Epictetus was an ancient Greek philosopher who lived between 55 and 135 AD and taught the philosophy of stoicism. Stoicism is the school of philosophy that teaches one to detach oneself from ones emotions so that truth may be derived from ones reaso…

Mary Shelley was a British novelist, short story writer, dramatist, essayist, biographer, and travel writer, whose gothic style and progressive ideas have had a permanent influence on literary history. Daughter of political philosopher William Godwi…

First published in 1874, "The Mysterious Island" is French author Jules Verne's exciting adventure which begins amidst the siege on Richmond, Virginia, during the American Civil War. Five northern prisoners plan an unconventional escape by hijacking…

First published during the Great Depression in 1937, "Think and Grow Rich" is Napoleon Hill's classic self-help work on achieving economic success. The work was inspired by famed industrialist Andrew Carnegie's suggestion that he compile a list of p…

John Maynard Keynes was a British economist whose theories had a profound impact on twentieth century history and economic practice. Born and raised in Cambridge, England to highly successful, intelligent parents John and Florence Keynes, he attende…

"The Expression of the Emotions in Man and Animals" is Darwin's classic examination of behavior as can be witnessed through the outwardly visible expression of emotions. The timeless question of "nature vs. nurture" is one that has perplexed behavio…

Edmund Burke's "Reflections on the Revolution in France" is considered by many to be a masterpiece of political analysis and a compelling rationale against the French Revolution. Originally written as a letter in response to a young Parisian and lat…

This is the last, and perhaps most important, work by the man Einstein called "the father of modern science". Confined to house arrest in the final years of his life after his heresy trial, Galileo Galilei composed his "Dialogue Concerning the Two C…

First serialized in 1908, "Martin Eden" is Jack London's classic and tragic tale of its title character and his struggle to become a writer. Martin Eden is an idealistic and self-educated young man who struggles to overcome poverty and a lack of opp…

Originally published in 1938, this classic by Brenda Ueland is considered by many to be one of the best books ever written on how to be a writer. Part a lesson on writing and part a philosophy on life, Ueland believed that anyone could be a writer a…

First published in 1902, "The Varieties of Religious Experience" is William James' philosophical and psychological examination of the nature of religion in human civilization. Based on James's own Gifford Lectures given at the University of Edinburg…

First published in 1912, Jean Webster's "Daddy-Long-Legs" is the tale of Jerusha "Judy" Abbott, raised in the John Grier House, a bleak orphanage, and left as a baby without even a name from her parents. Told in a series of letters, this modern girl…

St. Teresa of Avila's 16th century work "The Way of Perfection" is a classic of Christian literature which was written for the nuns of the order she founded. Encouraged by her religious counselors, she sought to give advice and guidance to other nun…

"George Washington's Rules of Civility" by Moncure D. Conway, first published in 1890, is a study of the history of the 110 principles or maxims which were written out by hand by George Washington as a young man and preserved in the Washington archi…

Boethius's "Consolation of Philosophy" is considered as one of the most important and influential works of medieval times. Written during Boethius's year-long imprisonment for treason which would ultimately lead to his tortuous execution, "Consolati…