Signature Classics – serie

Fledgling English lawyer Jonathan Harker treks into the Carpathian Mountains to complete a real estate transaction—despite the frightening warnings of the horrible dangers that await him. Harker’s client is the ancient Count Dracula, who lives in a sumptuously furnished castle—one strangely devoid of mirrors. Harker soon realizes that the Count’s interest in London is more than idle curiosity, and is woefully unprepared for the Count’s obsession with Harker’s fiancée, Mina . . .

For years Victor Frankenstein labors to create a new race of intelligent beings. He spends his nights scrounging human and animal body parts from graveyards, slaughterhouses, and hospital dissection rooms. By day he experiments in his secret laboratory, perfecting the creature whom, he believes, will worship him as a god. When he succeeds, Frankenstein is horrified by the ugly brutishness of the patchwork being he has brought to life. Rather than exult in his accomplishment, he runs from it, retreating to the comfort of long-neglected friends and family. Frankenstein has, indeed, created a monster . . . not by animating dead flesh but by abandoning his creation. Now, the monster is out for revenge.

Oscar Wilde's only novel is the dreamlike story of a young man who sells his soul for eternal youth and beauty. Now, distinctively packaged with a beautifully designed jacket by noted illustrator Malika Favre.When handsome young Dorian Gray sees a painter's stunning portrait of him, he is transfixed by its reflection of his own beauty. He is also troubled by the knowledge that the image in the painting will remain forever youthful and handsome while he himself will grow older and less desirable. He wishes aloud that the roles were reversed, saying that he would give his soul if only the painting would suffer the ravages of time and he were to remain forever young. From that point on, Dorian lives a life of hedonistic indulgence, knowing that only the painting will show his moral corruption.

Eight years ago, Anne Elliot followed the advice of Lady Russell, her only true friend, and broke off her engagement to the dashing young naval officer Frederick Wentworth. When Anne and the newly wealthy Captain Wentworth cross paths years later, it is clear that he has neither forgotten—nor forgiven—their past. Can true love survive heartbreak? Who should we listen to in matters of the heart?Filled with Jane Austen’s trademark wit and social commentary, Persuasion is a delightful romance and a surprisingly subversive exploration of our need to persuade, and be persuaded by, others.

A novel of manners about the romantic pas de deux between Elizabeth Bennet and Fitzwilliam Darcy, two perfectly suited lovers who, at first, find each other insufferable. Despite Elizabeth’s disdain for Darcy, fate seems determined to keep throwing this pair together: and Darcy, almost in spite of himself, will make revelations that will end up causing Elizabeth to question everything she believes. Set in a time when marrying well was a woman’s only way to assure a secure and comfortable future, Pride and Prejudice is arguably the forerunner of all romantic comedies and certainly one of the best-loved novels of all time.

Following the death of her uncle, the orphan Jane Eyre is sent to the Lowood School, where she grows into a confident and well-educated young woman. When Jane leaves Lowood to become a governess at Thornfield Hall, she falls in love with Mr. Rochester, her pupil’s guardian. But a series of eerie and terrifying events threatens to destroy her happy future.Featuring gripping plot twists and surprises, Jane Eyre offers rich insight into the life of a woman who, despite oppression and precarious circumstances, refuses to yield her sense of self to societal expectations.

Ten years have passed since the fall of Troy. The surviving Greek warriors who destroyed that city have returned home. All except Odysseus, whose wife, Penelope, and son, Telemachus, await him. Claiming that Odysseus is dead, a host of suitors have taken up residence in his home, eating up his wealth and trying to persuade Penelope to marry one of them. Penelope steadfastly refuses. Odysseus, in fact, is alive. He has spent seven years as a captive of the nymph Calypso, and the gods finally take pity on him and persuade her to set him free. When he resumes his journey home, the sea god Poseidon sends a great storm to destroy his raft. Exhausted and near death, Odysseus and his men wash up on an island shore. They are delayed by Polyphemus the Cyclops, the Lotus-eaters, the Sirens, the sorceress Circe, and other strange creatures.Homer's The Odyssey, an epic poem from the eighth century BC, is not just a cornerstone of ancient Greek literature but also a deeply relevant work that addresses themes of perseverance, loyalty, and the challenges of returning home. Odysseus's long journey home after the Trojan War mirrors modern issues such as the plight of refugees and veterans reintegrating into society after long periods of conflict. His struggles and triumphs offer insights into human resilience and the quest for identity, themes that continue to resonate in today's global narrative of migration, displacement, and cultural integration.

Fresh off of his escapades with Tom Sawyer and with six thousand dollars in the bank, Huck Finn faces a new challenge: his father, Pap, who wants Huck’s fortune and will stop at nothing to get his hands on it. Escaping from Pap, Huck meets Miss Watson’s slave, Jim, who has run away after learning that Miss Watson may sell him. Jim plans to head north, find work, and buy his wife and children out of slavery. Huck joins him on a salvaged raft, beginning a raucous journey that transforms into a deep reckoning with human frailty and the hypocrisy of the antebellum South.

Meditations is a compendium of ruminations and reflections by the second-century Roman emperor Marcus Aurelius, a staunch adherent to the Stoic philosophy. It is a spiritual journal of the author’s philosophical exercises and a chronicle of the paradox of the philosopher-king.

Discover Meditations with this striking collector’s edition from Union Square & Co.'s Signature Editions series! The classic texts that shaped our culture feature exclusive cover art by distinguished artist Malika Favre. Her bold, graphic style gives each classic book a small masterpiece for a jacket. Collect the set or prize this Meditations special edition as your showpiece of Stoic philosophy. Unhappy am I, because this has happened to me—Not so, but happy am I, though this has happened to me, because I continue free from pain, neither crushed by the present nor fearing the future. For such a thing as this might have happened to every man; but every man would not have continued free from pain on such an occasion. Why then is that rather a misfortune than this a good fortune? – Book IV, 49.Literary history and meaning: Meditations, by Marcus Aurelius, is a collection of personal writings, ruminations, and reflections by the second-century Roman emperor Marcus Aurelius, composed during his reign from 161 to 180 AD. Though not formally published during his lifetime, these reflections on Stoic philosophy and the nature of existence have since been compiled into one of the most influential works of ancient philosophy. Marcus Aurelius's teachings on living a virtuous life, accepting the inevitable, and finding tranquility amid chaos have transcended time and continue to inspire readers seeking guidance to navigating life's challenges. Its relevance today lies in its timeless wisdom and practical insights into human nature, making it a perennial source of guidance for individuals striving for inner peace and personal growth.

Oscar Wilde's only novel is the dreamlike story of a young man who sells his soul for eternal youth and beauty. Now, distinctively packaged with a beautifully designed jacket by noted illustrator Malika Favre.When handsome young Dorian Gray sees a painter's stunning portrait of him, he is transfixed by its reflection of his own beauty. He is also troubled by the knowledge that the image in the painting will remain forever youthful and handsome while he himself will grow older and less desirable. He wishes aloud that the roles were reversed, saying that he would give his soul if only the painting would suffer the ravages of time and he were to remain forever young. From that point on, Dorian lives a life of hedonistic indulgence, knowing that only the painting will show his moral corruption.

Discover the story of Mary Shelley’s Frankenstein with this striking collector’s edition from Union Square & Co.'s Signature Editions series! The classic texts that shaped our culture feature exclusive cover art by distinguished artist Malika Favre. Her bold, graphic style gives each classic literature book a small masterpiece for a jacket. Collect the set or prize this Frankenstein special edition as your showpiece literary classic. For years, Dr. Victor Frankenstein labors to create a new race of intelligent beings. He spends his nights scavenging body parts from graveyards, slaughterhouses, and hospital dissection rooms. By day, he experiments in his secret laboratory, perfecting the creature who, he believes, will worship him as a god. But when he succeeds, Frankenstein is horrified by the ugly brutishness of the patchwork being he has brought to life—and abandons his creation to dramatic ends …Literary history and meaning: Frankenstein, by Mary Shelley, was first published in 1818. It is often regarded as the first science fiction novel and a seminal work of Gothic literature. Its importance as a classic literature work lies in its exploration of the human condition and the ethical dilemmas raised by scientific innovation. Frankenstein has had a profound impact on popular culture, inspiring numerous adaptations in literature, film, and other media, and its themes of creation, identity, and alienation continue to resonate with modern audiences. Its relevance today is evident in its exploration of ethical issues surrounding emerging technologies, such as artificial intelligence and genetic engineering, as well as its enduring commentary on the human quest for knowledge and the pursuit of power at any cost. It is a terrifying story about how monsters—of all kinds—are made.

Discover the story of Jane Eyre with this striking collector’s edition from Union Square & Co.'s Signature Editions series! The classic texts that shaped our culture feature exclusive cover art by distinguished artist Malika Favre. Her bold, graphic style gives each classic literature book a small masterpiece for a jacket. Collect the set or prize this Jane Eyre special edition as your showpiece literary classic. Following the death of her uncle, the orphan Jane Eyre is sent to the Lowood School, where she grows into a confident and well-educated young woman. When Jane leaves to become a governess at Thornfield Hall, she falls in love with Mr. Rochester, her pupil's guardian. But a series of eerie and terrifying events threatens to destroy her happy future.Literary history and meaning: Jane Eyre, by Charlotte Brontë, was first published in 1847. It is a coming-of-age novel about a young woman who overcomes a traumatic childhood and falls in love. The book explores themes of love, independence, and the struggle against societal expectations. Charlotte Brontë was a gifted storyteller, and her prose is both beautiful and evocative. Readers today relate to Jane's defiance of limiting gender roles, her insistence on equality in her relationships, her career ambitions, and her inner resilience in the face of life's trials. Brontë's timeless novel continues to empower modern women to follow their hearts, stand up for their beliefs, and be the authors of their own stories.

Marianne Dashwood can’t understand her sister. How could the attractive, witty, and charming Elinor fall for the quiet, self-effacing, and rather dull Edward Ferrars? Meanwhile, Elinor worries that Marianne’s heart-first approach to life will hurt her, especially when it comes to the dashing John Willoughby. Meanwhile, both Edward and Willoughby harbor secrets that will force these women to doubt their philosophies, their judgment, and their chances for happiness. A compelling story with finely drawn characters, Sense and Sensibility remains one of Jane Austen’s best-loved novels and reflects Austen’s own uncertainty about whether sense or sensibility should ultimately triumph.

Discover the story of Bram Stoker’s Dracula with this striking collector’s edition from Union Square & Co.'s Signature Editions series! The classic texts that shaped our culture feature exclusive cover art by distinguished artist Malika Favre. Her bold, graphic style gives each classic literature book a small masterpiece for a jacket. Collect the set or prize this Dracula special edition as your showpiece literary classic. Fledgling English lawyer Jonathan Harker treks into the Carpathian Mountains to complete a real estate transaction—despite the frightening warnings of the horrible dangers that await him. Harker's client is the ancient Count Dracula, who lives in a sumptuously furnished castle—one strangely devoid of mirrors. Harker soon realizes that the Count's interest in London is more than idle curiosity and is woefully unprepared for the Count's obsession with Harker's fiancée, Mina...Literary history and meaning: Dracula, by Bram Stoker, was first published in 1897. This Gothic horror novel is told through a series of letters, diary entries, and newspaper clippings, and it follows the story of Count Dracula's attempt to move from Transylvania to England to spread the undead curse. The novel is renowned for its chilling atmosphere, intricate plot, and iconic depiction of the vampire Count Dracula. Dracula is not only a classic work of horror literature but also a cultural phenomenon that has inspired countless adaptations in various media, from film and television to literature and theater. Its enduring relevance lies in its exploration of themes such as the battle between good and evil, the fear of the unknown, and the human fascination with mortality and immortality. Dracula continues to captivate audiences and remains a cornerstone of vampire mythology in popular culture.

In the wake of World War I and the 1918 flu pandemic, Clarissa Dalloway, elegant and vivacious, is preparing for a party and remembering those she once loved. In another part of London, Septimus Smith is suffering from shell shock and is on the brink of madness. Their days interweave and their lives converge as the party reaches its glittering climax. Over the course of a single day, Woolf achieves an uncanny simulacrum of consciousness, bringing past, present, and future together, and recording, minute by minute, the feel of life itself.

Booker T. Washington’s famous 1901 memoir, Up From Slavery, charts Washington’s rise from an enslaved child with a passion for learning to the nation’s most prominent Black educator and first president of Tuskegee University. A tireless advocate for Black economic independence, Washington attempted to balance his public acceptance of segregation with behind-the-scenes lobbying against voter disenfranchisement and financing anti–Jim Crow court cases. His memoir is both a crucial American document and an exercise in understanding the “double consciousness” coined by W.E.B. DuBois, himself one of Washington’s most vocal critics.

Presented in the form of a dialogue between Socrates and three different interlocutors, this classic text is an enquiry into the notion of a perfect community and the ideal individual within it. During the conversation, other questions are raised: what is goodness? What is reality? And what is knowledge? The Republic also addresses the purpose of education and the role of both women and men as guardians of the people. With remarkable lucidity and deft use of allegory, Plato arrives at a depiction of a state bound by harmony and ruled by philosopher kings.