Barnes Noble: 2826 books

First published in 1865, Ruskin’s two lectures on educational reform codify Victorian ideals of men and women.  In “Of Kings’ Treasuries,” Ruskin critiques contemporary manhood, while in “Of Queens’ Gardens,” he urges women to be educated to serve as the moral guides of men. An intriguing look into the roles of men, women, and the family in the nineteenth century.

In this 1910 play, Galsworthy sought to highlight injustices in the British prison system, especially the use of solitary confinement and other cruel and arbitrary punishments.  The immense popularity of the play helped secure significant reforms.

Melville's first novel was based on his experiences in French Polynesia. Tommo and Toby, tired of an abusive life on the whaling ship, decide to hide on an island. They soon discover the Typees, who bring them into their village with kindness, despite being cannibals. Contrasting the idyllic life of...

Set in Paris, Cousin Bette tells the story of an unmarried middle-aged woman who plots the destruction of her extended family.  As in many of Balzac’s novels, its characters represent polarities of contrasting morality. Critics hailed the book as a turning point in the author’s art—a prototypical naturalist text.  Written in only two months, it is Balzac's last great work.

This is the tale of the Bridau family as they try to regain their rightful inheritance after a series of unfortunate setbacks. Agathe Rouget is sent to live in Paris with relatives, where she meets and marries a man named Bridau. They raise two sons—but Agathe runs into trouble when the costs of living rise too high. The title of this novel is often translated as The Black Sheep.

This 1921 collection by Maugham contains what is perhaps his single most famous short story, "Rain," the tale of a South Seas missionary who becomes obsessed with a prostitute.  But there are other gems here, including "The Fall of Edward Barnard," in which the kernel of The Razor's Edge may be discerned. 

This edition includes a modern introduction and a list of suggested further reading. The three novels in this collection, Liza of Lambeth (1897), Mrs Craddock (1902), and The Magician (1908), had a lasting influence on the literary world. Their settings are various--ranging from the South London slums...

The future could hardly look brighter for Edmond Dantès. Only nineteen years old, but already an experienced seaman, he is about to be named captain of the merchant vessel Pharaon. His deep and passionate love for the beautiful Mercedes is returned in every respect; they will be married in a few short...

This collection of essays, published in 1856, grew out of Emerson's travels in England, undertaken shortly after he resigned his ministry following a loss of faith.  An insightful survey of English history and manners, English Traits also features accounts of Emerson's meetings with such luminaries as Wordsworth, Coleridge, and Carlyle.

Published in 1911, this penetrating analysis of gender inequality is also a full-throated demand for equal treatment of the sexes and the rights of women.  As remarkable as the book itself is the fact that Schreiner reconstructed it from memory after all her notes were lost in a fire.

Quentin Durward has come to France to seek his fortune. While escorting the Countess Isabelle de Corye to the castle of the Bishop of Liege, Durward foils an attempt to have the Countess abducted. Murder and a desperate escape follow, and ultimately, Durward must fight a dangerous battle to win the hand of the fair lady.

This story first appeared in Scott's 1827 collection, Chronicles of the Canongate. The narrator tells the tale of a woman who is left a widow after her freebooting husband’s murder by redcoats. She attempts to raise their son in his father’s image—but as Scotland’s splendor fades, her son makes plans of his own.

On the night Harry Bertram is born, astrologer Guy Mannering, a house guest of the Bertrams, predicts young Harry’s future. Five years later, Mannering’s prophecy is fulfilled, and Harry is kidnapped by plotters who want to rob him of his inheritance. Scott’s gripping tale follows Harry’s battle through the years to claim his rightful inheritance.

Set in the time of Mary, Queen of Scots, and the Elizabethan period, The Monastery explores the conflict between the Catholics and Reformists, which imperils a monastery. A love affair plays out against the backdrop of the turbulent era, and a religious community rebels against the new doctrines as the Protestant Reformation takes hold.