The Floating Press: 2252 books

As the political and religious upheaval that nearly destroyed England in the seventeenth century began to be resolved, the country was hit with several new challenges, including a devastating fire that ravaged much of London and one of the most severe outbreaks of the plague in history. In this chaotic environment, young protagonist Cyril Shenstone fights to support himself.

Following the untimely death of his father, young Ralph Conway becomes the man of the house amidst trying circumstances. Herbert Penfold, a one-time admirer of Ralph's mother, steps in as something of a father figure and forms a close bond with the boy. But when Ralph bravely decides to join the British effort to push back Napoleon Bonaparte, his family's future is threatened.

Accused of a foul crime, Ronald Mervyn flees Devonshire for South Africa with his reputation in tatters. Through a series of coincidences, he helps save a family from imminent disaster. Convinced of Mervyn's innocence and inherent goodness, those he rescues begin to work tirelessly to clear Mervyn's name. Will he ever escape the grip of the curse that has long bedeviled his family?

In this detective tale from Jacques Futrelle, lead investigator Professor Augustus S. F. X. Van Dusen, Ph.D., LL.D., F.R.S., M.D., M.D.S., also known as The Thinking Machine, comes to the aid of a businessman whose high-value deals are being imperiled by the apparent presence of a spy in his office.

Drawing on a number of influential forbears, including Kant and Hegel, French philosopher Paul Janet spun a unique synthesis in his ethical system. Generally regarded as his masterwork, Elements of Morals sets forth Janet's vision in clear and compelling prose.

Like many of the short stories in Honore de Balzac's vast story cycle The Human Comedy, "The Red Inn" is a tale within a tale. After a pleasant dinner at the Red Inn, guests begin to swap anecdotes. German businessman Hermann contributes to the discussion with a story about a French soldier who was imprisoned after being unjustly accused of committing a murder.

"Another Study of Woman" is a narrative hovering between a short story and a novella in terms of length, extracted from Honore de Balzac's multi-volume masterpiece The Human Comedy. At a private dinner party, guests warmed by the flush of fine food and drink begin to banter about the qualities and attributes...

Thomas Hood was a British humorist, publisher and poet whose popular verse injected some much-needed levity and realism into early nineteenth-century literature. This volume collects a broad cross-section of his most important work, including "The Song of the Shirt," a moving portrait of poverty that garnered widespread acclaim in its day.

Writer Giovanni Verga is credited with shedding light on the trials, tribulations and triumphs of rustic villagers in remote areas of nineteenth-century Italy. Under the Shadow of Etna brings together some of Verga's best-known works, including the story "Rustic Chivalry," which was also the basis for a wildly popular play.

Russian writer Maxim Gorky rocketed into the upper pantheon of his country's literary culture with Foma Hordyeff, one of his first full-length novels. The young protagonist Foma Gordyeff has been born into privilege, but he's not sure whether he wants to pursue the lifestyle of his father, a successful merchant.

Settle in for a roller-coaster ride of intrigue, mystery and misconduct in Anthony Hope's The Indiscretion of the Duchess. Two young men venture out on a visit to a coquettish female acquaintance whose husband happens to be out of town, setting off a staggering array of unforeseeable consequences. If...

Sixteen-year-old Mary Louise Gay was born with a seemingly unquenchable curiosity. When strange things begin happening in the woods around the house of an elderly neighbor, Mary Louise finds herself following in the footsteps of her father, who is a police detective. Will she crack the case before it's too late?

This is the second book in a series of novels for younger audiences penned under a pseudonym by L. Frank Baum. Mary Louise in the Country takes up the issue of home rule for Ireland and features a co-starring role from the street-smart Josie O'Gorman.

This in-depth historical account focuses on the life, accomplishments and influence of Robert I, also known as Robert the Bruce, who was the king of Scots in the period 1306-1329. Offering a detailed and even-handed look at the king, Murison's remarkable feat of scholarship will reward those with an interest in the period.