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First published in 1874, "The Mysterious Island" is French author Jules Verne's exciting adventure which begins amidst the siege on Richmond, Virginia, during the American Civil War. Five northern prisoners plan an unconventional escape by hijacking a hot air balloon. What is in store for them is more than they bargained for. Cyrus Harding, an engineer in the union army; his servant Nebuchadnezzar, a former slave; sailor Bonadventure Pencroft; his protégé Herbert Brown; and the journalist Gideon Spilett; after flying for several days through stormy weather, crash-land their balloon on a deserted island. The men name it Island Lincoln in honor of their President, Abraham Lincoln. Reminiscent of such classic island stories of adventure as "Robinson Crusoe" and "Swiss Family Robinson" the novel follows the exploits of the men as they struggle for survival in a foreign land. A number of inexplicable occurrences, while the men are there, suggests that there is some secret mystery to the island, one that they will soon discover. This edition is printed on premium acid-free paper and follows the translation of W. H. G. Kingston.

"The Jefferson Bible" or "The Life and Morals of Jesus of Nazareth" as it was originally entitled is an extraction of biblical passages constructed by Thomas Jefferson sometime around 1819. In an 1803 letter Jefferson remarks that he first conceived of the idea of writing his interpretation of the "Christian System" sometime during 1788-89. He first accomplishes it in a more limited fashion in 1804 with "The Philosophy of Jesus of Nazareth" which he describes in an 1813 letter to John Adams as follows: "In extracting the pure principles which [Jesus] taught, we should have to strip off the artificial vestments in which they have been muffled by priests, who have travestied them into various forms, as instruments of riches and power to themselves… There will be found remaining the most sublime and benevolent code of morals which has ever been offered to man." The work is notable in the absence of any reference to the supernatural aspects of Jesus' life including the divine birth and the resurrection. According to Jefferson "Jesus did not mean to impose himself on mankind as the son of God" and he believed that "the day [would] come when the mystical generation of Jesus, by the supreme being as his father in the womb of a virgin, [would] be classed with the fable of the generation of Minerva in the brain of Jupiter." Presented here is the 1904 Government Printing Office edition presented to members of Congress with the original introduction by Cyrus Adler printed on premium acid-free paper.

Fyodor Dostoyevsky's final novel, considered to be the culmination of his life's work, "The Brothers Karamazov" is the story of the murder of Fyodor Pavlovich Karamazov, whose four sons are all to some degree complicit in the crime. Fyodor is a contemptible man who during his two marriages has three sons, Dmitri, Ivan, and Alexei. A fourth, Pavel, whom he employs as his servant, is suspected to be the illegitimate product of a union with "Reeking Lizaveta," a mute woman of the street who died in childbirth. Fyodor takes little interest in the raising of his children and as a result finds himself in a contentious relationship with them. Within the context of this crime story evolves a brilliant philosophical debate of religion, reason, liberty, and the nature of guilt in a modernizing society. Considered by Sigmund Freud as "The most magnificent novel ever written," Dostoyevsky's "The Brothers Karamazov," remains to this day to be regarded as one of the finest accomplishments of literature in any language. Through the lives and loves of the Karamazovs, Dostoyevsky presents a compelling examination of Russian life in the 19th century. This edition is printed on premium acid-free paper and follows the translation of Constance Garnett.

Although one of his lesser known plays, Shakespeare's considerable abilities as a playwright are readily apparent in "Troilus and Cressida." This historical and tragic 'problem play', thought to be inspired by Chaucer, Homer, and some of Shakespeare's history-recording contemporaries, is initially a tale of a man and woman in love during the Trojan War. When Cressida is given to the Greeks in exchange for a prisoner of war, Troilus is determined to rescue her. When he does find her, however, Troilus believes Cressida has betrayed him. On a larger scale, this play also deals with the political battle being waged by Agamemnon of the Greeks against Priam of the Trojans. Much of the plot centers on war councils and battles in which Hector and Achilles play a part. Ultimately, Shakespeare's play is memorable for its love and betrayal, questioning of hierarchy and honor, morality in the face of reality, and cynical disillusionment. This edition is printed on premium acid-free paper, is annotated by Henry N. Hudson, and includes an introduction by Charles Harold Herford.

"The Complete Fairy Tales" is a collection of whimsical, fantastical, and deeply moral tales by Oscar Wilde, the renowned nineteenth century Irish poet and playwright. Though best known for his plays and the novel "The Picture of Dorian Gray", Wilde was an accomplished and talented author of children's stories and fairy tales. This collection includes many of his most enduring short stories: the sad and beautiful "The Happy Prince", where a lonely swallow, left behind by his flock, shows the magical statue of a privileged and wealthy Prince the harsh reality of life for the poor; "The Selfish Giant", a touching tale of a giant who realizes the importance of love and kindness when he finally allows children to play in his garden, which had turned cold and lonely when the giant closed it off to them; and "The Remarkable Rocket", the tale of an arrogant and disdainful, but forgotten, firework who alienates everyone and finally explodes with no one there to appreciate him. Those tales along with six other stories are included in this collection. Readers of all ages will be inspired by these beautiful and magical tales which teach the value of kindness and charity. This edition is printed on premium acid-free paper.

First published in 1880, "Ben-Hur: A Tale of the Christ" by Lew Wallace is considered one of the most important and influential Christian novels of the nineteenth-century. The novel follows much of the life of Judah Ben-Hur, a Jewish prince from Jerusalem living in the time of Christ. Wallace intertwines the lives of Judah and Jesus of Nazareth, beginning the novel with the events of the Nativity and later following the downfall and ensuing hardships of Judah's life as a Roman slave, charioteer, and later, a convert to Christianity. The events depicted in the Gospels of the New Testament concerning Jesus are carefully threaded throughout Judah's story, ultimately finding both Jesus and Judah at the Crucifixion, though in different capacities. The incredible historical spectacle that is Judah of the House of Hur's life is a demonstration of fortitude and conviction, a classic story of redemption for the whole family. "Ben-Hur" was an immediate success upon its publication and was the first novel to ever be blessed by a pope. Wallace wrote this remarkable epic work as an inspiration of faith, and it became one of the most popular and enduring American novels of the nineteenth century. This edition is printed on premium acid-free paper.

First published in French in 1856, French diplomat and political scientist Alexis de Tocqueville's "The Old Regime and the French Revolution" is one of the most influential treatises written on the French Revolution. Tocqueville begins by tracing the causes of the French Revolution to the structure of society of France prior to the Revolution, what he terms the "Ancien Regime". Tocqueville rejected the notion that the Revolution was a radical transformation of French society. He instead suggests his theory of continuity, specifically that the Revolution was not an attempt to change the nature of society in a truly fundamental way, but to wrest control from the ancient, feudal landed aristocracy and replace those outdated institutions with a representative democracy. He makes the important observation that the government of Napoleon was autocratic, strongly centralized, and thus not much different from the "Ancien Regime". Tocqueville was a fierce proponent of social institutions based on freedom and equality rather than on the rigid social hierarchy of the feudal social system of the Middle Ages, a system that was increasingly untenable in the age of enlightenment. Tocqueville's treatise remains a timely and important work on social class, revolution, and democracy. This edition is printed on premium acid-free paper and follows the translation of John Bonner.

One of the most important historical records from classical antiquity, "The Annals of Imperial Rome" chronicles the history of the Roman Empire from the reign of Tiberius beginning in 14 A.D. to the end of the reign of Nero in 68 A.D. Written by Cornelius Tacitus, a Roman Senator during the second century A.D., it is a detailed first-hand account of the early Roman Empire and an important source for a modern understanding of that time. It is believed that as a Senator, Tacitus had access to the records of the Roman Senate and thus had a very accurate basis for his history. The work begins with the death of Caesar in 14 A.D. and in brutal and unflinching detail Tacitus describes the decadence and corruption of the Roman Emperors, as well as the equally corrupt Senatorial aristocracy, who Tacitus saw as being too servile to the Emperors. The reigns of Tiberius, Claudius, and Nero were a fascinating and bloody time, full of violence, treasonous plots, murders, suicides, and uprisings. Included are vivid descriptions of the great fire of Rome, the persecution of the Christians, and the suppression of the revolt in Britain led by Boudicca. Presented in this volume is the classic translation of Alfred John Church and William Jackson Brodribb. This edition is printed on premium acid-free paper.

Little is known of Amelia Simmons, the author of the first American cookbook, except that she was probably a domestic worker and lacked any formal education. Some assumed that she was a New Englander based on the location of the first editions; however, later editions published around the Hudson River Valley, and the inclusion of several Dutch words in the book, reinforce the belief that Simmons was probably from the Hudson River Valley region. The book first appeared in 1796 to popular reception, as all other cookbooks being printed and used in the United States prior to this were British. Simmons presents the best methods of picking, preparing, and cooking a variety of ingredients, and her recipes do not shy away from generous use of herbs and wine. This is the first cookbook known to use pearlash, the precursor to modern baking powder, and it contains the first known printed recipe for turkey with cranberries. A classic of early American culinary literature, "American Cookery" gives a wonderful insight into the cuisine of early America. This edition is printed on premium acid-free paper.

"The Two Gentlemen of Verona" is one of the Shakespeare's classic romantic plays and considered by some scholars to possibly be the playwright's first play. It is the story of two young gentlemen from Verona, Valentine and Proteus, who travel to Milan so that they may learn to be "perfect gentlemen". Valentine is eager to begin this new adventure, but Proteus is reluctant to go as he has fallen in love with the beautiful Julia and she returns his devotion. However, Proteus's father forces him to leave and he pledges his love to Julia before they part. In Milan, both Valentine and Proteus fall in love with the Duke's daughter, Silvia, and Proteus is quick to forget Julia. She has not forgotten about Proteus and disguises herself as a boy so that she may follow him to Milan. Silvia does not return Proteus's regard and has herself fallen in love with Valentine, though her father does not approve of the match. Much confusion and comical misadventures ensue before each of the gentlemen end up with the right lady and all misunderstandings are resolved. This enduring classic by the Bard is a tale of love, romance, happy endings, and the importance of friendship. This edition is printed on premium acid-free paper, is annotated by Henry N. Hudson, and includes an introduction by Charles Harold Herford.

One of Shakespeare's early comedies, "The Merry Wives of Windsor" was first published in 1602 and is believed to have been written sometime before 1597. It is unique among his plays for its exclusive focus on the middle class of Elizabethan England, though it is nominally set during the reign of Henry IV. The main character is a fat knight, Sir John Falstaff, who first appeared in Shakespeare's plays "Henry IV, Part I" and "Henry IV, Part II." Falstaff tries to woo two married women for money, but they quickly discover his scheming and trick him numerous times in return, creating memorable, humorous scenes at Falstaff's expense. An additional thread is woven into the story concerning the daughter of one of the wives, who loves a man of whom her parents do not approve. Most likely written at the personal request of Queen Elizabeth for a court occasion, this cast of strong female characters fills the stage with spirited action, not always without irony, and creates a plot overlaid with such timeless themes as marriage, cuckoldry, wealth, social class, and love. This edition is printed on premium acid-free paper, is annotated by Henry N. Hudson, and includes an introduction by Charles Harold Herford.

The third part of Shakespeare's impressive "Henriad", this play follows "Richard II" and "Henry IV, Part I", and precedes the final play of the tetralogy, "Henry V". Following the events of "Henry IV, Part I", Prince Hal is once again out of favor with his father, the king, who is in his last months of life. In contrast to their relationship in "Part I", Falstaff, the comical criminal, is rejected by Prince Hal. Falstaff and Prince Hal only share two brief scenes together as Hal believes he must disassociate himself with the London criminal underworld before becoming king. A more somber play than "Part I", King Henry IV lies in bed, sick, dying, and beset by constant rebellion. He feels the weight of his role and wonders if Hal is equal to the task, reflecting in the famous quote "Uneasy lies the head that wears a crown." Falstaff too, in moments of cynical clarity, reflects on his own poor health and approaching death. A central theme is Hal's reform into a man worthy enough to be king in contrast with Falstaff's continued dissolute life. "Henry IV, Part II" is a work of transformation, reconciliation, and musings on life and death that attest to the universal nature of Shakespeare's dramas. This edition is printed on premium acid-free paper, is annotated by Henry N. Hudson, and includes an introduction by Charles Harold Herford.

Performed as early as 1611 and published in the "First Folio" in 1623, Shakespeare's "Cymbeline" weaves an elaborate tale of palatial envy and power in Ancient Britain. Cymbeline, King of Britain, commands that his lovely young daughter Imogen marry Cloten, the violent and callous son of the current Queen by her former husband. With her heart already promised to the poor yet heroic Posthumus, Imogen refuses. Disgusted at the prospect of his daughter marrying beneath her class and thus unable to produce a worthy heir to the British throne, Cymbeline banishes Posthumus from Britain. The Queen becomes involved as well and plots the death of young Imogen and her father, the King, so that her son can rule. Against the backdrop of plots, treachery, a fairy-tale turn of events, and the appearance of a Roman god, Imogen and Posthumus travel long distances and overcome great odds in an attempt to be reunited. In the process, Imogen's long-lost brothers are found, a Roman army is defeated, and the treacherous Queen is exposed. Exciting, tragic, romantic and adventurous, Shakespeare's "Cymbeline" remains a thrilling and timeless depiction of young love. This edition is printed on premium acid-free paper, is annotated by Henry N. Hudson, and includes an introduction by Charles Harold Herford.

Originally published in Shakespeare's "First Folio" in 1623, "All's Well That Ends Well" is a fascinating play that defies classification, an unusual work that blends the comic with the tragic. The play tells the story of Helena, a penniless worker at the Palace of Rousillion, and her cunning adventures to wed Bertram, the prosperous son of the count. Bertram goes to Paris to attend the King of France and Helena follows and uses her cunning and charm to convince the King she is a healer. When Helena risks her life to rid the King of France of a peculiar illness, she is rewarded with her choice of grooms from the King's court and she chooses the hand of Bertram. Faced with rejection from Bertram due to her lowly social status, she devises a clever and devious plan to birth his son and keep his ring. This is love as war, full of scheming, seduction, and manipulation. Based on a tale from Boccaccio's, "The Decameron", the play energizes a classic Shakespearean theme of love complicated and conflicted by differences in class. Full of the expected wit and ardor of Shakespeare, "All's Well That Ends Well" is an entertaining classic. This edition is printed on premium acid-free paper, is annotated by Henry N. Hudson, and includes an introduction by Charles Harold Herford.

Plato's "Phaedrus" is a dialogue between Phaedrus and the great Greek philosopher Socrates. Phaedrus has been spending the morning with Lysias, the celebrated rhetorician, and is going to refresh himself by taking a walk outside the wall, when he is met by Socrates, who professes that he will not leave him until he has delivered up the speech with which Lysias has regaled him, and which he is carrying about in his mind, or more probably in a book hidden under his cloak, and is intending to study as he walks. The imputation is not denied, and the two agree to direct their steps out of the public way along the stream of the Ilissus towards a plane-tree which is seen in the distance. There, lying down amidst pleasant sounds and scents, they will read the speech of Lysias. A classic exposition on the topic of love which serves to construct a discussion on the proper use of rhetoric, Plato's "Phaedrus" is one of the ancient philosopher's important Socratic dialogues. This edition is translated with an introduction by Benjamin Jowett and is printed on premium acid-free paper.

Written in 1884 under the pen name "Nessmuk", "Woodcraft and Camping" is the classic and timeless guide on roughing it by expert woodsman George Washington Sears. Born the eldest of ten children in Massachusetts in 1821, Sears took the pen name "Nessmuk" from a Native American who befriended him as a child. This connection and an early exposure to books on Native American culture left Sears with a life-long love and appreciation for survival skills in the forest and adventure-seeking in the natural world. Sears made a living as a sportswriter for "Field and Stream" magazine and was an early conservationist and proponent of the ultra-light backpacking and canoeing movement, which remains popular to this day. Having remained in print ever since its original publication, "Woodcraft and Camping" remains as full of practical advice and instruction as it did when it was first published. This informative guide is a must-have for any outdoors enthusiast and provides priceless advice on building fires, cooking outside, building shelters, hunting, fishing, and the tools that are needed to survive in the wilderness. This edition is printed on premium acid-free paper.

"Absolute Surrender and Other Addresses" is a compilation of sermons and essays written by the famous South African religious leader Andrew Murray. Born in South Africa in 1828, Murray grew up educated in Scotland and later the Netherlands. He returned to South Africa in 1848 after his ordination and pastored several churches all over South Africa. Murray was an important proponent of the "Higher Life" or "Keswick" movement which believed that after one's initial baptism into the Christian faith one must continue to work on a second blessing from God. This second blessing or purpose is possible by living a more holy and less sinful daily life. This goal may only be achieved by surrendering one's will and daily life absolutely to Jesus and by studying and understanding Jesus's words and lessons to his disciples. In these stirring and inspiring sermons, Murray details the benefits of absolute surrender to God, such as untold blessings and a true experience of Jesus, and instructs the faithful in how to achieve this surrender in their daily life. Murray's wise words continue to guide the faithful over a hundred years later. This edition is printed on premium acid-free paper.

First published in 1917 and the fifth novel in the "Anne of Green Gables" saga by Lucy M. Montgomery, "Anne's House of Dreams" begins with Anne's wedding to her childhood sweetheart Gilbert Blythe and chronicles the early days of their married life together. Shortly following their marriage in the Green Gables orchard at the beginning of the novel, the couple moves into their "house of dreams" at Four Winds Point and Gilbert begins to take over his uncle's medical practice. As the happy young couple settle into their new life together they meet many interesting characters, such as Captain Jim, an old sailor who maintains the lighthouse, Ms. Cornelia Bryant, an aging spinster who never hesitates to speak her mind, and the lonely and bitter Leslie, whose cruel husband, Dick Moore, returned brain damaged and helpless from a long voyage at sea. The novel follows Anne, Gilbert and their new friends and neighbors for two years through heartbreak, tragedy, unexpected surprises, and eventually happiness and triumph. "Anne's House of Dreams" is a beautiful and touching installment in the treasured saga of Lucy M. Montgomery's most popular and well-loved character. This edition is printed on premium acid-free paper.

Written in 1712 by Saint Louis de Montfort, this influential Catholic treatise remained virtually unknown until it was discovered in France in 1842. Finally published in 1843 in its original French, the work became an instant success and would later have a profound impact on many Catholic popes. Pope John Paul II, a most devout believer in the importance of the Blessed Virgin Mary, said reading "True Devotion to Mary" was a "decisive turning point" in his life. Montfort believed that the easiest and most perfect path to Jesus Christ lay in worship of the Blessed Virgin Mary. Through devout dedication to Mary, one could find salvation and eternal life with Jesus Christ. By praising, loving and honoring Mary, one was truly loving and honoring God and Jesus Christ. This devotion to Mary was the most pure and true devotion, showed a profound love and commitment to Jesus Christ, and would bring about wonderful spiritual effects in the worshipper. The greatest book on Marian spirituality ever written, "True Devotion to Mary" continues to inspire and guide the faithful to this day. This edition is printed on premium acid-free paper.

First published in 1689, "An Essay Concerning Human Understanding" is British philosopher John Locke's important and influential exposition on the foundation of human knowledge and understanding. Arranged into four books, the first book begins by rejecting the notion of innate ideas proposed by Descartes and proposes instead that humans are born as blank slates. Book two argues that all knowledge is derived from experience and reflection. Locke also makes the argument for the existence of an intelligent creator or God. Book three addresses language and the unique ability that humans have to assign sounds to meanings and objects and then arrange those words into a language. Locke criticizes the careless use of language by some philosophers and how it can lead to confusion and misunderstanding. Book four is a detailed examination of human knowledge, intuition, mathematics, moral philosophy, natural philosophy, faith, and opinion. Locke's ideas were the basis for the philosophy of Empiricism, influenced the direction of modern philosophy, and inspired the work of other English thinkers, such as David Hume. A compelling and persuasive philosophical work, "An Essay Concerning Human Understanding" is a must read for all students of philosophy. This edition is printed on premium acid-free paper.