The Floating Press: 2252 books

Though he is today best remembered as an important early innovator in the field of science fiction who created such works as The War of the Worlds and The Time Machine, H. G. Wells was also an important political thinker who was deeply engaged in the events of his era. In this series of essays, Wells...

Canadian writer Grant Allen gained prominence as an ardent defender of Darwin's theory of evolution. In this volume, a select group of Allen's writings on the topic of evolution are presented. They range in tone from serious to lighthearted and take the form of essays, poems, and vignettes.

One of the few plays that survived intact from the heyday of ancient Grecian drama, Lysistrata is an enormously influential work of satirical comedy. In order to bring an end to a destructive and never-ending war, the women of Greece take a temporary vow of chastity, pledging to remain abstinent until the conflict ends. As can be expected, mayhem -- and hilarity -- ensues.

This charming tale follows the adventures of a bee and a butterfly as they make their way in the sometimes awe-inspiring, sometimes dangerous natural world. Although the quirkily archaic language may make it a bit too difficult for younger readers to tackle solo, it's a wonderful story to read aloud.

Forget the wan creatures who populate the Twilight universe -- Theophile Gautier's gripping Clarimonde is the gold standard of vampire romances. Even the most jaded of modern-readers will be drawn in by this deeply affecting tale of star-crossed lovers from markedly different realms.

In this Bobbsey Twins adventure, Nan, Bert, Flossie, and Freddie spend some time in sunny Florida. In between ocean outings, fun at the beach, and exploring the old Spanish settlement of St. Augustine, the twins help their cousin search for a missing friend.

The Outdoor Girls are planning a summer getaway to an idyllic island cabin owned by Mollie Billette's family. But before they set off, a crime wave hits their beloved hometown of Deepdale, and several of the girls' families are robbed of their precious heirlooms. Can the girls crack the case and still have time to enjoy the great outdoors?

In this volume of "The Outdoor Girls" series, the girls set aside their outdoor pursuits temporarily to contribute to the war effort. They decide to help run a hostess house, a facility located near a military base that allowed soldiers to meet with visiting friends, family members, and loved ones.

Alice and Ruth DeVere both win roles in a movie about a shipwreck. Once the crew heads out to sea to film on location, several real sailors are hired as extras. One of them, Jack Jepson, seems to harbor a dark secret. Can the DeVere sisters figure it out before the entire cast is put in jeopardy?

Not too long after returning from a pleasant visit to their Uncle Fred's ranch in the West, the Bunker family gets the chance to return to that rough-and-tumble region when Mr. Bunker learns that a property owned by a family member needs to be checked on. The children have a great time learning about cowboys, ranching and cattle.

Little Bunny Brown and his sister Sue were playing at home one day when a mysterious package arrived. They find out it's their grandfather's tent -- and that's only part of the surprise. When Mr. Brown tells the children that the family is going to spend the summer camping, they can hardly contain their excitement.

With a thick fur coat to keep him warm, the Plush Bear loves to sneak off his shelf in Santa's workshop and have some fun in the swirling snow outside. But when the time comes to be delivered to a toy shop just before Christmas, the Plush Bear is worried that his fun shenanigans are over. Will he make new friends at his new home?

Trouble is brewing in bucolic Deepdale. Grace Ford's brother Will has gotten into hot water after making a few bad decisions. In hopes of setting him straight, their parents decide to send him to the South to spend some time working in a cotton mill and contemplating his misdeeds. Before long, however,...

Teenage sisters Ruth and Alice DeVere are up-and-coming actresses in the silent movie era. In this volume of the series, the girls land plum roles in a Civil War drama, A Girl in Blue and a Girl in Gray. Along the way, they befriend another young actress named Estelle, whose mysterious background intrigues Alice and Ruth.