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A Doll's House: A Play (First Avenue Classics ™)
by Henrik IbsenIt's Christmastime in Norway, and Norma Helmer is preparing her lovely home for the holidays. A dainty, jovial woman, Norma is adored by her husband, Torvald, and their three children. But when an old friend comes to visit, Norma reveals that her life is not as carefree as it seems. Norma is keeping a secret from Torvald, a secret that would shatter his illusion of her as the perfect wife. But is she prepared to maintain that illusion for the rest of her life? This unabridged edition of Henrik Ibsen's provocative three-act play, originally published in 1879, explores the life of a 19th-century wife, ready to disregard social customs and financial security for a shot at independence.
Emma (First Avenue Classics ™)
by Jane AustenEmma Woodhouse is sure she'll never marry, and she's proud of it. However, that doesn't stop her from considering herself the village matchmaker. Though her friend, Harriet Smith, is already in love with a man who loves her back, Emma is positive she can find Harriet a better match. Through a set of embarrassing mishaps, unrequited love, and a secret relationship, Emma may find that her matchmaking skills need a little work. And, just maybe, there is someone on the horizon for her after all. Originally published in 1816 in the UK, this unabridged version of Jane Austen's classic comedy of manners illustrates the hazards of messing with others' relationships.
The Fortunes and Misfortunes of the Famous Moll Flanders: Also, The Fortunate Mistress, Or The Lady Roxana, With An Introd, By Baker (classic Reprint) (First Avenue Classics ™)
by Daniel DefoeLife hasn't been generous to Moll Flanders. Moll's mother is in prison, so Moll is raised by a kind widow. As a teenager, Moll is seduced by the widow's oldest son, but he convinces her to marry his brother instead. This first husband dies a few years after, leaving Moll and her children without support. From that day on, Moll embarks on a quest to find a man with money. Instead, a series of failed marriages, assorted children, and poverty force Moll into a life of crime. Later imprisoned and without prospects, Moll discovers repentance may be the only thing that can save her and give her the life she has been seeking. English novelist Daniel Defoe published this classic book in 1722; it is presented here in its unabridged form.
The Four Million: The Gift of the Magi and Other Short Stories (First Avenue Classics ™)
by O. HenryThis collection of twenty-five short stories includes some of O. Henry's finest works. The book title, The Four Million, is attributed to the population of New York City in the early 1900s, and many of the stories are set there. O. Henry's empathetic tales give names and faces to everyday people, bearing out his belief that everyone is worth noticing. The collection includes one of his most famous stories, "The Gift of the Magi." The poignant piece tells of a young, poor couple who try to come up with surprise Christmas presents for each other, even though neither can afford much. This is an unabridged version of the American author's short story collection, which was first published in 1906.
Gulliver's Travels into Several Remote Nations of the World (First Avenue Classics ™)
by Jonathan SwiftAfter failing to maintain a successful practice as a surgeon, Lemeul Gulliver departs London for the excitement of the open seas. Shipwrecked on his voyage, Gulliver awakens on an unfamiliar island, where he is held captive by a race of people a fraction of his size. From here, Gulliver's fantastical adventures continue, as he goes on to visit other bizarre nations, where his language, customs, and way of life render him a complete misfit. Through Gulliver's unbiased narration of these events, Irish author Jonathan Swift creates a brilliant satire examining the arrogance, ignorance, and corruptibility of eighteenth century society. Swift's novel was originally published in 1726, but the publisher edited out controversial portions. The entire manuscript was published in 1735. This unabridged version uses text from an 1892 edition and includes illustrations by Thomas Morten, which were published in a 1900 edition.
The Hound of the Baskervilles: Another Adventure Of Sherlock Holmes (classic Reprint) (First Avenue Classics ™)
by Sir Arthur DoyleEvery mystery has an explanation, and detective Sherlock Holmes and Dr. Watson are sure to explain why a supernatural black hound seems to be plaguing the Baskerville family. The recent death of Sir Charles Baskerville has renewed the family's fear in the beast. Using his quintessential blend of observation and deduction, Holmes—with the help of Watson—untangles a knot of suspects including an escaped convict, a mysterious woman, and the killer hound to solve the mystery. This is an unabridged version of Sir Arthur Conan Doyle's most popular Sherlock Holmes crime novel, which the Scottish author first published in the UK in 1902.
The House of the Seven Gables (First Avenue Classics ™)
by Nathaniel HawthorneOld Hepzibah Pyncheon lives in her family's decaying mansion, a reportedly cursed house built about 200 years earlier. The Pyncheon family no longer has the riches it once did, and Hepzibah struggles to support herself and her brother Clifford. Their niece Phoebe arrives and asks to live with them, bringing hope back into the house. But another visitor—the conniving Judge Pyncheon—launches his plot to uncover a lost family fortune. As events unfold, the family encounters bloody secrets and sins in their ancestors' history. This is an unabridged version of American author Nathaniel Hawthorne's romance novel, first published in 1851.
The Hunchback of Notre Dame: Photo Novel (First Avenue Classics ™)
by Victor HugoQuasimodo, the hunchbacked bell-ringer of Notre Dame, faces insults and ridicule for his disturbing appearance. His adoptive father, Archdeacon Claude Frollo, is obsessed with the beautiful gypsy Esmeralda and orders Quasimodo to kidnap her. But when Quasimodo is caught and punished, Esmeralda takes pity on him. From that moment on, Quasimodo finds himself caught between love for the kind beauty and loyalty to man who raised him. A novel that challenges the value of appearances and social classes, this gothic romance by Victor Hugo was published in France in 1831. This is an unabridged version taken from the Isabel F. Hapgood translation of 1888.
The Iliad: From The Text Of Dindorf; Books I-xii (classic Reprint) (First Avenue Classics ™)
by HomerThe tenth and final year of the Trojan War comes to its climactic end in this infamous Greek epic. With the mighty Achilles brooding on the sidelines of the battle, the Greek army faces almost certain defeat. At the mercy of the intervening gods of Mount Olympus, the legendary warriors of Greece and Troy fight to the death in the name of honor, love, and vengeance. Originally written around 750 BCE, the authorship of this epic poem remains uncertain, but most scholars ascribe it to a blind Greek poet named Homer. William Cowper first published his translation in 1791; this unabridged edition comes from the work edited by Robert Southey, LL.D., with notes by M. A. Dwight, which was published in 1860.
Ivanhoe: A Romance (First Avenue Classics ™)
by Sir Walter ScottTwelfth-century England is in turmoil. The Third Crusade failed; King Richard is imprisoned in Austria; Prince John—the king's evil brother—controls the throne; and country's ruling class, the French-descended Normans, are taking advantage of Saxon landowners and nobles. Before the knight Wilfred of Ivanhoe left for the crusades, Cedric, his Saxon father, shunned him for supporting King Richard. Now that Ivanhoe has returned, he attempts to save his love, Lady Rowena, and right the many wrongs—with the aid of a mysterious Black Knight as well as Robin Hood and his merry men. Filled with jousting, sword fighting, and damsels in distress, this historical romance by Scottish author Sir Walter Scott also examines topics such as prejudice and reconciliation. This is an unabridged edition of the classic novel, which was first published in England in 1820.
Moby Dick: or, The Whale (First Avenue Classics ™)
by Herman MelvilleIshmael joined the crew of the whaling ship Pequod expecting a simple whaling voyage. Little did he know that the captain of the ship is thirsty for revenge against Moby Dick, the great white whale responsible for his missing leg. As the crew sails the ocean, Captain Ahab searches unceasingly for Moby Dick, ignoring warnings and prophecies of doom. When the white whale is finally spotted, a battle ensues that makes this novel by author Herman Melville one of the most epic sea stories of all time. This is an unabridged version of the American classic, which was first published in 1851.
The Odyssey: 1 (First Avenue Classics ™)
by HomerOdysseus, the hero of the Trojan War, longs to return home to his kingdom in Ithaca, where a horde of suitors (who believe the long-absent Odysseus to be dead) are courting his beloved wife. Odysseus had angered the sea god, Poseidon, and for the past ten years, he's been beset by a host of challenges. The Greek hero must rely on wit, strength, and the aid of the gods of Mount Olympus to survive tumultuous storms, battles with great beasts, and the seductive powers of witches, sirens, and nymphs as he makes his way homeward. Originally written around 700 BCE, the authorship of this epic poem remains uncertain, but most scholars ascribe it to a blind Greek poet named Homer. This unabridged translation by William Cowper was originally published in 1791.
Paradise Regained: Large Print (First Avenue Classics ™)
by John MiltonA companion to the epic poem Paradise Lost, John Milton's Paradise Regained describes the temptation of Christ. After Adam and Eve are expelled from the Garden of Eden, Satan and the fallen angels stay on earth to lead people astray. But when God sends Jesus, the promised savior, to earth, Satan prepares himself for battle. As an adult, Jesus goes into the wilderness to gain strength and courage. He fasts for 40 days and nights, after which Satan tempts him with food, power, and riches. But Jesus refuses all these things, and Satan is defeated by the glory of God. This is an unabridged version of Milton's classic work, which was first published in England in 1671.
The Red Badge of Courage: An Episode of the American Civil War (First Avenue Classics ™)
by Stephen CraneDrawn by visions of glory on the battlefield, Henry Fleming joins the Union Army to fight the Confederates. But his dreams of valor are outweighed by his fear, and after one battle, Harry runs away. As he runs, he meets several wounded men whose "red badges of courage" make him even more ashamed of his cowardice. Henry returns to the front line and, inspired by the men who sacrificed their limbs and lives, fights with a passion he never knew he had. This is an unabridged version of the classic Civil War novel by American author Stephen Crane, first published in 1895.
Sense and Sensibility: A Novel (First Avenue Classics ™)
by Jane AustenMrs. Dashwood's husband has died, leaving her and her three daughters—Elinor, Marianne, and Margaret—homeless and poor. They move in with distant relatives, the Middletons. Elinor is ruled by logic. When she learns her beloved Edward is engaged to another, she keeps her heartache a secret. Meanwhile, Marianne lives by her emotions and is smitten with the dapper Mr. Willoughby. When he proves false, Marianne is devastated. Through a series of romances and heartbreaks, Elinor and Marianne learn to balance sense and sensibility in order to find happiness. First published in 1811 in the UK, this is one of Jane Austen's most famous comedies of manners. This is an unabridged version of a 1902 edition, including illustrations by Hugh Thomson.
Tess of the d'Urbervilles: A Pure Woman (First Avenue Classics ™)
by Thomas HardyA poor peddler, John Durbeyfield learns he is related to an ancient noble family: the d'Urbervilles. To gain part of the fortune, he sends his eldest daughter, Tess, to the d'Urberville mansion. But the relationship is not as it seems, and she ends up working as a servant. The wealthy family's son, Alec d'Urberville, tries to seduce Tess and eventually rapes her. Left pregnant, Tess returns home to have the baby, but the baby dies. Later, Tess falls in love with a man named Angel. She keeps the painful secret until their wedding night, when she reveals the horror in her past. Will Angel stay with her? This unabridged version of Thomas Hardy's important novel challenges the Victorian notions of female purity and double standards. It was first published in 1891 in the UK.
The Three Musketeers: The Three Musketeers Student's Book With Audio Cd (First Avenue Classics ™)
by Alexandre DumasYoung, poor D'Artagnan is off to seek his fortune in Paris. Even before he reaches the city, he gets himself into mischief and, shortly after arriving, he offends three of the King's musketeers. But those adversaries soon turn into close allies, and together they confront increasingly complicated situations. The four friends take on kidnappers, secret lovers, blackmail, and murder plots as they save the innocent and punish the wrongdoers (but not without some fun in between). French author Alexandre Dumas penned this romantic, swashbuckling historical novel in 1844; this is an unabridged edition of the English translation.
The Tragedy of Julius Caesar: Large Print (First Avenue Classics ™)
by William ShakespeareMarcus Brutus, a Roman politician, considers Emperor Julius Caesar to be a friend, but a senator—Caius Cassius—convinces Brutus that Caesar has too much power. Brutus would rather Rome be a republic than an empire ruled by a tyrant, so he participates in a conspiracy to kill Caesar. Though Brutus believes his actions will benefit Rome, Caesar's murder brings about more bloodshed, including Brutus's own. The play examines friendship and patriotism, the succession of leadership, and the roles of fate and free will. Shakespeare wrote this drama, rooted in Roman history, in 1599; it was published in 1623, after Shakespeare's death. This is an unabridged edition of the tragic play.
The Tragedy of Othello, the Moor of Venice: Edited, With Notes (classic Reprint) (First Avenue Classics ™)
by William ShakespeareOthello, a general in the Venetian army, has married the lovely Desdemona, and Roderigo is not at all happy. He was hoping to woo Desdemona for himself. Roderigo's jealousy is all Iago, Roderigo's sneaky friend, needs, as he has his own reasons to be angry with Othello. By weaving an intricate web of deceit, infidelity, and envy, Iago is able to plant false suspicions and lead people to commit crimes that will destroy the relationships dearest to them. This is an unabridged version of one of William Shakespeare's most famous tragedies, first published in England in 1622.
The War of the Worlds (First Avenue Classics ™)
by H. G. WellsWhen a meteorite lands in Surrey, the locals don't know what to make of it. But as Martians emerge and begin killing bystanders, it quickly becomes clear—England is under attack. Armed soldiers converge on the scene to ward off the invaders, but meanwhile, more Martian cylinders land on Earth, bringing reinforcements. As war breaks out across England, the locals must fight for their lives, but life on Earth will never be the same. This is an unabridged version of one of the first fictional accounts of extraterrestrial invasion. H. G. Wells's military science fiction novel was first published in book form in 1898, and is considered a classic of English literature.
Twelve Years a Slave: Autobiography, Slave Narrative. Illustrated (First Avenue Classics ™)
by Solomon NorthupFor more than thirty years, Solomon Northup lived in New York as a free man. But in 1841, while pursuing a job offer in Washington DC, Northup was kidnapped and sold into slavery. After being brutally beaten for insisting on his right to live freely, Northup grew silent about his past. It was not until twelve years later that he shared his story with Samuel Bass, a white abolitionist, setting in motion the chain of events that would finally bring him home in 1853. Penned in his first year of renewed freedom, Northup's memoir unveils the inconceivable cruelties—and rare moments of kindness—he experienced during his enslavement. The revelations in his narrative served as a powerful contribution to the fight against slavery. This unabridged version of Northup's work is taken from an 1855 copyright edition.
Infandous
by Elana K. Arnold"Once there was a mermaid who dared to love a wolf. Her love for him was so sudden and so fierce that it tore her tail into legs." Sephora Golding lives in the shadow of her unbelievably beautiful mother. Even though they scrape by in the seedier part of Venice Beach, she's always felt lucky. As a child, she imagined she was a minor but beloved character in her mother's fairy tale. But now, at sixteen, the fairy tale is less Disney and more Grimm. And she wants the story to be her own. Then she meets Felix, and the fairy tale takes a turn she never imagined. "Things don't really turn out the way they do in fairy tales. I'm telling you that right up front, so you're not disappointed later." Sometimes, a story is just a way to hide the unspeakable in plain sight.
Out of Darkness
by Ashley Hope PérezA Michael L. Printz Honor Book "This is East Texas, and there's lines. Lines you cross, lines you don't cross. That clear?" New London, Texas. 1937. Naomi Vargas and Wash Fuller know about the lines in East Texas as well as anyone. They know the signs that mark them. They know the people who enforce them. But sometimes the attraction between two people is so powerful it breaks through even the most entrenched color lines. And the consequences can be explosive. Ashley Hope Pérez takes the facts of the 1937 New London school explosion—the worst school disaster in American history—as a backdrop for a riveting novel about segregation, love, family, and the forces that destroy people. "[This] layered tale of color lines, love and struggle in an East Texas oil town is a pit-in-the-stomach family drama that goes down like it should, with pain and fascination, like a mix of sugary medicine and artisanal moonshine."—The New York Times Book Review "Pérez deftly weaves [an] unflinchingly intense narrative....A powerful, layered tale of forbidden love in times of unrelenting racism."―starred, Kirkus Reviews "This book presents a range of human nature, from kindness and love to acts of racial and sexual violence. The work resonates with fear, hope, love, and the importance of memory....Set against the backdrop of an actual historical event, Pérez...gives voice to many long-omitted facets of U.S. history."―starred, School Library Journal
Prairie Fire
by E. K. JohnstonListen! For the song of Owen Thorskard has a second verse. Every dragon slayer owes the Oil Watch a period of service, and young Owen was no exception. What made him different was that he did not enlist alone. His two closest friends stood with him shoulder to shoulder. Steeled by success and hope, the three were confident in their plan. And though Siobhan McQuaid was the first bard in a generation, she managed to forge a role for herself and herald Owen as a new kind of dragon slayer for a new kind of future. But the arc of history is long and hardened by dragon fire. Try as they might, Owen and his friends could not twist it to their will. Not all the way. Not all together. Listen! I am Siobhan McQuaid. I know the cost of even a small bend in the course of history. Listen!
The Bunker Diary
by Kevin BrooksI can't believe I fell for it. It was still dark when I woke up this morning. As soon as my eyes opened I knew where I was. A low-ceilinged rectangular building made entirely of whitewashed concrete. There are six little rooms along the main corridor. There are no windows. No doors. The elevator is the only way in or out. What's he going to do to me? What am I going to do? People are really quite simple, and they have simple needs. Food, water, light, space, privacy. Maybe a small measure of dignity. A bit of freedom. What happens when someone simply takes all that away?