novel that follows the journey of a young woman who embarks on a sea voyage to South America, where she experiences a series of personal and philosophical awakenings. While on the trip, she encounters a diverse cast of characters, each with their own unique perspectives and exp

An Occurrence at Owl Creek Bridge

1890, Ambrose Bierce

"An Occurrence at Owl Creek Bridge" is a haunting narrative about a Confederate sympathizer during the American Civil War, who is sentenced to death by hanging from the Owl Creek Bridge. As he awaits his fate, he slips into a profound daydream where he escapes his executioners and returns to his fam

Christina Rossetti

2001, Christina Georgina Rossetti

This book is a comprehensive collection of poems by a renowned 19th-century poet. It includes all her known works, ranging from her youthful verses, devotional poems, and love lyrics to her later, darker musings on mortality. The collection showcases the author's mastery of rhythm and rhyme, her ric

Struwwelpeter, Or, Merry Rhymes and Funny Pictures...

1845, Heinrich Hoffmann

"Struwwelpeter, Or, Merry Rhymes and Funny Pictures..." is a collection of cautionary tales for children, featuring a series of characters who suffer dire consequences for their bad behavior. The stories, told in rhymed verse and accompanied by detailed illustrations, include a girl who plays with m

The Hasheesh Eater

1857, Fitz Hugh Ludlow

"The Hasheesh Eater" is a 19th-century autobiographical account of the author's experiences with the drug hashish. It provides a detailed, vivid portrayal of the author's hallucinatory visions and altered states of consciousness induced by the substance. The book also delves into the philosophical a

Venus in Furs

1870, Leopold Von Sacher-Masoch

The novel explores the themes of love, dominance, submission, and power dynamics through the story of a man who becomes infatuated with a woman named Wanda. He convinces her to enter into a contract where he becomes her slave, allowing her to treat him in any way she pleases. Over time, the man's ob

The Hunting of the Snark

1876, Lewis Carroll

"The Hunting of the Snark: An Agony, in Eight Fits" is a whimsical and absurd narrative poem that follows a crew of nine peculiar characters, including a Bellman, a Baker, a Barrister, and a Broker, on a sea voyage in search of a mythical creature known as the Snark. The journey is fraught with stra

Edward Lear's Book of Nonsense

1846, Edward Lear

This book is a collection of limericks and other humorous verses, accompanied by whimsical illustrations. It features a variety of absurd characters and situations, often involving animals and people in bizarre, nonsensical scenarios. The book is known for its playful use of language, including inve

Foliage

1818, Leigh Hunt

"Foliage: Or, Poems Original and Translated" is a collection of poetry that includes both original works and translated pieces from different languages. The poet explores various themes such as nature, love, and human emotions, intertwining his personal experiences and observations with his unique s

Boswell's London Journal, 1762-1763

1950, James Boswell

This book is a journal-style account of a young Scottish man's experiences in 18th-century London. It provides a vivid and detailed account of the social, political, and cultural landscape of the time. The author, a law student, records his interactions with notable figures of the day, his romantic

The life and letters of Benjamin Franklin

1817, Benjamin Franklin

This book offers an in-depth look into the life and correspondence of one of America's founding fathers, Benjamin Franklin. It provides an intimate portrayal of Franklin's personal and political life, detailing his contributions to science, literature, and the formation of the United States. The let

A Modest Proposal and Other Satirical Works

1729, Jonathan Swift

This compilation of satirical works by a renowned author includes the infamous "A Modest Proposal," in which the author suggests that the solution to poverty in Ireland is for the poor to sell their children as food to the wealthy. The book also includes other satirical essays that critique societal

Oroonoko

1688, Aphra Behn

The novel tells the story of an African prince, Oroonoko, who is tricked into slavery by European traders. Despite his noble bearing and personal courage, he is shipped to a plantation in Surinam where he leads a slave revolt. The book explores themes of colonialism, slavery, and the juxtaposition o

Selected Poems

1681, Andrew Marvell

This collection of poems offers a comprehensive view of a renowned 17th-century English metaphysical poet's work. Known for his intricate and intellectual style, the poet's themes range from love and sensuality to political and social commentary, with a particular focus on the tumultuous era of the