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Written after he built and lived in a cabin off the shore of Walden Pond, Walden and Civil Disobedience chronicles Thoreau's experiences living a self-reliant life void of modern civilization's, and the government's, influence. Through this collection of essays, Thoreau rejects the notion that inner peace and contentment are attainable through outward advances such as economic, technological, and territorial development. He provides, instead, the argument that rather than improve a man's life, such developments strip it of dynamism and even meaning.

In this early 20th century novella, Ayn Rand creates a dystopian society that emphasizes government control over all elements of a civilization - and complete conformity of the people within it. Mankind is in a dark age, both literally and figuratively: There is no light, technological advancement is rarely allowed, and impotent collectivism is not only preferred, but required, over individuality. Anthem is a raw and haunting study of how society might look should we trade every "I" for "We."

In 1865, Charles Lutwidge Dodson composed a fantasy tale for a trio of young sisters. His creative genius and childlike ability to imagine a universe like no other took form in one of the most treasured children's books of all time. Under the pen-name of Lewis Carroll, Dodson's tale of an intrepid little girl who discovers a surreal, beautiful, and dangerous land would has shared its magic with generations of readers. His Cheshire Cat, Mad Hatter, and Queen of Hearts have become cultural icons, to say nothing of the heroic young Alice herself.

The historical and cultural significance of Dante Alighieri's masterpiece The Divine Comedy cannot be overstated. Dante's poetry takes the reader on a multi-layered journey, one through which he or she experiences this literary master's unique aesthetic and spiritual sensibilities. The Divine Comedy also presents the opportunity to gain a deeper understanding of medieval Italian thought and its bearing on Western theology and culture. This lyrical allegory of a journey from the depths of Hell to Paradise is a moving read in its own right and its influence upon world literature unchallenged.

This collection features some of Tolstoy's most memorable tales, including "The Death of Ivan Ilych" and "How Much Land Does a Man Need?" In the titular novella, a man travelling by train describes to another passenger the circumstances by which he came to kill his wife. In "The Death of Ivan Ilych," a man who would appear to have everything comes to discover the emptiness of his life after collapsing in his home. Poignant and heartfelt, these stories showcase Tolstoy's intellect and literary talent in one incredible volume.

A progenitor of science fiction, the works of Jules have been adapted to film countless times. One of Verne's most familiar and extraordinary tales, A Journey to the Centre of the Earth takes readers deep below the crust of the earth into a strange world of prehistoric monsters and subterranean skies. While Verne's vision of the earth's core has almost wholly been refuted by science, it remains one of the most cherished and classic adventure tales of the nineteenth century.

In 1831, Darwin embarked on the HMS Beagle for his second expedition surveying the world's remarkable biological diversity. Not only would the expedition last five years and take the biologist to the farthest reaches of the globe, it would also inspire Darwin's celebrated theory of evolution by natural selection. The Voyage of the Beagle details and catalogues Darwin's incredible observations and theories and affords the reader the unique opportunity to witness the natural world unfold through his eyes.

These are the classic exploits of Peter Pan-the Neverland resident whose everlasting youth and adventure has delighted readers for nearly a century. This collection features some of Peter's most memorable brushes with Captain Hook, including his first encounters with Wendy, John, and Michael. Readers and critics hoping to experience Peter Pan before its numerous film and play adaptations will enjoy this volume immensely.

This poem and treatise from the sixteenth century Catholic mystic describes the soul's journey from its bodily form to its ultimate reunion with God, the Creator. St. John's riveting descriptions of the soul's transition from the physical world to spiritual purification continue to enjoy allusions in popular culture and should delight literary scholars and theologians alike.

This collection of correspondence between medieval scholar Peter Abelard and Heloise, a French nun, chronicles one of the most tragic love affairs in all history. With their letters, the estranged lovers both mourn and reproach their romantic history as they address a variety of scholarly and professional topics common to the medieval period.

This dramatic novel from Eliot voices many of her deepest reservations about religion and avarice. It tells the story of Silas Marner, a Calvinist weaver who is framed as a thief by his best friend and finds redemption in his care for Eppie, a small child. While Silas Manner may have a deceptively happy ending, it remains a powerful Victorian critique of organized religion and industrialization.

Arguably Zane Grey's most popular novel and a forerunner of the western genre, Riders of the Purple Sage tells the story of a Mormon woman caught between the persecution of religious zealots and several "Gentile" gunmen seeking to lend her a helping hand. Set in Utah during the nineteenth century, this novel offers an early critique on the practice of polygamy and plural marriage in the Old West.

The first of its kind, Wister's The Virginian is a prototypical western novel that has inspired readers and authors for over a century. Detailing the exploits of a gunslinger known solely as the Virginian, Wister's novel introduced readers to a number of western motifs that are taken for granted in western fiction today. This is a must-read for any fan of the western genre.

A work of extraordinary historical and theological significance, The Jefferson Bible details Thomas Jefferson's famous attempt to retell the events of the New Testament without the inclusion of miracles or other supernatural elements. Conforming largely to the staunch deism of the time, Jefferson's interpretation of the life and teachings of Jesus Christ rejects all forms of divine intervention, including the Trinity and resurrection.

One of Freud's most introducing contributions to the study of psychology, this work explores group solidarity and behavior through the lens of psychoanalysis. While Freud helps to illuminate some of the nuances of group psychology, this work provokes many questions as to what makes people, and groups, think and behave as they do.

"The Science of Getting Rich" was written by a proponent of the New Thought Movement, Wallace D. Wattles. In his book, Wattles stresses the power of the human mind-claiming that one's way of thinking can attract or repel wealth. A source of inspiration for many financial success manuals - most recently Rhonda Byrne's "The Secret" - "The Science of Getting Rich" remains relevant more than 100 years after its initial publication.

Gillette's original 1887 White House Cookbook has something for cooks and students of history alike. This recipe book features menus and preparation instructions for dishes served in the White House for varying U.S. presidents and their guests. Presented in historical context, this old fashioned cookbook includes a large variety of tried and true recipes that will never disappoint.

The Brangwen family has lived in Nottinghamshire for generations. "The Rainbow" tells the story of the three generations of Brangwens who live at Marsh Farm from 1840 to the early 1900's. In this book, D. H. Lawrence explored the impact of sexuality upon human relationships with such frankness that, shortly after its publication in 1915, it was brought to trial for obscenity.

"Best Russian Short Stories" was initially published in 1917 and edited by Thomas Seltzer. The introduction praises the Russian sensibility for its "simplicity, naturalness, veraciousness." A collection of short fiction by Gogol, Dostoyevsky, Pushkin, Turgenev, Chekhov, Gorky, and many others, each selection is the work of a master.

"Mrs. Beeton's Book of Household Management" is many things, but it is first and foremost a guide to managing a household. In addition to offering advice on a wide range of domestic topics, the book contains hundreds of recipes. A compendium of practical information about everything from animal husbandry to seasonal produce, this Victorian classic is both fascinating and useful.

In 1910 - hoping that the study of penguin eggs would provide an evolutionary link between birds and reptiles - a group of explorers left Cardiff by boat on an expedition to Antarctica. Not all of them would return. Written by one of its survivors, "The Worst Journey in the World" tells the moving and dramatic story of the disastrous expedition.

"Breath is life! Life is absolutely dependent upon the act of breathing." Thus does Yogi Ramacharaka state, in positive, unambiguous language, the importance of breathing. Expostulating upon the vital importance of breath to physical and spiritual well-being, "The Science of Breath" is a comprehensive guide to the philosophy and practice of breathing techniques.

Composed by siblings Charles and Mary Lamb, Tales from Shakespeare adapts a variety of Shakespeare's most popular plays for children. While Shakespeare's beautiful language has been simplified so as to be understood by beginning readers, this collection is a wonderful way to introduce youngsters to Shakespeare's greatest works, including Hamlet, Macbeth, King Lear, Romeo and Juliet, and others.

Widower Mr. Gibson decides to remarry for the sake of his daughter, Molly-but his new wife proves to be insincere and selfish. Molly often stays with the Hamleys of Hamley Hall, spending time with their two sons, Osborne and Roger. "Wives and Daughters" - which follows Molly as she grows into a young woman and falls in love - is Elizabeth Gaskell's final novel, and her masterpiece.

"The best things in an artist's work are so much a matter of intuition, that there is much to be said for the point of view that would altogether discourage intellectual inquiry into artistic phenomena on the part of the artist." Thus writes Harold Speed in the very first line of his introduction to the book in which deconstructs the process of drawing by subjecting it to lucid intellectual inquiry. Published in 1913, "The Practice and Science of Drawing" balances its practical advice with technical insight: a necessary manual for those who wish to master the elements of classical drawing.

Regarded by the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints as holy scripture detailing God's revelation to Joseph Smith, The Book of Mormon is one of the most significant and widely read religious documents produced in modern times. Including discussions on a variety of Judeo-Christian doctrines, The Book of Mormon is a fascinating read for religious scholars and denominational adherents alike.

Paul Morel is a young artist, and the second son of Gertrude Morel. When Paul falls in love with a local girl, Miriam, his mother disapproves, and Paul is forced to choose between them. "Sons and Lovers" is an intense examination of family, class, and love, set in a small mining town in the early 1900's.

Mark Twain toured the British Empire in 1895, during which time he began concocting a travelogue about the experience that was published in 1897. Twain's narrative spans the globe, from Australia to Hawaii. Full of tall-tales and real-life criticisms of imperialist arrogance, "Following the Equator: A Journey Around the World" is written with Twain's characteristic wit and enthusiasm for a good, entertaining story.

Pollyanna Whittier is an orphan who goes to live with her Aunt Polly in Vermont. Determinedly optimistic, Pollyanna soon wins over everyone in town-except her aunt. "Pollyana" is the best-selling 1913 classic by Eleanor H. Porter that inspired several movie adaptations and sequels.

When a steadfast young shepherd named Gabriel Oak meets the beautiful Bathsheba Everdene, he falls in love with her. He proposes marriage, but proud Bathsheba refuses. Thomas Hardy's novel about the evolution of a relationship between a headstrong woman and a quiet, thoughtful man is a vivid masterpiece.