Special Collections
Free Books for All!
- Table View
- List View
Busman's Honeymoon
by Dorothy L. SayersAmateur detective Lord Peter Wimsey and mystery novelist Harriet Vane are finally wed, but their honeymoon is interrupted by – what else? – a murder that they must solve. Adapted from the play of the same name. Penguin Random House Canada is proud to bring you classic works of literature in e-book form, with the highest quality production values. Find more today and rediscover books you never knew you loved.
Whose Body
by Dorothy SayersThe debut of the great detective Lord Peter Wimsey.
When a mysterious corpse is found in the bathtub of an architect, the official inspector is keen to blame the architect herself, but Lord Peter Wimsey isn’t so sure.
He sets out to discover the identity of the body, and whether or not it has a connection to another disappearance, but when he tracks down the killer, he may have met his match.
Penguin Random House Canada is proud to bring you classic works of literature in e-book form, with the highest quality production values. Find more today and rediscover books you never knew you loved.
The Poems of Sappho
by SapphoPraised for their simplicity and sincerity, the poems of Sappho evoke powerful and memorable images through her focus on emotion and individualism that foreshadows modern poetry. This collection, translated by John Myers O’Hara, includes over 75 poems such as “Ode to Aphrodite,” “The Roses,” “Eros,” and “The Swallow.” Penguin Random House Canada is proud to bring you classic works of literature in e-book form, with the highest quality production values. Find more today and rediscover books you never knew you loved.
Eleanor Roosevelt's Book of Common Sense Etiquette
by Eleanor RooseveltIn an era of incivility, discover a timeless guide to good manners from First Lady Eleanor Roosevelt. “The basis of all good human behavior is kindness,” says Eleanor Roosevelt in this classic handbook, first published in 1962 as a “modern book of etiquette for modern Americans.” As a politician, diplomat, and activist, as well as the longest-serving First Lady of the United States, Mrs. Roosevelt knew that thoughtful, civil behavior was essential to peaceful, productive relationships. In this etiquette guide, she teaches that decorum is not about strict adherence to formal rules; it is about approaching all social situations with consideration for others. She advises, “If ever you find yourself in a situation in which following a formal rule would be manifestly unkind, forget it, and be kind instead.” Drawing from her personal and professional experiences, Roosevelt covers a broad range of topics, including business dealings and family affairs, writing letters and receiving guests, and entertaining at home and traveling abroad. Beginning with the necessity of good manners between husband and wife, she considers the importance of courtesy in society at large and the role all Americans play as ambassadors of democracy while visiting foreign countries. In an era of incivility, Eleanor Roosevelt’s Book of Common Sense Etiquette is more relevant than ever. This ebook has been professionally proofread to ensure accuracy and readability on all devices.
The Yearling
by Marjorie RawlingsAn American, bestselling classic and a Pulitzer Prize–winning novel, The Yearling epitomizes the love between a child and a pet. When young Jody Baxter adopts an orphaned fawn he calls Flag, he makes it a part of his family—and his best friend. But life in the Florida backwoods isn’t easy, and as his family fights off wolves, bears, alligators, and economic ruin in farming, Jody and his family realize that the maturing Flag is endangering their survival, and Jody is forced to face the reality of the situation and to make the toughest decision he’ll ever have. Penguin Random House Canada is proud to bring you classic works of literature in e-book form, with the highest quality production values. Find more today and rediscover books you never knew you loved.
The Republic
by PlatoPlato’s most famous work and the bedrock of Western philosophy Written in the form of a Socratic dialogue, The Republic is an investigation into the nature of an ideal society. In this far-reaching and profoundly influential treatise, Plato explores the concept of justice, the connection between politics and psychology, the difference between words and what they represent, and the roles of art and education, among many other topics. A towering achievement of philosophical insight, The Republic is as relevant to readers today as it was to the citizens of ancient Athens. This ebook has been professionally proofread to ensure accuracy and readability on all devices.
The Colossus and Other Poems
by Sylvia PlathWith this startling, exhilarating book of poems, which was first published in 1960, Sylvia Plath burst into literature with spectacular force. In such classics as "The Beekeeper's Daughter," "The Disquieting Muses," "I Want, I Want," and "Full Fathom Five," she writes about sows and skeletons, fathers and suicides, about the noisy imperatives of life and the chilly hunger for death. Graceful in their craftsmanship, wonderfully original in their imagery, and presenting layer after layer of meaning, the forty poems in The Colossus are early artifacts of genius that still possess the power to move, delight, and shock.Penguin Random House Canada is proud to bring you classic works of literature in e-book form, with the highest quality production values. Find more today and rediscover books you never knew you loved.
Rights of Man
by Thomas PaineA reflection on and endorsement of the French Revolution, Thomas Paine's Rights of Man advances the theory of the inherency of human rights that cannot be conferred or revoked by governments, and examines the circumstances within which revolution against governments would be acceptable within the context of human rights. As a result of his groundbreaking opinions, Thomas Paine was tried and convicted of seditious libel against the Crown of England, but escaped a sentence of death because he was residing in France at the time.Be it mystery, romance, drama, comedy, politics, or history, great literature stands the test of time. ClassicJoe proudly brings literary classics to today's digital readers, connecting those who love to read with authors whose work continues to get people talking. Look for other fiction and non-fiction classics from ClassicJoe.
Rights of Man
by Thomas PaineThe Founding Father’s most influential work: an impassioned defense of democracy and revolution in the name of human rights.Whatever is my right as a man is also the right of another; and it becomes my duty to guarantee as well as to possess. In Rights of Man, Founding Father of the United States Thomas Paine makes a compelling case in favor of the French Revolution. Written in response to Edmund Burke’s highly critical Reflections on the Revolution in France, its forceful rebuke of aristocratic rule and persuasive endorsement of self-government made it one of the most influential political statements in history. Paine asserts that human rights are not granted by the government but inherent to man’s nature. He goes on to argue that the purpose of government is to protect these natural rights, and if a government fails to do so, its people are duty-bound to revolution. Originally published in two parts, in 1791 and 1792, Rights of Man was a popular sensation in the United States, while in England, its incendiary views were seen as a threat to the Crown. For its erudite prose and rigorous argumentation, it remains a classic text of political thought. This ebook has been professionally proofread to ensure accuracy and readability on all devices.
Common Sense
by Thomas PaineThe rousing argument for independence that inspired a nation Published anonymously in 1776, this landmark political pamphlet spread across the colonies more rapidly than any document of its kind ever had before. Its words were read aloud in town squares, its pages affixed to tavern walls. Both a clear-eyed, plainly stated case for separation from Great Britain and a stirring call to action, Common Sense sparked the imagination of a fledgling nation and played a decisive role in the march toward revolution. Thomas Paine’s masterpiece is crucial reading for any student of American history. This ebook has been professionally proofread to ensure accuracy and readability on all devices.
Shooting an Elephant
by George OrwellA biting critique of British imperialism, wrapped in a highly personal story about a police officer in colonial Burma. While he is most famous for his long-form fiction, including such works as Nineteen Eighty-Four and Animal Farm, George Orwell was also an accomplished essayist, and Shooting an Elephant stands as one of his best, and most well known, pieces. Orwell worked as a police officer in Burma earlier in his, and there has been a great deal of debate about whether the story is autobiographical. Penguin Random House Canada is proud to bring you classic works of literature in eibook form, with the highest quality production values. Find more today and rediscover books you never knew you loved.
The Road to Wigan Pier
by George OrwellA brutally honest portrait of Depression-era British poverty, written by one of the country’s great authors.
One of George Orwell’s non-fiction works, The Road to Wigan Pier is an investigation of the harsh living conditions found among the poorer classes in pre-World War II northern England.
The first half is a direct, often blunt description of several families and homes, while the second is a more abstract consideration of the potential for socialism to improve what he sees as unacceptable circumstance for the workers.
He also contemplates his own privileged, middle-class upbringing. Penguin Random House Canada is proud to bring you classic works of literature in e-book form, with the highest quality production values.
Find more today and rediscover books you never knew you loved.
Ninteen Eighty-Four
by George OrwellGeorge Orwell's dystopian masterpiece, Nineteen Eighty-Four is perhaps the most pervasively influential book of the twentieth century, published with an introduction by Ben Pimlott in Penguin Modern Classics. 'Who controls the past controls the future: who controls the present controls the past' Hidden away in the Record Department of the sprawling Ministry of Truth, Winston Smith skilfully rewrites the past to suit the needs of the Party. Yet he inwardly rebels against the totalitarian world he lives in, which demands absolute obedience and controls him through the all-seeing telescreens and the watchful eye of Big Brother, symbolic head of the Party. In his longing for truth and liberty, Smith begins a secret love affair with a fellow-worker Julia, but soon discovers the true price of freedom is betrayal. If you enjoyed Nineteen Eighty-Four, you might like Orwell's Animal Farm, also available in Penguin Modern Classics. 'His final masterpiece . . . enthralling and indispensible for understanding modern history' Timothy Garton-Ash, New York Review of Books 'The book of the twentieth century . . . haunts us with an ever-darker relevance' Independent
Homage to Catalonia
by George OrwellA first-hand account of the horrors of the Spanish Civil War, straight from the pen of one of the twentieth century's most renowned authors.
In 1936, George Orwell enlisted with a left-wing Spanish militia organization, The Workers' Part of Marxist Unification, out of a combined desire to fight against fascism and to record the events of the war. He fought against the fascist forces for several months, before infighting among the various left-wing groups turned him against former allies, and eventually forced him to flee the country. Homage to Catalonia is a vivid, intensely personal retelling of these events. Penguin Random House Canada is proud to bring you classic works of literature in e-book form, with the highest quality production values. Find more today and rediscover books you never knew you loved.
Down and Out in Paris and London
by George OrwellThe first book from the author of Animal Farm and Nineteen Eighty-Four. Down and Out in Paris and London is an account of George Orwell's experiences with poverty in France and England.
First, in France, he struggles to make ends meet while looking for work at various Restaurants, and when he manages to find employment, he discovers that the hours of cruelly long and the pay low staggeringly low. Eventually, he retreats to England with the promise of work, only to find that it will not start for several weeks. When his meager savings run out, he is forced to live on the streets until his new positions begins. It is a frank, honest depiction of a bleak way to live. Penguin Random House Canada is proud to bring you classic works of literature in e-book form, with the highest quality production values. Find more today and rediscover books you never knew you loved.
Coming Up for Air
by George OrwellA thoughtful exploration of growing up, growing old, and of whether you can, in fact, go home again, by one of the twentieth century’s greatest writers. George Bowling is forty-five year old insurance salesman with a wife and two kids. In an attempt to escape the monotonous banality of his life he takes some money that he won gambling and uses it to finance a trip to where he grew up, to see places and faces that he remembers from his youth. Unfortunately for George, reality isn’t as rosy as his memories. Penguin Random House Canada is proud to bring you classic works of literature in e-book form, with the highest quality production values. Find more today and rediscover books you never knew you loved.
A Clergyman's Daughter
by George OrwellAn ambitious novel by one of the great author’s of the twentieth century, exploring faith and doubt, class disparity, the nature of education, and more. Dorothy Hare lives in a small village with her father, the hard-hearted town rector. She juggles her time between working for the Church and keeping the house for her father, while simultaneously ensuring that he never has to deal with the minutia of everyday life. She is struck with amnesia, and force to invent a new life for herself in a strange city, while, unbeknownst to her, her disappearance is becoming national news. Penguin Random House Canada is proud to bring you classic works of literature in e-book form, with the highest quality production values. Find more today and rediscover books you never knew you loved.
Isis in America
by Henry OlcottTheosophical Society cofounder Colonel Henry Steel Olcott's memoirs cover his years with Madame Helena Petrovna Blavatsky and the birth of the American occult--part of the new Tarcher Supernatural Library.
There are few more intriguing, or polarizing, figures in modern American spiritual history than Madame Helena Petrovna Blavatsky. The cofounder of the Theosophical Society, Blavatsky remains a figure of fascination more than a century after her death. In Isis in America--one of the most unique documents of recent American spiritual history--we get a closer look at Blavatsky, through the eyes of Theosophical Society cofounder, writer, lawyer, investigator, and Blavatsky confidant Henry Steel Olcott. Olcott spent years by Blavatsky's side, witnessing acts of aura projection and spontaneously produced objects--and undergoing his own spiritual awakening--as they laid the foundations for a new era in esoteric spirituality. This special edition features a comprehensive timeline of the life of Henry Steel Olcott by Mitch Horowitz.
The first three titles released in Tarcher's Supernatural Library are Ghost Hunter (by Hans Holzer), Romance of Sorcery (by Sax Rohmer) and Isis in America (by Henry Steel Olcott).
William James on the Courage to Believe
by Robert J. O'ConnellWilliam James’ celebrated lecture on “The Will to Believe” has kindled spirited controversy since the day it was delivered. In this lively reappraisal of that controversy, Father O’Connell contributes some fresh contentions: that James’ argument should be viewed against his indebtedness to Pascal and Renouvier; that it works primarily to validate our “over-beliefs” ; and most surprising perhaps, that James envisages our “passional nature” as intervening, not after, but before and throughout, our intellectual weighing of the evidence for belief.
Twelve Years a Slave
by Solomon Northup"This is no fiction, no exaggeration. If I have failed in anything, it has been in presenting to the reader too prominently the bright side of the picture."Solomon Northup-s best-selling memoir recounts his harrowing experience of being kidnapped and sold into slavery. First published in 1853, the book explores the horrors Northup endured as a result of his enslavement, and provides a shocking account of his struggles to reclaim his freedom. Twelve Years a Slave was made into an Academy-Award winning film starring Chiwetel Ejiofor, Lupita Nyong'o, Michael Kenneth Williams, Michael Fassbender, Paul Giamatti, and Benedict Cumberbatch.Be it mystery, romance, drama, comedy, politics, or history, great literature stands the test of time. ClassicJoe proudly brings literary classics to today's digital readers, connecting those who love to read with authors whose work continues to get people talking. Look for other fiction and non-fiction classics from ClassicJoe.
Bushido
by Inazo NitobeThere are eight virtues of Bushido, the code of the samurai: justice, courage, benevolence, politeness, sincerity, honor, loyalty, and self-control. These virtues comprise the essence of Japanese cultural beliefs, which are still present today.Inazo Nitobe, one of Japan's most respected scholars, explores the ethical code of the samurai and contextualizes it within Japan's traditions of Buddhism, Shintoism, and Confucianism. He then compares and contrasts Eastern values with those present in Western societies. Written in English and first published in 1905, this classic introduction to Japan's samurai culture has been a best-seller for decades. Focus on Asian Studies says it is "a must for an understanding of the soul of Japan."
Life in the Backwoods
by Susanna MoodieLife in the Backwoods in Susanna Moodie's follow-up to her first memoir, Roughing It in the Bush. She and her family leave the home they've carved out in the bush for new opportunities in Canada's frontier. Once again she chronicles their struggles, sorrows, and joys as they try to build a life for themselves in a place that can be equal parts bounteous and unforgiving. Penguin Random House Canada is proud to bring you classic works of literature in e-book form, with the highest quality production values. Find more today and rediscover books you never knew you loved.
On Liberty
by John Stuart MillOn Liberty presents John Stuart Mill's theory of utilitarianism, which posits that all conduct should be directed toward the achievement of happiness. The individual should be able to govern himself in this pursuit. One of the great works of 19th century philosophy, On Liberty remains relevant, highly-readable and fascinating.Sayre Street Books offers the world's greatest literature in easy to navigate, beautifully designed digital editions.
Don Quixote
by Miguel De Cervantes SaavedraRevered as one of the greatest and most influential works of fiction ever written, Don Quixote was published in two parts (1605 and 1615). It chronicles the adventures of Don Quixote (Alonso Quixano), an aging knight bemused by reading chivalric romances who sets off on his horse—faithful squire in tow—to seek adventure. Experimental in form and literary playfulness, Don Quixote is funny, heartwarming, and an instant classic. Penguin Random House Canada is proud to bring you classic works of literature in e-book form, with the highest quality production values. Find more today and rediscover books you never knew you loved.
Peyton Place
by Grace MetaliousPeyton Place is a sleepy little American town, like any other. But like any other, it harbours its fair share of secrets. Constance MacKenzie is a widower—or so the residents of Peyton Place believe. In reality, after leaving Peyton Place she carried on an affair that lasted until her illicit lover’s untimely death.
No one in town knows the truth—not even her daughter, Allison, a budding intellectual and aspiring author.
Allison feels lonely and isolated in Peyton Place, save for the company of her best friend, Selena Cross, a poor girl trapped under the thumb of an abusive step-father. As the ebb and flow of small-town drama cascades over Peyton Place, the three women must navigate the constraints of their pasts, the potential of their futures, and growing understandings of their own sexuality.
Peyton Place was a resoundingly successful—and deeply controversial—novel when published, bolstered by its colourful cast and frank discussions of sex and sexuality. It was adapted as a film, and then a prime time television series.
Penguin Random House Canada is proud to bring you classic works of literature in e-book form, with the highest quality production values. Find more today and rediscover books you never knew you loved.