Secondhand Classics Bargain Book Box SP2210

Secondhand Classics Bargain Book Box

Immerse yourself in the enduring power of classic literature and profound philosophical thought with this curated secondhand book box. This collection features foundational works that have shaped literary history and explored the depths of human understanding. Each volume offers a gateway to timeless narratives and insightful ideas, providing a rich and rewarding reading experience at an exceptional value. Each book is secondhand and may show signs of wear.

1. Les Misérables, Volume 2 by Victor Hugo
   This epic novel continues the story of Jean Valjean's life in 19th-century France, as he seeks redemption and escapes the relentless pursuit of Inspector Javert. The narrative encompasses themes of justice, love, poverty, and revolution. It is a monumental work of French literature that explores the human condition in its most profound and dramatic forms.

2. Under the Greenwood Tree by Thomas Hardy
   This novel tells the story of Fancy Day, a young and spirited village schoolmistress, and the romantic entanglements she causes among the villagers of Mellstock. The book is a charming and evocative portrayal of rural English life in the 19th century, filled with memorable characters and delightful pastoral scenes. It explores themes of love, community, and tradition.

3. As You Like It by William Shakespeare
   Set in the Forest of Arden, this pastoral comedy follows the banished Rosalind as she disguises herself as a man and finds love and self-discovery in the wilderness. The play is celebrated for its witty dialogue, exploration of romantic love, and themes of transformation. It offers a delightful escape into a world of enchantment.

4. Wuthering Heights by Emily Brontë
   Set on the Yorkshire moors, this passionate and dark novel tells the story of the turbulent relationship between Catherine Earnshaw and Heathcliff, an adopted orphan. Their destructive love and the subsequent generations of their families are depicted with intense emotion and a haunting atmosphere. It is a powerful exploration of love, revenge, and obsession.

5. Alice's Adventures in Wonderland by Lewis Carroll
   This classic children's fantasy novel follows Alice as she falls down a rabbit hole into a surreal world populated by whimsical and eccentric characters. Alice's journey through Wonderland is a series of bizarre encounters and nonsensical logic. The book is celebrated for its imagination, wordplay, and exploration of childhood curiosity.

6. Mansfield Park by Jane Austen
   This novel tells the story of Fanny Price, a young woman of humble origins who is sent to live with her wealthy relatives at Mansfield Park. She navigates the complexities of social hierarchy, love, and morality within the estate. The book is a subtle yet sharp critique of social conventions and a tender exploration of quiet strength.

7. The Beetle by Richard Marsh
   This Victorian-era novel is a tale of supernatural horror and mystery, centering on the enigmatic and powerful Beetle. The story follows the protagonist's descent into a world of arcane forces and sinister machinations. It is a classic of the late Victorian gothic genre, known for its chilling atmosphere.

8. Don Quixote by Miguel de Cervantes
   This seminal work of Western literature follows the adventures of Alonso Quixano, a nobleman who, after reading too many chivalric romances, decides to become a knight-errant named Don Quixote. Accompanied by his squire Sancho Panza, he embarks on a series of misadventures that blur the lines between reality and fantasy. It is a profound exploration of idealism and reality.

9. Ulysses by James Joyce
   This groundbreaking novel follows the events of a single day, June 16, 1904, in Dublin, Ireland, focusing on the experiences of Leopold Bloom and Stephen Dedalus. Through stream-of-consciousness narration and intricate literary techniques, Joyce explores themes of identity, consciousness, and the human condition. It is a seminal work of modernist literature.

10. As You Like It by William Shakespeare
    Set in the Forest of Arden, this pastoral comedy follows the banished Rosalind as she disguises herself as a man and finds love and self-discovery in the wilderness. The play is celebrated for its witty dialogue, exploration of romantic love, and themes of transformation. It offers a delightful escape into a world of enchantment.

11. Vanity Fair by William Makepeace Thackeray
    This novel chronicles the lives of two women, the ambitious and cunning Becky Sharp, and the gentle and good-natured Amelia Sedley, as they navigate Victorian society. The book satirizes the follies and hypocrisies of the age, exploring themes of social climbing, love, and morality. It is a panoramic view of English society.

12. Wives and Daughters by Elizabeth Gaskell
    This novel tells the story of Molly Gibson, a young woman growing up in a provincial English town in the mid-19th century. Her life is shaped by her relationship with her widowed father, her stepmother, and the complex social dynamics of her community. The book is a keen observation of Victorian life and the development of female identity.

13. A Pair of Blue Eyes by Thomas Hardy
    This novel tells the story of Henry Knight, a young architect, and his romantic entanglement with the beautiful Elfride Swancourt. Their relationship is tested by social expectations and a past love that resurfaces. The book is a poignant exploration of love, fate, and the complexities of human emotion.

14. Little Dorrit by Charles Dickens
    This novel follows the life of Amy Dorrit, who lives in the Marshalsea debtors' prison with her father. The story contrasts the stark realities of poverty and imprisonment with the opulent world of the wealthy. It is a critique of social institutions and a celebration of resilience and selfless love.

15. Plato: Symposium and The Death of Socrates
    This volume presents two seminal works of ancient Greek philosophy. The Symposium explores the nature of love through a series of dialogues at a dinner party, while The Death of Socrates depicts Plato's account of Socrates' final hours and his philosophical principles. These texts offer profound insights into Western thought.

16. Othello by William Shakespeare
    This tragic play tells the story of Othello, a noble Moorish general in the Venetian army, who is manipulated by his envious ensign, Iago, into believing his wife, Desdemona, is unfaithful. Othello's descent into jealousy and madness leads to a devastating climax. The play is a powerful exploration of trust, betrayal, and destructive passion.

17. The Slave by William Makepeace Thackeray
    This novella is a poignant tale of betrayal and ruin, focusing on the life of a gifted but impoverished artist. His artistic aspirations and personal life are entangled with the manipulations of a wealthy patron. The story is a stark commentary on social inequality and the vulnerability of artistic integrity.

18. Robbery Under Arms by Rolf Boldrewood
    This Australian colonial classic tells the story of the bushranger Captain Starlight and his gang. The narrative follows their daring robberies and escapes across the Australian landscape. It is an adventurous tale that captures the spirit of frontier life and rebellion.

19. Samuel Beckett: Waiting for Godot
    This seminal absurdist play depicts two characters, Vladimir and Estragon, who wait endlessly for the arrival of a mysterious figure named Godot. Their conversations and encounters with other characters, Pozzo and Lucky, highlight the futility and uncertainty of human existence. The play is a profound exploration of themes like meaning, hope, and the passage of time.

20. Black Beauty by Anna Sewell
    This classic novel is narrated from the perspective of Black Beauty, a horse, as he recounts his life experiences. He encounters various owners, some kind and some cruel, and witnesses the hard realities of animal labor in Victorian England. The book is a powerful plea for animal welfare and a touching story of resilience.