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Machiavelli draws on his historical knowledge and experience as a statesman to examine the reasons that Kings, Emperors, Dukes and governments have thrived or crumbled while highlighting the principles that guided them.

Xenophon's Hellenica is a Classical Greek historical narrative divided into seven books that describe Greco-Persian history in the years BCE 411-362. The first two books narrate the final years of the Peloponnesian War from the exact moment in time at which Thucydides' history ends. The remaining books, three to seven, focus primarily on the Spartans military and political machinations as the dominant city-state in Greece after the Pelopessenian wars end. The Hellenica also covers the rise of Thebes as a major military power, and the brief period known as the Theban hegemony.Many consider this a very personal work, written by Xenophon in retirement on his Spartan estate, intended primarily for circulation among his friends, for people who knew the main protagonists and events, often because they had participated in them. It is one of the principal sources for the final seven years of the Peloponnesian War not covered by Thucydides, and the war's aftermath.This case laminate collector's edition includes a Victorian inspired dust-jacket.

On War is a book on military strategy by Prussian general Carl von Clausewitz, written mostly after the Napoleonic wars, between 1816 and 1830. It is one of the most important books on political-military analysis and strategy ever written.

The Lais of Marie de France is a series of twelve short narrative Breton lais. The short, narrative poems focus on glorifying the concept of courtly love through the adventures of the main characters.

Providence leaves Robinson Crusoe as the sole survivor of a shipwreck on a deserted island. Confronted by hunger and the elements, Crusoe builds a home, grows crops, tames wild animals, and survives cannibals and mutineers by his wits.

Oliver Twist escapes travels to London where he meets a gang of young pickpockets led by the elderly criminal Fagin. Oliver's only options seem to be the workhouse, a life of crime symbolized by Fagin's gang, a prison, or an early grave.

The Science of Getting Rich explains how to master mental barriers, and how creation, rather than competition, is the hidden key to wealth attraction. The book is focused on business prosperity, mind training and success in the material world.

The Consolation of Philosophy was written during Boethius' one-year imprisonment. He examines how evil can exist in a world governed by God and how happiness is still attainable amidst fickle fortune, and considers the nature of happiness.

Interior Castle was inspired by Teresa's vision of the soul as a diamond in the shape of a castle containing seven mansions, which she interpreted as the journey of faith through seven stages, ending with union with God.

Little Men recounts six months in the life of the students at Plumfield. The school is not run on conventional lines. All the children have their own gardens and their own pets, and are encouraged to experiment with running businesses.

The Call of the Wild follows the life of a dog named Buck. He becomes progressively feral in the harsh Alaskan environment, where he is forced to fight to survive and dominate other dogs. By the end, he sheds the veneer of civilization.

In this collection of 300 fables, Aesop unravels the morals behind every action in human nature. Included are "The Shepherd-Boy and the Wolf," "The Tortoise and the Hare" and "The Dog and the Shadow."

Journey with Alice into a world of wonder where oddities rule supreme. Encounter characters like the Cheshire Cat who can vanish into thin air, and the Mad Hatter who speaks in riddles. Amidst these absurdities, Alice must find her own way home.

Hank Morgan is a 19th-century resident of Hartford, Connecticut, who, after a blow to the head, awakens to find himself inexplicably transported back in time to early medieval England where he meets King Arthur himself.

Ebenezer Scrooge is visited by three spirits. The Ghost of Christmas Past visits Scrooge's youth, the Ghost of Christmas Present reveals the Cratchits' struggle, and the Ghost of Christmas Yet to Come harrows Scrooge with dire visions of the future.

The Sorrows of Young Werther is a story about unrequited love, primarily presented as a collection of letters written by Werther, a young artist of a sensitive and passionate temperament, to his friend Wilhelm. The story gives an intimate account of Werther's stay in the fictional village of Wahlheim, whose peasants have enchanted him with their simple ways. There he meets Charlotte, a beautiful young girl who takes care of her siblings after the death of their mother. Werther falls in love with Charlotte despite knowing beforehand that she is engaged to a man named Albert, eleven years her senior.The Sorrows of Young Werther was one of the most important novels in the Sturm und Drang period in German literature, and influenced the later Romantic movement. The book was originally published anonymously, and Goethe distanced himself from the book in his later years, regretting the fame it had brought him and the consequent attention to his own youthful love of Charlotte Buff, then engaged to another man.This case laminate collector's edition includes a Victorian inspired dust-jacket.

In Jude the Obscure, Thomas Hardy weaves a complex narrative around Jude Fawley's aspirations and struggles. From his humble beginnings with dreams of academia to a tumultuous personal life marked by a hasty marriage, Hardy plunges Jude into a series of romantic entanglements and societal condemnations that challenge his ideals and desires. The novel navigates through themes of love, social ostracism, and the rigid constraints of Victorian society, leaving readers pondering the costs of convention and the pursuit of personal fulfillment.Jude the Obscure delves into the harsh realities of Victorian England, critiquing institutions like marriage, religion, and education through the life of Jude Fawley. Hardy's narrative reflects his personal struggles with class and education, paralleling Jude's unattainable academic dreams. The novel's stark portrayal of societal constraints and personal tragedies presents a compelling argument against the oppressive norms of the time, making it a significant piece in the canon of English literature. This case laminate collector's edition includes a Victorian inspired dust-jacket.

The Decline and Fall of the Roman Empire is a six-volume work by the English historian Edward Gibbon. In the third and fourth volumes, Gibbon delves into significant events shaping the medieval world, from the Franks' conquest of Italy to the dramatic fall of the Eastern Empire under Mahomet II. It explores the vibrant tapestry of societies, including the Arabs, Saracens, and Ottomans, examining pivotal movements like the Crusades and the fluctuating fortunes of Constantinople. The narrative also covers the ecclesiastical transformations in Rome, culminating in a reflective overview of its ruins by the fifteenth century.The Decline and Fall of the Roman Empire spans Western civilization, Islamic, and Mongolian conquests from the Roman Empire's zenith to Byzantium's downfall. Across six volumes, it details the Roman Empire from 98 to 1590, early Christianity, the Roman State Church, and European history, focusing on the factors that contributed to the collapse of one of history's greatest civilizations over thirteen centuries, including its leaders, wars, and societal dynamics.This case laminate collector's edition includes a Victorian-inspired dust jacket.

The Decline and Fall of the Roman Empire is a six-volume work by the English historian Edward Gibbon. In the first two volumes Gibbon offers a detailed account of Rome from its zenith under Augustus to its division in 395 AD. He delves into the political and military strategies of the Pax Romana and presents a critical analysis of the early Christian Church, highlighting the reigns of pivotal figures like Constantine and Julian. Gibbon discusses the strategic foundation of Constantinople by Constantine and his pivotal conversion to Christianity, reshaping the Roman Empire's religious landscape.The Decline and Fall of the Roman Empire spans Western civilization, Islamic, and Mongolian conquests from the Roman Empire's zenith to Byzantium's downfall. Across six volumes, it details the Roman Empire from 98 to 1590, early Christianity, the Roman State Church, and European history, focusing on the factors that contributed to the collapse of one of history's greatest civilizations over thirteen centuries, including its leaders, wars, and societal dynamics.This case laminate collector's edition includes a Victorian-inspired dust jacket.

The Decline and Fall of the Roman Empire is a six-volume work by the English historian Edward Gibbon. In the third and fourth volumes, Gibbon compellingly narrates the surge of barbarian incursions led by generals like Alaric and Attila, culminating in the overwhelm and ultimate downfall of the Western regions. Subsequently, he shifts focus to the Eastern sphere, where, despite the accomplishments of the Byzantine emperor Justinian and the strategic prowess of the military commander Belisarius, the deep-seated frailties of their dominion were unmistakable.The Decline and Fall of the Roman Empire spans Western civilization, Islamic, and Mongolian conquests from the Roman Empire's zenith to Byzantium's downfall. Across six volumes, it details the Roman Empire from 98 to 1590, early Christianity, the Roman State Church, and European history, focusing on the factors that contributed to the collapse of one of history's greatest civilizations over thirteen centuries, including its leaders, wars, and societal dynamics.This case laminate collector's edition includes a Victorian-inspired dust jacket.

The Campaigns of Alexander stands as a seminal work in the annals of classical literature, providing the most comprehensive account of Alexander the Great's monumental campaigns to conquer the Persian Empire from 336 to 323 BC. Composed in the second century AD during Emperor Hadrian's reign, this historical narrative, complete in seven books, delves into the military strategies and exploits of Alexander, starting from his ascension to the Macedonian throne. Arrian aimed to provide a meticulous military history, drawing primarily from the contemporary but now-lost accounts of Ptolemy and Aristobulus, and for the latter parts, from Nearchus. His narrative seeks to challenge and correct the prevailing "Vulgate" version of Alexander's reign, thereby offering a more nuanced and perhaps more accurate portrayal of the legendary conqueror's campaigns. Through The Campaigns of Alexander, Arrian not only commemorates Alexander's military genius but also contributes significantly to the understanding of ancient historiography, making his work an invaluable resource for historians and classical scholars alike. Included are more than 5,000 indexed page numbers and almost 1,000 footnotes. This case laminate collector's edition includes a Victorian inspired dust-jacket.

The story opens with a seemingly simple disagreement over a trip to the lighthouse, which quickly spirals into a deep exploration of familial tensions, personal ambitions, and the harsh realities of loss and war. As the characters navigate their inner worlds, the novel shifts through time, revealing the profound impact of their experiences on their lives and relationships. The climactic return to the lighthouse years later serves as a culmination of their individual and collective journeys.To the Lighthouse is renowned for its innovative narrative structure and profound exploration of the human psyche. The novel's intricate examination of personal relationships, the passage of time, and the ephemeral nature of existence has cemented its status as a seminal exploration of subjectivity and the nuances of perception. Recognized for its literary significance, To the Lighthouse has been celebrated by TIME magazine as one of the greatest English-language novels.This case laminate collector's edition includes a Victorian inspired dust-jacket.

The Personal Memoirs of U.S. Grant capture the essence of the 18th U.S. President's life, particularly his pivotal roles during the Mexican-American and Civil Wars. Crafted in the final days of Grant's life amidst battles with terminal throat cancer and severe financial distress, these memoirs were published posthumously by Mark Twain in 1885. Twain, using his considerable promotional talents and his personal bond with Grant, devised a sales strategy that tapped into the nation's mourning and patriotic spirit, employing Union veterans for door-to-door sales. The memoirs earned widespread praise for their honest and eloquent prose. Grant's straightforward recounting of his military strategies and personal adversities provides a touching and reflective narrative, praised for its clarity and insight into the life of one of America's most esteemed generals. The success of the memoirs not only secured a financial legacy for Grant's widow but also affirmed the memoirs' importance in both military and literary history. They are cherished for their candid portrayal of Grant's character and leadership, standing as a testament to his enduring legacy.This case laminate collector's edition includes a Victorian-inspired dust jacket.

Chichikov, a middle-aged gentleman of middling social class and means arrives in a small town and turns on the charm to woo key local officials and landowners. He reveals little about his past, or his purpose, as he sets about carrying out his bizarre and mysterious plan to acquire "dead souls." When rumors flare up about his ideas, Chichikov flees to another part of Russia and attempts to continue his venture. Again he goes from estate to estate, encountering eccentric and absurd characters all along the way. In the Russian Empire, before 1861, landowners had the right to own serfs to farm their land. Landowners could buy, sell or mortgage them, as any other chattel. To count serfs (and people in general), the classifier "soul" was used: e.g., "six souls of serfs." The plot of the novel relies on "dead souls" (i.e., "dead serfs") which are still accounted for in property registers. On another level, the title refers to the "dead souls" of Gogol's characters, all of which represent different aspects of poshlost, a Russian word that means petty evil, vulgarity, or obscenity and bad taste.This case laminate collector's edition includes a Victorian inspired dust-jacket.

The Sign of the Four has a complex plot involving service in East India Company, India, the Indian Rebellion of 1857, a stolen treasure, and a secret pact among four convicts ("the Four" of the title) and two corrupt prison guards.

Kim is the orphaned son of an Irish soldier in India. When Kim is rescued by the British, he is trained as a secret agent. Kim is set with a choice to either follow a life of espionage, or the spiritual way of Tibetan Buddhism.

Hamlet dramatises the revenge Prince Hamlet is called on to wreak upon his uncle, Claudius. Macbeth tells the story of a Scottish general named Macbeth who receives a prophecy from a trio of witches that he will become King of Scotland.

The book is a collection of letters between Abelard and Heloise. Abelard was a Medieval French scholastic philosopher while Heloise was his young student, famous as the most well-educated and intelligent woman in Paris at the time.