Secondhand Classics Bargain Book Box SP2024

Unearth a collection of timeless tales with this curated selection of classic literature. Within this box, discover the haunting prose of Poe, the stark realities depicted by Orwell, and the social commentary of Dickens. Explore the intricacies of human nature through the eyes of literary giants, and enrich your understanding of the world with these thought-provoking narratives. This collection offers a diverse range of voices and perspectives, providing hours of reading pleasure. Embrace the opportunity to add these exceptional works to your personal library. A great way to start (or add to) a personal library of classics.

1. The Fall of the House of Usher and Other Writings by Edgar Allan Poe. Poe's masterful collection transports you to the depths of the human psyche with tales of dread and suspense. Journey into the macabre with stories like "The Tell-Tale Heart," "The Pit and the Pendulum," and the titular "The Fall of the House of Usher". Experience the chilling atmosphere and psychological torment that made Poe a literary icon. This collection showcases Poe's dark imagination and unique ability to capture the darkest corners of human experience.

2. The Monk by Matthew Lewis. Set against the backdrop of the Spanish Inquisition, this gothic novel tells the story of Ambrosio, a celebrated monk, as he succumbs to temptation and descends into depravity. A tale of lust, murder, and supernatural forces, The Monk explores the corrupting influence of power and the dangers of repressed desires. This shocking and controversial novel offers a glimpse into the darker side of human nature and the hypocrisy of religious institutions.

3. Imagist Poetry (Various Poets). This anthology offers a collection of groundbreaking poems by some of the most influential poets of the early 20th century, including Ezra Pound, H.D., and Amy Lowell. The Imagist movement sought to strip poetry of its Victorian embellishments, focusing instead on clarity, precision, and the creation of vivid images through the use of concrete language. Immerse yourself in the revolutionary verse that challenged traditional forms and paved the way for modern poetry.

4. Selected Poems by Christina Rossetti. Discover the lyrical beauty and emotional depth of Christina Rossetti's poetry. Known for her devotional themes and explorations of love, loss, and longing, Rossetti's verses are marked by their musicality and evocative imagery. From the iconic "Goblin Market" to her poignant sonnets, this selection showcases the range and power of Rossetti's poetic voice. Experience the enduring appeal of a poet who captured the complexities of the human heart with grace and sensitivity.

5. The Art of War by Sun Tzu. More than just a military manual, Sun Tzu's The Art of War is a timeless guide to strategy, leadership, and conflict resolution. Written in ancient China, this influential text outlines principles for achieving victory through careful planning, cunning tactics, and a deep understanding of human nature. Explore the wisdom of Sun Tzu and discover how his teachings can be applied to all aspects of life, from business negotiations to personal relationships.

6. North and South by Elizabeth Gaskell. Set in the industrial north of England, North and South tells the story of Margaret Hale, a young woman from a rural background who must adapt to the bustling and often harsh realities of a mill town. As she witnesses the struggles of the working class and clashes with the mill owner, John Thornton, Margaret's views on society and class are challenged, leading her to question her own values and beliefs. This is a captivating novel exploring themes of social justice, industrialization, and the evolving roles of women in Victorian society.

7. Henry & June by Anaïs Nin. Enter the intimate world of Anaïs Nin with this extract from her unexpurgated diaries, chronicling her passionate relationships with Henry Miller and his wife, June. A candid exploration of love, desire, and artistic exploration, Henry & June offers a glimpse into the bohemian circles of Paris in the 1930s. Experience the raw honesty and unapologetic sensuality that made Nin a literary pioneer.

8. Animal Farm by George Orwell. A satirical allegory of the Russian Revolution, Animal Farm tells the story of a group of farm animals who overthrow their human oppressors, only to find themselves under the rule of a new and equally tyrannical regime. Through the characters of Napoleon the pig and Snowball, Orwell exposes the dangers of totalitarianism, the corrupting influence of power, and the importance of individual freedom. This biting satire remains as relevant today as it was when it was first published.

9. Les Misérables by Victor Hugo. A sweeping epic of love, sacrifice, and redemption, Les Misérables follows the life of Jean Valjean, an ex-convict who seeks to escape his past and find a place in society. Set against the backdrop of 19th-century France, Hugo's masterpiece explores themes of poverty, injustice, and the power of human compassion. With memorable characters like Fantine, Cosette, and Javert, Les Misérables is a testament to the resilience of the human spirit.

10. Our Mutual Friend by Charles Dickens. Set in the grimy world of Victorian London, Our Mutual Friend tells the story of a mysterious inheritance, a river filled with secrets, and a cast of characters connected by money, class, and hidden desires. From the wealthy Veneerings to the humble Lizzie Hexam, Dickens paints a vivid portrait of a society obsessed with wealth and status. This complex and intricate novel is a testament to Dickens's storytelling genius.

11. Selected Poems by Robert Frost. Immerse yourself in the quintessential voice of New England with Robert Frost's Selected Poems. This collection showcases the range of Frost's poetic vision, from the quiet contemplation of nature in "The Road Not Taken" and the simplicity of "Stopping by Woods on a Snowy Evening" to the darker explorations of human nature in "Mending Wall" and "Home Burial." Experience the enduring power of a poet who captured the essence of rural life and the complexities of the human condition with profound clarity.

12. Lord of the Flies by William Golding. Stranded on a deserted island, a group of British schoolboys descends into savagery as they struggle to establish order and civilization. Golding's allegorical novel explores the inherent darkness of human nature and the fragility of societal norms. As the boys succumb to their primal instincts, the island becomes a battleground for power and survival. Lord of the Flies is a chilling reminder of the potential for chaos and the importance of reason and empathy.

13. The Inheritors by William Golding. Set in prehistoric times, The Inheritors offers a unique perspective on the clash between Neanderthals and Homo sapiens. Through the eyes of Lok, a Neanderthal, Golding explores the differences between these two human species, contrasting the Neanderthals' intuitive connection with nature and their more advanced cognitive abilities. The Inheritors is a thought-provoking exploration of human evolution and the nature of consciousness.

14. The Prophet by Kahlil Gibran. A timeless collection of poetic essays, The Prophet offers wisdom and insight on a wide range of topics, including love, marriage, friendship, work, and death. Through the voice of Almustafa, a prophet about to depart his adopted home, Gibran explores the universal truths that connect humanity. This book is a source of inspiration and guidance for readers of all backgrounds.

15. The End of the Affair by Graham Greene. Set in war-torn London, The End of the Affair tells the story of Maurice Bendrix, a writer obsessed with his former lover, Sarah Miles. As he hires a private detective to uncover the truth about their breakup, Bendrix unravels a web of deceit and religious fervor. Greene's novel explores themes of love, faith, jealousy, and the complexities of human relationships.

16. The Honorary Consul by Graham Greene. A British consul is mistakenly kidnapped by revolutionaries in Argentina. This sets off a chain of events involving betrayal, misguided idealism, and the futility of political violence.

17. Travels with My Aunt by Graham Greene. A middle-aged bank manager's life is transformed when he meets his eccentric Aunt Augusta. She whisks him away on a series of adventures across Europe, exposing him to a world of smugglers, con men, and unconventional relationships.

18. A Gun for Sale by Graham Greene. Raven, a professional hitman with a harelip, is betrayed after carrying out an assassination that triggers an international crisis. Seeking revenge, he becomes entangled in a web of political intrigue and personal redemption.

19. Stamboul Train by Graham Greene. A diverse group of passengers is aboard the Orient Express traveling from Ostend to Istanbul. Their lives become intertwined in a plot involving political intrigue, assassination, and personal betrayals.

20. Brighton Rock by Graham Greene. Set in the pre-war criminal underworld of Brighton, this novel tells the story of Pinkie Brown, a teenage gangster who seeks to consolidate his power through violence and intimidation. As he becomes entangled with a young waitress named Rose, Pinkie's world spirals out of control, leading to a tragic climax.

21. May We Borrow Your Husband? by Graham Greene. A collection of short stories that showcase Greene's characteristic blend of suspense, moral ambiguity, and sharp social commentary. These tales explore the complexities of human relationships, the nature of betrayal, and the often-absurd realities of modern life.

22. Aesop's Fables (Various Authors). A timeless collection of short tales that impart moral lessons and offer insights into human nature. Featuring familiar characters like the Tortoise and the Hare, the Boy Who Cried Wolf, and the Fox and the Grapes, these fables continue to resonate with readers of all ages, providing valuable lessons about honesty, perseverance, and the importance of wisdom.