Books published by Read & Co. Classics

Fyodor Dostoyevsky ¿An Honest Thief¿ is an 1848 short story that famously tells the tale of Emelyan Ilyitch, the tragic drunk. It begins with our narrator conversing with Astafy Ivanovich, an aged soldier and temporary lodger. An unfortunate coat theft leaves Astafy dismayed one day, and a conversation is struck up between the two, who seem to share the same dislike for thieves in general. One night, however, Astafy recounts to the narrator a story of an honest thief he had once met. Fyodor Mikhailovich Dostoevsky (1821 ¿ 1881) was a Russian novelist, essayist, short story writer, journalist, and philosopher. His literature examines human psychology during the turbulent social, spiritual and political atmosphere of 19th-century Russia, and he is considered one of the greatest psychologists in world literature. A prolific writer, Dostoevsky produced 11 novels, three novellas, 17 short stories and numerous other works. Other notable works by this author include: ¿Crime and Punishment¿ (1866), ¿Notes from the Underground¿ (1864), and ¿The Idiot¿ (1869). Many vintage books such as this are increasingly scarce and expensive. We are republishing this volume now in an affordable, modern, high-quality edition complete with a specially-commissioned new biography of the author.

When the protagonist Ivan Ilyich Pralinsky drinks a little bit too much with his colleagues one day, he expresses his desire for a philosophy founded upon the value of kindness and charity to those who are worse off than oneself. After he leaves, Ivan encounters a wedding celebration, which turns to be that of one of his underlings at work, and his new philosophy is put to the test when he gatecrashes the festivities. Also translated as ¿A Nasty Story¿, ¿An Unpleasant Predicament¿ is a satirical story that will appeal to fans of short stories and the work of this seminal author in particular. Fyodor Mikhailovich Dostoevsky (1821 ¿ 1881) was a Russian novelist, essayist, short story writer, journalist, and philosopher. His literature examines human psychology during the turbulent social, spiritual and political atmosphere of 19th-century Russia, and he is considered one of the greatest psychologists in world literature. A prolific writer, Dostoevsky produced 11 novels, three novellas, 17 short stories and numerous other works. Other notable works by this author include: ¿Crime and Punishment¿ (1866), ¿Notes from the Underground¿ (1864), and ¿The Idiot¿ (1869). Many vintage books such as this are increasingly scarce and expensive. We are republishing this volume now in an affordable, modern, high-quality edition complete with a specially-commissioned new biography of the author.

"A Gentle Creature" is a 1876 short story by Fyodor Dostoyevsky. Inspired by a real story of a seamstress who committed suicide in 1876, it chronicles the relationship between a girl and a pawnbroker whose shop she visits frequently. When a 16-year-old girl frequently pawns her belongings so that she can advertise as a governess in the newspaper, her dire financial situation is made apparent to the shop owner and narrator, who resolves to give her as much as he can for the things she brings. After some investigating, our narrator learns that she answers to two greedy aunts who have arranged a marriage for her that promises to be abusive. In an attempt to save her from that fate, he himself proposes to the young woman, who accepts. However, perhaps things would have gone better if he had never proposed at all. Fyodor Mikhailovich Dostoevsky (1821 ¿ 881) was a Russian novelist, essayist, short story writer, journalist, and philosopher. His literature examines human psychology during the turbulent social, spiritual and political atmosphere of 19th-century Russia, and he is considered one of the greatest psychologists in world literature. A prolific writer, Dostoevsky produced 11 novels, three novellas, 17 short stories and numerous other works. This volume is not to be missed by fans of Russian literature and lovers of Dostoevsky's seminal work. Many vintage books such as this are increasingly scarce and expensive. We are republishing this volume now in an affordable, modern, high-quality edition complete with a specially-commissioned new biography of the author.

This volume contains Fyodor Dostoyevsky's 1877 short story "The Dream of a Ridiculous Man". It begins with a man walking St. Petersburg's streets while musing upon how ridiculous his life is, as well as its distinct lack of meaning or purpose. This train of thought leads him to the idea of suicide, which he resolves to commit using a previously-acquired gun. However, a chance encounter with a distressed little girl in the street derails his drastic plans. Fyodor Mikhailovich Dostoevsky (1821 ¿ 1881) was a Russian novelist, essayist, short story writer, journalist, and philosopher. His literature examines human psychology during the turbulent social, spiritual and political atmosphere of 19th-century Russia, and he is considered one of the greatest psychologists in world literature. A prolific writer, Dostoevsky produced 11 novels, three novellas, 17 short stories and numerous other works. Many vintage books such as this are increasingly scarce and expensive. Other notable works by this author include: ¿Crime and Punishment¿ (1866), ¿Notes from the Underground¿ (1864), and ¿The Idiot¿ (1869). We are republishing this volume now in an affordable, modern, high-quality edition complete with a specially-commissioned new biography of the author.

Her first novel and published posthumously, ¿Northanger Abbey¿ is a satire of the popular Gothic novels of the time that has at its heart a woman who, unlike her peers who crave wealth or social acceptance, wants only for an authentic happiness based on morality. This volume is recommend for all lovers of the English language and constitutes a must-read for fans of Austen's seminal work. Jane Austen (1775 ¿ 1817) was an English author known primarily for her novels, which critique the 18th century English upper classes and contemporary novels of sensibility. Her use of irony coupled with biting social commentary and realism have led to her wide acclaim amongst scholars and critics, her work contributing to the transition to 19th-century literary realism. Other notable works by this author include: ¿Sense and Sensibility¿ (1811), ¿Pride and Prejudice¿ (1813), and ¿Mansfield Park¿ (1814). 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 a specially-commissioned new biography of the author.

Read & Co. Classics presents this new beautiful edition of William Shakespeare's play, "The Comedy of Errors", featuring a specially commissioned new biography of William Shakespeare. Set in the city of Ephesus, the comedy is about the reunion of two sets of long-lost identical twins who were separated in a stormy shipwreck as infants. Each set of twins happens to share the names of the other, giving us two called Antipholus and two Dromio. The play follows the mistaken identities and misadventures encountered on their paths to finding each other. It is Shakespeare¿s shortest play and considered the most farcical of all his tales. William Shakespeare (1564 - 1616) was an English playwright, poet, and actor. He is considered to be the greatest writer in the English language and is celebrated as the world's most famous dramatist.

From the American author and immigrant civil activist, Mary Antin, The Lie is an enlightening short story that illustrates what life was like for young immigrants in early twentieth-century America.David is the son of Mr. Rudinsky, an immigrant living in America. To keep his son in the school system for a further two years, Mr. Rudinksy lies about David's age. Although David works hard and performs well in school, his father's lie is constantly nestled in the back of his mind and weighs heavy on his shoulders. Will their lie eventually catch up with them?Mary Antin was a Jewish immigrant in the late 1800s whose writing was inspired by her own experiences. In this short story, she captures the emotions of many young people who have had to leave their birth countries for a new life. The Lie, originally published shortly after Antin's seminal autobiography, The Promised Land, provides incredible insight into the lives and struggles of immigrants in the early 1900s.Still as relevant as it was upon first publication, The Lie has been republished by Read & Co. Books for future generations to enjoy. This new edition is a must-read for those who enjoy the work of Mary Antin, and are interested in the history of immigration in twentieth-century America.

Read & Co. Classics presents this new beautiful edition of William Shakespeare's play, "Titus Andronicus" (1594). This edition features a specially commissioned new biography of William Shakespeare. Unlike Shakespeare¿s other plays based on Roman histories, the story of ¿Titus Andronicus¿ is a fictional work. The play dramatises the gruesome events that take place in the battle for a nation between the brutal Roman general Titus and his powerful opposition, Tamora, Queen of the Goths. Multiple plots of deception, sacrifice and revenge leave a devastating trail as a destructive path to power is forged. The depiction of violent themes such as rape, cannibalism and mutilation make this Shakespeare¿s darkest of plays. William Shakespeare (1564 - 1616) was an English playwright, poet, and actor. He is considered to be the greatest writer in the English language and is celebrated as the world's most famous dramatist.

Read & Co. Classics presents this new beautiful edition of William Shakespeare's play, "Timon of Athens", featuring a specially commissioned new biography of William Shakespeare. Timon, an Athenian known for his vast generosity, depletes his entire fortune in the name of friendship. Facing the consequences of his own naivety, Timon finds himself at a loss when his wealth and friendship is unreturned by those he once lavished. Consumed by bitterness he retreats into solitude. The play explores the fickleness involved with friendships and the instability of wealth and its consequences. William Shakespeare (1564 - 1616) was an English playwright, poet, and actor. He is considered to be the greatest writer in the English language and is celebrated as the world's most famous dramatist.

Read & Co. Classics presents this new beautiful edition of William Shakespeare's play, "Coriolanus", featuring a specially commissioned new biography of William Shakespeare. This tragedy is set in Rome and revisits the life of the soldier-turned-leader of the Roman Republic, Caius Marcius Coriolanus. Under the influence of his mother, a reluctant Marcius faces the challenges and pitfalls that come with responsibility and allegiance. Rife with revolts and political struggle, the play follows the themes of dissent and discontent with government and leadership. William Shakespeare (1564 - 1616) was an English playwright, poet, and actor. He is considered to be the greatest writer in the English language and is celebrated as the world's most famous dramatist.

Read & Co. Classics presents this new beautiful edition of William Shakespeare's narrative poem, "Venus and Adonis". Featuring a specially commissioned new biography of William Shakespeare, it is a must for Shakespeare enthusiasts and newcomers alike. The poem intertwines comedy with tragedy to tell the tale of Venus¿s obsession with the handsome Adonis, whose affections even the goddess of love cannot hold. It explores the pain of unrequited love and grief and is known for its beautiful depictions of nature. William Shakespeare (1564 - 1616) was an English playwright, poet, and actor. He is considered to be the greatest writer in the English language and is celebrated as the world's most famous dramatist.

Read & Co. Classics presents this new beautiful edition of William Shakespeare's narrative poem, "The Rape of Lucrece". This edition features a specially commissioned new biography of William Shakespeare. Set in Rome, the poem tells a tragic tale of lust, conquest, violence and politics. Collatine expresses his love for his wife Lucrece, to a fellow soldier, Tarquin. Hearing of her ¿chastity¿, Tarquin is overcome with his desire to alter this and seeks out Lucrece in Collatine¿s absence. He threatens and rapes her, and the poem follows the consequences of his violent actions. William Shakespeare (1564 - 1616) was an English playwright, poet, and actor. He is considered to be the greatest writer in the English language and is celebrated as the world's most famous dramatist.

Read & Co. Classics presents this new beautiful edition of William Shakespeare's play, "Richard II". This edition features a specially commissioned new biography of William Shakespeare. The play is the first in Shakespeare's tetralogy chronicling the successive reigns of Richard II, Henry IV and Henry V, and covers the battle for power between King Richard and Henry Bolingbroke (who would eventually be Henry IV). Embezzlement, exile and an uprising fail to restore Richard¿s place as King. Richard is depicted as feminine and weak, in contrast with the strong and masculine Bolingbroke. The play¿s implications on traditional expectations of men in society is an area of growing interest for contemporary scholars. William Shakespeare (1564 - 1616) was an English playwright, poet, and actor. He is considered to be the greatest writer in the English language and is celebrated as the world's most famous dramatist.

Read & Co. Classics presents this new beautiful edition of William Shakespeare's history play, "King John". This edition features a specially commissioned new biography of William Shakespeare. Supported by France, a claim to be the rightful heir to throne arises from Arthur, the King¿s nephew, and King John is asked to step down. He refuses, and France and England enter into battle. The play depicts the difficulties and struggles for power and ownership that come with war and sovereignty. Set in 13th century England, the events depicted take place before Shakespeare's other history plays. William Shakespeare (1564 - 1616) was an English playwright, poet, and actor. He is considered to be the greatest writer in the English language and is celebrated as the world's most famous dramatist.

Read & Co. Classics presents this new beautiful edition of William Shakespeare's play, "Henry VI, Part 3", the final instalment in the historical saga. This edition features a specially commissioned new biography of William Shakespeare. With the central theme of revenge running throughout, this account in the trilogy sees the fall of many significant figures in the struggle for power and glory. Richard of York follows Henry to London where he is forced to make a deal in order to keep his position as King. Margaret raises an army against York in defiance of this move, but in the maddening chaos of conflict and social unrest, Henry is usurped, captured and killed. William Shakespeare (1564 - 1616) was an English playwright, poet, and actor. He is considered to be the greatest writer in the English language and is celebrated as the world's most famous dramatist.

Read & Co. Classics presents this new beautiful edition of William Shakespeare's play, "Henry VI, Part 2¿, the second of a three-part saga. This edition features a specially commissioned new biography of William Shakespeare. Rebellion and treason threaten the crown with the risk of civil war. Depicted as a weak leader, King Henry finds himself under attack by Richard, Duke of York, and is compelled to flee to London with Queen Margaret, followed by his own forces. The second part in a trilogy chronicling the life of King Henry VI of England. William Shakespeare (1564 - 1616) was an English playwright, poet, and actor. He is considered to be the greatest writer in the English language and is celebrated as the world's most famous dramatist.

Read & Co. Classics presents this new beautiful edition of William Shakespeare's play, "Henry VI, Part 1¿, featuring a specially commissioned new biography of William Shakespeare. In the first instalment of a trilogy set during the War of the Roses, Henry VI rises to King following the death of his father, Henry V. As England¿s military hold in France dwindles, rivalry runs high between the Houses of York and Somerset, leading to Lord Talbot¿s defeat by Joan la Pucelle (Joan of Arc). Following her capture, England and France achieve peace, albeit unsettled, and political negotiations pave the way for a new Queen. Believed to have been written in 1591, the play could have been a timely reinforcement of English patriotism at a moment of political dejection following the nation¿s victory against the Spanish Armada. William Shakespeare (1564 - 1616) was an English playwright, poet, and actor. He is considered to be the greatest writer in the English language and is celebrated as the world's most famous dramatist.

Read & Co. Classics presents this new beautiful edition of William Shakespeare's play, "Henry IV, Part 2¿, featuring a specially commissioned new biography of William Shakespeare. Exploring themes of age, duty, and expectation, the play depicts the civil unrest in the events leading up to the end of King Henry IV¿s reign. A muddy path to valour and victory is forged and Prince Hal succeeds to the throne. The play is part of Shakespeare's tetralogy chronicling the successive reigns of Richard II, Henry IV and Henry V. William Shakespeare (1564 - 1616) was an English playwright, poet, and actor. He is considered to be the greatest writer in the English language and is celebrated as the world's most famous dramatist.

Read & Co. Classics presents this new beautiful edition of William Shakespeare's play, "Henry IV, Part 1¿, featuring a specially commissioned new biography of William Shakespeare. It is the second in Shakespeare's tetralogy of plays chronicling the successive reigns of Richard II, Henry IV and Henry V. Following civil disputes, the crown is in jeopardy. As King Henry IV prepares to defend it, Prince Hal, his heir, revels with his friend Sir Falstaff in a local tavern. Matters of the high court fall to the Prince, who is summoned into action. William Shakespeare (1564 - 1616) was an English playwright, poet, and actor. He is considered to be the greatest writer in the English language and is celebrated as the world's most famous dramatist.

Read & Co. Classics presents this new beautiful edition of William Shakespeare's play, "Two Gentlemen of Veronä. Featuring a specially commissioned new biography of William Shakespeare, it is a must for Shakespeare enthusiasts and newcomers alike. The play explores the themes of friendship, loyalty, and the foolish behaviour caused by love. Two friends, Valentine and Proteus, leave Verona for Milan. Valentine and the Duke¿s daughter, Sylvia, fall in love. The fickle Proteus, who has pledged his love to Julia, decides that Sylvia must be his and embarks upon sabotage and betrayal in pursuit of his desires. Meanwhile, Julia travels to Milan in a male disguise. William Shakespeare (1564 - 1616) was an English playwright, poet, and actor. He is considered to be the greatest writer in the English language and is celebrated as the world's most famous dramatist.

Read & Co. Classics presents this new beautiful edition of William Shakespeare's comedy, "Twelfth Night¿. Featuring a specially commissioned new biography of William Shakespeare, it is a must for Shakespeare enthusiasts and newcomers alike. The tale begins when the twins, Viola and Sebastian, are separated in a shipwreck. Viola is rescued and helped by a sea captain. When she takes up service with Count Orsino of Illyria disguised as a young man, the confusion begins. Mistaken identities, duels and a comic subplot make for hilarious results. William Shakespeare (1564 - 1616) was an English playwright, poet, and actor. He is considered to be the greatest writer in the English language and is celebrated as the world's most famous dramatist.

Read & Co. Classics presents this new beautiful edition of William Shakespeare's play, "The Tempest¿. Featuring a specially commissioned new biography of William Shakespeare, it is a must for Shakespeare enthusiasts and newcomers alike. ¿The Tempest¿ is a story about Prospero, a wronged man, and his retribution. Left isolated on an island with his daughter, Miranda, he seeks to punish his enemies. Commanding the elements with magic, he conjures a storm, shipwrecking his suspected wrongdoers. As the castaways wash up onto his shores, they discover the island is far from normal. The supernatural overtones in the play have inspired some to consider that Shakespeare was writing about matters of the human soul. William Shakespeare (1564 - 1616) was an English playwright, poet, and actor. He is considered to be the greatest writer in the English language and is celebrated as the world's most famous dramatist.

Read & Co. Classics presents this new beautiful edition of William Shakespeare's play, "The Merry Wives of Windsor", featuring a specially commissioned new biography of William Shakespeare. Set in the English town of Windsor, this play revolves around the antics of fictional character Sir John Falstaff and his attempts to seduce two housewives in order to access their husbands¿ fortunes. However, luck doesn¿t go his way and he is outsmarted and subjected to public ridicule. Falstaff is considered one of the Shakespeare¿s most famous comic characters and he appears in four of Shakespeare¿s history plays. William Shakespeare (1564 - 1616) was an English playwright, poet, and actor. He is considered to be the greatest writer in the English language and is celebrated as the world's most famous dramatist.

Read & Co. Classics presents this new beautiful edition of William Shakespeare's play, "Pericles, Prince of Tyre", featuring a specially commissioned new biography of William Shakespeare. In ¿Pericles¿, a father loses his wife, who dies at sea during childbirth. Upon land, Pericles entrusts his new-born daughter, Marina, to the Governor of Tarsus and his wife. Fourteen years later, Marina escapes a deadly plan, devised by the jealous Governor¿s wife, with an equally dire outcome. In a twist of fate, a family is reunited. Each scene in the play is introduced with a prologue, told by John Gower, an English poet from the past. William Shakespeare (1564 - 1616) was an English playwright, poet, and actor. He is considered to be the greatest writer in the English language and is celebrated as the world's most famous dramatist.

Read & Co. Classics presents this new beautiful edition of William Shakespeare's play, "Measure for Measure". Featuring a specially commissioned new biography of William Shakespeare, it is a must for Shakespeare enthusiasts and newcomers alike. This story¿s main themes are the conflicts between corruption and virtue, hypocrisy and justice. The Duke of Vienna leaves to resolve the town¿s troubles disguised as a friar. Left in charge, his trusted deputy Angelo reinstates the criminalising of sex before marriage, condemning Claudio, who has impregnated the girl he intends to marry, to death. When Claudiös sister, Isabella, a novice nun, asks Angelo to spare her brother, he propositions her, revealing his true nature. Though she refuses, the characters are swept into a world of trickery, secrets and disguise. William Shakespeare (1564 - 1616) was an English playwright, poet, and actor. He is considered to be the greatest writer in the English language and is celebrated as the world's most famous dramatist.

Read & Co. Classics presents this new beautiful edition of William Shakespeare's comedy, "Love¿s Labour's Lost". Featuring a specially commissioned new biography of William Shakespeare, it is a must for Shakespeare enthusiasts and newcomers alike. ¿Love¿s Labour¿s Lost¿, revolves around Ferdinand, King of Navarre, and his three companions, who enter a pact in which they swear to avoid women for three years. This oath is tested to its limits when the Princess of France arrives with her company of ladies. The young men subsequently lose their resolves, resulting in an unexpected, comical twist. William Shakespeare (1564 - 1616) was an English playwright, poet, and actor. He is considered to be the greatest writer in the English language and is celebrated as the world's most famous dramatist.

Read & Co. Classics presents this new beautiful edition of William Shakespeare's play, "Cymbeline", featuring a specially commissioned new biography of William Shakespeare. Although one of Shakespeare¿s less-performed plays, murderous plots and mistaken identities make ¿Cymbeline¿ a compelling story of intrigue. Set in ancient Britain, King Cymbeline laments the abduction of his two sons some twenty years prior. His last child, Imogen, has secretly married her lover, Posthumus, and not her stepbrother, Cloten, to which the sinister Queen has promised her hand. Exiled by the King, Posthumus is convinced that Imogen has been unfaithful and plans to seek revenge. Pursued by Cloten and fearful for her life, Imogen flees in a disguise and uncovers the truth about her brothers. William Shakespeare (1564 - 1616) was an English playwright, poet, and actor. He is considered to be the greatest writer in the English language and is celebrated as the world's most famous dramatist.