Dover Thrift Editions – serie

Published amid a firestorm of controversy in 1859, this is a book that changed the world. Reasoned and well-documented in its arguments, it offers coherent views of natural selection, adaptation, the struggle for existence, survival of the fittest, and other concepts that form the foundation of evolutionary theory.

Here is Oscar Wilde's most brilliant tour de force, a witty and buoyant comedy of manners that has delighted millions in countless productions since its first performance in London's St. James' Theatre on February 14, 1895. The Importance of Being Earnest is celebrated not only for the light-hearted ingenuity of its plot, but for its inspired dialogue, rich with scintillating epigrams still savored by all who enjoy artful conversation.From the play's effervescent beginnings in Algernon Moncrieff's London flat to its hilarious denouement in the drawing room of Jack Worthing's country manor in Hertfordshire, this comic masterpiece keeps audiences breathlessly anticipating a new bon mot or a fresh twist of plot moment to moment.

Deeply spiritual and profoundly human, this 16th-century masterpiece is the work of a revered saint. Teresa of Avila visualized the soul as a many-faceted diamond, with the ecstasy of divine communion at its center. Her insights into prayer and meditation as the keys to fulfillment have inspired generations of readers.

Philosopher's classic study declares that Greek tragedy achieved greatness through a fusion of elements of Apollonian restraint and control with Dionysian components of passion and the irrational. "A work of profound imaginative insight, which left the scholarship of a generation toiling in the rear." — British classicist F. M. Cornford.

"One of the most unique and perceptive writers of our time." The New York Times. The author of The Fountainhead and Atlas Shrugged recounts the tale of a dystopia in which all traces of individualism have been eliminated from every aspect of life. In this brief, captivating novel, Ayn Rand anticipates the themes explored in her later masterpieces.

This autobiographical account by a former slave is one of the few extant narratives written by a woman. Written and published in 1861, it delivers a powerful portrayal of the brutality of slave life. Jacobs speaks frankly of her master's abuse and her eventual escape, in a tale of dauntless spirit and faith.

Delightfully humorous account of a feminist utopia in which 3 male explorers stumble upon an all-female society isolated in a distant part of the earth. Early 20th-century vehicle for Gilman's then-unconventional views of male-female behavior, motherhood, individuality, sense of community, sexuality, and other topics. Mischievous, ironic approach used to telling effect.

Supreme masterpiece recounts in feverish, compelling tones the story of Raskolnikov, an impoverished student tormented by his own thoughts after he brutally murders an old woman. Overwhelmed afterwards by guilt and terror, Raskolnikov confesses and goes to prison. There he realizes that happiness and redemption can only be achieved through suffering.

This volume, which the author called "the most personal of all my books," features the largest collection of Nietzsche's published poetry. It also offers an extensive, sophisticated treatment of his core philosophical themes and views as well as the ideas that proved most influential to later philosophers. Thought-provoking discussions address art and morality, knowledge and truth, the intellectual conscience, and the origin of logic.

One of the most popular works of American literature, this charming self-portrait has been translated into nearly every language. It covers Franklin's life up to his prewar stay in London as representative of the Pennsylvania Assembly, including his boyhood years, work as a printer, experiments with electricity, political career, much more.

In this landmark collection of essays, originally published in 1918, the father of psychoanalysis explores the conflict between primitive feelings and the demands of civilization, i.e., the struggle to reconcile unconscious desires with socially acceptable behavior. Topics include the childhood development of totemism, incest taboo in primitive societies around the world, taboo and the ambivalence of emotions, and the infantile recurrence of totemism.

In the tenth century, Japan was both physically and culturally isolated from the rest of the world. The Pillow Book recaptures this lost world with the diary of a young court lady. Sei Shōnagon was a contemporary of Murasaki Shikibu, who wrote the well-known novel The Tale of Genji. Unlike the latter's fictionalized view of the Heian-era court, Shōnagon's journal provides a lively miscellany of anecdotes, observations, and gossip, intended to be read in juicy bits and pieces.This unique volume was first rendered into English in 1889. In 1928, Arthur Waley, a seminal figure in the Western studies of Japanese culture, undertook a translation. The distinguished scholar devised this abridged version of the text, re-creating in English the stylistic beauty of its prose and the vitality of its narrative. Waley's interpretation offers a fascinating glimpse of the artistic pursuits of the royal court and its constant round of rituals, festivals, and ceremonies.Reprint of the 1928 edition.

One of the most popular of the 19th-century philosophers refines his previously expressed ideal of the superman in a fascinating examination of human values and morality. This inexpensive, unabridged edition of one of Nietzsche's most important works offers a rich sampling of the philosopher's influential school of thought. Publisher's Introduction.

Discussed and debated from time immemorial, the concept of personal liberty went without codification until the 1859 publication of On Liberty. John Stuart Mill's complete and resolute dedication to the cause of freedom inspired this treatise, an enduring work through which the concept remains well known and studied.The British economist, philosopher, and ethical theorist's argument does not focus on "the so-called Liberty of the Will…but Civil, or Social Liberty: the nature and limits of the power which can be legitimately exercised by society over the individual." Mill asks and answers provocative questions relating to the boundaries of social authority and individual sovereignty. In powerful and persuasive prose, he declares that there is "one very simple principle" regarding the use of coercion in society – one may only coerce others either to defend oneself or to defend others from harm.The new edition offers students of political science and philosophy, in an inexpensive volume, one of the most influential studies on the nature of individual liberty and its role in a democratic society.Reprint of the J. W. Parker and Son, London, 1859 edition.

Pulitzer Prize-winning author Will Durant chronicles the lives and ideas of several key philosophical thinkers throughout history in this informative yet eminently readable text. Beginning with Socrates and Plato and concluding with Friedrich Nietzsche, with twelve other prominent philosophers between them, the author builds a history of philosophy by showing how each thinker's ideas informed and influenced the next generation. An essential read for anyone fascinated by the development of Western philosophy.

Considered a pioneer of the short story genre and a trailblazer in modern fiction, Anton Chekhov (1860-1904) started writing at age 20.By 27, he had shifted from traditional storytelling methods to examining the experiences of everyday individuals in mundane circumstances. His evocative portrayals of Russian life and the complexities of human existence resonate with deep emotional sincerity.Chekhov published hundreds of short stories, earning acclaim from a diverse audience, including contemporaries like Leo Tolstoy. Chekhov shared insights into the writing process, offered guidance to aspiring writers, and mentored his brother, Alexander.This anthology showcases Chekhov's wisdom through quotations from his letters, conversations, notebooks, and works, providing essential lessons in emotional depth and authentic representation of human experiences – an excellent compendium for students, journalists, and writers of every genre.

A first-century Stoic, Epictetus argued that we will always be happy if we learn to desire that things should be exactly as they are. His Enchiridion, or Manual, is a distillation of his teachings and an instructional manual for a tranquil life as it offers guidelines for those seeking contentment.

Reflected in Eastern philosophy, art, and literature for more than 2,000 years, the magisterial effects of the Tao Te Ching have shaped the thinking of some of the world's most profound philosophers. This spiritual work, one of the most influential books in history, promotes the achievement of peace and harmony through meditation.

Acting as a bridge between the ancient and the contemporary, this collection of memorable quotes highlights some of the most important teachings of Eastern philosophers, including Confucius, Lao Tzu, and the Buddha. These philosophies transcend time and civilization, revealing essential truths that continue to resonate deeply in modern life. Learn to go with the flow and embrace the natural rhythm of life with Taoism, strengthen your ethics and moral character with Confucianism, and enlighten your mind and spirit with Buddhism. Whether you are seeking clarity for everyday decisions or profound truths for personal growth, this book is a spiritual gateway to meditative reflection and purposeful living.

"The most extraordinary piece of wit and wisdom that America has yet contributed." — Ralph Waldo Emerson. Inspired by transcendentalism, Whitman's immortal collection includes some of the greatest poems of modern times, including his masterpiece "Song of Myself." Shattering standard conventions of symbolism and allegory, it stands as an unabashed celebration of body and nature.

Popular, well-known poetry: "The Passionate Shepherd to His Love," "Shall I compare thee to a summer's day?" "Death, be not proud," "The Raven," "The Road Not Taken," plus works by Blake, Wordsworth, Byron, Coleridge, Shelley, Emerson, Browning, Keats, Kipling, Sandburg, Pound, Auden, Thomas, and many others.

From its gripping first sentence onward, this novel exemplifies the term "Kafkaesque." Its darkly humorous narrative recounts a bank clerk's entrapment — based on an undisclosed charge — in a maze of bureaucratic roadblocks. This is the least expensive edition available of one of the 20th century's most important novels.

Stirring reflections on the human condition from a warrior and emperor provide a fascinating glimpse into the mind and personality of a highly principled Roman of the 2nd century. Recognizing that suffering is at the core of life, he counsels stoic detachment in the face of inevitable pain, loss and death.

Charming satire of the sentimental comedies of the day has entertained audiences since 1773. A young lady poses as a serving girl to win the heart of a young gentleman too shy to court ladies of his own class. Many delightful deceits, hilarious turns of plot must be played out before the play concludes happily. Notes.

Dark allegory describes the narrator's journey up the Congo River and his meeting with, and fascination by, Mr. Kurtz, a mysterious personage who dominates the unruly inhabitants of the region. Masterly blend of adventure, character development, psychological penetration. Considered by many Conrad's finest, most enigmatic story.

Treasury of verse by the great Victorian poet includes the famous long narrative poem, Enoch Arden, plus "The Lady of Shalott," "The Charge of the Light Brigade," "Break, break, break," "Flower in the crannied Wall" and more. Also included are excerpts from three longer works: The Princess, "Maud" and "The Brook."

The 6 essays and one address in this volume outline the great transcendentalist's moral idealism as well as hinting at the later scepticism that colored his thought. In addition to the celebrated title essay, the others included here are "History," "Friendship," "The Over-Soul," "The Poet" and "Experience," plus the well-known and frequently read Harvard Divinity School Address.

"In truth there was only one Christian, and he died on the cross," declares Nietzsche in this famous attack on Christianity and organized religion. One of philosophy's most accessible and easily understood works, the polemic consists of 62 brief chapters, each an aphorism that advances the philosopher's argument. Fast-paced, concise, and brimming with conviction, Nietzsche's final work is essential to a grasp of his complete oeuvre.

Among the most important and influential philosophical works in Western thought: Euthyphro, exploring the concepts and aims of piety and religion; Apology, a defense of the integrity of Socrates' teachings; Crito, exploring Socrates' refusal to flee his death sentence; and Phaedo, in which Socrates embraces death and discusses the immortality of the soul.