Hamlet is a must-read for those interested in exploring complex themes of grief, mortality, and betrayal. Its unique feature is its introspective exploration of a character dealing with mental anguish and angst. Recommended for lovers of classic literature and those looking to expand their knowledge of Shakespeare's body of work.

This book could be a good read for individuals seeking spiritual guidance, regardless of their religious background. Shantideva's Bodhisattvacharyavatara offers deep insights into the Bodhisattva path and the wisdom that comes with it. With its scholastic precision, spiritual depth, and poetic beauty, readers will find this book to be a timeless classic that offers valuable teachings on how to live a life of compassion and wisdom.

This verse-novel tells the story of a female writer, balancing work and love. It is and based on Elizabeth's own experiences.Excerpt from Aurora Leigh: A Poem in Nine Books Aurora Leigh. First Book. Of writing many books there is no end;And I, who have written much in prose and verseFor others' uses, will write now for mine, -Will write my story for my better self, As when you paint your portrait for a friend, Who keeps it in a drawer, and looks at itLong after he has ceased to love you, justTo hold together what he was and is. I, writing thus, am still what men call youngI have not so far left the coasts of lifeTo travel inland, that I cannot hearThat murmur of the outer InfiniteWhich unweaned babies smile at in their sleepWhen wondered at for smiling; not so far, But still I catch my mother at her postBeside the nursery-door, with finger up, "Hush, hush, here's too much noise!" while her sweet eyesLeap forward, taking part against her wordIn the child's riot. Still I sit, and feelMy father's slow hand, when she has left us both, Stroke out my childish curls across his knee, And hear Assunta's daily jest (she knewHe liked it better than a better jest)Inquire how many golden scudi wentTo make such ringlets. O my father's hand, Stroke heavily, heavily, the poor hair down, Draw, press the child's head closer to thy knee!I'm still too young, too young, to sit alone.

This book is a treasure trove for poetry lovers. Auden's Selected Poems showcases his incomparable talent through a wide range of forms, tones, and content. From the self-descriptive haiku sequence of 'Profiles' to the gripping wartime quatrains of 'Leap Before You Look', this collection captures the essence of Auden's mastery. With the addition of twenty new poems and explanatory notes, this edition is a must-read for anyone seeking to delve into the world of Auden's timeless poetry.

"God Was Right" is a unique collection of poems and essays that challenges traditional views on love, sex education, and heartbreak. Diana Hamilton's writing is thought-provoking, daring, and absurdly humorous, making this book a great choice for readers looking for a fresh and unconventional take on poetry. If you're someone who enjoys works that push boundaries and make you question your assumptions, this book is definitely for you.

Edited, Introduced and Annotated by Cedric Watts, Professor of English Literature, University of Sussex. The Wordsworth Classics' Shakespeare Series presents a newly-edited sequence of William Shakespeare's works. The Textual editing takes account of recent scholarship while giving the material a careful reappraisal. Hamlet is not only one of Shakespeare's greatest plays, but also the most fascinatingly problematical tragedy in world literature. First performed around 1600, this a gripping and exuberant drama of revenge, rich in contrasts and conflicts. Its violence alternates with introspection, its melancholy with humour, and its subtlety with spectacle. The Prince, Hamlet himself, is depicted as a complex, divided, introspective character. His reflections on death, morality and the very status of human beings make him 'the first modern man'. Countless stage productions and numerous adaptations for the cinema and television have demonstrated the continuing cultural relevance of this vivid, enigmatic, profound and engrossing drama.

Dive into the mesmerizing world of Algernon Charles Swinburne's poetry, where emotions flow like a torrent and language dances on the page. You'll find yourself captivated by the poet's vivid imagery and his ability to effortlessly evoke a range of emotions. Swinburne's works are a must-read for those who appreciate the power of language and the beauty of poetic expression.

Poet, dramatist, critic and editor, T. S. Eliot was one of the defining figures of twentieth-century poetry. This edition of The Complete Poems and Plays, published for the first time in paperback, includes all of his verse and work for the stage, from Prufrock and Other Observations (1917) to Four Quartets (1943), and includes such literary landmarks as The Waste Land, Old Possum's Book of Practical Cats and Murder in the Cathedral.'Each year Eliot's presence reasserts itself at a deeper level, to an audience that is surprised to find itself more chastened, more astonished, more humble.' Ted Hughes

Recommendation: Dive into the world of Greek mythology with the epic tales from The Odyssey, which take you through battles with deadly creatures and the alluring enchantress, Circe. The narrative is vivid and captivating, bringing the ancient world to life through its rich details and engaging characters. Recommended for those interested in Greek mythology and epic adventure stories.

Award-winning poet-playwrights Robert Bagg and James Scully presenta gripping new translation of Western literature’s earliest treasures in The Complete Plays of Sophocles. In the tradition of Robert Fagles’ bestselling translations of The Iliad and The Odyssey, and retaining the textual authenticity of Richmond Lattimore’s Aeschylus, Bagg and Scully render Sophocles’ dramas accessible and exciting for the modern reader. Students new to Athenian drama, readers of classical literature, and anyone wishing to kindle anew their passion for Greek tragedy will find no more captivating entrance to these milestones of world literature than in Bagg and Scully’s The Complete Plays of Sophocles.

This classic Shakespearean play is a must-read for anyone who loves tragic romances. It explores the theme of fate and the consequences of decisions made out of passion. Its most distinctive feature lies in its portrayal of the powerful force of love, which can both unite and destroy. Reading Romeo and Juliet is an unforgettable experience that will leave readers contemplating the nature of love and sacrifice.

If I had to do it all over again, I would lie to my father. I think he wanted me to lie to him too, but I hadn’t quite perfected the art of lying yet. I’ve been trying to make up for it ever since. The best liars always tell a mixture of truth and lies, and the very best believe their own lies in the end. ~ Christine Chia

The New Penguin Shakespeare offers a complete edition of the plays and poems. Each volume hs been newly prepared from the original texts and includes an introduction, a list of further reading, a full and helpful commentary, and a short account of the textual problems of the play.

A good read for poetry enthusiasts as Basho's haikus are known for their quiet, contemplative nature, where the beauty of nature is captured in minimalistic poetry. Basho's poems have a unique personality where he balances the quietness of humanity with the grandeur of nature.

With its witty heroine Rosalind, who has the longest role of Shakespeare's female characters, As You Like It is Shakespeare's most light-hearted and most performed comedy. This edition includes numerous illustrations of productions and reassesses both its textual and performance history, showing how interpretations have changed since the first recorded production in 1740. It also examines Shakespeare's sources and elucidates the central themes of love, pastoral, and doubleness, and provides detailed annotations investigating the play's allusive and often bawdy language.About the Series: For over 100 years Oxford World's Classics has made available the broadest spectrum of literature from around the globe. Each affordable volume reflects Oxford's commitment to scholarship, providing the most accurate text plus a wealth of other valuable features, including expert introductions by leading authorities, voluminous notes to clarify the text, up-to-date bibliographies for further study, and much more.

This book is a literary masterpiece that seamlessly weaves together romance, mystery, and history. As you delve into the lives of two Victorian poets, you'll find yourself enchanted by the beautifully written letters, journals, and poems that unravel their passionate and tragic stories. Possession is a captivating journey that will transport you through time and leave you breathless with its depth and complexity. It is a must-read for anyone who appreciates exquisite storytelling and the power of love to transcend time.

This book could be a good read for someone who loves classic literature and is interested in exploring the theme of prejudice and intolerance that is still all too relevant in contemporary times. The play's complex characterisation and Shylock's intensity make it a compelling read that challenges its romantic and comedic elements.

"The White Book by Han Kang is a beautifully written meditation on grief, resilience and love. The book explores the color white, which serves as a powerful symbol throughout, representing both purity and emptiness. With haunting prose and mesmerizing storytelling, Kang weaves together a fictional journey with personal memoir, exploring the narrator's experiences with love, loss, and death. This book would be a good read for anyone who enjoys introspective and poetic literature, and wants to explore the human spirit’s ability to endure and find meaning in tragedy."

The Merchant of Venice is an excellent read for those who enjoy Shakespearean classics with themes revolving around justice and prejudice. The play's unique and distinctive feature is its portrayal of the Jewish character, Shylock, and the exploration of his character as the villain. Readers will appreciate the play's emphasis on mercy and the consequences of prejudice towards certain groups. Overall, it is a timeless piece that explores complex themes.

This edition of "Macbeth" is the quintessential guide to understanding one of Shakespeare's most tragic plays. Edited by Stephen Orgel, this edition includes meticulously researched texts paired with authoritative scholarship by renowned Shakespeareans. The book also features an essay on the theatrical world of Shakespeare's time, an introduction to the play, and a detailed note on the text used. This is a must-read for students, teachers, and theater professionals alike.

The Divine Comedy could be a good read for those who enjoy epic poetry, allegorical tales, and a journey through the afterlife. Dante's vivid imagination creates a world filled with startling images of torment, suffering, and redemption. Gustave Dore's intricate illustrations add a layer of depth to the story while Longfellow's translation masterfully preserves Dante's original rhyming structure. This timeless classic teaches us about morality, human nature, and the power of love and faith. It is truly a remarkable work of literature that will stay with you long after you finish reading it.

The Uncollected Dorothy Parker

A vagrant de Tocqueville gives an eloquent, dry-eyed report of his tramping adventures in the violent underworld of late 19th century America and BritainAn untutored Welsh tramp who became a popular poet acclaimed by the conservative Georgians and the vanguard Ezra Pound alike, W. H. Davies surprised his contemporaries with the unlikeliest portrait of the artist as a young man ever written.After a delinquent childhood Davies renounced home and apprenticeship and at twenty-two sailed to America—the first of more than a dozen Atlantic crossings, often made by cattle boat. From 1893 to 1899 he was schooled by the hard men of the road, disdaining regular work and subsisting by begging. Crossing Canada to join the “Klondyke” gold rush, Davies fell while hopping a train. His foot was crushed and his leg amputated. “All the wildness had been taken out of me,” Davies wrote, “and my adventures after this were not of my own seeking.”Praised by Osbert Sitwell for his “primitive splendour and directness,” Davies evokes the beauty and frontier violence of turn-of-the-century America in prose that George Bernard Shaw commended to “literary experts for its style alone.” The insurgent wanderlust that found an American voice in Jack London and Jack Kerouac is expressed here in a raucous true adventure story by the man Shaw called “the incorrigible Supertramp who wrote this amazing book.”

This book is a treasure trove for literature enthusiasts, offering a collection of Matthew Arnold's timeless poetry and insightful cultural criticism. Arnold, a prominent figure in the Victorian era, skillfully interweaves his poetic genius with astute observations on societal changes and the human condition. Dive into this captivating work to explore the evolution of literature, culture, and society through the eyes of a visionary thinker.

Tree of Codes is a haunting new story by best-selling American writer, Jonathan Safran Foer. With a different die-cut on every page, Tree of Codes explores previously unchartered literary territory. Initially deemed impossible to make, the book is a first — as much a sculptural object as it is a work of masterful storytelling. Tree of Codes is the story of an enormous last day of life — as one character's life is chased to extinction, Foer multi-layers the story with immense, anxious, at times disorientating imagery, crossing both a sense of time and place, making the story of one person’s last day everyone’s story. Inspired to exhume a new story from an existing text, Jonathan Safran Foer has taken his "favorite" book, The Street of Crocodiles by Polish-Jewish writer Bruno Schulz, and used it as a canvas, cutting into and out of the pages, to arrive at an original new story told in Jonathan Safran Foer's own acclaimed voice.

If you're the sort of reader who thrives on journeys into the unknown that tickle the darker recesses of the mind, "Trigger Warning" by Neil Gaiman will feel like your narrative playground. Gaiman's prose stitches together the fantastical with the ominous, delivering bite-sized adventures that challenge perception. It’s like opening a cabinet of curiosities, each tale beckoning you with the promise of a shiver or a revelation. Every page unfurls a new reality, making it a perfect companion for those nights when you crave a rendezvous with the extraordinary.

little scratch tells the story of a day in the life of an unnamed woman, living in a lower-case world of demarcated fridge shelves and office politics; clock-watching and WhatsApp notifications. In a voice that is fiercely wry, touchingly delicate and increasingly neurotic, the protagonist relays what it takes to get through the quotidian detail of that single trajectory - from morning to night - while processing recent sexual violence.little scratch is about the coexistence of monotony with our waking, intelligent lives. It is a powerful evocation of how the external and internal aspects of our lives exist in a helix, and what it means to live out the course of a single day consumed by trauma.

This book could be a good read for those who are intrigued by the complex dynamics of relationships and the power of lies. Through a blend of truth and deception, the protagonist takes us on a journey of self-discovery and redemption. Prepare to be captivated by the intricate web of lies and truths that unfold in this thought-provoking exploration of second marriages and the quest for personal growth.

This book is perfect for fans of gothic literature and dark, eerie poetry. Poe's poems touch on themes of madness, death, and the macabre, drawing readers into a world of mystery and intrigue. The collection includes his most famous works, such as "The Raven" and "Annabel Lee," as well as lesser-known masterpieces like "The Haunted Palace" and "The Conqueror Worm." With an introduction by Jay Parini and an afterword by April Bernard, readers are provided with historical context and a deeper understanding of Poe's artistry. Overall, this collection is a must-read for anyone who loves poetry or wants to explore the darker side of literature.

'And much of Madness and more of Sin And Horror the Soul of the Plot'This selection of Poe's critical writings, short fiction and poetry demonstrates his intense interest in aesthetic issues, and the astonishing power and imagination with which he probed the darkest corners of the human mind. 'The Fall of the House of Usher' describes the final hours of a family tormented by tragedy and the legacy of the past. In 'Tell-Tale Heart', a murderer's insane delusions threaten to betray him, while stories such as 'The Pit and the Pendulum' and 'The Cask of Amontillado' explore extreme states of decadence, fear and hate. These works display Poe's startling ability to build suspense with almost nightmarish intensity.David Galloway's introduction re-examines the myths surrounding Poe's life and reputation. This edition includes a new chronology and suggestions for further reading.PREVIOUSLY PUBLISHED AS SELECTED WRITINGSChronologyIntroductionFurther ReadingA Note on the TextPOEMSStanzasSonnet — To ScienceA/ AaraafRomanceTO HelenIsrafelThe City in the SeaThe SleeperLenoreThe Valley of UnrestThe RavenUlalumeFor AnnieA ValentineAnnabel LeeThe BellsEldoradoTALESMS. Found in a BottleLigeiaThe Man that was Used UpThe Fall of the House of UsherWilliam WilsonThe Man of the CrowdThe Murders in the Rue MorgueA Descent into the MaelströmEleonoraThe Oval PortraitThe Masque of the Red DeathThe Pit and the PendulumThe Tell-Tale HeartThe Gold-BugThe Black CatThe Purloined LetterThe Facts in the Case of M. ValdemarThe Cask of AmontilladoHop-FrogESSÄYS AND REVIEWSLetter to B—Georgia ScenesThe Drake—Halleck Review (excerpts)Watkins TottleThe Philosophy of FurnitureWyandottéMusicTime and SpaceTwice-Told TalesThe American Drama (excerpts)HazlittThe Philosophy of CompositionSong-WritingOn ImaginationThe Veil of the SoulThe Poetic Principle (excerpts)Notes