Secondhand Classics Bargain Book Box SP2044

Secondhand Classics Bargain Book Box:

Looking for a journey through time and genre, without breaking the bank? This carefully curated collection offers an array of literary treasures, from spine-chilling gothic novels to thought-provoking essays and timeless plays. Expand your literary horizons and experience the joy of discovering new favorites and revisiting old friends. These books promise hours of captivating reading, guaranteed to transport you to different worlds and leave you enriched. Consider this your passport to a literary adventure. This selection offers stories that continue to resonate with readers across generations. Embrace the opportunity to own these enduring tales and embark on a journey of literary discovery.

1. The Aspern Papers and The Turn of the Screw by Henry James: Immerse yourself in Henry James's masterful storytelling with these two chilling novellas. In The Aspern Papers, a determined biographer seeks to uncover the secrets of a reclusive elderly woman and her connection to a famous poet. The Turn of the Screw presents a haunting tale of a governess who becomes convinced that the children in her care are being influenced by malevolent spirits. Both stories expertly explore themes of obsession, ambition, and the unsettling power of the unseen.

2. Child's Play by David Malouf: This gripping novel delves into the complex relationship between a terrorist and the writer he plans to assassinate. Through alternating perspectives, Malouf explores the motivations and inner lives of both men, revealing their shared anxieties, artistic sensibilities, and the unexpected connection that emerges between them. A powerful exploration of violence, creativity, and the human condition.

3. Medea and Other Plays by Euripides: Experience the raw emotion and dramatic intensity of ancient Greek tragedy. This collection features Euripides's iconic play Medea, a devastating portrayal of a woman scorned who seeks revenge on her unfaithful husband. Alongside it are other powerful works exploring themes of justice, fate, and the complexities of human relationships.

4. Alice in Wonderland and Through the Looking-Glass by Lewis Carroll: Enter the whimsical world of Alice and experience the magic of Carroll's imaginative storytelling. Alice in Wonderland follows Alice's fantastical journey down the rabbit hole into a world of talking animals, mad tea parties, and nonsensical riddles. Through the Looking-Glass continues her adventures with a journey through a world that mirrors our own, filled with chess pieces that come to life and perplexing logic. A delightful and thought-provoking read for all ages.

5. Twelve Angry Men by Reginald Rose: A gripping courtroom drama that examines the complexities of justice and the power of doubt. A jury deliberates the fate of a young man accused of murder, and one dissenting juror challenges the others to reconsider the evidence. As tensions rise and prejudices are exposed, the jurors grapple with their own biases and the weight of their decision.

6. Volpone and Other Plays by Ben Jonson: This collection showcases the sharp wit and satirical brilliance of Ben Jonson. Volpone is a darkly comedic masterpiece about a wealthy Venetian who feigns illness to manipulate those around him. These plays offer a fascinating glimpse into the social and political landscape of 17th-century England, filled with memorable characters and clever commentary.

7. Love in a Cold Climate by Nancy Mitford: A delightful and witty novel that satirizes the lives and eccentricities of the British upper class. Follow the charming and unconventional Linda Radlett as she navigates the social whirl of the 1930s, searching for love and adventure. Mitford's sharp observations and sparkling prose make this a thoroughly enjoyable and entertaining read.

8. The Portable Emerson by Ralph Waldo Emerson: Discover the profound wisdom and enduring influence of Ralph Waldo Emerson. This comprehensive collection includes his most important essays, poems, and letters, exploring themes of individualism, self-reliance, nature, and the importance of intuition. A source of inspiration and intellectual stimulation for generations.

9. Frankenstein by Mary Shelley: A gothic masterpiece that explores the themes of creation, ambition, and the consequences of playing God. Victor Frankenstein, a brilliant young scientist, brings a creature to life, only to be horrified by his creation and the destruction it unleashes. A thought-provoking and terrifying tale that continues to resonate with readers today.

10. The Romance of the Forest by Ann Radcliffe: Step into a world of mystery and intrigue with this classic gothic novel. Adeline, a young woman fleeing persecution, finds refuge in a ruined abbey in the forests of France. As she unravels the secrets of the past, she becomes entangled in a web of danger, romance, and supernatural occurrences.

11. The Italian by Ann Radcliffe: Venture into the shadowy world of 18th-century Italy in this thrilling gothic romance. Ellena Rosalba, a young woman of noble birth, becomes the object of obsession for the sinister monk Schedoni. As Ellena seeks to escape his clutches, she uncovers a dark plot that threatens her life and her family's honor.

12. The Poems of Catullus translated by James Michie: Experience the passionate and often scandalous poetry of Catullus. This collection captures the intensity of his emotions, from the joy of love to the bitterness of betrayal. Catullus's verses are known for their wit, candor, and raw emotion, offering a fascinating glimpse into the life and times of ancient Rome.

13. The Iliad by Homer: An epic poem that recounts the events of the Trojan War. Filled with tales of gods and heroes, battles and betrayals, The Iliad explores themes of honor, glory, and the destructive power of war. A cornerstone of Western literature.

14. The Return of the Native by Thomas Hardy: Set against the backdrop of the desolate Egdon Heath, this novel explores the lives and passions of a close-knit community. Eustacia Vye, a woman yearning for excitement and escape, becomes entangled in a web of love and disappointment. Hardy's evocative descriptions of the natural world and his exploration of human fate make this a powerful and haunting read.

15. Tess of the d'Urbervilles by Thomas Hardy: A poignant and tragic tale of a young woman's struggle against fate and societal expectations. Tess Durbeyfield, a simple country girl, is forced to confront the harsh realities of life after a series of unfortunate events. Hardy's unflinching portrayal of social injustice and the complexities of human nature makes this a powerful and enduring novel.

16. Jude the Obscure by Thomas Hardy: This controversial novel tells the story of Jude Fawley, a working-class man who dreams of becoming a scholar. His aspirations are thwarted by social barriers and personal tragedies. Hardy's exploration of class, religion, and the limitations of human potential makes this a challenging and thought-provoking read.

17. The Pillow Book of Sei Shōnagon: A unique and fascinating glimpse into the world of the Japanese imperial court in the 11th century. Sei Shōnagon's witty and insightful observations offer a portrait of court life, filled with anecdotes, poems, and reflections on beauty, nature, and human relationships.

18. The Early History of Rome by Livy: A sweeping historical narrative that recounts the founding and early development of Rome. Livy's account combines historical fact with legend and myth, creating a compelling and dramatic story of the rise of the Roman Empire.

19. Mansfield Park by Jane Austen: This novel delves into the life of Fanny Price, a young woman who is sent to live with her wealthy relatives at Mansfield Park. As she navigates the social intricacies of her new surroundings, Fanny faces challenges of love, loyalty, and moral integrity.

20. Cat's Cradle by Kurt Vonnegut: A satirical and darkly humorous novel that explores the themes of science, religion, and the absurdity of human existence. Dr. Felix Hoenikker, a brilliant but eccentric scientist, creates a substance called "ice-nine" that has the potential to destroy the world.