The Republic is a Socratic dialogue by Plato, written in approximately 380 BC. It is one of the most influential works of philosophy and political theory, and arguably Plato's best known work. In it, Socrates and various other Athenians and foreigners discuss the meaning of justice and whether the just man is happier than the unjust man by constructing an imaginary city ruled by philosopher-kings. The dialogue also discusses the nature of the philosopher, Plato's Theory ...
Philosophy
The book examines the role of education in the lives of the characters and how such education and study has affected the characters. Rosamond Vincy's finishing school education is a foil to Dorothea Brooke's religiously-motivated quest for knowledge. Rosamond initially admires Lydgate for his exotic education, and his intellect. A similar dynamic is present in Dorothea and Casaubon's relationship, with Dorothea revering her new husband's intellect and eloquence. In both ...
Literature
Walden by Henry David Thoreau is one of the best-known non-fiction books written by an American. Published in 1854, it details Thoreau’s life for two years, two months, and two days around the shores of Walden Pond. Walden is neither a novel nor a true autobiography, but a social critique of the Western World, with each chapter heralding some aspect of humanity that needed to be either renounced or praised. Along with his critique of the civilized world, Thoreau examines...
Nature, Philosophy
Follows the fortunes of the son of a noble Saxon family in Norman England as he woos his lady, disobeys his father, and is loved by another. Set in late 12C England and in Palestine with Richard Cœur-de-Lion at the Crusades, it's another ripping historical yarn by Scott (summary by annise)
Adventure, Historical Fiction, Romance
Franklin wrote his autobiography in the form of an extended letter to his son. While recording the events of his life, he adds instructions for good living which makes this work America’s first “How to Succeed” book. (Summary by Gary)
Biography
Happy families are all alike; every unhappy family is unhappy in its own way. Everything was in confusion in the Oblonskys? house. The wife had discovered that the husband was carrying on an intrigue with a French girl, who had been a governess in their f
Well, Prince, so Genoa and Lucca are now just family estates of the Buonapartes. But I warn you, if you don't tell me that this means war, if you still try to defend the infamies and horrors perpetrated by that Antichrist- I really believe he is Antichrist- I will have nothing more to do with you and you are no longer my friend, no longer my 'faithful slave,' as you call yourself! But how do you do? I see I have frightened you- sit down and tell me all the news. It was i...
Excerpt: SING, O GODDESS, the anger of Achilles son of Peleus, that brought countless ills upon the Achaeans. Many a brave soul did it send hurrying down to Hades, and many a hero did it yield a prey to dogs and vultures, for so were the counsels of Jove fulfilled from the day on which the son of Atreus, king of men, and great Achilles, first fell out with one another.
Excerpt: Paradise Lost, A Poem in Twelve Books by John Milton.
Excerpt: PART I. Chapter One. We were in class when the head-master came in, followed by a ?new fellow,? not wearing the school uniform, and a school servant carrying a large desk. Those who had been asleep woke up, and every one rose as if just surprised at his work. The head-master made a sign to us to sit down. Then, turning to the class-master, he said to him in a low voice-- ?Monsieur Roger, here is a pupil whom I recommend to your care; he?ll be in the second. If h...
Supplemental catalog subcollection information: American Libraries Collection; Historical Literature; Reprint of the 1899 ed. published by Small, Maynard, Boston; Includes bibliographical references; c.2 w/d; c.3; c.1
Actus primus. Scaena Prima. Enter Begger and Hostes, Christophero Sly. Begger. Ile pheeze you infaith Host. A paire of stockes you rogue Beg. Y’are a baggage, the Slies are no Rogues. Looke in the Chronicles, we came in with Richard Conqueror: therefore Paucas pallabris, let the world slide: Sessa Host. You will not pay for the glasses you haue burst? Beg. No, not a deniere: go by S [aint]. Ieronimie, goe to thy cold bed, and warme thee Host. I know my remedie, I must go...
Description: The Republic, written in 380BC by the great philosopher and thinker Plato, is the longest and greatest of his works. Originally titled as politeria, meaning 'City-State governance' in Greek, it actually proposes a Just society ruled by a phil