Josh Verbae
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The Devil's Dictionary (1906) is a work of satire by Ambrose Bierce. Although he is commonly remembered for his chilling short stories on the experiences of Civil War soldiers, Bierce was recognized in his day as a leading journalist and humorist who spent decades ruffling feathers and drawing laughter with his witty opinion columns, poems, and definitions. Toward the end of his career, he decided to compile these satirical definitions into a book,...
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"The Fairy Tales of Charles Perrault" is a collection of stories by the French author credited with creating the fairy tale genre. After a lengthy career in service to his King, Perrault devoted the rest of his life to writing and in 1697 published "Tales and Stories of the Past with Morals", or "Tales of Mother Goose", which included such iconic tales as "Sleeping Beauty", "Cinderella", "Little Red Riding Hood", "Puss in Boots", and "Bluebeard"....
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Amusing and thought-provoking, this A-to-Z compendium outlines common oral and written gaffes. Ambrose Bierce, a celebrated literary wit, assembled his informative compilation in 1909 from many years of observations and notes. He advocates precision in language, offering alternatives to grammatical lapses and inaccurate word choices. Moneyed for Wealthy: "The moneyed men of New York." One might as sensibly say, "The cattled men of Texas," or, "The...
4) Pericles
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Likely written around 1607 or 1608 and attributed at least in part to Shakespeare, "Pericles, Prince of Tyre" is an adventure-filled play that follows the extended sailing journeys of a young prince. Pericles, a young prince from Phoenicia, is forced to flee Antioch when he correctly guesses a riddle that reveals the incestuous activity of King Antiochus. Unable to stay at home in Tyre because of Antiochus' vengeance, he sails away and ends up shipwrecked...
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"Timon of Athens" was first, published in the "First Folio" in 1623 and was likely, written by William Shakespeare in 1605 or 1606. Often regarded as one of the more difficult of Shakespeare's plays to categorize, "Timon of Athens" blends elements of comedy with components of tragedy in Timon's allegorical downfall and death. The play depicts an Athenian man, Timon, who is popular and wealthy and who selflessly gives away his possessions to a large...
7) Cymbeline
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Performed as early as 1611 and published in the "First Folio" in 1623, Shakespeare's "Cymbeline" weaves an elaborate tale of palatial envy and power in Ancient Britain. Cymbeline, King of Britain, commands that his lovely young daughter Imogen marry Cloten, the violent and callous son of the current Queen by her former husband. With her heart already promised to the poor yet heroic Posthumus, Imogen refuses. Disgusted at the prospect of his daughter...
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Presents the text of "The Merchant of Venice," in which a creditor demands a pound of flesh as payment for a debt, and a lover must choose among three caskets to win the hand of a wealthy lady, and includes introductory and textual notes, character lists and studies, a synopsis, teaching tools and suggestions, historical background, and biographical information about the Shakespeare.
15) Othello
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Presents the unabridged text of Shakespeare's classic tragedy in which Othello, a Moorish general, is led by a jealous and evil ensign to believe his wife, Desdemona, has been unfaithful. Includes explanatory footnotes.
16) As you like it
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Presents the text of Shakespeare's comedy of love and redemption in exile, and includes a biographical sketch of the author, a selection of critical commentaries, and other reference materials.
17) Hamlet
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Presents the original text of Shakespeare's play side by side with a modern version, with marginal notes and explanations and full descriptions of each character.
18) King Lear
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Presents the text of Shakespeare's drama in which King Lear foolishly disinherits his favorite daughter when she speaks out against him and splits his kingdom between his other two daughters who are secretly plotting against him. Includes explanatory footnotes.
19) Romeo and Juliet
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Presents the text of Shakespeare's drama in which Romeo and Juliet, two teens from opposite sides of feuding families in medieval Verona, spark a tragic chain of events when they fall in love and secretly marry. Includes notes on facing pages, background on Shakespeare's life and times, and commentary.
20) Twelfth night
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Contains an introduction to the play, the text of the play, and notes.