Books in the Thrift Editions series

In the early nineteenth century, a French sociologist and political scientist undertook a seven-month journey throughout the newly formed United States. Alexis de Tocqueville surveyed the young nation's religious, political, and economic character and reported his findings in two volumes, published in 1835 and 1840. Two centuries later, Democracy in America remains among the most astute and influential surveys of American politics and society. de Tocqueville focuses on why republican representative democracy prevailed in the United States, tracing its success from the state of equality established by the early Puritan settlers through the American Revolution and adoption of the Constitution. His speculations on the future of democracy offer prescient, thought-provoking reading, and his classic work remains a touchstone for modern thinkers on government. This edition is based on the earliest approved translation, which has served as the standard version for over a century and comes closest to reflecting the author's insights as perceived by his contemporaries. www.doverpublications.com

A shape-shifting grifter boards a Mississippi riverboat to expose the pretenses, hypocrisies, and self-delusions of his fellow passengers. Melville's comic allegory challenges the optimism and materialism of mid-nineteenth century America.

The vitality and variety of London's experiences during his brief life are reflected in these 13 gripping tales of adventure, including "A Piece of Steak," "The Mexican," "The Law of Life," and 10 others.

These three tales reflect the master storyteller's experiences as a merchant seaman: "An Outpost of Progress," a precursor to "Heart of Darkness"; "A Smile of Fortune"; and "An Anarchist."

Excellent new English translations of title story (considered by many critics Kafka's most perfect work), plus "The Judgment," "In the Penal Colony," "A Country Doctor," and "A Report to an Academy." A selection of the Common Core State Standards Initiative.

The first of Grey's bestselling westerns, this tale of adventure and romance tells of a proud young heroine who stands alone against the villains who rustle and stampede her cattle -- until a stranger rides into town.

Dickens' grandest, most virtuosic achievement, Bleak House combines two tales: the story of wealthy Lady Dedlock, recounted in the third person, and that of penniless Esther Summerson, told in her own words. The haughty noblewoman and the orphan are connected by the court case Jarndyce and Jarndyce, a tangle of disputed wills and disrupted inheritance that has tied up the High Court of Chancery for decades. Inspired by an actual court case that dragged on for more than 50 years, Dickens drew upon his own experiences as a law clerk and plaintiff to enliven his novel, which remains utterly contemporary in its portrait of a system invested in making business for itself at the expense of its plaintiffs. In addition to its complex and compelling portrayal of the English judiciary, Bleak House is also a brilliant detective story in which a police officer, Inspector Bucket, uncovers a richly plotted tale of secrets, murder, and mystery. www.doverpublications.com

From the famous speeches against Catiline to those in defiance of Marc Anthony that would seal the orator's doom, this collection presents remarkable examples of rhetoric from the ancient Roman politician's illustrious career.

Fourteen timeless tales of terror include chilling classics from Bram Stoker, Edgar Allan Poe, H. P. Lovecraft, Arthur Machen, Ambrose Bierce, Izumi Kyoka, Algernon Blackwood, and more.

Jane Austen is perhaps the best-known female English novelist, having written such classics as Pride and Prejudice, Sense and Sensibility, and Emma. Austen used her pen to analyze and satirize the world around her. She was also a prolific correspondent, and her intimate, gossipy letters to family and friends give unique insights into her life and work. Generations of readers have treasured these letters for their glimpses into Austen's everyday life. They tell us that she greatly enjoyed a meal of pickled pork, read with pleasure the novels of French author Madame de Genlis, and took time during a London visit to enjoy the performance of a troupe of Indian jugglers. This collection provides the entertaining and informative highlights of her surviving letters, some reprinted in full and others with excerpts. The letters offer a revealing window into the life of their talented creator.

From the mysterious Druids and noble King Alfred to the notorious Henry VIII and the Glorious Revolution of 1688, the English storyteller traces his country's history in lively, highly subjective vignettes.