by W. E. B. Du Bois
The Souls of Black Folk by W.E.B. Du Bois, first published in 1903, is a seminal work in African American literature and sociology. Through a series of essays, Du Bois explores the profound impact of racism on the lives of Black Americans in the post-Civil War era. He introduces the concept of “double consciousness,” describing the internal conflict experienced by Black people who are forced to see themselves through the eyes of a racist society. The book delves into the history of A… Read More
by Karl Marx, Friedrich Engels
Karl Marx and Friedrich Engels wrote “The Communist Manifesto” in 1848 to articulate the principles and goals of communism. They created this political pamphlet during a time of significant political and economic change in Europe. The growing industrial revolution and widespread worker dissatisfaction influenced their work. Marx and Engels aimed to provide a clear explanation of communist ideology and rally the working class to overthrow the capitalist system.
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by Mark Twain
In Mark Twain’s timeless novel “The Adventures of Tom Sawyer,” readers are thrust into the lively world of a mischievous young boy named Tom Sawyer. Set in the fictional town of St. Petersburg, Missouri, along the banks of the Mississippi River, the story unfolds as Tom embarks on a series of daring escapades and thrilling adventures. From whitewashing a fence to searching for buried treasure, Tom’s exploits captivate readers and offer a glimpse into the carefree days of … Read More
by D. H. Lawrence
“Lady Chatterley’s Lover” is a novel written by D.H. Lawrence, first published privately in 1928. The novel explores themes of love, sexuality, and class struggle.
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by Upton Sinclair
“The Jungle” is a novel written by Upton Sinclair, first published in 1906. The book is a muckraking work of fiction that exposed the harsh working conditions and unsanitary practices in the American meatpacking industry during the early 20th century. Sinclair intended the novel to highlight the exploitation of immigrant workers and to advocate for socialist reforms.
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by Oscar Wilde
“The Picture of Dorian Gray” is a novel written by the Irish author Oscar Wilde. It was first published in 1890 and is considered one of Wilde’s most famous and enduring works. The novel is known for its exploration of themes related to aestheticism, moral corruption, the nature of beauty, and the consequences of indulgence.
The story revolves around the character of Dorian Gray, a young and handsome man living in Victorian-era London. Dorian becomes the subject of a portrait painted by hi… Read More
by Joseph Conrad
“Heart of Darkness” is a novella written by Joseph Conrad, first published in 1899. It is considered one of the most important works in English literature and a classic of modernist literature. The story is framed as a narrative within a narrative and is primarily set in the Congo Free State (now the Democratic Republic of the Congo) during the late 19th century, during the height of European colonialism in Africa.
The novella follows the journey of Charles Marlow, an English seaman and narr… Read More
by Nathaniel Hawthorne
“The Scarlet Letter” is a historical fiction novel written by Nathaniel Hawthorne, first published in 1850. Set in the 17th-century Puritan Massachusetts Bay Colony, the story explores the consequences of sin, guilt, and redemption.
The novel begins with the protagonist, Hester Prynne, being publicly shamed and forced to wear a scarlet letter “A” on her dress as a mark of her adultery. She refuses to reveal the identity of the father of her illegitimate child, Pearl. Despite her humiliat… Read More
by Charles Darwin
“The Origin of Species” is a revolutionary book written by Charles Darwin and published on November 24, 1859. Its full title is “On the Origin of Species by Means of Natural Selection, or the Preservation of Favoured Races in the Struggle for Life.” This groundbreaking work is considered one of the most influential scientific books ever written and has had a profound impact on our understanding of biology and the theory of evolution.
The main idea presented in the book is Darwin’s theo… Read More
by James Fenimore Cooper
“The Last of the Mohicans” is a historical novel written by James Fenimore Cooper and published in 1826. It is set during the French and Indian War, which took place in North America in the mid-18th century. The novel is the second book in Cooper’s five-volume series called “The Leatherstocking Tales,” but it can be read as a standalone work.
“The Last of the Mohicans” follows the adventures of a group of characters against the backdrop of the frontier wilderness. The story primari… Read More
by Edith Wharton
“The Age of Innocence” is a novel written by American author Edith Wharton. It was first published in 1920 and won the Pulitzer Prize for Fiction in 1921, making Wharton the first woman to receive the award.
Set in the 1870s in New York City’s high society, “The Age of Innocence” explores the themes of love, duty, and social expectations. The story follows Newland Archer, a young lawyer who is engaged to the beautiful and conventional May Welland. However, everything changes when May�… Read More
by Mark Twain
“The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn” is a novel written by Mark Twain, first published in 1884. It is often considered one of the greatest works of American literature and has been widely studied and celebrated for its themes, characters, and social commentary.
The story is set in the pre-Civil War era along the Mississippi River and follows the adventures of Huckleberry Finn, a young boy and the narrator of the story. Huckleberry Finn is the son of an abusive alcoholic and has been taken in… Read More
by Franz Kafka
“The Trial,” it is a novel written by Franz Kafka. Published in 1925, it tells the story of a man named Josef K. who is arrested and put on trial for an unspecified crime. The novel explores themes of guilt, justice, and the absurdity of bureaucracy.
In the book, Josef K. finds himself caught in a bewildering and irrational legal system. He struggles to navigate through a complex web of procedures, encounters enigmatic characters, and is unable to fully comprehend the charges against him. As… Read More
by Hugh Lofting
“The Story of Doctor Dolittle” is the first book in the Doctor Dolittle series, written by Hugh Lofting. It was originally published in 1920 and has since become a classic children’s book.
The story follows the adventures of Doctor John Dolittle, a physician who lives in the small town of Puddleby-on-the-Marsh. One day, he discovers that he has the ability to talk to animals, and he decides to become a veterinarian.
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