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The Road Through the Wall
by Shirley JacksonThe debut novel from one of the twentieth century's most fascinating authors. Pepper Street is a street in suburban California, home to a firmly middle-class group of families, families who have carved out a space for themselves that falls short of the glamour of the nearby upper class communities, but is comfortable and respectable nonetheless. Their communal calm, built on strict social hierarchy, racism, and exclusion, is shattered when a hole opens up in a wall at the end of the street, and things for the inhabitants of Pepper Street become much less stable and much less clear. 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 Sundial
by Shirley JacksonFamily squabbles and apocalyptic prophecies come together in this unique, wonderful novel. In the wake of the Halloran family's patriarch falling (or, perhaps, being pushed) down the stairs, his elderly mother seizes control of the family home and threatens to kicks many of the inhabitants out. This alone would be enough to cause an uproar, but his sister sees a vision in which he foretells a coming apocalypse that will only spare those left in Halloran house. Now the family must prepare for the coming of a strange, new world - and determine if anyone else will be invited to join them.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.
We Have Always Lived in the Castle
by Shirley JacksonThe final novel from one of the twentieth century's greatest writers. Most of the Blackwoods are dead. They were poisoned by arsenic, and the suspected murderer - Constance Blackwood - still lives in their family estate. In fact, she never leaves. Nor does her Uncle Julian, who is confined to a wheelchair.
The only person to leave the house is her sister, the third remaining Blackwood, Merricat, and even she keeps her visits to town to a minimum. The townsfolk don't like the Blackwoods; understandable, when one of them could be a mass murderer. Constance, Merricat, and Julian maintain a semblance of a normal, if highly reclusive, life, aided - if Merricat is to be believed - by several magical wards and charm. But when one of these charms is disrupted, her estranged cousin Charles turns up for a visit, and threatens to throw the Blackwoods' fragile peace into chaos.
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Ghost Stories of an Antiquary
by M. JamesGhost Stories of an Antiquary consists of eight classic tales by M. R. James, including “Number 13,” “The Ash-Tree,” “Lost Hearts,” and “Canon Alberic’s Scrapbook.” Known for their wit, erudition, and suspense, these tales represent a turning point in the ghost story genre. They plunge readers into a world of pervasive unease and an unsettling atmosphere, populated by vengeful phantoms and disturbing visions—a world that taps into our most primal fears. 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.
MLK on "The Other America" and "Black Power"
by Martin Luther KingTwo of Martin Luther King, Jr.'s most radical works examining economic inequality, police brutality, and black power, which speak to our most pressing social issues of today.
Though we're familiar with the celebrated King who shared his dream of racial equality on the steps of the Lincoln Memorial, and who reassured those engaged in the struggle that "if you stand up for justice you can never fail," it is rare that we remember his declarations that "a riot is the language of the unheard," or that "Black power is a cry of disappointment."
Captured here, in this brief ebook volume, are excerpts of two of King's most radical works--"The Other America" and "Black Power"--which powerfully speak across time to our most pressing social issues today."Martin Luther King, Jr.'s 'white backlash' speech, 'The Other America,' is a classic. It reveals King, the intellectual, coolly analyzing the racist basis of the neoconservative policies that would influence government policies on the right and left and the bought media opinion of the 1980s.
He forsees the rise of Reaganism and the mainstreaming of the Klan, neo-Nazism, and Yuppie solipsism."--Ishmael Reed, author of Mumbo Jumbo
The Jungle Book
by Rudyard KiplingSince its publication in 1894, Rudyard Kipling’s beloved masterpiece The Jungle Book has been celebrated by generations of readers. Composed of seven tales, each one accompanied by a poem, The Jungle Book introduces a lush, colorful world full of adventure and danger. The first three tales include some of the most charming and unforgettable characters in literature—the man-cub Mowgli, the black panther Bagheera, the wise brown bear Baloo, and the ruthless tiger Shere Khan. The other four tales each tell the story of a different animal, such as the travels of the white seal Kotick; the battle between the courageous mongoose Rikki-Tikki-Tavi and the deadly cobra Nag; Toomai and the elephant dance; and the camp animals of the queen’s guard.
Lady Chatterley's Lover
by D. H. LawrenceE. L. James has nothing on D. H. Lawrence. The upper class Constance Chatterley is trapped in a marriage with a paraplegic and emotionally distant husband. She finds a release in a torrid affair with her gardener, through which she is able to discover the physical joy that is a necessary compliment to mental fulfillment. Because of the graphic nature of the content, the book was highly controversial and could not legally be published in England until 32 years after it was written, when it was the subject of an obscenity trial. It was also banned in several countries. 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.
Seven Pillars of Wisdom
by T. E. LawrenceThe classic account of war and adventure in the Middle East that transformed T. E. Lawrence into Lawrence of Arabia Originally intended as a study of the great cities of the Middle East, Seven Pillars of Wisdom is T. E. Lawrence’s masterful account of the Arab Revolt of 1916–18. As a liaison officer for the British Forces in North Africa, Lawrence advised local tribesmen in their rebellion against the Ottoman Turks. He fought alongside future king Emir Faisal and played a crucial role in convincing rival Arab leaders to coordinate their efforts. A fascinating blend of autobiography, military history, and adventure story, Seven Pillars of Wisdom is a towering literary achievement befitting the man known around the world as Lawrence of Arabia. This ebook has been professionally proofread to ensure accuracy and readability on all devices.
Literary Lapses
by Stephen LeacockStephen Leacock is one of Canada's most celebrated humourists and was, for a period in the early 20th century, the most-widely read English language author the world over. His success comes in no small part due to Literary Lapses, his first collection of fiction. 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 Phantom of the Opera
by Gaston LerouxA classic ghost story, inspired by true events. Christine is an up-and-coming talent at the Paris Opera, so talented and beautiful that she attracts the attention of the opera house's mysterious phantom, in reality a deformed man named Erik. Overcome by love, the Phantom kidnaps her in a bid to make her his bride. It was famously adapted for the stage by Andrew Lloyd Webber in 1986 and to the screen in 1925, with Lon Cheney in the leading role. 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.
It Can't Happen Here
by Sinclair LewisWritten during the Great Depression, It Can’t Happen Here, Sinclair Lewis’s novel satirizing American politics, describes the rise of a totalitarian regime in the United States. When Berzelius “Buzz” Windrip is elected president of the United States, he does so by inciting fear and dissent, promising massive economic and social changes in order to regain America’s prominence in the world. Once in office, he moves quickly to gain total control of the government and empowers a ruthless paramilitary force to carry out his rule and suppress all those who stand in his way. Depicting a frightening world where fascism has taken hold in America, Lewis’s novel is a prescient and alarming tale of power, corruption, and how easily democracy can fall prey to manipulation. Described by the Guardian as “the 1935 novel that predicted the rise of Donald Trump,” It Can’t Happen Here is as timely now as it was when it was first published.
The Complete Papers and Writings of Abraham Lincoln
by Abraham LincolnA complete documentary archive of Abraham Lincoln&’s writings, from historic speeches to personal letters and telegrams. Collected here are numerous documents written by Abraham Lincoln from 1832 to 1865, over the course of his long career as a lawyer, statesman, and president of the United States. From the man who led the nation through the Civil War and into its Reconstruction, Lincoln&’s written statements—including the Emancipation Proclamation and the Gettysburg Address—are some of the most significant documents in American history. Included with these works are telegrams to politicians and wartime generals as well as personal letters discussing a range of topics, from youth and marriage to depression. This extensive collection is not only an excellent documentary history of America&’s greatest trial as a nation, but also an opportunity to enjoy the intellect and wit of one of America&’s greatest orators. As Theodore Roosevelt says in his introductory comments, &“Lincoln&’s deeds and words are not only of consuming interest to the historian, but should be intimately known to every man engaged in the hard practical work of American political life.&” This ebook has been professionally proofread to ensure accuracy and readability on all devices.
The Call of the Wild
by Jack LondonA dog must learn to survive in the harsh conditions of Canada’s northernmost reaches. Buck, a dog born on a ranch in California, is kidnapped and sold as a sled dog in the Yukon. It is the height of the gold rush and such dogs are in high demand. If Buck is to adapt to his new conditions, he’ll need to channel the wild animal within and assert his dominance over the pack. Penguin Random House Canada is proud to bring you high quality, classic works of literature in e-book form. Find more today and rediscover books you never knew you loved.
The Iron Heel
by Jack LondonAn early example of modern dystopian fiction, The Iron Heel dabbles in sci-fi, and is a wonderfully unique, though often terrifying, example of London’s writing. Avis Everhard was born into a position of privilege as the daughter of an esteemed scientist and is also married to a socialist revolutionary. Despite her blessed life, Avis must still watch in horror as, in the early years of the twentieth century, democracy collapses in the United States, replaced by The Oligarchy, or Iron Heel. The middle class has been destroyed, and workers have been reduced to serfdom or poverty. Avis joins an underground resistance, and together they plan the glorious Second Revolt which is sure to obliterate The Oligarchy and put power back in the hands of the people – if they can pull it off…
Martin Eden
by Jack LondonA brilliant critique of class hierarchies and The American Dream. Martin Eden is in love with Ruth Morse, but their union cannot be. Eden is a poor, uneducated sailor, and Ruth comes from a bourgeoisie family.
To allow them to be together, Martin commits to a tireless enterprise of education and self-refinement, hoping to elevate himself to the upper classes through literary achievements.
But if he makes it, will Martin like what he finds?Penguin Random House Canada is proud to bring you high quality, classic works of literature in e-book form.
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The Sea-Wolf
by Jack LondonNot all rescuers are heroes… Humphrey van Weyden is an intellectual, more accustomed to using his words than his hands. When his ferry collides with another vessel and sinks off San Francisco, he is rescued by the seal-hunting vessel Ghost and taken in by its captain, Wolf Larsen. Larsen is one part scholar and one part thug, well-educated (and entirely self-taught) but brutal, tyrannically ruling over his ship. He appreciates van Weyden’s intellect but insists on subjecting him to the worst menial labour and abuses by the crew to toughen him up. When the ship rescues the intelligent and beautiful poet Maud Brewster, and van Weyden begins to fall for her, it will take all his old intelligence and newfound toughness to keep them both safe. Penguin Random House Canada is proud to bring you high quality, classic works of literature in e-book form. Find more today and rediscover books you never knew you loved.
The Prince
by Niccolo MachiavelliThe ultimate treatise on statecraft. Machiavelli's work has held such power to shock that he was at one time identified with Satan himself. Published in 1532, it remains relevant—and fascinating—for modern readers.Sayre Street Books offers the world's greatest literature in easy to navigate, beautifully designed digital editions.
Cakes and Ale
by W. Somerset MaughamSuccessful author William Ashenden is contacted by Alroy Kear, an aspiring writer who has been contracted to write a biography of the late Edward Driffield by his second wife, and hopes that Ashenden can help shed some light on Driffield’s past. Ashenden is one of the select few to understand the importance of Rosie, Driffield’s first wife, scorned for her sexual liberty but the source of inspiration for her former husband’s greatest works. Ashenden must consider carefully how much to reveal, and how, to ensure that both Edward and Rosie are done justice by Kear’s pen and history’s eye. 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 Magician
by W. Somerset MaughamArthur Burdon is a man of science – a gifted surgeon, a saver of lives. But on a trip to Paris to visit his fiancé Margaret, an art student, his horizons are expanded when he meets Oliver Haddo. Haddo claims to be a magician – and displays gifts that seems to prove it. At first Arthur and his friends are blown away by Haddo’s astounding feats, but things take a turn for the worse when Haddo steals away Margaret. Oliver and his friends must rescue Margaret from the magician, lest she be sacrificed to fuel his dark arts…
Of Human Bondage
by W. Somerset MaughamWhen Philip Carey’s parents pass away he is sent to live with his Aunt Louisa and Uncle William, a vicar.
Because of his club foot and his odd childhood, Philip has trouble fitting in at school, and passes up a scholarship at Oxford to try and make his own way.
He tries an apprenticeship, and pursues a career as a painter, before finally settling on a career in medicine.
But nothing is ever simple for Philip Carey, and the often banal realities of real life confound him at every turn.
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The Painted Veil
by W. Somerset MaughamKitty Garstin, a wealthy debutante, loves her life.
She attends all the best functions, and attracts all the best men, though she would never dream of accepting any of their marriage proposals. Never, that is, until she finds herself at twenty-five, most prospects exhausted, facing the possibility of her younger sister beating her to the altar.
Not wanting to risk life as a spinster, she accepts the proposal of Walter Fane, a doctor, and joins him on a posting in Hong Kong.
In the wake of an affair with one of Walter's superiors, she accompanies her husband to the Chinese mainland, where a cholera epidemic is ravaging the populace.
While Walter battles the illness, Kitty's conflict is within - Who is she? Who does she want to be? And who can she be? 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 Razor's Edge
by W. Somerset MaughamLarry Darrell is a pilot, wounded and traumatized in the first world war. He turns his back on a normal life to wander the world in search of meaning and happiness.
His wanderings eventually land him in Paris, where he reconnects with his former fiancé Isabel and her new husband Gray, a victim of the 1929 stock market crash.
In a place where none of them quite belong, they all must discover how to find happiness in their lives - and with each other. <>The Razor's Edge has been adapted for film twice, with the most recent version starring Bill Murray. 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.
Corruption City
by Horace McCoyWho better to clean up a city than a twenty-nine-year-old law professor? John Conroy is an unlikely choice to face off against Nemo Crespi and his widespread organized crime ring, but the governor needs someone free of political ties and ambitions, and Conroy fits the bill. The young law professor is willing to take on the gangster – after all, it will let him take his theory that all power corrupts out of the classroom and into the real world. And his father, a chief investigator for the police, has a connection in the syndicate feeding him information. That must be an upside … right? 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.
Kiss Tomorrow Goodbye
by Horace McCoyA classic hard-boiled noir, taking the reader on a whirlwind ride from the heights of American society to its seediest depths and back again. Ralph Cotter is an Ivy League graduate, which means he’s smart enough to get himself into prison – and out again. He’s on the run, in a city where he knows no one and no one knows him. With nothing to lose, he might as well shoot for the moon. But he didn’t expect to meet Margaret Dobson, a wealth heiress who sees right through him.