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Penguin Classics

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The Wealth of Nations, Books I-III
Adam Smith, Andrew S. Skinner  | Penguin Classics

The Wealth of Nations, Books I-III

$9.90

Goodreads rating: 3.88

$9.90

48% off est. retail
If you're someone who appreciates both the depth of historical context and the shaping of modern economic principles, Adam Smith's "The Wealth of Nations" might just be the enlightening read you're looking for. It's often considered a critical foundation for understanding how economies function and evolve, and Smith's writing manages to bridge philosophy, history, and economics in a way that remains relevant centuries later. Whether you're a student of economics, an entrepreneur, or simply curious about the forces that shape markets, this book offers valuable insights into the invisible hand guiding capitalist society.
The Wealth of Nations
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Adam Smith, Andrew Skinner  | Penguin Classics

The Wealth of Nations

$8.90

Goodreads rating: 4.05

$8.90

60% off est. retail
If you're intrigued by the historical underpinnings of modern economics, "The Wealth of Nations" could be an illuminating read for you. Smith's insights on commerce, industry, and the economic implications of political decisions are as relevant today as they were in the 18th century. Delve into this book to explore the origins of capitalist thought and its impact on today's world.
Beyond Good and Evil
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Friedrich Nietzsche, Michael Tanner, R.J. Hollingdale  | Penguin Classics

Beyond Good and Evil

$8.90

Goodreads rating: 4.03

$8.90

64% off est. retail
If you're thrilled by the idea of questioning conventional values and digging into the roots of what drives morality, "Beyond Good and Evil" is where your intellectual adventure begins. Nietzsche doesn't just philosophize; he tears through the fabric of traditional Western thought, inviting you to reevaluate everything you've held as true. This is a book for the bold thinker who doesn't shy away from an intellectual challenge.
The Greek Myths
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Robert Graves, Rick Riordan, Ross MacDonald  | Penguin Classics

The Greek Myths

$8.90

Goodreads rating: 4.15

$8.90

78% off est. retail
If you're enthralled by the timeless tales Hercules, the Odyssey, or intrigued by the pantheon of Greek gods and heroes, Robert Graves's "The Greek Myths" beckons you. It stands as a meticulous intertwining of story and scholarship that brings the ancient world to vivid life. Graves's narrative skill transforms dusty myths into compelling tales, while his exhaustive commentaries cater to both curious newcomers and erudite scholars. This book promises to be an indispensable companion as you explore the rich tapestry of Greek mythology.
The Journals of Captain Cook
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James Cook, Philip Edwards  | Penguin Classics

The Journals of Captain Cook

$8.90

Goodreads rating: 3.91

$8.90

65% off est. retail
If you're fascinated by uncharted waters and the thrill of exploration, Captain Cook's firsthand accounts will transport you to the swells of distant oceans. His detailed observations of lands and peoples previously unknown to Europeans make this book a treasure trove for anyone intrigued by maritime history and the age of discovery.
Wind, Sand and Stars
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Antoine de Saint-Exupéry | Penguin Classic

Wind, Sand and Stars

$8.90

Goodreads rating: 4.12

$8.90

44% off est. retail
"Wind, Sand and Stars" isn't just an autobiography; it's a resonant journey through the soul of an aviator. Saint-Exupery's experiences are woven into tales that go beyond the mere thrills of flight—they challenge our understanding of life, risk, and human connection. The crash in the Sahara is just a doorway to greater self-discovery, which makes this book compelling not only for adventure-seekers but also for readers searching for profound reflections.
The Feminine Mystique
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Lionel Shriver, Betty Friedan  | Penguin Classics

The Feminine Mystique

$8.90

Goodreads rating: 3.87

$8.90

53% off est. retail
"The Feminine Mystique" is a pivotal read if you're interested in understanding the roots of second-wave feminism and the societal pressures that shaped an entire generation's concept of womanhood. Betty Friedan's articulate dissection of mid-twentieth-century domesticity and the "problem that has no name" offers a profound look at the widespread dissatisfaction among women who were confined by rigid gender roles. It's as enlightening today as it was revolutionary then.
The Road to Wigan Pier
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Richard Hoggart, George Orwell  | Penguin Classics

The Road to Wigan Pier

$8.90

Goodreads rating: 3.91

$8.90

50% off est. retail
If the gritty realities of historical class struggles pique your interest, "The Road to Wigan Pier" will resonate with you deeply. Orwell's unflinching portrayal of the hardships faced by the working class in pre-war England is as compelling as it is eye-opening. This book isn't just a study of poverty; it's an experience that's bound to stir empathy and a profound understanding of social issues that, to this day, remain strikingly relevant.
The Tibetan Book of the Dead: The Great Liberation by Hearing in the Intermediate States
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Karma-glin-pa, Gyurme Dorje, Padmasambhava  | Penguin Classic

The Tibetan Book of the Dead: The Great Liberation by Hearing in the Intermediate States

$8.90

Goodreads rating: 4.16

$8.90

65% off est. retail
If you're intrigued by the intersection of spirituality and existential contemplation, "The Tibetan Book of the Dead" offers just that. Its pages not only provide a window into Tibetan Buddhist beliefs about life and the afterlife but serve as a practical guide for the living. Highly endorsed by the Dalai Lama, this translation by Gyurme Dorje stands out for its clarity, making ancient teachings accessible and relevant for modern seekers. Whether you're looking for philosophical insight or spiritual practices, this book is a profound companion for life's journey.
The Ultimate Ambition in the Arts of Erudition: A Compendium of Knowledge from the Classical Islamic World
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Shihab al-Din al-Nuwayri, Elias Muhanna  | Penguin Classics

The Ultimate Ambition in the Arts of Erudition: A Compendium of Knowledge from the Classical Islamic World

$10.90

Goodreads rating: 3.84

$10.90

50% off est. retail
If you have an appetite for the rich tapestries of history woven with the threads of knowledge from a bygone era, "The Ultimate Ambition in the Arts of Erudition" might just fulfill that craving. It's not merely a book but a vessel carrying the intellectual wealth of the 14th-century Islamic world. Imagine peeking into the comprehensive library of a time when scholars like Shihab Al-Din compiled the known universe into pages teeming with curiosity and detail. This abridged translation is a treasure trove for those yearning to connect with the historical wisdom of a civilization's vast scholarship.
I Ching (Yijing): The Book of Change
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Anonymous, John Minford  | Penguin Classics

I Ching (Yijing): The Book of Change

$8.90

Goodreads rating: 4.19

$8.90

75% off est. retail
If you're drawn to the mystical and seeking guidance, I Ching could be a fascinating companion. This particular translation is fresh and grounded in recent archaeological findings, potentially offering new insights even for those familiar with the classic. For anyone curious about how to apply ancient wisdom to modern dilemmas in all spheres of life, this book offers a blend of spirituality and practicality that’s stood the test of time.
Nobody Knows My Name: More Notes of a Native Son
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James Baldwin | Penguin Classics

Nobody Knows My Name: More Notes of a Native Son

$8.90

Goodreads rating: 4.37

$8.90

56% off est. retail
If you're someone who appreciates profound reflections on cultural and racial identity, "Nobody Knows My Name" by James Baldwin might resonate with you. Baldwin's essays are more than mere observations; they are lived experiences articulated with a rare combination of intellect, emotion, and eloquence. The book offers an immersive dive into the African American experience, articulated by one of the most powerful voices of the 20th century. It's a perspective-shifting read that could broaden your understanding of American society and the ongoing struggle for civil rights.
Orientalism
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Edward W. Said | Penguin Classics

Orientalism

$8.90

Goodreads rating: 4.11

$8.90

57% off est. retail
If you've ever wondered how the East is depicted in Western culture and the historical roots of these perceptions, "Orientalism" is a must-read. Said's insightful analysis will open your eyes to the ways in which 'otherness' has been constructed and used to justify imperialism. The book is not just a critique but a journey through time, challenging the reader to understand and deconstruct long-held stereotypes. It's a profound reflection that connects literature, culture, and politics in an illuminating narrative.
The Secret History
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G.A. Williamson, Peter Sarris, Procopius  | Penguin Classics

The Secret History

$8.90

Goodreads rating: 3.84

$8.90

53% off est. retail
If you're fascinated by the underside of history—the clandestine dramas and less-than-saintly deeds of the powerful—then Procopius's "The Secret History" will grip you. The raw honesty and fervor with which he presents the other face of the Byzantine reign, one of vice and intrigue beneath the veneer of piety and power, make for a read as educational as it is scandalously entertaining. It's history with the mask torn off, revealing a narrative that's as human as it is historical.
Buddhist Scriptures
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Donald S. Lopez Jr. | Penguin Classics

Buddhist Scriptures

$8.90

Goodreads rating: 3.84

$8.90

If you're intrigued by the vastness of Buddhist philosophy and the profound teachings of the Buddha, this book is a treasure chest. It doesn't just recount sacred tales but invites you on a journey through the different versions of Enlightenment that span centuries and cultures. It’s a unique opportunity to glimpse the spiritual wealth of an entire tradition through a patchwork of its most revered texts.
How the Other Half Lives: Studies Among the Tenements of New York
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Jacob A. Riis, Lucy Sante  | Penguin Classics

How the Other Half Lives: Studies Among the Tenements of New York

$8.90

Goodreads rating: 3.74

$8.90

If you're drawn to social history and activism, Riis's work casts a stark light on past injustices and the power of journalism to enact change. It’s a raw illustration of life for New York's poorest that led to real-world reform - a must-read for anyone interested in the roots of social welfare.
On Murder Considered as One of the Fine Arts
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Thomas de Quincey | Penguin Classics

On Murder Considered as One of the Fine Arts

$8.90

Goodreads rating: 3.08

$8.90

If you're intrigued by the macabre yet appreciate the satirical, "On Murder Considered as One of the Fine Arts" by Thomas de Quincey will delight your darker sensibilities. This essay weaves philosophy with a gallows humor that scrutinizes the idea of aestheticizing the heinous. De Quincey's unique perspective and wit may just have you reevaluating the fine line between art and morality.
On Liberty
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John Stuart Mill | Penguin Classics

On Liberty

$8.90

Goodreads rating: 3.97

$8.90

If you're intrigued by the vital importance of personal freedom and the dangers of societal conformity, John Stuart Mill's "On Liberty" is a cornerstone text that you shouldn't miss. This engaging classic offers a profound insight into the rights of individuals versus the powers of society and government, and its arguments continue to resonate in today's discussions on liberty and individuality. It's a compelling read for anyone who appreciates thoughtful, philosophical contemplation on human rights.
The Bhagavad Gita - Thryft
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Krishna-Dwaipayana Vyasa, Laurie L. Patton  | Penguin Classics

The Bhagavad Gita

$8.26

Goodreads rating: 4.17

$8.26

The Bhagavad Gita isn't just ancient scripture; it's a resonant guide for personal growth and navigating life's challenges. If you're seeking to understand your role in the world or the balance between action and inner peace, this timeless dialogue offers profound insights that are as relevant in the modern context as they were millennia ago.
Black Marxism: The Making of the Black Radical Tradition - Thryft
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Cedric J. Robinson | Penguin Classics

Black Marxism: The Making of the Black Radical Tradition

$8.26

Goodreads rating: 4.41

$8.26

If you're seeking to deepen your understanding of how Black radical traditions differ and challenge mainstream Western Marxism, "Black Marxism" is a profound read. It's more than a book—it's a thoughtful journey that threads history, sociology, and critical theory to reveal unique perspectives on struggle, resistance, and power. This exploration by Cedric Robinson could reshape your view on political thought and racial capitalism.
The Beauty of Everyday Things - Thryft
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Soetsu Yanagi | Penguin Classics

The Beauty of Everyday Things

$8.38

Goodreads rating: 3.53

$8.38

48% off est. retail
"The Beauty of Everyday Things" explores the beauty in everyday, unassuming objects that we often take for granted. Yanagi argues that these items should be made with care and built to last, and be appreciated for their simplicity and functionality. Readers who are interested in minimalism and mindful living would find this book inspiring, as it encourages a deeper connection with the objects in our lives that we interact with daily. Yanagi's emphasis on handcrafted items and respect for tradition may also appeal to those interested in sustainability and slow living.
The Histories - Thryft
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Aubrey de Sélincourt, Herodotus, John M. Marincola  | Penguin Classics

The Histories

$6.61

Goodreads rating: 4.0

$6.61

"The Histories" is a classic narrative that details the Greek city-states uniting to repel a superior Persian army. This book is a must-read for anyone interested in ancient history and warfare. The most unique feature of "The Histories" is the author's use of digressions to describe the wonders of Egypt and recount stories and folk tales, providing a rich cultural backdrop to the main narrative. Overall, readers will be thoroughly engrossed in this fascinating account of ancient events that shaped the course of history.
The Art of Rhetoric - Thryft
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Hugh Lawson-Tancred, Aristotle  | Penguin Classics

The Art of Rhetoric

$3.88

Goodreads rating: 3.89

$3.88

"The Art of Rhetoric by Aristotle is a must-read for anyone seeking to enhance their oratory skills. It provides a comprehensive guide to the principles of persuasive communication, including observations on style, reasoning, character, and emotions. The book is a fascinating consideration of the force of persuasion, and its influence is still felt in modern Western culture."
The Autobiography And Other Writings - Thryft
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Benjamin Franklin, Kenneth A. Silverman  | Penguin Classics

The Autobiography And Other Writings

$5.07

Goodreads rating: 3.79

$5.07

This book would be a good read for history buffs and those interested in learning about the life of Benjamin Franklin. Franklin's writings provide insights into his personal beliefs, which are informed by his upbringing, as well as his scientific and political endeavors. The new text of the Autobiography and other works added to this edition provide a unique perspective of Franklin's life and times. Readers can expect to gain a deeper understanding of how America's founding father grappled with the challenges of his time. Overall, it is an insightful yet accessible read.
The Theory of the Leisure Class - Thryft
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Thorstein Veblen, Robert Lekachman  | Penguin Classics

The Theory of the Leisure Class

$7.28

Goodreads rating: 3.89

$7.28

This book is a must-read for anyone interested in understanding the roots of our modern consumer culture. The author's wit and insight make for an entertaining and thought-provoking journey, as he takes on some of the most deeply held assumptions about our economy and society. Readers will come away with a new perspective on the ways in which we measure success, and the often hidden costs of our quest for status and luxury.
The Book of Magic : From Antiquity to the Enlightenment - Thryft
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Brian P. Copenhaver | Penguin Classics

The Book of Magic : From Antiquity to the Enlightenment

$9.18

Goodreads rating: 3.73

$9.18

"The Book of Magic" is a captivating anthology that traces the history of magic, from its ancient roots to the scientific revolution. It includes incantations, charms, curses, witches, and even works once deemed too dangerous to open. The unique and distinctive feature of this book is its arrangement in chronological order, making it an excellent read for anyone interested in the history of magic.
The Communist Manifesto - Thryft
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Friedrich Engels, Karl Marx, Samuel Moore  | Penguin Classics

The Communist Manifesto

$3.88

Goodreads rating: 3.65

$3.88

Recommendation: This book is a must-read for anyone interested in understanding political theories and ideologies. Marx and Engels's "Communist Manifesto" presents a clear and concise argument for the necessity of a worker-led revolution. The book's most distinctive feature is its call to the proletariat to unite and overthrow the ruling class. Though controversial, this book remains a seminal work of political thought.
Caligula - Thryft
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Suetonius | Penguin Classics

Caligula

$3.88

Goodreads rating: 3.63

$3.88

Recommended for history enthusiasts who enjoy dark themes. This book offers a disturbing insight into the twisted mind of Emperor Caligula, known for his brutal, incestuous and insane reign over Rome. The author, Suetonius, provides a detailed account of Caligula's life and actions, which can be both fascinating and disturbing. The book is a must-read for anyone interested in Roman history, especially those who want to explore the darker side of the empire.
The Life of Samuel Johnson - Thryft
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Christopher Hibbert, James Boswell  | Penguin Classics

The Life of Samuel Johnson

$8.33 $5.83 30% off

Goodreads rating: 3.78

$8.33 $5.83 30% off

The most celebrated English biography is a group portrait in which extraordinary man paints the picture of a dozen moreAt the centre of a brilliant circle which included Burke, Reynolds, Garrick, Fanny Burney and even George III, Boswell captures the powerful, troubled and witty figure of Samuel Johnson, who towers above them all. Yet this is also an intimate picture of domestic life, which mingles the greatest talkers of a talkative age with the hero's humbler friends in a picture which is, before all things, humane.As a young man about London, James Boswell was obsessed by literature, and, on a fateful day in 1763, he attached himself with unswerving tenacity to the dominant literary figure of his age—the splendidly rotund, articulate, and humane Dr Samuel Johnson. What followed was the most famous of friendships between writers and the bais for the remarkable documentation contained in Boswell's Life of Samuel Johnson , the greatest and most compelling of all biographies.For more than seventy years, Penguin has been the leading publisher of classic literature in the English-speaking world. With more than 1,700 titles, Penguin Classics represents a global bookshelf of the best works throughout history and across genres and disciplines. Readers trust the series to provide authoritative texts enhanced by introductions and notes by distinguished scholars and contemporary authors, as well as up-to-date translations by award-winning translators.
The Politics - Thryft
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Aristotle, Trevor J. Saunders, T.A. Sinclair  | Penguin Classics

The Politics

$7.02

Goodreads rating: 3.98

$7.02

An alternate cover for this isbn can be found here.‘Man is by nature a political animal'In The Politics Aristotle addresses the questions that lie at the heart of political science. How should society be ordered to ensure the happiness of the individual? Which forms of government are best and how should they be maintained? By analysing a range of city constitutions – oligarchies, democracies and tyrannies – he seeks to establish the strengths and weaknesses of each system to decide which are the most effective, in theory and in practice. A hugely significant work, which has influenced thinkers as diverse as Aquinas and Machiavelli, The Politics remains an outstanding commentary on fundamental political issues and concerns, and provides fascinating insights into the workings and attitudes of the Greek city-state.The introductions by T. A. Sinclair and Trevor J. Saunders discuss the influence of The Politics on philosophers, its modern relevance and Aristotle’s political beliefs. This edition contains Greek and English glossaries, and a bibliography for further reading.
The Nicomachean Ethics
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Hugh Tredennick, Aristotle, J.A.K. Thomson  | Penguin Classics

The Nicomachean Ethics

$7.90

Goodreads rating: 4.0

$7.90

61% off est. retail
If you've ever pondered what makes a life truly fulfilling and ethical, "The Nicomachean Ethics" might provide some timeless insight. Aristotle's examination of virtue, happiness, and the soul's activity is not just philosophically rich but also practically relevant, offering a foundation for modern thought on personal well-being and moral development. It's a text that nudoespenses with wisdom that has steered Western ideology for centuries, inviting a deep dive into concepts that still resonate today.
A Russian Journal - Thryft
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Robert Capa, Susan Shillinglaw, John Steinbeck  | Penguin Classics

A Russian Journal

$7.01

Goodreads rating: 4.09

$7.01

Steinbeck and Capa’s account of their journey through Cold War Russia is a classic piece of reportage and travel writing.Just after the Iron Curtain fell on Eastern Europe, Pulitzer Prize-winning author John Steinbeck and acclaimed war photographer Robert Capa ventured into the Soviet Union to report for the New York Herald Tribune. This rare opportunity took the famous travelers not only to Moscow and Stalingrad – now Volgograd – but through the countryside of the Ukraine and the Caucasus. Hailed by the New York Times as "superb" when it first appeared in 1948, A Russian Journal is the distillation of their journey and remains a remarkable memoir and unique historical document.What they saw and movingly recorded in words and on film was what Steinbeck called "the great other side there … the private life of the Russian people." Unlike other Western reporting about Russia at the time, A Russian Journal is free of ideological obsessions. Rather, Steinbeck and Capa recorded the grim realities of factory workers, government clerks, and peasants, as they emerged from the rubble of World War II—represented here in Capa’s stirring photographs alongside Steinbeck’s masterful prose. Through it all, we are given intimate glimpses of two artists at the height of their powers, answering their need to document human struggle. This edition features an introduction by Steinbeck scholar Susan Shillinglaw.
Homage to Catalonia - Thryft
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George Orwell | Penguin Classics

Homage to Catalonia

$6.81

Goodreads rating: 4.1

$6.81

'Every line of serious work that I have written since 1936 has been written, directly or indirectly, against totalitarianism and for democratic Socialism as I understand it'. Thus wrote Orwell following his experiences as a militiaman in the Spanish Civil War, chronicled in Homage to Catalonia. Here he brings to bear all the force of his humanity, passion and clarity, describing with bitter intensity the bright hopes and cynical betrayals of that chaotic episode: the revolutionary euphoria of Barcelona, the courage of ordinary Spanish men and women he fought alongside, the terror and confusion of the front, his near-fatal bullet wound and the vicious treachery of his supposed allies.Eric Arthur Blair (1903-1950), better known by his pen-name, George Orwell, was born in India, where his father worked for the Civil Service. An author and journalist, Orwell was one of the most prominent and influential figures in twentieth-century literature. His unique political allegory Animal Farm was published in 1945, and it was this novel, together with the dystopia of Nineteen Eighty-Four (1949), which brought him world-wide fame. All his novels and non-fiction, including Burmese Days (1934), Down and Out in Paris and London (1933), The Road to Wigan Pier (1937) and Homage to Catalonia (1938) are published in Penguin Modern Classics.
Travels with a Writing Brush : Classical Japanese Travel Writing from the Manyoshu to Basho - Thryft
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Meredith McKinney | Penguin Classics

Travels with a Writing Brush : Classical Japanese Travel Writing from the Manyoshu to Basho

$10.62

Goodreads rating: 4.02

$10.62

A rich, exquisite and original anthology that illuminates Japanese travel writing over a thousand years'Oh journey upon journey, my life is a brief moment, and I cannot hope that we will meet again'Roaming over mountains and along perilous shores, this anthology illuminates over a thousand years of Japanese travel writing. It takes in songs, diaries, tales and poetry, and ranges from famous works including The Pillow Book and the works of Basho to pieces such as the diary of a young girl who longs to return to the capital and her beloved books, or the writings of travelling monks who sleep on pillows of grass. Together they illuminate a long literary tradition, with intense poetic experience at its heart.
Selected Writings - Thryft
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Ralph McInerny, Thomas Aquinas  | Penguin Classics

Selected Writings

$10.40

Goodreads rating: 3.89

$10.40

In his reflections on Christianity, Saint Thomas Aquinas forged a unique synthesis of ancient philosophy and medieval theology. Preoccupied with the relationship between faith and reason, he was influenced both by Aristotle's rational world view and by the powerful belief that wisdom and truth can ultimately only be reached through divine revelation. Thomas's writings, which contain highly influential statements of fundamental Christian doctrine, as well as observations on topics as diverse as political science, anti-Semitism and heresy, demonstrate the great range of his intellect and place him firmly among the greatest medieval philosophers.
Notes On The State Of Virginia - Thryft
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Frank Shuffelton, Thomas Jefferson  | Penguin Classics

Notes On The State Of Virginia

$6.98

Goodreads rating: 3.45

$6.98

Jefferson’s chronicle of the natural, social, and political history of Virginia is at once a scientific discourse, an attempt to define America, and a brilliant examination of the idea of freedom.For more than seventy years, Penguin has been the leading publisher of classic literature in the English-speaking world. With more than 1,700 titles, Penguin Classics represents a global bookshelf of the best works throughout history and across genres and disciplines. Readers trust the series to provide authoritative texts enhanced by introductions and notes by distinguished scholars and contemporary authors, as well as up-to-date translations by award-winning translators.
A New Voyage Round the World - Thryft
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William Dampier, Nicholas Thomas  | Penguin Classics

A New Voyage Round the World

$8.48

Goodreads rating: 4.01

$8.48

The first great English-language travel book, A New Voyage Round the World (1697) is an incomparably vivid, chaotic and fascinating account by the pirate, explorer and naturalist William Dampier of his many adventures.The world he describes sprawls all the way from the Caribbean west across the Pacific to the Philippines and Southeast Asia - a vast expanse tied together by the Spanish Empire. Dampier and his men live lives of rascally precariousness, in the shadow of great Spanish galleons and fortresses, always on the verge of disaster. His book is filled with raids, escapes, wrecks and storms, but Dampier is also a great observer of animals, exotic foods, boats, customs: the book is a cornucopia of descriptions of everything from giant centipedes to bananas. It was originally designed simply to entertain and inform, but it is now a unique document, miraculously preserving glimpses of now long-vanished peoples and places.This new edition, introduced and annotated by Nicholas Thomas, makes clear Dampier's key role as a proselytizer for the early British Empire, as an inspiration for generations of naturalist and explorers, and as a uniquely curious character.
Seven Pillars of Wisdom - Thryft
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T.E. Lawrence | Penguin Classic

Seven Pillars of Wisdom

$9.37

Goodreads rating: 3.9

$9.37

Recommendation: - If you are seeking a thrilling and immersive journey through the complex world of war and revolution, Seven Pillars of Wisdom is the perfect read for you. T.E. Lawrence's autobiographical account of his service in the Arab Revolt during World War I is not just a military chronicle; it is a profound exploration of human emotions, philosophies, and dreams. With extraordinary vividness, Lawrence recreates epic events and offers unparalleled portraits, descriptions, and adventures that will leave you captivated from beginning to end. Get ready to embark on an unforgettable adventure and discover why Lawrence is one of the most fascinating figures of the twentieth century.
Meditations - Thryft
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Marcus Aurelius, Martin Hammond, Coralie Bickford-Smith  | Penguin Classics

Meditations

$8.13

Goodreads rating: 4.28

$8.13

Originally written only for his personal consumption, Marcus Aurelius's Meditations has become a key text in the understanding of Roman Stoic philosophy. This Penguin Classics edition is translated with notes by Martin Hammond and an introduction by Diskin Clay.Written in Greek by an intellectual Roman emperor without any intention of publication, the Meditations of Marcus Aurelius offer a wide range of fascinating spiritual reflections and exercises developed as the leader struggled to understand himself and make sense of the universe. Spanning from doubt and despair to conviction and exaltation, they cover such diverse topics as the question of virtue, human rationality, the nature of the gods and Aurelius's own emotions. But while the Meditations were composed to provide personal consolation, in developing his beliefs Marcus also created one of the greatest of all works of philosophy: a series of wise and practical aphorisms that have been consulted and admired by statesmen, thinkers and ordinary readers for almost two thousand years.Martin Hammond's new translation fully expresses the intimacy and eloquence of the original work, with detailed notes elucidating the text. This edition also includes an introduction by Diskin Clay, exploring the nature and development of the Meditations, a chronology, further reading and full indexes.Marcus Aelius Aurelius Antoninus (121-80) was adopted by the emperor Antoninus Pius and succeeded him in 161, (as joint emperor with adoptive brother Lucius Verus). He ruled alone from 169, and spent much of his reign in putting down various rebellions, and was a persecutor of Christians. His fame rest, above all, on his Meditations, a series of reflections, strongly influenced by Epictetus, which represent a Stoic outlook on life. He was succeeded by his natural son, thus ending the period of the adoptive emperors.If you enjoyed Meditations, you might like Seneca's Letters from a Stoic, also available in Penguin Classics.
The Ultimate Ambition in the Arts of Erudition - Thryft
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Shihab al-Din al-Nuwayri, Elias Muhanna  | Penguin Classics

The Ultimate Ambition in the Arts of Erudition

$10.07

Goodreads rating: 3.87

$10.07

For the first time in English, a catalog of the world through fourteenth-century Arab eyes—a kind of Schott’s Miscellany for the Islamic Golden Age An astonishing record of the knowledge of a civilization, The Ultimate Ambition in the Arts of Erudition catalogs everything known to exist from the perspective of a fourteenth-century Egyptian scholar and litterateur. More than 9,000 pages and thirty volumes—here abridged to one volume, and translated into English for the first time—it contains entries on everything from medieval moon-worshipping cults, sexual aphrodisiacs, and the substance of clouds, to how to get the smell of alcohol off one’s breath, the deliciousness of cheese made from buffalo milk, and the nesting habits of flamingos. Similar works by Western authors, including Pliny’s Natural History and Diderot’s  Encyclopédie,  have been available in English for centuries. This groundbreaking translation of a remarkable Arabic text—expertly abridged and annotated—offers a look at the world through the highly literary and impressively knowledgeable societies of the classical Islamic world. Meticulously arranged and delightfully eclectic, it is a compendium to be treasured—a true monument of erudition.For more than seventy years, Penguin has been the leading publisher of classic literature in the English-speaking world. With more than 1,700 titles, Penguin Classics represents a global bookshelf of the best works throughout history and across genres and disciplines. Readers trust the series to provide authoritative texts enhanced by introductions and notes by distinguished scholars and contemporary authors, as well as up-to-date translations by award-winning translators.
The Republic - Thryft
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Desmond Lee, Plato  | Penguin Classics

The Republic

$6.20

Goodreads rating: 3.96

$6.20

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.
Eichmann in Jerusalem - Thryft
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Hannah Arendt, Amos Elon  | Penguin Classics

Eichmann in Jerusalem

$7.56

Goodreads rating: 4.2

$7.56

Sparking a flurry of heated debate, Hannah Arendt’s authoritative and stunning report on the trial of German Nazi leader Adolf Eichmann first appeared as a series of articles in The New Yorker in 1963. This revised edition includes material that came to light after the trial, as well as Arendt’s postscript directly addressing the controversy that arose over her account. A major journalistic triumph by an intellectual of singular influence, Eichmann in Jerusalem is as shocking as it is informative — an unflinching look at one of the most unsettling (and unsettled) issues of the twentieth century.
The Book of Tea - Thryft
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Kakuzō Okakura, Christopher E.G. Benfey  | Penguin Classics

The Book of Tea

$6.90

Goodreads rating: 3.86

$6.90

Ostensibly a modest treatise on the tea ceremony, The Book of Tea is also a sardonic and insightful examination of the Western view of Japan and its civilization, from a Japanese citizen who was given such a thoroughly Western education that he learned nothing of his traditional culture until he was eleven. This book also suggests a deep connection between beauty and war, and between flowers and social mores. When first published, The Book of Tea fascinated foreign audiences with the major role of tea and its many ceremonies have played in the culture of Japan. This edition is accompanied by an introduction by Christopher Benfey, which explores Okakura's career in the arts establishment, his flair for the English language and his relationship with the United States, and includes suggested further reading.
Christ Stopped at Eboli
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Carlo Levi | Penguin Classics

Christ Stopped at Eboli

$8.90

Goodreads rating: 4.1

$8.90

If you're drawn to introspective, beautifully written memoirs that paint vivid landscapes of lesser-known parts of the world, "Christ Stopped at Eboli" will captivate you. Carlo Levi's exile journey is a profound exploration of life in a forgotten region, providing a stark, emotional chronicle that resonates with the human condition. It's a book that stays with you, perfect for those who appreciate historical depth and cultural introspection.
The Federalist Papers - Thryft
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James Madison, Alexander Hamilton, John Jay  | Penguin Classics

The Federalist Papers

$8.12

Goodreads rating: 4.1

$8.12

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"This country and this people seem to have been made for each other, and it appears as if it was the design of Providence, that an inheritance so proper and convenient for a band of brethren ... should never be split into a number of unsocial, jealous, and alien sovereignties." So wrote John Jay, one of the revolutionary authors of The Federalist Papers, arguing that if the United States was truly to be a single nation, its leaders would have to agree on universally binding rules of governance--in short, a constitution. In a brilliant set of essays, Jay and his colleagues Alexander Hamilton and James Madison explored in minute detail the implications of establishing a kind of rule that would engage as many citizens as possible and that would include a system of checks and balances. Their arguments proved successful in the end, and The Federalist Papers stand as key documents in the founding of the United States.
The Provincial Letters - Thryft
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Blaise Pascal | Penguin Classics

The Provincial Letters

$3.93

Goodreads rating: 3.98

$3.93

Pascal's two masterpieces are the "Provinciales" and the "Pensées". The occasion of the "Provinciales" was an accident. The Duc of Liancourt, a friend of Port Royal, having been refused absolution by the curé of Saint Sulpice, Antoine* Arnauld wrote two letters which were censured by the Sorbonne. He wished to appeal to the public in a pamphlet which he submitted to his friends, but they found it too heavy and theological. He then said to Pascal: "You, who are young, must do something." The next day (23 Jan., 1656) Pascal brought the first "Provinciale". The "Petites lettres" followed to the number of nineteen, the last unfinished, from January, 1656, to March, 1657. Appearing under the pseudonym of Louis de Montalte, they were published at Cologne in 1657 as Les Provinciales, ou Lettres écrites par Louis de Montalte à un provincial de ses amis et au RR. PP. Jesuites sur le sujet de la morale et de la politique de ces pères". The first four treat the dogmatic question which forms the basis of Jansenism on the agreement between grace and human liberty. Pascal answers it by practically, if not theoretically, denying sufficient grace and liberty. The seventeenth and eighteenth letters take up the same questions, but with noteworthy qualifications. From the fourth to the sixteenth Pascal censures the Jesuit moral code, or rather the casuistry, first, by depicting a naîf Jesuit who, through silly vanity, reveals to him the pretended secrets of the Jesuit policy, and then by direct invective against the Jesuits themselves. The most famous are the fourth, on sins of ignorance, and the thirteenth, on homicide.That Pascal intended this to be a useful work, his whole life bears witness, as do his deathbed declarations. His good faith cannot seriously be doubted, but some of his methods are more questionable. Without ever seriously altering his citations from the casuists, as he has sometimes been wrongfully accused of doing, he arranges them somewhat disingenously; he simplifies complicated questions excessively, and, in setting forth the solutions of the casuists sometimes lets his own bias interfere. But the gravest reproach against him is, first, that he unjustly blamed the Society of Jesus, attacking it exclusively, and attributing to it a desire to lower the Christian ideal and to soften down the moral code in the interest of its policy; then that he discredited casuistry itself by refusing to recognize its legitimacy or, in certain cases, its necessity, so that not only the Jesuits, but religion itself suffered by this strife, which contributed to hasten the condemnation of certain lax theories by the Church. And, without wishing or even knowing it, Pascal furnished weapons on the one hand to unbelievers and adversaries of the Church and on the other to the partisans of independent morality. As to their literary form, the "Provinciales" are, in point of time, the first prose masterpiece of the French language, in their satirical humour and passionate eloquence.