Books published by Read Books

The Book of Nature - Wordsworth's Poetry on Nature is a sublime collection of the best nature poetry by poet-laureate William Wordsworth, housed in a convenient pocket-sized edition.

"The Mastery of Destiny" is a 1909 self-help book by British writer James Allen. Self-help books aim to help the reader with problems, offering them clear and effective guidance on how obstacles can be passed and solutions found, especially with regard to common issues and day-to-day life. Such books take their name from the 1859 best-selling "Self-Help" by Samuel Smiles, and are often also referred to as "self-improvement" books. Contents include: "Deeds, Characters, and Destiny", "The Science of Self-control", "Cause and Effect in Human Conduct", "Training of the Will", "Thoroughness", "Mind-building and Life-building", "Cultivation of Concentration", "Practice of Meditation", "The Power of Purpose", "The Joy of Accomplishment", etc. James Allen (1864-1912) was a British writer most famous for his inspirational poetry and being an early leader of the self-help movement. "As a Man Thinketh" (1903), his best known work, has been a significant source of inspiration for many self-help authors. Many vintage books such as this are becoming increasingly scarce and expensive. We are republishing this volume now in an affordable, modern, high-quality edition complete with an Essay from Within You is the Power by Henry Thomas Hamblin.

"The Brotherhood of the Rosy Cross - A History of the Rosicrucians" is Arthur Edward Waite's study of the elusive Rosicrucians, a secret society which the first appeared to the public in Germany in the early 17th century. Arthur Edward Waite (1857 - 1942), more commonly referred to as A. E. Waite, was an American-born British mystic and poet. He wrote profusely on the subject of the occult and esoteric matters, and is famous for being the co-creator of the Rider-Waite Tarot deck. His work arguably constitutes the first attempt to systematically studying the history of western occultism, which he viewed more of a spiritual tradition than proto-science or pseudo-religion, as was the more common conception. Contents include: "Mythical Rosicrucian Precursors", "Militia Crucifera Evangelica", "Alchemists And Mystics Symbolism", "Of The Rose And Cross", "Fama Fraternitatis R C", "Confessio Fraternitatis R C", "The Chemical Nuptials", "Authorship Of The Chemical Nuptials", "Development Of Rosicrucian Literature", etc. Other works by this author include: "The Alchemical Writings of Edward Kelly" (1893), "Turba Philsophorum" (1894), and "Devil-Worship in France" (1896). Many vintage books such as this are increasingly scarce and expensive. It is with this in mind that we are republishing this volume now in an affordable, modern, high-quality edition complete with the original text and artwork.

This edition of the "Machinery's Reference Series" deals with iron and steel, exploring how they are smelted, refined, and used in various mechanical processes of the iron and steel industry. It also contains chapters on the physical and chemical characteristics of these metals, and which tools they are best used to make based on this. Erik Oberg's "Iron and Steel" is perfect for novices or apprentices, and would make a handy reference guide for more experienced metalworkers. Contents include: "Principles of Iron and Steel Manufacture", "Steel Castings", "Open-hearth Furnaces", "Tests on Steel Castings", "Steel Hardened Metals", "Development and Use of High-speed Steel", "Hardening Steel, by E. R. Markham", "Case-Hardening", "The Brinell Method of Testing the Hardness of Metals", "Uses of Steel Castings", "Reliability of Steel Castings", "Manganese Steel", "Nickel Steel", "Tungsten Steel", "Molybdenum", etc. This book contains simple explanations and step-by-step instructions for any processes dealt with, making it ideal for novices or apprentices, as well as a handy reference guide for more experienced metalworkers using steel or iron. Many vintage books such as this are increasingly scarce and expensive. It is with this in mind that we are republishing this volume now in an affordable, modern, high-quality edition complete with a specially-commissioned new introduction on metalwork.

This vintage book explores the subject of skiing. Skiing is a means of transport, a recreational activity and a competitive winter sport in which the participant uses skis to move on snow. This illustrated volume looks at the history of the sport, as well as equipment, different styles and techniques, and much more; making it perfect for those with an interest in the origins and development of this universally-enjoyed winter sport. Contents include: "The Antiquity and Renaissance of Ski", "Countries in Which Ski-Running is Practised", "Outfit", "The Elements of Ski-Running", "The Snow and its Peculiarities", etc. Many vintage books such as this are becoming increasingly scarce and expensive. We are republishing this book now in an affordable, modern, high-quality edition complete with the original text and artwork.

This book forms part of a series, dedicated to the artwork of Arthur Rackham ­(1867 - 1939), one of the most celebrated artists of the British Golden Age of Illustration. Over his long and illustrious career, he contributed to over 150 books, magazines and periodicals, resulting in a vast array of original artworks. Whether producing whimsical children's images or murkier, foreboding drawings for adults, Rackham's unique style of illustration was (and still is) admired by countless collectors, critics and the general public. For the first time, this book brings together the entirety of Rackham's stunning images, sourced from rare and original books, in order that the modern reader may fully appreciate his art.This first volume comprises of over 340 black and white and colour illustrations by Rackham from his works dating from 1896 - 1910, and includes images from The Zankiwank and the Bletherwitch (1896), Tales From Shakespeare (1899) Alice's Adventures in Wonderland (1907), Grimm's Tales (1909) and Wagner's Ring Cycle (1910) - to name but a few. The book also contains a biography of Rackham's personal, professional and artistic life, as well as an introduction to the fascinating 'Golden Age' period of illustration.

The Natural Way to Draw - A Working Plan for Art Study contains a classic guide to drawing people, offering instructions and tips for drawing different poses and body types.It is split into sixty-four easy exercises covering such subjects as:- Contour and Gesture- The Study of Drapery- Light and Shade- Studies of Structure- Analysis through Design- Exercises in Black and White Oil ColourWith simple, step-by-step instructions and many helpful diagrams, this is a book that will be of considerable utility to anyone wishing to learn how to draw.Many vintage books such as this are increasingly scarce and expensive. It is with this in mind that we are republishing this volume now in an affordable, modern, high-quality edition complete with a specially-commissioned new introduction on illustration.

This book contains Edgar Allen Poe's 1838 short story, "Ligeia". An anonymous narrator recounts the story of his meeting a beautiful and intellectual woman "in some large, old decaying city near the Rhine." They get married, and Ligeia introduces her husband to all manner of mathematical and metaphysical knowledge. Soon after, she becomes seriously ill and dies. The narrator's second marriage comes to a similarly tragic end, resulting in the uncanny reappearance of the mysterious Ligeia. A gripping and atmospheric tale, "Ligeia" is highly recommended for fans of fantasy and horror fiction, and would make for a fantastic addition to any collection. Edgar Allan Poe (1809-1849) was an American author, editor, poet, and critic. Most famous for his stories of mystery and horror, he was one of the first American short story writers, and is widely considered to be the inventor of the detective fiction genre. Many antiquarian books such as this are becoming increasingly rare and expensive. We are republishing "Ligeia" now in an affordable, high-quality edition complete with a specially commissioned new biography of the author.

Many of the earliest books, particularly those dating back to the 1900s and before, are now extremely scarce and increasingly expensive. We are republishing these classic works in affordable, high quality, modern editions, using the original text and artwork.