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  • The Devil’s Dictionary by Ambrose Bierce
  • The Way We Live Now by Anthony Trollope
  • The Man in the Iron Mask by Alexandre Dumas
  • Sense and Sensibility by Jane Austen
  • Just David by Eleanor H. Porter
  • Narrative of the Life of Frederick Douglass by Frederick Douglass
  • My Man Jeeves by P. G. Wodehouse
  • The Vicar of Wakefield by Oliver Goldsmith
  • Myths and Legends of All Nations by Logan Marshall
  • Heidi by Johanna Spyri
  • Queen Victoria by Lytton Strachey
  • Tom Swift and His Aerial Warship, or, the Naval Terror of the Seas by Victor Appleton
  • Siddhartha by Hermann Hesse
  • The Golden Road by Lucy Maud Montgomery
  • The Emerald City of Oz by L. Frank Baum
  • Uncle Tom’s Cabin by Harriet Beecher Stowe
  • The Club of Queer Trades by G. K. Chesterton
  • The Wealth of Nations by Adam Smith
  • 1912: Short Works Collection by Unknown
  • The Hound of the Baskervilles by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle
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  • Coming Up

    The Devil’s Dictionary by Ambrose Bierce

    The Devil’s Dictionary by Ambrose Bierce

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    Since Dec 17, 2019 00:00 UTC

    RESPECTABILITY, n. The offspring of a liaison between a bald head and a bank account. BEAUTY, n. The power by which a woman charms a lover and terrifies a husband. LITIGANT, n. A person about to give up his skin for the hope of retaining his bones. If these caustic definitions catch your fancy, you’d enjoy The Devil’s Dictionary by Ambrose Bierce. He was a columnist with the San Francisco News Letter, a weekly paper which was a business publication aimed at the corporate sector. However, it had a column entitled Town Crier which featured satirical asides and comments in a lighter vein. Bierce went on to edit the paper. His acerbic wit and pungent take on the events of the day earned him the sobriquet of “The Laughing Devil of San Francisco.” At one point, Bierce found himself short of material for the paper and since he had just bought a copy of Webster’s Dictionary, he hit upon the idea of creating a comic dictionary, with a sardonic take on word definitions. In his preface, Bierce says that he began it in a desultory way in 1881 and continued in this fashion till 1906, working through the alphabet. He included some 88 sections comprising about 20 words each as a weekly serial in his newspaper, generously laced with Bierce’s brand of wit, satire and cynicism. Some of it was published under the title The Cynic’s Word Book. In 1911, the entire work was finally compiled and published under the name The Devil’s Dictionary. Apart from zany definitions, the book is also peppered with trenchant bits of verse that add to the appeal. Most of these are Bierce’s own creations, signed under various pseudonyms as Orm Pludge, Salder Bupp and “that learned and ingenious cleric, Father Gassalasca Jape” etc. There are several different versions of The Devil’s Dictionary in circulation. Some are abridged versions, while others have several omissions. Some recent editions are compiled from various sources, since Bierce was largely a freelance columnist and author who contributed to several newspapers simultaneously. He was a gifted writer, orator, journalist, short story writer and fierce opponent of hypocrisy. His credo was “Nothing matters!” He was a purist in style and considered a master craftsman by his peers and readers and generously supported new writers. Bierce’s death is shrouded in mystery because he disappeared without a trace while on a tour of old Civil War battlefields in America and Mexico. The Devil’s Dictionary became so popular that it gave rise to a host of imitations such as Roger’s Profanisaurus, Wickedictionary, The Computer Contradictionary and many more in the same vein. More great books at LoyalBooks.com

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    The Way We Live Now by Anthony Trollope

    The Way We Live Now by Anthony Trollope

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    Since Jun 29, 2020 00:00 UTC

    The Way We Live Now is a scathing satirical novel published in London in 1875 by Anthony Trollope, after a popular serialization. It was regarded by many of Trollope’s contemporaries as his finest work. One of his longest novels (it contains a hundred chapters), The Way We Live Now is particularly rich in sub-plot. It was inspired by the financial scandals of the early 1870s, and lashes at the pervading dishonesty of the age, commercial, political, moral, and intellectual. It is one of the last memorable Victorian novels to have been published in monthly parts. More great books at LoyalBooks.com

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    The Man in the Iron Mask by Alexandre Dumas

    The Man in the Iron Mask by Alexandre Dumas

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    Since Oct 31, 2023 00:00 UTC

    The Man in the Iron Mask by Alexandre Dumas is part of the novel The Vicomte of Bragelonne: Ten Years After, published in serial form between 1857-50. It is also the last of the D’Artagnan stories written by Dumas and the three musketeers are the real heroes of the story, though the title is given to the man in the iron mask. The story opens with Aramis (one of the musketeers who is now a priest) taking the last confession of a prisoner who is condemned to be executed soon. His confession comes as a thunderbolt to the former musketeer. This mysterious person is actually the identical twin brother of Louis XIV. He was ordered to be killed by his own parents, Louis XIII and Anne of Austria, to prevent any future challenge to the throne. However, he is ultimately thrown into prison and has lived there ever since. Now that Louis has ascended the throne, he is condemned to die. Aramis is not one to let such a crime go unpunished. He enlists the help of Porthos. He feels that Phillipe being the older twin and thus entitled to reign should be restored to the throne and along with this, Aramis himself can also become the Cardinal of France. Devious plots are meanwhile underway, launched by the evil Superintendent of Finance, Fouquet. Aramis brings Phillipe to the palace, kidnaps Louis and substitutes one twin for another. And the story races to its gripping climax. In The Man in the Iron Mask, the final moments of some of musketeers is depicted very poignantly. Alexandre Dumas’ story is based on some interesting historical facts. A mysterious prisoner called Eustache Daugher was held in several prisons across France and Italy, for 34 years under the custody of the same jailer who moved with him constantly. The French novelist Voltaire was the first to speculate about the possible identity of Daugher. However, nothing has been proven conclusively, though the story provided rich material for many conspiracy theories and novels. As a fast paced Three Musketeers adventure, The Man in the Iron Mask is indeed an exciting and interesting read.

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    Sense and Sensibility by Jane Austen

    Sense and Sensibility by Jane Austen

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    Since Sep 8, 2020 00:00 UTC

    Two sisters, one practical and full of commonsense, the other a passionate and emotional creature, an uncaring brother and his avaricious wife, a handsome rake and a faithful gentleman – these are some of the unforgettable characters who make Jane Austen’s first published novel, Sense and Sensibility such a delightful, witty and timeless classic. The novel was published under the pseudonym “A Lady” by its shy and retiring nineteen-year-old author, Jane Austen, in 1811. She was the daughter of a country rector and lived all her life in the circle of her large and loving family in a little village in Hampshire, England. There is very little autobiographical material available about her, as her well-meaning relatives burned and destroyed most of her diaries and letters after her death. Sense and Sensibility is a charming story of two sisters who see life from two very different viewpoints. When their father suddenly dies, leaving his entire estate to their half-brother John, the sisters, Elinor and Marianne Dashwood, their mother and youngest sister Margaret are thrown at the financial mercy of John and his mean-minded wife, Fanny. Mrs Dashwood and her daughters soon realize that they are not welcome at their former home Norland Hall. Fanny’s brother Edward Ferrars, who is quite different from his greedy and graceless sister, arrives and begins to form an attachment to Elinor, which is violently opposed by Fanny. Mrs Dashwood is hurt and bewildered, but finally realizes that they have no option but to leave. They move to Devonshire, where Mrs Dashwood’s cousin, Sir John Middleton welcomes them and helps them to find suitable lodgings. While out walking one rainy evening, Marianne suffers a small accident and is rescued by the suave and dashing John Willoughby. She falls passionately in love with him. The story takes several interesting twists and turns, driven by the opposing natures of the two sisters. More than two hundred years after publication, this delightful tale still manages to capture the reader’s imagination as it echoes universal truths of passion, love, social status and ethics. Sense and Sensibility is a coming of age novel, marked by Jane Austen’s deliciously ironic and sharp wit and famously under-stated style that will certainly appeal to modern-day readers. More great books at LoyalBooks.com

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    Just David by Eleanor H. Porter

    Just David by Eleanor H. Porter

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    Since Dec 9, 2023 00:00 UTC

    A delightful story supporting the notion of finding beauty in all aspects of life, Just David follows a young boy, who slowly transforms the lives of those around him, as he teaches them to embrace the smaller things in life. The classic presents an encouraging tale to look beyond the horizon and not allow the world to dictate one’s action. The story begins with the introduction of a charismatic ten-year old boy David, who together with his father lives in the serene and secluded mountains. Raised to find peace and joy in his natural surroundings, David is ignorant to life outside his idyllic home. Furthermore, he has his beloved violin to keep him company, which he plays in accordance to the tune of nature, while keeping to the modest teachings of his father, which includes appreciation for music. However, when David’s father is beset by illness and later dies as a result, the courageous young boy is thrust into a world quite different from his own, as he is taken into the care of Simeon Holly and his wife. The couple is surprised to learn that the young boy does not know his last name, his father’s name or whether he has any relatives. He introduces himself as “just David”. Initially, the couple is hesitant about taking the boy in, but they finally agree because he reminds them of their estranged son. Witnessing the reality of life far from the cultivated teachings of his father, including cynicism, cruelty, and suffering, David still remains true to his sensible ways. His only solace in life is his violin, which he plays as a means of expression. A truly admirable young boy, David is able to see the best in everyone and everything and leaves a trail of optimism wherever he goes. In addition, he inspires others to follow his footsteps and make the most out of life, as it is too short to squander on superfluous details which in turn bring misery. Nevertheless, an emotionally resonant piece that has withstood the hands of time, Just David will surely inspire both young and old readers to rethink their attitude towards life, while also discovering the true source of happiness. Needless to say, Porter successfully creates an epitome of goodness and innocence, as her classic novel leaves much to ponder over long after its conclusion.

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    Narrative of the Life of Frederick Douglass by Frederick Douglass

    Narrative of the Life of Frederick Douglass by Frederick Douglass

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    Since Dec 20, 2023 00:00 UTC

    Frederick Douglass was born into slavery on a Maryland plantation. He faced hardship as a child, but later encountered owners who were relatively liberal and allowed him to learn to read, write and be in contact with freed slaves. At the age of 20, he escaped from the plantation and made his way to New York. Though he remained a fugitive, he married and changed his name to avoid being caught. He continued his education and became involved in the Abolitionist Movement. He began touring the country, speaking passionately about the unjust, cruel and inhuman practice of slavery. However, he began to face opposition from quarters that he least expected. Narrative of the Life of Frederick Douglass traces the turbulent, tragic and shameful period in the history of the United States. Douglass was also a gifted and committed public speaker, outspoken in his criticism of this inhuman practice. The book, published in 1845, originally entitled Narrative of the Life of Frederick Douglass, An American Slave, Written By Himself, was met with disbelief when it initially came out. Few could believe that an African American slave could write so eloquently and have such perfect use of the English language. However, Douglass had used real names, events and places in his story, which could be easily verified and this silenced his critics. Yet, his troubles were not over. His former masters were still entitled to track him down, and fearing capture, he departed for the UK where he was received with great warmth and respect. He stayed for two years till two of his British friends contributed to purchase his freedom. He then returned to America where he arrived at the dawn of the American Civil War. He started a newspaper and campaigned tirelessly for Lincoln and the abolition of slavery. He was also the first African American to be nominated for the post of Vice President of the USA. Narrative… was the first of several autobiographies, in which Douglass documented his eventful life. The book is divided into 11 chapters, tracing Douglass’ childhood on the Maryland plantation, the daily cruelties practiced by slave owners, his move to Baltimore and the consequent experiences there. It is in Baltimore that he encounters more humane white people. However, even after being acclaimed as a speaker, he faced the condescending and patronizing attitude of white people. It was to counter this that he began to write his autobiography. As a slice of history, Narrative… is indeed an interesting and gripping read, and a great addition to your collection.

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    My Man Jeeves by P. G. Wodehouse

    My Man Jeeves by P. G. Wodehouse

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    Since Dec 26, 2023 00:00 UTC

    First published in 1919, My Man Jeeves is a collection of short stories featuring the well known fictional characters Jeeves and Bertie Wooster. The compilation consists of eight stories, of which four feature the popular duo while the other four stories feature Reggie Pepper, an early model of Bertie Wooster. Set in the early 20th century, the stories carry much humor, wit, and charming mischief as the characters seem to attract trouble wherever they go. Wodehouse sets the stories in the early 20th century and allows the audience to enter the world of the upper-class establishments, and experience the many awkward situations the characters find themselves in. A satirical portrayal of characters and events, the stories see the presence of a rich young Englishman Bertie Wooster, who resides in New York, and leads a comfortable lifestyle. He is additionally accompanied by his suave valet Jeeves, whose positive influence is known to swiftly rescue his employer from discomfort. The collection begins with a story that introduces the all-knowing Jeeves, who is described as being the brains of the party, and the daft yet charming Wooster who appears to be a magnet for misfortune. Together the pair must outwit acquaintances by devising schemes, though they repeatedly neglect calculating possible outcomes, and as a result further entangle themselves in their own web. The other stories featuring the inseparable duo all seem to center around certain predicaments that require Jeeves’ quick wits and sage solutions, and subsequently follow him as he gives spot-on advice on various distinct topics ranging from fashion, finance and horse betting. Furthermore, four stories observe Reggie Pepper, who is also an idle young socialite and victim to endless troublesome situations. He too must come up with respectable solutions to spare him from embarrassment. The style, witty dialogue, absurd situations, and memorable characters are just some of the aspects that mark the collection as a humorous treasure. Poking fun at the socialite lifestyle, while weaving together a series of humorous misadventures, Wodehouse successfully creates a light-hearted piece guaranteed to steal a smile. A timeless compilation of humor and wit, My Man Jeeves will leave readers coming back to its riveting pages time and time again.

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    The Vicar of Wakefield by Oliver Goldsmith

    The Vicar of Wakefield by Oliver Goldsmith

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    Since Dec 2, 2023 00:00 UTC

    Published in 1766, The Vicar of Wakefield follows the turbulent shift in the fortune and status of the Primrose family, as they must endure various setbacks that threaten their ultimate wellbeing and prosperity. Focusing on themes including family, prudence, resilience, religion, deception, marriage, and social status, the classic is regarded as Goldsmith’s most notable literary achievement. The novel centers on Dr. Charles Primrose, a benevolent and naive vicar, who together with his wife and six children lives an idyllic and comfortable life in the affluent town of Wakefield, owing their position to a smart investment. The upcoming wedding between their eldest son, George, and Arabella Wilmot, the daughter of a wealthy church dignitary, brings additional joy to the family. However, the potential marriage is threatened when Primrose shares his philosophies concerning marriage with Mr. Wilmot, whose views are contradictory to his own, as he is three times widowed and about to marry for the fourth time. At the same time, their bubble of happiness is burst when news reaches Primrose that he has lost all his money due to his merchant’s embezzlement. Consequently, George’s marriage is called off by Mr. Wilmot, and the Primroses are forced to move to a more humble parish, while sending George to London with the hope that he can earn an income to help his family recover from their financial misfortune. Subsequently, the Primroses settle in a house owned by Squire Thornhill, a roguish young man, who takes an interest in the vicar’s eldest daughter Olivia. Despite Thornhill’s notorious reputation, his interest in Olivia begins to spur hope, as the Primroses believe that such a union would save them from their current misfortune. Furthermore, the vicar befriends the kind but poor Mr. Burchell, who saves his daughter Sophia from drowning, and is promised hospitality. Experiencing the harsh tribulations of life, the Primroses must set aside their pride and remain united through every obstacle. An enduring piece of literature renowned for Goldsmith’s accurate descriptions, gentle irony, satire, and profound wisdom, The Vicar of Wakefield can be read both as a sentimental novel promoting innate goodness, or it can also be understood as a satire on the social and economical inequalities at the time. Nevertheless, the novel is sure to enthrall with its vibrant characters, unexpected twists, and melodramatic occurrences that are generously distributed throughout its pages.

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    Myths and Legends of All Nations by Logan Marshall

    Myths and Legends of All Nations by Logan Marshall

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    Since Oct 1, 2020 00:00 UTC

    This excellent book contains many great stories from the various mythologies of man throughout the ages. More great books at LoyalBooks.com

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    Heidi by Johanna Spyri

    Heidi by Johanna Spyri

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    Since Dec 11, 2021 00:00 UTC

    Filled with descriptions of the magnificent Swiss Alps, the lives of the simple country folk who live in their picturesque peaks and valleys and the gentle and innocent days of childhood, Heidi by Johanna Spyri is a book that no child should miss reading. Since it first came out, it has captured the hearts of children (and adults) all over the world, been extensively filmed, televised and staged and translated from the original German into more than 60 languages. Heidiland, a theme park, is one of the big attractions in Zurich. Heidi The Girl from the Alps by Swiss children’s author Johanna Spyri was published in two parts in 1880. It tells of Heidi, a little Swiss girl whose parents’ sudden death leaves her to be brought up by her aunt. Aunt Dete is a career-woman who though she loves Heidi, does not have the time or resources to look after a child in busy Frankfurt. She leaves Heidi with Heidi’s grandfather, who lives in the Swiss mountains. The lonely, embittered old man lives like a hermit on the mountain-top and has nothing to do with the people in the village below. Known to all as “Alm-uncle” Heidi’s grandfather is good-hearted but mistrustful of the villagers. He refuses to send Heidi to school and allows her to roam the pastures with a young goat herder, Peter. They become good friends but events take a turn when Aunt Dete decides that Heidi must stay in Frankfurt and learn to earn a living. She is employed as a companion to a rich invalid child, Clara, and soon learns to read and write along with the little girl. The city begins to take its toll on the young Heidi and she becomes ill and depressed. How Heidi returns to her beloved mountains, reforms her crotchety old grandfather and helps Clara regain her health forms the rest of this delightful story. This unassuming and easy to read book remains fresh and unspoiled, still receiving an enthusiastic response throughout the world. Generations of kids have enjoyed reading about the naïve and spontaneous Heidi, the mischievous Peter, the bitter and lonely Alm-uncle, the strict and authoritarian housekeeper Fraulein Rottenmeier, the long-suffering Clara and Clara’s kind and gracious grandmother Frau Sesemann. This sweet and charming story earned eternal fame for its shy, retiring author who endured several personal tragedies and wrote many other pleasing stories, but none so famous as Heidi, The Girl from the Alps. More great books at LoyalBooks.com

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    Queen Victoria by Lytton Strachey

    Queen Victoria by Lytton Strachey

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    Since Dec 12, 2019 00:00 UTC

    Lytton Strachey’s first great success, and his most famous achievement, was “Eminent Victorians” (1918), a collection of four short biographies of Victorian heroes. With a dry wit, he exposed the human failings of his subjects and what he saw as the hypocrisy at the centre of Victorian morality. This work was followed in the same style by “Queen Victoria” (1921). More great books at LoyalBooks.com

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    Tom Swift and His Aerial Warship, or, the Naval Terror of the Seas by Victor Appleton

    Tom Swift and His Aerial Warship, or, the Naval Terror of the Seas by Victor Appleton

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    Since Sep 15, 2020 00:00 UTC

    Tom Swift is an inventor, and these are his adventures. The locale is the little town of Shopton in upstateNew York, near Lake Carlopa. While some of Tom’s inventions are not well-founded in a scientific sense, others elaborated developments in the news and in popular magazines aimed at young science and invention enthusiasts. Presenting themselves as a forecast of future possibilities, they now and then hit close to the mark. Some predicted inventions that came true include “photo telephones”, vertical takeoff aircraft, aerial warships, giant cannons, and “wizard” cameras. However some other devices, such as magnetic silencers for motors, have not appeared yet. -adapted from Wikipedia by Karen Merline More great books at LoyalBooks.com

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    Siddhartha by Hermann Hesse

    Siddhartha by Hermann Hesse

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    Since Oct 16, 2020 00:00 UTC

    Once regarded as a cult book in the 1960s by the Flower Power generation, Siddhartha by Herman Hesse remains even today a simple and fresh tale of a man’s spiritual quest. Penned by a deeply spiritual German author, Siddhartha explores multiple themes of enlightenment, thinking beyond set rules, love and humanity. Siddhartha is a young contemporary of the spiritual master Gautam Buddha who lived in India at some time during the 4th century BC. The story has striking parallels to Buddha’s own life story in which he abandons his wealth and status as the young prince of Kapilavastu, his wife and young son and his family to embark on a voyage of self discovery. Siddhartha in the book is the son of a respected Brahmin priest and leaves the comfort and security of his home to seek the meaning of life. His close friend, Govinda, joins him and the two wander as mendicants seeking alms and spiritual guidance. They meet Gautam Buddha and are drawn to his teachings, but whereas Govinda decides to dedicate his life to the spiritual order set up by Buddha, Siddhartha continues his sojourn as he feels he must arrive at enlightenment in his own way. He meets many people from whom he learns valuable lessons about life and death. A ferryman, Vasudeva, teaches him about the river and the flow of life. Kamala a beautiful courtesan teaches him about physical love and how it forms an important foundation of spirituality. Kamaswami, a shrewd businessman shares the secrets of materialism. Siddhartha absorbs important teachings from all these people. The final chapters of this slim volume trace his metaphysical transformation. Hermann Hesse published the novel Siddhartha in 1922. He was the son of a strict and uncompromising Lutheran missionary whose belief that humans are born evil and into sin was rejected by the young Hermann. Having been exposed very early in life to the religions of Asia, Hermann was deeply conflicted. He initially trained to join the church, but was expelled for his rebellious and disruptive behavior. He was schooled at home by tutors, joined various schools which he soon left and was prone to severe depression. He continued his studies on his own and got a job as a bookstore clerk in his hometown of Calw. Siddhartha is a book that adds dimension and depth to today’s modern world which is steeped in materialism and consumerism. More great books at LoyalBooks.com

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    The Golden Road by Lucy Maud Montgomery

    The Golden Road by Lucy Maud Montgomery

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    Since Sep 3, 2020 00:00 UTC

    In the sequal to The Story Girl Sara Stanley returns to join the King children in publishing their own local magazine to entertain the town of Carlisle. More great books at LoyalBooks.com

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    The Emerald City of Oz by L. Frank Baum

    The Emerald City of Oz by L. Frank Baum

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    Since Dec 4, 2021 00:00 UTC

    Oh My Goodness! What a lot of incredible adventures are packed into this epic. The evil gnome king plots to destroy Oz and enslave it’s people; evil creatures from many places are enlisted in this dastardly plan that has every chance of success. Dorothy brings her Aunt and Uncle from Kansas where they have been evicted from the farm, to live in Oz and they are given a tour of parts of Oz that have never been visited before. A city of paper dolls, a city of jig saw people, a city of bunnies and many many more odd and wonderful people are visited and enjoyed. But will the evil creatures succeed in invading and destroying OZ and enslaving all it’s unique and marvelous people? Will this be the last OZ book? I invite you to listen to this exciting tale and find out!! More great books at LoyalBooks.com

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    Uncle Tom’s Cabin by Harriet Beecher Stowe

    Uncle Tom’s Cabin by Harriet Beecher Stowe

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    Since Sep 13, 2020 00:00 UTC

    Uncle Tom’s Cabin is one of the most controversial novels of the last century, with it’s sentimental portrayal of the anti-slavery movement in the USA. Written in 1852, the novel instantly rose to fame and split Americans up and down the country. Stowe was a passionate abolitionist and was inspired to write Uncle Tom when she spent time in Cincinnati in the early part of the 18th century. She met many slaves who had escaped from Kentucky and was touched by the friendships she built. It was with this sentiment that the novel was born and the deep empathy Stowe had for slaves is evident throughout. As you would expect, the book was hugely provocative with pro-slavery supporters outraged by the negative portrayal of masters within the slave trade. It was said to be so incendiary that Abraham Lincoln claimed Stowe to be “the little lady who started this great war”. It is not clear if that quote is genuine but the hype Stowe created both before and after the civil war is definitely real. The novel follows the story of long suffering slave Tom and mother and son duo Eliza and Harry. Whilst Tom is sold down the river by his master, Eliza and her son manage to escape the clutches of slavery. There is no doubt in the genuineness of Howe’s wish to uncover the slave trade for all of its sins. Pleasingly the book ends with an optimistic outlook, one that shook the government at the time and one sure to shake you. More great books at LoyalBooks.com

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    The Club of Queer Trades by G. K. Chesterton

    The Club of Queer Trades by G. K. Chesterton

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    Since Dec 28, 2023 00:00 UTC

    A collection of six wonderfully quirky detective stories, featuring the ‘mystic’ former judge Basil Grant. Each story reveals a practitioner of an entirely new profession, and member of the Club of Queer Trades.

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    The Wealth of Nations by Adam Smith

    The Wealth of Nations by Adam Smith

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    Since Oct 3, 2020 00:00 UTC

    Adam Smith’s “The Wealth of Nations” gives an in-depth discussion of different economic principles like the productivity, division of labor and free markets. Although written and published more than 200 years ago, it’s still hailed as one of the most original works in the field of economics and is still used as a reference by many modern economists. “An Inquiry Into the Nature and Causes of the Wealth of Nations” is the complete title of this book and it was first published in 1776, the same year that the American colonies declared their independence from Britain. It’s interesting to note that Adam Smith once suggested to British authorities before this year that they should let the colonies be represented in the British parliament because of the contributions they give to the British Empire. But as we all know, they didn’t follow his suggestion and the Americans in defiance of British rule declared their independence. Experts at the time argued that if the British only followed Smith’s suggestion, the American Revolution wouldn’t have happened. Aside from this, Adam Smith had many other brilliant ideas about politics and economics, many of which were discussed in this book. He was the first economist to make an in-depth analysis about the division of labor, how it affects productivity, and what real price is. He also explained in this book the reasons why he opposed mercantilism, an economic theory which was very popular during that time. Then, he recommended and discussed here why free trade is better for nations. This was one of the first books about economics which advocates free trade. This concept is very important in modern economics and have now been embraced by most of the whole world. “The Wealth of Nations” is an indispensable work that every student of economics should read. It’s a timeless classic and many of the concepts discussed in it are still valid today. More great books at LoyalBooks.com

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    The Hound of the Baskervilles by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle

    The Hound of the Baskervilles by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle

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    Since Oct 13, 2020 00:00 UTC

    Sir Arthur Conan Doyle thought he had finished forever with his immortal sleuth Sherlock Holmes and his chronicler, Dr Watson. Exhausted and bored with the Holmes saga, he wanted to turn to more serious writing. In the short story The Final Problem, published in 1893 as part of the collection The Memoirs of Sherlock Holmes, the author had sent Holmes plunging to his doom into the Reichenbach Falls. However, by 1901, Doyle found himself in severe financial difficulties. It was then that he resurrected his popular detective. The Hound of the Baskervilles is set in time before the Reichenbach and as the publishers had predicted, Sir Arthur Conan Doyle once again struck gold! The Hound of the Baskervilles is thrilling, tightly-plotted and full of atmosphere. Set in the misty and sinister landscape of Dartmoor, it was inspired by the true story of a wicked 17th century Squire who lived in the West Country. Tales of the man’s villainous ways were whispered about and when he finally died, his evil spirit continued to roam the moors, leading a pack of supernatural hounds who were often seen at his tomb! In the novel, Sir James Mortimer, a physician and friend of the Baskervilles, a noble country family consults Holmes in London and seeks his help. Sir Charles Baskerville, the owner of a mansion called Baskerville Hall has been found dead under mysterious circumstances, which lead Sir James to fear that he was the victim of a strange and fatal family curse. A remote ancestor, notorious for his debauched ways, had been violently killed by a hell-hound with supernatural powers. People in the neighboring village report having seen an enormous hound on the moors at night. Mortimer now fears that Sir Charles has been visited by this terrible creature whose mission is to destroy the Baskerville family. The heir to the estate, Sir Henry Baskerville, is on his way home from Canada to claim his inheritance. Mortimer is apprehensive that Sir Henry will be the next target of this terrible creature. Holmes and Watson set out for Baskerville Hall. As he remarks, “The game’s afoot!” The Hound of the Baskervilles is a masterpiece of chilling detective fiction. It has been extensively adapted for radio, film and television all over the world. The story has lent its name to a psycho-medical condition called the Baskerville Effect – heart ailments caused by psychological stress! In all, a great read for that cold and rainy night! More great books at LoyalBooks.com

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