Secondhand Classics Bargain Book Box DSH983

Secondhand Classics Bargain Book Box:

Journey through the annals of literary history with this captivating collection of secondhand classic novels and timeless masterpieces. From enduring adventures and profound philosophical works to Regency romances and gripping tales of human nature, this box offers a rich tapestry of stories that have shaped generations of readers. Whether you're revisiting old favorites or discovering new literary treasures, these books promise to transport and inspire. Please note that as cherished secondhand items, they may show signs of previous enjoyment, such as minor shelf wear, cracked spines, and some discoloration to the pages, adding to their unique character and history.

1. What Katy Did at School by Susan Coolidge
   Follow the spirited Katy Carr as she navigates the challenges and joys of boarding school. Away from home for the first time, Katy learns valuable lessons about friendship, discipline, and maturity. This charming classic explores the adventures and misadventures of growing up, contrasting youthful exuberance with the gentle guidance of the teachers and the bonds formed with fellow students in the structured world of a 19th-century school.

2. The Romance of King Arthur by Arthur Rackham (Illustrator)
   Immerse yourself in the legendary tales of King Arthur, the Knights of the Round Table, and the captivating world of Camelot. This beautifully presented edition brings to life the timeless adventures of chivalry, magic, and enduring quests. Experience the heroism and tragedy of Arthur, Lancelot, Guinevere, and Merlin, as Rackham's evocative illustrations further enhance the mythical grandeur of these enduring stories of knights and dragons.

3. Great Stories of Mystery and Suspense (Various Authors)
   Delve into a thrilling collection of short stories that will keep you on the edge of your seat. This anthology gathers tales from masters of the mystery and suspense genres, offering diverse narratives filled with enigmatic plots, unexpected twists, and gripping investigations. Prepare to be captivated by classic tales of detection, psychological tension, and startling revelations from some of the finest storytellers.

4. The Happy Prince and Other Tales by Oscar Wilde
   Discover a collection of enchanting and poignant fairy tales that subtly critique Victorian society while exploring themes of compassion, sacrifice, and beauty. From the selfless statue of the Happy Prince to the whimsical adventures of devoted friends, these stories blend fantasy with profound moral insights. Wilde's elegant prose weaves a magical world filled with memorable characters, offering both charm and a deeper commentary on humanity.

5. Lord Arthur Savile's Crime & Other Stories by Oscar Wilde
   Step into Oscar Wilde's glittering, witty, and often ironic world with this collection of short stories that dance on the edge of social satire and philosophical musing. Featured tales include the darkly humorous predicament of Lord Arthur Savile, who must commit a murder to fulfill a prophecy, and the haunting beauty of "The Canterville Ghost." These stories showcase Wilde's mastery of language, his sharp observations on human nature, and his unique blend of charm and cynicism.

6. Faust by Johann Wolfgang von Goethe
   Witness the timeless tragedy of Dr. Faust, a brilliant but disillusioned scholar who makes a desperate pact with the devil, Mephistopheles, exchanging his soul for ultimate knowledge and earthly pleasures. This monumental work of German literature explores profound philosophical questions about good versus evil, the limits of human ambition, and the eternal struggle for redemption. Goethe's masterpiece delves deeply into the complexities of desire, morality, and the human condition.

7. Treasure Island by Robert Louis Stevenson
   Embark on a thrilling swashbuckling adventure in search of buried pirate treasure with young Jim Hawkins. When Jim discovers a secret map, he joins forces with Dr. Livesey and Squire Trelawney aboard the Hispaniola. But their voyage takes a dangerous turn when the sinister Long John Silver and his mutinous crew reveal their true intentions, transforming the pursuit of riches into a desperate fight for survival on a remote, perilous island.

8. Gone With the Wind by Margaret Mitchell
   Follow the tumultuous life of Scarlett O'Hara, a tenacious Southern belle, as she navigates the devastating impact of the American Civil War and the Reconstruction Era. From the grandeur of her Georgia plantation to the ashes of Atlanta, Scarlett fiercely fights for survival, love, and fortune amidst a changing world. This sweeping historical epic explores themes of resilience, privilege, loss, and the enduring passion that binds and breaks hearts.

9. Mansfield Park by Jane Austen
   Enter the refined yet subtly restrictive world of Fanny Price, a quiet and observant young woman from humble beginnings, raised amongst her wealthy cousins at the grand Mansfield Park. As Fanny navigates the complex social etiquette and moral dilemmas of the gentry, she strives to maintain her integrity in the face of temptation. This nuanced novel explores themes of social class, moral rectitude, and the slow unfolding of true affection amidst the pressures of family and society.

10. The Sea-Wolf by Jack London
    Experience the brutal struggle for survival aboard the schooner Ghost, commanded by the fearsome and philosophically complex Captain Wolf Larsen. When literary critic Humphrey Van Weyden is shipwrecked and rescued by Larsen, he is thrust into a harsh world where only strength and primal instinct matter. London's classic explores the nature of power, civilization versus savagery, and man's capacity for both cruelty and resilience in the face of overwhelming odds on the open sea.

11. Kipps and The History of Mr Polly by H.G. Wells
    Delve into two social comedies by the visionary H.G. Wells, showcasing his sharp wit and keen observations of Edwardian society. In Kipps, a draper's apprentice unexpectedly inherits a fortune, navigating the bewildering world of the upper classes with hilarious results. The History of Mr Polly follows a discontented shopkeeper's comedic attempts to escape his mundane life, leading to surprising adventures. Both novels satirize social pretensions while offering surprisingly poignant insights into human yearning for freedom and happiness.

12. A Tale of Two Cities by Charles Dickens
    Set against the tumultuous backdrop of the French Revolution, this compelling historical novel interweaves the lives of several characters. Journey between the quiet streets of London and the bloody chaos of Paris, as themes of sacrifice, resurrection, and the redemptive power of love intertwine with the terrifying Reign of Terror. Dickens's masterpiece explores the profound impact of social upheaval on individual lives, punctuated by some of literature's most iconic lines.

13. Wives and Daughters by Elizabeth Gaskell
    Follow the life of Molly Gibson, the sweet and intelligent daughter of a country doctor, as her world is complicated by her father's remarriage to a worldly widow and the arrival of a charming new stepsister. This rich and nuanced novel beautifully portrays the intricacies of family relationships, social maneuvering, and the delicate journey of self-discovery in provincial Victorian England. Gaskell masterfully builds a tender and intricate world of domestic life, love, and moral growth.

14. Sonnets to Orpheus by Rainer Maria Rilke (Trans. C.F. MacIntyre)
    Immerse yourself in the profound and mystical poetry of Rainer Maria Rilke's Sonnets to Orpheus, a cycle of 55 sonnets exploring themes of art, life, death, and human experience. Written in a burst of intense creativity, these poems are a testament to the transformative power of language and perception. Rilke's evocative verses delve into the depths of existence, inviting reflection on the interconnectedness of all things and the act of creation itself.

15. Pride & Prejudice by Jane Austen
    Step into the delightful world of the five Bennet sisters, dominated by their mother's desperate desire to marry them off to wealthy men. At the heart of the story is the fiery Elizabeth Bennet and the proud Mr. Darcy, whose initial animosity blossoms into one of literature's most beloved romances. Austen's enduring classic brilliantly satirizes social conventions, explores themes of reputation and class, and celebrates the triumph of wit and true love.

16. Pamela by Samuel Richardson
    Considered one of the earliest English novels, Pamela tells the story of a virtuous young maidservant, Pamela Andrews, whose unwavering moral courage is tested by the relentless advances of her wealthy employer, Mr. B. Through a series of letters, Pamela documents her struggles to preserve her honor and reputation. This groundbreaking work explores themes of class, gender, and morality, laying important groundwork for the development of the novelistic form.

17. Northanger Abbey by Jane Austen
    Join the imaginative and naive Catherine Morland as she travels to Bath and then to the grand, imposing Northanger Abbey. Influenced by her love of gothic novels, Catherine's romanticized view of life leads her to comically misinterpret events and people around her, particularly the mysterious Tilney family. Austen's witty satire playfully mocks the conventions of the gothic genre while celebrating common sense and the delights of discovering reality beyond fantasy.

18. For the Term of His Natural Life by Marcus Clarke
    Descend into the grim realities of Australia's penal colonies with this classic and harrowing tale of convict life. Transported for a crime he didn't commit, Rufus Dawes faces unimaginable hardship, brutality, and injustice at the notorious Port Arthur and Macquarie Harbour. Clarke's powerful narrative vividly portrays the systemic cruelty of the convict system, the resilience of the human spirit, and the desperate quest for freedom and redemption amidst profound suffering.

19. Best Australian Short Stories (Selected by Douglas Stewart & Beatrice Davis)
    Discover a diverse landscape of Australian literature through this compelling anthology of short stories. Featuring works from various notable authors, this collection offers unique insights into the Australian psyche, its landscapes, and its distinct cultural narratives. From tales of the Outback to urban dramas, these stories capture the essence of Australian life, showcasing the rich storytelling traditions of the continent.