Barnes Noble: 2826 books

In novelist Winston Churchill’s first book, the 19th century’s literary and fashionable worlds are tartly skewered. Celebrity also features two archetypal characters—the politician and the businessman—that appear in many of Churchill’s subsequent works.

Cooper’s hypothetical European observer has traveled to the United States for the first time and wants to relate his impressions of the Americans those back home. In volume two “Cooper” visits Washington D.C. and relates his first impressions of the capitol. He focuses on the physical looks, etiquette,...

Published in 1809, this satirical history of New York—published under the pseudonym of Dietrich Knickerbocker—launched the young Irving to literary prominence and success. "It took with the public," Irving later reported, "and gave me celebrity, as an original work was something remarkable and uncommon in America."

The “father of the American short story” published this enormously popular book in 1855. Wolfert’s Roost is collection of fables—including whimsical Spanish romances and scenes from around Westchester County—that were originally published in the Knickerbocker Magazine.

This 1909 history focuses on the aftermath of the death of King George III in 1820.  Said a contemporary reviewer in The New Age: "Mr. Toynbee has . . . given to history that touch of reality and atmosphere which the ponderous historian cannot weave around his characters and narrative.  A valuable book of history; a volume of national gossip."

“[History] should not merely gratify the reader’s curiosity about the past, but modify his view of the present and his forecast of the future.” So begins John R. Seeley’s sweeping study of the British Empire’s imperialist past—an illuminating look at a world power and its destiny.

This authoritative volume offers a detailed history of 19th-century France and Great Britain, and also includes an overview of Prussia, Austria, Italy, Russia, Turkey, and the United States in the nineteenth century. Additional chapters trace the influence of the Papacy throughout the century and the...

This 1882 volume in the American Statesmen series was the first scholarly biography of Calhoun, the "cast-iron man" of South Carolina, whose fiery oratory hastened the South toward secession. Holst's presentation of Calhoun is colored by his own profound antipathy for slavery—an institution Calhoun famously championed as "a positive good."

Part of the distinguished “Epochs of English History Series,” this volume examines a period of great change in England. Author Louise Creighton discusses, among other events, the Norman Conquest, how the English and the Normans became one people, and the steps the citizens took toward governing themselves.

The Normans in Europe examines the two main excursions by the people of Denmark, Sweden, and Norway into England and Europe. The volume focuses on the Norman Conquest of England, its influence on the principles of English government, and the relationship of Norman England to France and Sicily.

In Ancient Greek Historians, eminent British scholar J. B. Bury sets out to trace the genesis and development of the historical literature of the Greeks. The work is arranged chronologically, with several chapters addressing the legend-based writing of early Greek historiography before discussing the...

Volume four of George Bancroft’s master work, the History of the United States, from the Discovery of the American Continent, follows the development of America. It covers, among other events, Hillsborough’s administration of the colonies, the approach of the revolution, the Boston Massacre, Samuel Adams, and the Boston Tea Party.

Volume five of George Bancroft’s magnificent History of the United States, from the Discovery of the American Continent covers, among other events, British dominion in the East Indies, Congress’ attempt to avoid war in 1775—including their petitions to the king—the “first act of independence,” and the rights of man.

In this 1861 volume, Mill applies the principles of utilitarianism to politics and concludes that a representative government is the best system possible, though he is not shy about pointing out its flaws and shortcomings. He discusses extending suffrage and reforming voting, among other topics. His proposed solutions make this book almost as appropriate today as when it was written.