LITMIR.BIZ

While Tolstoy may be best remembered as the talented Russian author of such monumentally great works as “War and Peace” and “Anna Karenina”, he also wrote prolifically in essay format on various subjects. In this volume Tolstoy turns his attention to the study of aesthetics and art in all its forms. Based on fifteen years of research, “What is Art?” is Tolstoy’s intellectual exposition into answering the titular question. Rich with criticism for his contemporaries as well as even his own writings, Tolstoy makes the central argument that art should be used as a force for good and betterment of mankind and that art that is borne out of vanity, sexual desire, or some other amoral ambition should be condemned. For Tolstoy, art has a religious significance, which is instrumental to the reader in explaining the philosophy for art that he crafts in this work. As a compelling and interesting examination of the place of art in our society, “What is Art?” is a must read for all artists, written masterfully by one of the greatest writers to ever have lived. This edition includes a biographical afterword.

Подробнее

Set in the Limberlost Swamp area of Indiana, “Freckles” is American writer and naturalist Gene Stratton-Porter’s 1904 novel about the titular character, a one-handed adult orphan who takes a job guarding timber in the swamp. Freckles has lived all his life in a Chicago orphanage and has been missing his right hand as long as he can remember. Now an adult, he is hired on by the Grand Rapids lumber company to guard their valuable timber in the Limberlost Swamp. Freckles has lived his whole life in the city and is at first frightened and intimidated by this strange and wild place. Yet, he is eager to learn about his new home and he soon becomes enchanted by the beauty of the wildlife and plants in the swamp. Freckles also falls in love with a nameless young woman that he meets in the Limberlost and whom the reader knows only as “The Swamp Angel”. Freckles is challenged by the mystery of his past and parentage and feels he is not worthy of love, but he proves himself to be an honorable and kind man. In this heart-warming and charming novel, Freckles finds his true home and learns the priceless value of courage and kindness. This edition includes a biographical afterword.

Подробнее

First published in 1851, “The Wisdom of Life and Counsels and Maxims” is a collection of essays by famed German philosopher Arthur Schopenhauer. He is perhaps best known for his 1818 work “The World as Will and Representation” and developed an enduring reputation for his philosophical pessimism, in contrast to the idealism of Immanuel Kant. Much of Schopenhauer’s work is a reaction to post-Kant German romanticism. In “The Wisdom of Life and Counsels and Maxims”, two of Schopenhauer’s well-known essays are brought together and explore the thoughts behind his more realistic and pessimistic worldview. He rejects the usual goals in life of money, fame, pride, social position, and material and physical pleasures in favor of development of one’s inner mind and a strong and healthy body. Schopenhauer was one of the first Western philosophers to embrace Eastern and Buddhist thought and his preference for a more meditative and ascetic life is evident in these essays. While Schopenhauer is well-known for his critical and pessimistic philosophy, his writing style is warm, entertaining, and charming, while at the same time being full of profound thought and substance. “The Wisdom of Life and Counsels and Maxims” remains an engaging and thoughtful discourse on life and happiness.

Подробнее

18th century German philosopher, poet, and playwright, Friedrich Schiller began writing while he was in the army. Commanded to stop by his superiors he deserted the army, moved to another country, and began writing under a false name. Schiller was a deep-thinker on ethics and aesthetics. His beliefs held that beauty is not just an aesthetic experience, but that it is also connected with goodness. An essay on aesthetics first published in 1794, “On the Aesthetic Education of Man” takes the form of a series of letters discussing the importance of art upon society. Schiller begins this work by discussing his disenchantment with how the French Revolution descended into violence and failed to bring about the ideals that it intended to. What follows is a commentary on Kantian aesthetical philosophy which discusses the conflict of man’s drive for pleasure versus his capacity for reason. Schiller argues ultimately that this conflict can be resolved, and elevate the moral character of man, by an informed appreciation of aesthetics allowing for a balance between these two competing forces. This edition includes a biographical afterword.

Подробнее

Written in the style of traditional Arthurian legends, “Otto of the Silver Hand” is a scathing tale of the realities behind the chivalric ideal. During the course of his studies of medieval society, in preparation to write a magnificent series on King Arthur’s Court, Howard Pyle shockingly discovered a mentality of cruelty and vengefulness among the legendary knights, which he brings to light in this work. However, these criticisms cannot overshadow the high sense of adventure in the story and illustrations of Otto, the gentle-natured son of a German warlord who, reclaimed from a monastery at age 12, suffers under the hands of a vengeful family rival, Baron Henry. While being held prisoner he falls in love with Baron Henry’s daughter, Pauline, until he’s rescued by his father and escapes his captor’s grasp. The chase ensues in this epic tale of a young man overcoming hatred and strife with goodness and love. This edition includes a biographical afterword.

Подробнее

In 1526 Carlos I of Spain granted Pánfilo de Narváez a license to claim what is now the Gulf Coast of the United States. Pánfilo de Narváez set sail in 1527 to conquer and settle present day Florida. Setting out with a crew of approximately 600 members ultimately only four members would survive the ill-fated expedition. The journey would take these four survivors from Spain to Hispaniola and Cuba and then onto Florida. Sailing through a hurricane and other storms the expedition would finally land near Tampa Bay. Suffering from Indian attacks and the effects of poor food and disease, the crew, of which there was now only eighty, decided to sail from Florida to Mexico. In 1536, the four survivors—Álvar Núñez Cabeza de Vaca, Alonso del Castillo Maldonado, Andrés Dorantes de Carranza, and his enslaved Moor Estevanico—finally managed to rejoin Spanish countrymen in present-day Mexico City. Upon returning to Spain Álvar Núñez Cabeza de Vaca would receive considerable notoriety for his published account of the ordeal.

Подробнее

First published in 1921, “Rilla of Ingleside” is the sixth book written in the “Anne of Green Gables” saga by Lucy Maud Montgomery. While it was published sixth, “Rilla of Ingleside” is the eighth book chronologically in the series and focuses on Anne’s youngest daughter, fifteen-year-old Bertha Marilla “Rilla” Blythe. Set against the back drop of the First World War, Rilla begins the book carefree with little interest or concern for anything other than having fun. However, soon the war begins and Rilla finds herself left anxiously home alone with her parents while her sisters are away at college and her brothers are off fighting the war. Rilla matures quickly and begins to organize the junior Red Cross in her village and takes on the responsibility of mothering a newborn baby whose mother has died while the father is away at war. More serious in tone than many of the other “Anne of Green Gables” books, Rilla’s story is a realistic and insightful saga of what life was like for those left at home trying to maintain normalcy and stability during wartime. “Rilla of Ingleside” is a touching and emotionally satisfying volume in Montgomery’s popular and well-loved series. This edition includes a biographical afterword.

Подробнее

Written in Greek in the 3rd century BC, “Jason and the Golden Fleece” or “The Argonautica” is the epic of Apollonius of Rhodes. It is the only surviving Hellenistic epic and recounts the timeless tale of Jason and the Argonauts and their quest to retrieve the Golden Fleece. Based upon sources such as Homer and Pindar and written during the age of the famous Library of Alexandria, Apollonius was the first to include in his retelling of the already famous tale information about the geography, ethnography, and comparative religions of the places and people Jason encountered on his voyage. Apollonius revolutionized this ancient dramatic form and developed narrative techniques such as the interior monologue so that the audience could truly understand and identify with the character’s thoughts and feelings. “The Argonautica” explored in detail the love between Jason and the foreign princess and sorceress Medea in a much more expansive and emotional way than had Homer. Apollonius is often credited with beginning the tradition of the romantic novel. “The Argonautica” influenced such ancient writers as Catullus, Ovid, and Virgil and remains widely studied and adapted for modern audiences. This edition follows the prose translation of R. C. Seaton.

Подробнее

First appearing in 1919, “South: The Endurance Expedition” is the gripping account of those who traveled with Sir Ernest Shackleton on his third expedition to Antarctica. In August1914, Shackleton set out with a crew of twenty-eight aboard the ship “Endurance” in an effort to become the first men to cross the vast Antarctic land mass, a grand plan that was given the lofty title “The Imperial Trans-Antarctic Expedition.” At the same time the “Endurance” set out into the Weddell Sea so that a group of six, including Shackleton, could traverse the vase continent, another ship, called “The Aurora” landed on the other side of the continent to leave supplies for Shackleton’s group. Their adventurous and daring exploration soon became a struggle for survival however when the “Endurance” was trapped by solid ice which slowly crushed and disabled the ship and left the crew stranded in a barren snowy wilderness. What would follow is one of the most gripping tales of heroism and survival in the face of almost certain death to have ever been told. Drawing upon the first-hand accounts of the men who lived to tell the tale, “South: The Endurance Expedition” is a harrowing and fascinating saga of polar exploration.

Подробнее

The great Roman poet Lucan is considered one of the most important Latin Poets of all time. His masterful epic “Pharsalia”, or “Civil War” chronicles the dynamic battle between Julius Caesar and Pompey the Great. The Great Civil War led to the downfall of the Roman Republic and the establishment of the Roman Empire. “Civil War” is divided into ten books, tracking Caesar’s march to Rome, through Spain, and finally to Egypt. The cast of characters is wide: Brutus, Cicero, and Cleopatra all have parts, creating a singular epic. The poem is rooted in history though Lucan uses his poetic gift to create a work of literature that is as symbolic and moving as it is informative. Lucan’s clear and energetic verse brings one of the most important wars in history to life. The cruel and exacting Caesar is witnessed here like nowhere else in literature. Civil War brilliantly comments on violence, politics, and sacrifice. For the student of Roman history and the lover of epic poetry, Lucan’s “Civil War” is not to be missed.

Подробнее