The Floating Press: 2252 books

Delve into the always-timely issue of poverty and socio-economic marginalization in the first novel by acclaimed Russian fiction writer Fyodor Dostoyevsky. Poor Folk recounts the trials and tribulations -- and all-too-rare moments of triumph -- experienced by several groups of destitute peasants in nineteenth-century Russia.

As the title of this exciting action-adventure tale suggests, hero Hughie Marrable is indeed a man's man. Whether he's rescuing damsels in distress, displaying canny leadership on his university row team, or traveling the world to heal a broken heart, Marrable tries to do the right thing wherever he goes -- and he never shies away from a fight.

This collection of short stories and novellas from American author Bret Harte highlights many of the subjects and themes that are woven through his entire body of work. Clashes between Spaniards and Americans, Westerners and Southerners, and gold miners cause sparks to fly.

Always a keen observer of regional cultures, Sarah Orne Jewett further explores the importance of place in the diverse collection of short stories Strangers and Wayfarers. Featuring several tales that focus on rural life in her native New England, the collection also includes stories set in Ireland and tales that focus on strangers in strange lands.

The classic science-fiction short stories of Jack Sharkey are set apart by their quirky, irreverent tone. In the amusing tale "Double or Nothing," wacky inventor Archie and his long-suffering investor Burt stumble across a technology that they're sure will be the next big thing. Needless to say, things don't go exactly as planned.

Ada Cambridge had only been married for a few weeks when she set out for Australia with her new husband, a clergyman. Over the next several decades, the two lived and worked in a series of small, relatively rudimentary outposts, along with their growing family. This fascinating account of her transformation and acclimation to Australian culture will please fans of well-written memoirs.

In this tale from Henry James, a pair of old lovers happen to cross paths in Europe and hash over the details of their ill-fated romance. In an unexpected twist, the narrator's nephew finds himself falling for the old flame's beautiful daughter, and history appears poised to repeat itself.

Romeo and Juliet have got nothing on Miranda Warriner and Luke Charnock. Although every sign seems to point to these lovers' fated union, a series of increasingly insurmountable obstacles seem to be conspiring to keep them apart -- many of which stem from the misdeeds of Miranda's late husband Ralph.

British author Wilkie Collins was one of the most famous authors of his day, ranking alongside luminaries such as Charles Dickens in terms of sales and popular acclaim. My Miscellanies bring together a series of vignettes, short stories, and character sketches that were published in journals during the early years of Collins' literary career.

This engaging tale offers a slightly different take on the reign of James II of Scotland. Instead of focusing on the conflict-riven period of rule of the popular king, Two Penniless Princesses follows his sisters and their efforts serving as roving ambassadors of sorts to royal courts across Europe.

Novelist Sara Ware Bassett made a name for herself as one of the foremost chroniclers of life in small-town New England. In this charming novel, rugged newcomer Stanley Heath falls in love with beautiful widow Marcia Howe -- but a mysterious cache of jewels may prove to be the undoing of their budding romance.

Count Bunker is the sequel to J. Storer Clouston's wildly popular comedic romp, The Lunatic at Large. In this equally amusing follow-up, old pals Baron Rudolph von Blitzenberg and Francis Mandell-Essington reunite for more madcap antics. Fans of P. G. Wodehouse's humor writing will love this book.

The darkly comic allegory Jurgen caused quite a stir when it was originally published, with several jurisdictions deeming it obscene and calling for it to be pulled from store shelves. After his wife mysteriously vanishes, middle-aged pawnbroker Jurgen sets off on a not-so-heroic quest to find her, traveling through a series of strange lands in the process.

This series of short stories featuring a fun-loving but good-hearted boy named Frankie will provide guidance and inspiration to young believers. Pairing interesting situations with timeless lessons about the power of faith, Light for Little Ones is a classic collection that will hold the attention of even reluctant readers.