Barnes Noble: 2826 books

In The Law of Civilization and Decay (1895), Adams presents his theory that historical events are determined by economic conditions.  While believing that economic concerns—trade and the accumulation of wealth, for example—provided a primary impetus for civilization, he also believed that, unchecked, they invariably led to collapse.

Published posthumously in 1872, this novel was very much a work-in-progress at the time of Hawthorne's death.  Nevertheless, it is of interest for its dramatic qualities—featuring an attempt to achieve immortality through science—and for its tragic story of greed and love.

This portrait of the prolific English novelist George Gissing, known for his realistic portrayal of the lower middle class, is inspired reading for any student of Gissing and his work. Swinnerton presents a biographical sketch of the late 19th century author, along with a discussion of Gissing’s short stories, novels, his love of the works of Charles Dickens, influences, and travels.

In this 1918 study, Beach explores the writing method of Henry James and carefully examines how James applied this method to his novels—from his early prime (The Portrait of a Lady, etc) through his mature period (The Golden Bowl, etc). A thoughtful analysis, this book by a James expert will be of interest to all readers of the Master.

Henry James (1843-1916) had been writing for more than 30 years when this 1905 critical appreciation of his body of work was published. In this volume an influential American critic considers James as a chronicler of the leisure class, master literary psychologist, keen observer of international social relations, and technical virtuoso—citing many of his famous works in creative ways.

Jocelyn, a sculptor, is obsessed both with the search for the ideal woman and with sculpting the perfect figure of a naked Aphrodite. In his pursuit, he falls in love with three women from the same family: a grandmother, mother, and daughter. Themes of destiny and betrayal are explored in this compelling portrait of male and female relationships.

Considered to be Moore’s masterwork, Esther Waters is a poignant portrayal of a religious girl sent out to service, only to be seduced by a fellow employee and then abandoned after she becomes pregnant. Determined to raise her child, Esther faces many hardships in her quest to provide for herself and her son. Both moving and memorable, Esther Waters is a classic of realist fiction.

This 1916 volume attempts to illuminate the character of Shakespeare through his relationships with fellow playwrights, poets, and actors in London.  Chapters include "Edmund Spenser," "The Players," "The University Pens," "Ben Jonson," "Christopher Marlowe," and "Family and Friends."

This collection of letters by the poet Edward Jerningham (1737–1812) includes letters he wrote to his friends as well as letters he received from them. They offer an insider’s view into life in the late eighteenth century and early nineteenth century. A prolific letter-writer, Jerningham had a wide circle of friends, including a number of aristocrats.

This 1892 novella is translated loosely from a German folktale and masterfully retold by Bierce. Set in the Bavarian mountains, it tells the story of a young Franciscan monk who becomes obsessed and eventually tormented by his feelings for a young girl who has been socially ostracized because her father is the local hangman.     

This 1900 comedy was part of the Irish Literary Revival movement.  It was produced by the Irish Literary Theater in Dublin.  The play features a commercial—and romantic—rivalry between the towns of Northhaven and Southhaven:  allegorical names for Ireland and England, with Northhaven feeling deceived by the powerful Southhaven. 

This novel (1888) tells the story of three spoiled daughters who are a great source of grief and distress to their parents. Moore later called the book the worst book he’d ever written, and it was omitted from the lists of his acknowledged works. Twenty-five years later, however, at the urging of friends...

This edition includes a modern introduction and a list of suggested further reading. Saki was called the Oscar Wilde of his day, and hailed as a master stylist. Using witty dialogue and macabre humor, he writes of mischievous young men, foolish aunts, and blood-thirsty beasts. His stories are surprisingly...

Published posthumously and largely based on du Maurier’s school days in Paris, The Martian is a captivating romantic fantasy in which an earthling—Barty—becomes possessed by the spirit of Martia, a female extraterrestrial. They share a body, and while Barty sleeps, Martia writes fiction in Barty’s name, catapulting him to fame.