Dover Thrift Editions – serie

"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.

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.

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.

Major work on ethics, by one of the most influential thinkers of the last 2 centuries, deals with master/slave morality and modern man's current moral practices; the evolution of man's feelings of guilt and bad conscience; and how ascetic ideals help maintain human life under certain conditions.

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.

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.

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.

Four works by great 19th-century Russian author: "The Nose," a savage satire of Russia's incompetent bureaucrats; "Old-Fashioned Farmers," a pleasant depiction of an elderly couple living in rustic seclusion; "The Tale of How Ivan Ivanovich Quarrelled with Ivan Nikiforovich," one of Gogol’s most famous comic stories; and "The Overcoat," widely considered a masterpiece of form.

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.

Classic of economic and social theory offers a satiric examination of the hollowness and falsity suggested by the term "conspicuous consumption," exposing the emptiness of many cherished standards of taste, education, dress, and culture. Since first appearing in 1899, it has become a classic of social theory that has contributed to the modernization of economic policy.

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.

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.

This intriguing combination of fantasy thriller and moral allegory depicts the gripping struggle of two opposing personalities — one essentially good, the other evil — for the soul of one man. Its tingling suspense and intelligent and sensitive portrayal of man's dual nature reveal Stevenson as a novelist of great skill and originality.

Darkly fascinating short novel depicts the struggles of a doubting, supremely alienated protagonist in a world of relative values. Seminal work introduced moral, religious, political and social themes that dominated Dostoyevsky's later masterworks. Constance Garnett's authoritative translation is reprinted here, with a new introduction.

Among the first of Sigmund Freud's many contributions to psychology and psychoanalysis was The Interpretation of Dreams, published in 1900, and considered his greatest work — even by Freud himself. Aware, however, that it was a long and difficult book, he resolved to compile a more concise and accessible version of his ideas on the interpretation of dreams. That shorter work is reprinted here. Since its publication, generations of readers and students have turned to this volume for an authoritative and coherent account of Freud's theory of dreams as distorted wish fulfillment.After contrasting the scientific and popular views of dreams, Freud illustrates the ways in which dreams can be shown to have been influenced by the activities or thoughts of the preceding day. He considers the effect on dreams of such mental mechanisms as condensation, dramatization, displacement, and regard for intelligibility. In addition, the author offers perceptive insights into repression, the three classes of dreams, and censorship within the dream.Students and psychologists will welcome this inexpensive edition of an always-relevant work by the father of modern psychoanalysis. This volume will also appeal to anyone interested in dreams of the workings of the unconscious mind.Reprint of the William Heinemann, London, 1914 edition.

Witty and caustic, Candide has ranked as one of the world's great satires since its first publication in 1759. In the story of the trials and travails of the youthful Candide, his mentor Dr. Pangloss, and a host of other characters, Voltaire mercilessly satirizes and exposes romance, science, philosophy, religion, and government.

In this collection of two brief but highly influential works, Epictetus' Stoic philosophy addresses the nature of fate and man's place in the universe. The philosopher also explores the distinction between what is and is not within our power, the meaning of good and evil, how we should live, the importance of self-knowledge, and many other issues.

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.

The impassioned abolitionist and eloquent orator provides graphic descriptions of his childhood and horrifying experiences as a slave as well as a harrowing record of his dramatic escape to the North and eventual freedom. Published in 1845 to quell doubts about his origins, the Narrative is admired today for its extraordinary passion, sensitive descriptions, and storytelling power.

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.

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.

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.

Ten classic short stories by author and humorist P. G. Wodehouse tell the amusing antics and occasional mishaps of young gentleman Bertie Wooster, who regularly relies on the infinite wisdom of his consummate valet, Jeeves, for help. Lighthearted and delightful to read, these stories include some of the most popular from the Jeeves canon: "Jeeves Takes Charge," in which Bertie and Jeeves first meet, and "Bertie Changes His Mind," the only story told from Jeeves's point of view.

Written in 1912, Death in Venice is Thomas Mann's best-known novella – a haunting, elegiac masterpiece in which the main character, Gustav Aschenbach, is a successful and much-revered author. While vacationing in Venice, this highly disciplined writer, who always has maintained extraordinary control of his literary creations, finds himself suddenly overwhelmed by an all-consuming love for a beautiful young boy. A deadly epidemic sweeps through the city, but Aschenbach's attraction to the youth compels him to remain, thus sealing his fate.

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.

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.

Among the most influential political and social forces of the twentieth century, modern communism rests firmly on philosophical, political, and economic underpinnings developed by Vladimir Ilyich Ulyanov, later known as Lenin.The State and Revolution is Lenin's most significant work, in which he totally rejects the institutions of Western democracy and presents his vision of the final perfection of communism. For anyone who seeks to understand the twentieth century, capitalism, the Russian revolution, and the role of communism in the tumultuous political and social movements that have shaped the modern world, this book offers unparalleled insight and understanding.

It was with this first version of "Song of Myself," from the 1855 edition of Leaves of Grass, that Whitman first made himself known to the world. Readers familiar with the later, revised editions will find this first version new, surprising, and often superior to the revisions, and exhilarating in the freshness of its vision.

First published in 1920, Beyond the Pleasure Principle documents Freud's expansion of his psychological theories. Heretofore insisting that pleasure and sexual instinct are the chief factors in human behavior, Freud introduced the concepts of death drive and death instinct in this volume, depicting humanity as constantly struggling between the two opposing drives.