Best Literature
A lean, fleet-footed translation that recaptures Homer’s “nimble gallop” and brings an ancient epic to new life. “A staggeringly superior translation―true, poetic, lively and readable, and always closely engaged with the original Greek―that brings to life the fascinating variety of voices in Homer’s great epic.”. - Richard F. Thomas, Harvard University. “Emily Wilson has produced a clear, vigorous, sensitive Odyssey that conveys both the grand scale and the individual pathos of this foundational story. Emily Wilson has convincingly answered this call: hers is a vital Odyssey for the twenty-first century that brings into rhythmic English the power, dignity, variety, and immediacy of this great poem.”. - Laura Slatkin, New York University.
Reviews
Find Best Price at Amazon"More than in other translations, the Odyssey comes across here strongly as a historical document, the product of a culture from a particular time and place. Muse, tell me how he wandered and was lost. when he had wrecked the holy town of Troy, and where he went, and who he met, the pain. he suffered in the storms at sea, and how. he worked to save his life and bring his men. back home. Compare Wilson's language with that of the opening of Robert Fitzgerald's translation: "Sing in me, Muse, and through me tell the story. of that man skilled in all ways of contending, the wanderer, harried for years on end, after he plundered the stronghold. on the proud height of Troy. He saw the townlands. and learned the minds of many distant men, and weathered many bitter nights and days. in his deep heart at sea, while he fought only. to save his life, to bring his shipmates home. Fitzgerald translates it as "skilled in all ways of contending," and Fagles as "the man of twists and turns.""
"I have read and taught the Odyssey at least five times over the past twenty years. And Emily Wilson's version is a godsend."
"The first stanzas will make you perk up and realize that this is the most interesting translation of the Odyssey for our time."
"but at age 81 I consider The Odyssey the greatest book I have ever read, for itself and for its influence on my ways of thinking and of living. The main reason is that, in comparison to the others, it is best at creating the mood of an ancient, epic, poem. I love it when he repeats, for the nth time, "Son of Laertes and the Gods of old, Odysseus, master of land ways and sea ways..." and other such formulaic hints that we are not reading a James Bond or even a Scott Fitzgerald, nor Salinger, nor McEwan, nor certainly a Hemingway novel -- the content should perhaps be enough to distinguish Odyssey as the great epic it is, but I like the complementing embellishments of Fitzgerald's version. For a more important difference, compare the climax, as Odysseus is about to slaughter the suitors: Fitzgerald has him say: "You yellow dogs, you thought I'd never make it. home from the land of Troy. But Fitzgerald focuses on breaking the rules, on disrespecting the mores of their time: the suitors were contemptuous of both the gods, and the opinions of their fellow men."
A special 25th anniversary edition of the extraordinary international bestseller, including a new Foreword by Paulo Coelho. “An adventure story full of magic and wisdom.” (Rudolfo Anaya, author of Bless Me, Ultima). “A beautiful story with a pointed message for every reader.” (Joseph Girzone, author of Joshua).
Reviews
Find Best Price at Amazon"After deciding to travel to a Romani fortune-teller in a nearby town to discover its meaning, a gypsy woman tells him that there is a treasure in the Pyramids in Egypt. Everyone, when they are young, knows what their Personal Legend is.”. The Alchemist Physical CoverAlong the journey, Santiago meets an Englishman who is in search of an Alchemist and together they continue their search for treasure. The essential message is that treasure is more worthy than gold."
"I purchased and began reading this book 2 years ago and, for whatever reason, I couldn't get into it."
"This is a review from our class of six students: Some of us thought it was an interesting book, but it barely had any action. We thought the personal legend was cool and we made a project on it."
"I read it with an absolutely open mind for about half the book, and then had to force myself to choke down the rest. Paulo Coelho introduces you to the moral core of the story, which can and is summed up in a few paragraphs, probably at some point in the first ten pages. After that, apparently because he is incapable of nuanced writing, of metaphors, or of allowing the reader to decipher any meaning at all for himself, he instead decides to pound the exact same few moral points into your skull every single page, for exactly 182 repetitive pages. Instead of being berated by the omniscient narrator about chasing our dreams, thinly disguised as the seemingly only thought our one dimensional main character possesses? Which sort of ties in to the second largest flaw, maybe the first in order of importance depending on what your aim is, which is that this book is simply a dull, boring story, and rather poorly written, or possibly it's a children's book and I missed that because adults are reading it heavily in America. Just the same message reiterated again and again, the plot sort of being there as a vehicle for the mass repetition of the moral lesson. The omniscient narrator, clearly nothing but Coelho, spouts his belief about following a dream through the most superficial, paper thin main character in the history of literature. But no amount of mumbo jumbo repitition about Omens made this book appealing to my inner mystic, which really isn't that hard. Coehlo seems to be under the impression that you can have two characters look at each other, and use the word Omen, or personal treasure, and that is enough substance to intrigue the reader. But he fails to grasp that the reader actually has to feel intrigued and moved; by the plot, and by the characters."
Following in the tradition of such classics as Arthur Huff Fauset’s “Negro Folk Tales from the South” (1927), Zora Neale Hurston’s Mules and Men (1935), and Virginia Hamilton’s The People Could Fly (1985), acclaimed scholars Henry Louis Gates Jr. and Maria Tatar assemble a groundbreaking collection of folktales, myths, and legends that revitalizes a vibrant African American past to produce the most comprehensive and ambitious collection of African American folktales ever published in American literary history. Introductory essays, nearly 150 African American stories, and 20 seminal African tales as historical background The familiar Brer Rabbit classics, as well as news-making vernacular tales from the 1890s’ Southern Workman An entire section of Caribbean and Latin American folktales that finally become incorporated into the canon Approximately 200 full-color, museum-quality images. Gates' and Tatar's introductions provide essential critical frameworks for understanding black folk culture's centrality to wider American culture, while the secondary sources shed light on the various methodologies and philosophies that have informed how scholars gather folklore. An exhaustive, informative, and entertaining survey of African-American folklore, its centrality to American culture, and the universality of myth.”. - Kirkus Reviews. Extensively sourced, this groundbreaking gathering redefines African American folklore, establishes a canon, and traces the influence of these stories on American history, society, and culture. A rigorous achievement and a worthy and fascinating addition to any folklore, African American studies, or American literature collection.”. - Booklist.
Reviews
Find Best Price at Amazon"This book is the size of a textbook and is filled with many wonderful stories and insights into Black history."
"Should be on every serious book collectors shelf."
"Beautiful copy, great information and compilation!"
"Impressive, authoritative collection of a key American cultural source."
"I’m satisfied with this product."
"My book is bound upside down!"
"To know the origin of so many African American Folktales is such a gift."
"I bought 20 copies as gifts for Christmas!"
Best American Literature
The New York Times -bestselling collection of poems from celebrated poet Mary Oliver In A Thousand Mornings , Mary Oliver returns to the imagery that has come to define her life’s work, transporting us to the marshland and coastline of her beloved home, Provincetown, Massachusetts. Some read like brief fables, such as when an old fox compares their respective species and tells the poet, “You fuss, we live.” A Bob Dylan quote inspires a poem about song, while a mockingbird’s mimicry elicits thoughts about authenticity and one’s true self.
Reviews
Find Best Price at Amazon"Oliver - Simple and profound."
"First time reading Mary Oliver and I am very impressed."
"I heard many of the messages in my own voice as if I had lived the life of the poet."
"Reading this book on a chaise on a deck with birds and squirrels busy around you is rejuvenating and soul comforting."
"As always, Mary's words and images breathe life and joy into my heart."
"I've connected with just about everything I've read from May Oliver."
"Oliver's writing is clear, clean, and inspiring as always."
"it's Mary Oliver's poetry; it doesn't get any better!"
Best Creative Writing & Composition
One of the biggest problem areas for writers is conveying a character's emotions to the reader in a unique, compelling way. Angela Ackerman and Becca Puglisi are bestselling authors, writing coaches, and international speakers.
Reviews
Find Best Price at Amazon"In my opinion, this guide could be useful to both new and experienced writers of fiction. For the former, this is an amazing resource for learning how to write convincing characters and see how emotions translate into writing (then, hopefully, provoking sympathy, empathy, or whatever feeling you wish to evoke in the reader). For the latter, I would say that this can easily be a go-to reference for experienced writers to shake things up a bit and to avoid the long hours of research it would require to do the legwork already done in this guide."
"This book should be a must for every fiction author."
"An invaluable guide for novice writers and their endless struggle with the crucial "show, don't tell" dictum."
"It has suggestions for nearly every emotion you can think of."
"As a new writer, I have been using this with my current WIP, and it has helped when I am searching for the correct actions to describe a particular emotion my characters are feeling."
"An extremely helpful resource."
"An absolutely awesome reference book for those who are writing or acting."
"It digs deep by talking not only about external signs, but internal as well, giving writers significantly more to play with in the wording of their novels."
Best English Literature
The authoritative edition of Much Ado About Nothing from The Folger Shakespeare Library, the trusted and widely used Shakespeare series for students and general readers, includes: -An essay by a leading Shakespeare scholar providing a modern perspective on the play. The Folger Shakespeare Library in Washington, DC, is home to the world’s largest collection of Shakespeare’s printed works, and a magnet for Shakespeare scholars from around the globe. Although some think that sometime between 1610 and 1613 Shakespeare retired from the theater and returned home to Stratford, where he died in 1616, others believe that he may have continued to work in London until close to his death.
Reviews
Find Best Price at Amazon"This is the only Shakespeare edition with line numbers every 10 lines and ALSO each line that has a footnote has a line number so it's easy to reference the gloss and find your place again right away!"
"They make all the difference to me, a new student to Shakespeare, at the ripe age of 59 years old....now I can understand and appreciate these amazing works of literature."
"Although I was generally familiar with the story of Macbeth, it definitely made reading the play more enjoyable and understandable."
"Love Arkangel productions of Shakespeare plays."
"I got this for our 13 yr old daughter because I knew that she would like the story better if she could get around the language."
"I very much liked the play, but saw no signs of annotation."
"In Act I, scene ii, many times when Brutus is speaking, the audio is so low that we can hardly make out what he is saying. The same is true with the very beginning of Act II scene i when Brutus is having his monologue on whether to join the conspiracy or not."
Best Literary Theory
Don Gifford's annotations to Joyce's great modern classic comprise a specialized encyclopedia that will inform any reading of Ulysses. "Teaches more than how to read a particular novel; it teaches us more profoundly how to read anything.
Reviews
Find Best Price at Amazon"This book serves as an extremely helpful accompaniment to Ulysses."
"These are a necessary companion for reading Ulysses."
"A thorough guide to all things Joyce."
"This is an essential reference to follow Ulysses page by page, paragraph by paragraph and understanding particular words used to clarify the meaning of that word and how used."
"Purchased the Ulysses annoated book."
"Great companion piece to the novel, especially for those just beginning to approach Joyce's work."
Best World Literature
"The poems of the Poetic Edda have waited a long time for a Modern English translation that would do them justice. Jackson Crawford earned his Ph.D. in Scandinavian Studies from the University of Wisconsin-Madison, and an M.A.
Reviews
Find Best Price at Amazon"There's a difference... actually, there's an abyss between a translation and a true, high quality social localization."
"One of the best translations I've seen."
"This is a beautiful translation and interpretation of the Poetic Edda."
"Great translation, I'd recommend to anyone interested in the subject matter."
"Clear, easily readable texts; good background and notes; works well as an introductory text for Norse mythology to undergraduates."
"Excellent work by an excellent Professor."
"Great book."
"Can't wait to dig in."
Best Ancient Rome Biographies
One of the world's most famous and influential books, Meditations, by the Roman emperor Marcus Aurelius (A.D. 121–180), incorporates the stoic precepts he used to cope with his life as a warrior and administrator of an empire. Text: English (translation). Original Language: Latin.
Reviews
Find Best Price at Amazon"In this case, the Hays translation is the hardcover, while the authors who translated the paperback and Kindle versions aren't specified."
"Compare the translations of the first paragraph for example: This version: Of my grandfather Verus I have learned to be gentle and meek, and to refrain from all anger and passion. Of my mother I have learned to be religious, and bountiful; and to forbear, not only to do, but to intend any evil; to content myself with a spare diet, and to fly all such excess as is incidental to great wealth."
"Meditations by Marcus Aurelius. “The happiness of your life depends upon the quality of your thoughts: therefore, guard, accordingly, and take care that you entertain no notions unsuitable to virtue and reasonable nature.”. Before I get into details, I must say that reading Meditations was one of the hardest, but most rewarding experiences in my own personal growth. There is no reason to feel unhappy, unfulfilled, or unappreciated , and Meditations by Marcus Aurelius offers advice to anyone who is looking for self help, self love, and a rational way of directing life. Sharing his seat of power is the one move that summarizes Marcus Aurelius’s entire life; the fear of power and the duty embedded in him through his interest in Stoicism, a philosophy that grounds itself on self-restraint, reason, and fate."
"Edition is great."
"Fits well in your at home library and is slim."
"Great collection of thoughts from one of the most intelligent warriors/leaders in history."
"Marcus Aurelius is brilliant, the philosophy he writes about in this book has stuck with me and I try to utilize it daily."
"This book rewards even a few minutes reading."
Best Canadian Dramas & Plays
An unexpected romance sprouts when Eden, a human scientist who is first sent to study an alien species, finds herself hopelessly attracted to Pyra, a male figure that initially inspires her disdain, but who ultimately awakens a mix of passion and desire in Eden’s heart, who is surprised by feelings that she couldn’t anticipate – or keep from growing – for the one who will end up saving her life. Read the entire Bestselling Series in order - Now conveniently available in Box Sets!
Reviews
Find Best Price at Amazon"The Denynso of Uoria are being attacked by the Klimnu and with each book you find out what the Klimnu are all about."
"An fun and exciting alien romance series. The series is about an alien race that is allowing some humans to visit and study on their planet."
"So I bought Alien Romance Box Set: Uoria Mates 1. Loved how these domineering aggressive males turn to mush over the love of their mates."
"This is the stories of the Uorian Alien Species ."
"This series really is a fast paste love ztory of the women and the men that are tbeir mates."
"I can't think of the right words to describe this bundle. I guess you can't just use a couple words to describe this bundle."
"I would recommend this book to anyone who loves alien romances."
"The series was enjoyable and had really good sex scenes."