New Releases by Virginia Woolf

"A Room of One''s Own" by Virginia Woolf is a seminal essay that explores the relationship between women and fiction. First published in 1929, this work is based on a series of lectures Woolf delivered at two women''s colleges at Cambridge University. In this groundbreaking text, Woolf argues for the necessity of both financial independence and personal space for women writers to create their art. The essay is often regarded as a foundational text in feminist literary criticism and continues to resonate with readers today. Woolf begins her exploration by reflecting on the historical exclusion of women from the literary canon. She examines the societal conditions that have limited women''s access to education, wealth, and the opportunities necessary for creative expression. Through her analysis, Woolf highlights the systemic barriers that have hindered women''s voices throughout history. She emphasizes that the lack of a "room of one''s own" symbolizes the broader limitations placed on women in society, preventing them from fully realizing their potential as writers and thinkers. One of the central themes of the essay is the importance of financial independence for women. Woolf argues that in order to write, women need a space where they can think freely and develop their ideas without the constraints imposed by societal expectations. She points out that many great male authors had the privilege of financial support, allowing them to focus on their writing without the distractions of economic hardship. In contrast, women often lacked this support, which stifled their creative output. Woolf''s assertion that "a woman must have money and a room of her own if she is to write fiction" underscores the necessity of autonomy for female authors. Throughout the essay, Woolf employs a narrative style that blends personal reflection with broader social commentary. She uses fictional examples, such as the imagined life of a sister of William Shakespeare, to illustrate the challenges faced by women writers. By envisioning a talented woman who is denied the same opportunities as her male counterpart, Woolf effectively conveys the tragic loss of potential that results from societal repression. This imaginative approach allows readers to grasp the emotional weight of her arguments while engaging with the historical context. Woolf also delves into the concept of androgyny in writing, suggesting that the best literature transcends gender. She argues that authors should strive to incorporate both masculine and feminine perspectives, leading to a more holistic and enriched literary experience. By advocating for a blending of voices, Woolf challenges traditional notions of gender and encourages writers to explore the full spectrum of human experience. This idea of androgyny has had a lasting impact on literary theory and continues to inspire contemporary discussions about gender in literature. In addition to its feminist themes, "A Room of One''s Own" is celebrated for its innovative structure and style. Woolf''s prose is characterized by its lyrical quality and stream-of-consciousness technique, which allows her to weave together personal anecdotes, historical analysis, and philosophical musings. This fluidity reflects the complexity of her subject matter and engages readers in a thought-provoking exploration of women''s roles in literature and society. The essay has had a profound influence on feminist thought and literary criticism. It has inspired countless writers, scholars, and activists to advocate for women''s rights and representation in the arts. Woolf''s call for women to claim their space and voice in the literary world remains relevant in contemporary discussions about gender equality and the importance of diverse perspectives in literature. In conclusion, "A Room of One''s Own" by Virginia Woolf is a transformative work that addresses the intersection of gender, creativity, and societal constraints. Through her insightful analysis and powerful prose, Woolf makes a compelling case for the importance of financial independence and personal space for women writers. The essay not only critiques the historical exclusion of women from literature but also encourages readers to envision a more inclusive and equitable literary landscape. Woolf''s legacy endures, as her ideas continue to inspire and challenge readers to consider the significance of gender in the world of literature and beyond. This essential text is a must-read for anyone interested in feminist literature, literary criticism, and the ongoing struggle for women''s rights.

Adeline Virginia Woolf (1882 – 1941) is considered one of the most important modernist 20th-century authors and a pioneer in the use of stream of consciousness as a narrative device and for a demonstration of the sheer vitality of Virginia Woolf''s writing, Orlando is unsurpassed. The novel is a provocative exploration of gender and history, as well as of the nature of biography itself; perhaps surprisingly, given these highly intellectual concerns, it was highly popular when first published. Following Orlando over a 400-year life full of adventure, love, and a shift in gender, the character was apparently based on Woolf''s lover, Vita Sackville-West. In the court of Elizabeth I, Orlando is a dazzlingly handsome sixteen-year-old nobleman. There follows a frost fair on the Thames, at which a love affair with a Russian princess begins, only to end in heartache. Later Orlando is sent by Charles II as ambassador to the Ottoman court in Constantinople, where he becomes a woman, before returning to England to reside in the company of Pope and Dryden. A marriage in the nineteenth century leads to a son and a career as a writer, and the story ends in 1928, as Woolf''s text was published. This extraordinary tale is augmented by a series of writerly flourishes, questioning our conception of history, of gender, and of biographical "truth." If these are constructs, then who constructs them? What do they mean for individuals living and telling their lives? Woolf uses a series of devices to facilitate this kind of speculation: clothes are prominent, as is their role in shaping perceptions of gender; the narrative voice, too, is brilliantly conscious of itself, and of us as readers. It is a remarkable text

In "The Common Reader - First Series," Virginia Woolf presents a collection of essays that illuminate her views on literature and the act of reading. Written with her signature modernist flair, these essays bridge the gap between popular and highbrow literary discourse, exploring works from various authors such as Jane Austen and Charles Dickens. Woolf''s prose is characterized by its introspective depth and lyrical quality, offering readers a nuanced appreciation of the literary landscape. The context of the early 20th century—marked by burgeoning feminist thought and a reevaluation of cultural norms—profoundly influences her reflections on literature''s role in society. Virginia Woolf, a central figure in the modernist movement and a member of the Bloomsbury Group, brought her unique perspectives on gender, art, and society into her writing. Her advocacy for women''s voices in literature, fostered by her own experiences as a groundbreaking female author, informs the insightfulness of "The Common Reader." Woolf''s keen analytical eye and empathetic understanding of literature''s impact on both individuals and communities further enrich this collection, allowing her to dissect cultural landmarks with remarkable clarity. This collection is highly recommended for readers seeking a deeper appreciation of literature''s cultural significance and its interconnectedness with personal identity. Woolf''s elegant prose and perceptive analyses invite readers to expand their literary horizons, making "The Common Reader - First Series" an essential read for both scholars and casual readers alike.

In "The Common Reader - First and Second Series," Virginia Woolf meticulously curates a collection of essays that explore the intricacies of literature through the lens of a discerning yet relatable reader. With her characteristic modernist style, Woolf deftly blends personal reflection, literary criticism, and social commentary, offering insights into both established classics and lesser-known works. The essays demonstrate her belief in the fluidity of literary value, encouraging readers to engage with texts on an intimate level, thereby fostering a deeper appreciation for literature''s role in society and individual experience. Woolf''s candid prose serves not just to critique, but to invite dialogue with the reader, positioning them as an active participant in the literary discourse of her time. Virginia Woolf (1882-1941) was a pivotal figure of the modernist movement and a central voice in feminist literature. Her own experiences with the Bloomsbury Group and her struggles against the confines of early 20th-century society offer a profound context for her essays. Woolf''s intellectual pursuits were deeply rooted in her background; her father was a prominent writer and her mother a social reformer, which nourished her worldview and literary inclinations, fostering an abiding interest in the interplay between art and society. This compelling collection is a must-read for anyone seeking to understand the evolution of literary criticism and the importance of the reader''s perspective. Woolf''s engaging prose and acute observations will resonate with both novice and seasoned readers alike, making it an essential addition to the bookshelf of those who appreciate the richness and complexity of literature.

Virginia Woolf dreamed of the Day of Judgment. The "great conquerors and lawyers and statesmen" come to receive their rewards - crowns, laurels, names carved on marble. But, when he sees people coming with books under their arms, God turns to Peter and says: "Look, those need no reward. We have nothing to give them here. "They have loved reading." And this is the essence of her essay - sheer love for the written word: a joy in exploring the thoughts and imaginings of the author. If you sometimes get bogged down in a book, Woolf has produced the perfect self-help manual and motivational guide to reading. If you enjoyed ''How Should One Read a Book?'', try ''How to Read a Book: The Classic Guide to Intelligent Reading'', by Mortimer J Adler. "To read a novel is a difficult and complex art," says Virginia Woolf. Adeline Virginia Woolf (1882-1941) made an impact during her life, but her fame grew in the decades after her death. The English writer helped launch the use of stream-of-consciousness in literature and was a pioneer of 20th century modernism. Arguably her greatest legacy, though, comes from how her writing helped to inspire the feminist movements of the second half of the 20th century. Along with members of her family and other authors, Woolf helped found the Bloomsbury Group. After she married the political theorist and author Leonard Woolf in 1912, they went on the found the Hogarth Press. Virginia also had a long relationship with the writer Vita Sackville-West. The affair featured in the 2018 movie Vita and Virginia'', starring Gemma Arterton and Elizabeth Debicki, He best-known works include the novels ''Mrs Dalloway'', ''To the Lighthouse'' and ''Orlando''.

And all the lives we ever lived and all the lives to be are full of trees and changing leaves. Virginia Woolf’s most autobiographical novel, to the Lighthouse (1927) revolves around the Ramsay family and their life in the summer home situated at a distance from a Lighthouse, in the Hebrides, Isle of Skye in Scotland between 1910 and 1920. Enjoying the summer with their eight children, the Ramsay host an assortment of guests—Charles Tansley, an admirer of Mr. Ramsay work as a philosopher; Lily Briscoe, a young artist and William Bankes, an old friend of the Ramsay, among others. Six-year-old James Ramsay wants his father to take him to the Lighthouse, but Mr Ramsay keeps delaying the trip. And when the summer ends, war and death alter many realities. The journey to the Lighthouse is deferred. A book of childhood desires, conflicting adult relationships, philosophical introspection and multiple subjectivities, to the Lighthouse, divided into three sections—the window, time passes, the Lighthouse about many journeys and an Evergreen classic.

Love. Hate. Peace. Three emotions made the ply of human life.Between the Acts takes place on a June day in 1939 at Pointz Hall, the Oliver familys country house in the heart of England. In the garden, everyone from the village has gathered to present the annual pageantscenes from the history of England starting with the Middle Ages. As the story of England unfolds, the lives of the villagers also take shape. The past blends with the present and art blends with life in a narrative full of invention, affection, and lyricism.Through her characters'' passionate musings and private dramas, and through the enigmatic figure of the pageant''s author, Miss La Trobe, Virginia Woolf''s final novel both celebrates and mocks Englishness. Even so, the coming of war looms over the whole community, heralding a new act.

"A revolutionary novel of profound scope and depth, about a day in the life of a woman who runs a few errands, sees an old suitor and gives a dull party. It''s a masterpiece created out of the humblest narrative materials. . . . Woolf was one of the first writers to understand there are no insignificant lives, only inadequate ways of looking at them." —The New York Times The story follows one day of upper-class housewife Clarissa Dalloway''s life as she plans and hosts a dinner party at her house. Along the way she meets with people from both her past—a former suitor whose proposal she rejected and whom she no longer gets along with—and her present—her distant husband, Richard; her daughter, Elizabeth; and her daughter''s teacher, Miss Kilman, whom she despises (and who feels the same towards Clarissa). Proving herself a master and innovator of the parallel narrative, Woolf separately introduces reader to another storyline about a young veteran who was once a poet and a romantic before experiencing the horrors of war and becoming suicidal. He is diagnosed with mental illness and is being forced to separate from his wife and go to a mental asylum. Written one of the most prolific female authors of the twentieth century, this stunning novel is often considered Woolf''s magnum opus. Enjoy this beautifully rejuvenated edition of Virginia Woolf''s Mrs. Dalloway.

Virginia Woolf''s short story The New Dress was written in 1924. The story was published in the May 1927; it is about the feelings of a woman towards herself and her reaction to the behaviors of others when they meet her. It is also about the agonies and human experience in fashion.

To the Lighthouse is a 1927 novel by Virginia Woolf. The novel centres on the Ramsay family and their visits to the Isle of Skye in Scotland between 1910 and 1920.Following and extending the tradition of modernist novelists like Marcel Proust and James Joyce, the plot of To the Lighthouse is secondary to its philosophical introspection. Cited as a key example of the literary technique of multiple focalization, the novel includes little dialogue and almost no action; most of it is written as thoughts and observations. The novel recalls childhood emotions and highlights adult relationships. Among the book''s many tropes and themes are those of loss, subjectivity, the nature of art and the problem of perception.

Rachel Vinrace embarks for South America on her father''s ship and is launched on a course of self-discovery in a kind of modern mythical voyage. The mismatched jumble of passengers provide Woolf with an opportunity to satirize Edwardian life. The novel introduces Clarissa Dalloway, the central character of Woolf''s later novel, Mrs. Dalloway. Two of the other characters were modeled after important figures in Woolf''s life. St John Hirst is a fictional portrayal of Lytton Strachey and Helen Ambrose is to some extent inspired by Woolf''s sister, Vanessa Bell. And Rachel''s journey from a cloistered life in a London suburb to freedom, challenging intellectual discourse and discovery very likely reflects Woolf''s own journey from a repressive household to the intellectual stimulation of the Bloomsbury Group.

Night and Day is Virginia Woolfs second novel. It explores the social and romantic lives of two women: Katherine Hilbery, who is the granddaughter of a celebrated poet but is secretly fascinated by mathematics and astronomy and feels stifled by her privileged existence, and Mary Datchet, a womens suffrage activist who comes to realize that she does not need a man to feel fulfilled. Through these women, the novel explores issues relating to marriage, social class and the position of women in Edwardian society, and its reflections on identity remain relevant and thought-provoking today.

Discover Virginia Woolf''s landmark essay on women’s struggle for independence and creative opportunity A Room of One''s Own is one of Virginia Woolf''s most influential works and widely recognized for its extraordinary contribution to the women''s movement. Based on a lecture given at Girton College, Cambridge, it is one of the great feminist polemics, ranging in its themes from Jane Austen and Charlotte Brontë to the silent fate of Shakespeare''s gifted (imaginary) sister, and the effects of poverty and sexual constraint on female creativity. The work was ranked by The Guardian newspaper as number 45 in the 100 World''s Best Non-fiction Books. Part of the bestselling Capstone series, this collectible, hard-back edition of A Room of One’s Own includes an insightful introduction by Jessica Gildersleeve that explains the book''s place in modernist literature and why it still resonates with contemporary readers. Born in 1882, Virginia Woolf was one of the most forward-thinking English writers of her time. Author of the classic novels Mrs Dalloway (1925) and To the Lighthouse (1927), she was also a prolific writer of essays, diaries, letters and biographies, and a member of the celebrated Bloomsbury Set of intellectuals and artists. Discover why A Room of One''s Own is considered among the greatest and most influential works of female empowerment and creativity Learn why Woolf''s classic has stood the test of time. Make this attractive, high-quality hardcover edition a permanent addition to your library Enjoy an insightful introduction by Jessica Gildersleeve, who connects the themes of the text to the concerns of today''s audience Capstone Classics brings A Room of One''s Own to a new generation of readers who can discover how Woolf''s book broke new artistic ground and advanced the position of women writers and creatives around the world.

A collection of essays from the acclaimed author of Mrs. Dalloway on such subjects as Jane Austen, Geoffrey Chaucer, and her own literary philosophy. A good essay must have this permanent quality about it; it must draw its curtain round us, but it must be a curtain that shuts us in not out. Not written for scholars or critics, these essays are a collection of Virginia Woolf’s everyday thoughts about literature and the world—and the art of reading for pleasure. That many of them previously appeared in such publications as the Nation, Vogue, and the Yale Review points to their widespread appeal. Still, her brilliant powers of observation and insatiable curiosity shine through . . . “After all, Mrs. Woolf is no common reader, try as she may to be one. Her powers of coordination and logical inference are altogether too strong and capable. No common reader would kick the over-praised Robinson Crusoe overboard to float in seas of adolescent adoration for Moll Flanders, as she does. It would take an uncommon common reader to discourse as pithily on Elizabethan drama or the furiously literary Duchess of Newcastle. No idle peruser of the printed page would meditate so beautifully on Greek letters. And when we come to those essays, ‘Modern Fiction’ and ‘How It Strikes a Contemporary,’ a note that is altogether professional and the result of intensive study and theorizing is to be discerned.” —The New York Times “Woolf’s provocative collection of essays, reviews and flights of literary imagination assesses both the famous and the obscure.” —The Times (London)

To the Lighthouse (5 May 1927) is a novel by Virginia Woolf. A landmark novel of high modernism, the text, centering on the Ramsay family and their visits to the Isle of Skye in Scotland between 1910 and 1920, skillfully manipulates temporality and psychological exploration.To the Lighthouse follows and extends the tradition of modernist novelists like Marcel Proust and James Joyce, where the plot is secondary to philosophical introspection, and the prose can be winding and hard to follow. The novel includes little dialogue and almost no action; most of it is written as thoughts and observations. The novel recalls the power of childhood emotions and highlights the impermanence of adult relationships. One of the book''s several themes is the ubiquity of transience.

In this vivid portrait of a single day in a woman''s life, Mrs. Clarissa Dalloway is preoccupied with the last-minute details of preparation for a party while in her mind she is something much more than a perfect society hostess. As she readies her house for friends and neighbors, she is flooded with remembrances of the past--the passionate loves of her carefree youth, her practical choice of husband, and the approach and retreat of war. And, met with the realities of the present, Clarissa reexamines the choices that brought her there, hesitantly looking ahead to the unfamiliar work of growing old.From the introspective Clarissa, to the lover who never fully recovered from her rejection, to a war-ravaged stranger in the park, the characters and scope of Mrs. Dalloway reshape our sense of ordinary life making it one of the most "moving, revolutionary artworks of the twentieth century

A Room of One''s Own is an extended essay by Virginia Woolf, first published in September 1929.[1] The work is based on two lectures Woolf delivered in October 1928 at Newnham College and Girton College, women''s constituent colleges at the University of Cambridge.[2][3]An important feminist text, the essay is noted in its argument for both a literal and figurative space for women''s writers within a literary tradition dominated by men.

Set in the summer home of an English family, the novel unfolds through shifting perspectives of each character''s stream of consciousness, recalling childhood emotions and highlights of adult relationships. Shifts occur even mid-sentence, and in some sense they resemble the rotating beam of the lighthouse. A landmark of high modernism and one of Woolf''s best works. To the Lighthouse features the serene and maternal Mrs. Ramsay, the tragic yet absurd Mr. Ramsay, and their children and assorted guests who are on holiday on the Isle of Skye. From the seemingly trivial postponement of a visit to a nearby lighthouse, Virginia Woolf constructs a moving examination of the complex tensions and allegiances of family life and the conflicts within a marriage.

Clarissa Dalloway goes around London in the morning, getting ready to host a party that evening. The nice day reminds her of her youth spent in the countryside in Bourton and makes her wonder about her choice of husband; she married the reliable Richard Dalloway instead of the enigmatic and demanding Peter Walsh, and she "had not the option" to be with Sally Seton. Peter reintroduces these conflicts by paying a visit that morning. Septimus Warren Smith, a First World War veteran suffering from deferred traumatic stress, spends his day in the park with his Italian-born wife Lucrezia, where Peter Walsh observes them. Septimus is visited by frequent and indecipherable hallucinations, mostly concerning his dear friend Evans who died in the war. Later that day, after he is prescribed involuntary commitment to a psychiatric hospital, he commits suicide by jumping out of a window. Clarissa''s party in the evening is a slow success. It is attended by most of the characters she has met in the book, including people from her past. She hears about Septimus'' suicide at the party and gradually comes to admire this stranger''s act, which she considers an effort to preserve the purity of his happiness.

Reproduktion des Originals: Jacob ́s Room von Virginia Woolf

"How to recognize which books should read.The classic means forever then the classic books mean eternity."Good friends, good books and a cup of tea", this is my idea life. And You?"

"How to recognize which books should read.The classic means forever then the classic books mean eternity."Good friends, good books and a cup of tea", this is my idea life. And You?"

This eBook features the unabridged text of ‘The Years by Virginia Woolf - Delphi Classics (Illustrated)’ from the bestselling edition of ‘The Complete Works of Virginia Woolf’. Having established their name as the leading publisher of classic literature and art, Delphi Classics produce publications that are individually crafted with superior formatting, while introducing many rare texts for the first time in digital print. The Delphi Classics edition of Woolf includes original annotations and illustrations relating to the life and works of the author, as well as individual tables of contents, allowing you to navigate eBooks quickly and easily. eBook features: * The complete unabridged text of ‘The Years by Virginia Woolf - Delphi Classics (Illustrated)’ * Beautifully illustrated with images related to Woolf’s works * Individual contents table, allowing easy navigation around the eBook * Excellent formatting of the textPlease visit www.delphiclassics.com to learn more about our wide range of titles

This eBook features the unabridged text of ‘Night and Day by Virginia Woolf - Delphi Classics (Illustrated)’ from the bestselling edition of ‘The Complete Works of Virginia Woolf’. Having established their name as the leading publisher of classic literature and art, Delphi Classics produce publications that are individually crafted with superior formatting, while introducing many rare texts for the first time in digital print. The Delphi Classics edition of Woolf includes original annotations and illustrations relating to the life and works of the author, as well as individual tables of contents, allowing you to navigate eBooks quickly and easily. eBook features: * The complete unabridged text of ‘Night and Day by Virginia Woolf - Delphi Classics (Illustrated)’ * Beautifully illustrated with images related to Woolf’s works * Individual contents table, allowing easy navigation around the eBook * Excellent formatting of the textPlease visit www.delphiclassics.com to learn more about our wide range of titles

This eBook features the unabridged text of ‘Flush by Virginia Woolf - Delphi Classics (Illustrated)’ from the bestselling edition of ‘The Complete Works of Virginia Woolf’. Having established their name as the leading publisher of classic literature and art, Delphi Classics produce publications that are individually crafted with superior formatting, while introducing many rare texts for the first time in digital print. The Delphi Classics edition of Woolf includes original annotations and illustrations relating to the life and works of the author, as well as individual tables of contents, allowing you to navigate eBooks quickly and easily. eBook features: * The complete unabridged text of ‘Flush by Virginia Woolf - Delphi Classics (Illustrated)’ * Beautifully illustrated with images related to Woolf’s works * Individual contents table, allowing easy navigation around the eBook * Excellent formatting of the textPlease visit www.delphiclassics.com to learn more about our wide range of titles

This eBook features the unabridged text of ‘A Room of One’s Own by Virginia Woolf - Delphi Classics (Illustrated)’ from the bestselling edition of ‘The Complete Works of Virginia Woolf’. Having established their name as the leading publisher of classic literature and art, Delphi Classics produce publications that are individually crafted with superior formatting, while introducing many rare texts for the first time in digital print. The Delphi Classics edition of Woolf includes original annotations and illustrations relating to the life and works of the author, as well as individual tables of contents, allowing you to navigate eBooks quickly and easily. eBook features: * The complete unabridged text of ‘A Room of One’s Own by Virginia Woolf - Delphi Classics (Illustrated)’ * Beautifully illustrated with images related to Woolf’s works * Individual contents table, allowing easy navigation around the eBook * Excellent formatting of the textPlease visit www.delphiclassics.com to learn more about our wide range of titles

The Waves, first published in 1931, is Virginia Woolf''s most experimental novel. It consists of soliloquies spoken by the book''s six characters: Bernard, Susan, Rhoda, Neville, Jinny, and Louis. Also important is Percival, the seventh character, though readers never hear him speak in his own voice. The soliloquies that span the characters'' lives are broken up by nine brief third-person interludes detailing a coastal scene at varying stages in a day from sunrise to sunset.As the six characters or "voices" speak Woolf explores concepts of individuality, self and community. Each character is distinct, yet together they compose (as Ida Klitg�rd has put it) a gestalt about a silent central consciousness.

Rachel Vinrace embarks for South America on her father''s ship and is launched on a course of self-discovery in a kind of modern mythical voyage. The mismatched jumble of passengers provide Woolf with an opportunity to satirize Edwardian life. The novel introduces Clarissa Dalloway, the central character of Woolf''s later novel, Mrs. Dalloway. Two of the other characters were modeled after important figures in Woolf''s life. St John Hirst is a fictional portrayal of Lytton Strachey and Helen Ambrose is to some extent inspired by Woolf''s sister, Vanessa Bell. And Rachel''s journey from a cloistered life in a London suburb to freedom, challenging intellectual discourse and discovery very likely reflects Woolf''s own journey from a repressive household to the intellectual stimulation of the Bloomsbury Group.

The novel centres, in a very ambiguous way, around the life story of the protagonist Jacob Flanders, and is presented entirely by the impressions other characters have of Jacob (except for those times when we do indeed get Jacob''s perspective). Thus, although it could be said that the book is primarily a character study and has little in the way of plot or background, the narrative is constructed as a void in place of the central character, if indeed the novel can be said to have a ''protagonist'' in conventional terms.

''Things are not simple but complex. If he bit Mr. Browning he bit her too. Hatred is not hatred; hatred is also love.'' Virginia Woolf''s delightful biography of the poet Elizabeth Barrett Browning''s spaniel, which asks what it means to be human - and to be dog. One of 46 new books in the bestselling Little Black Classics series, to celebrate the first ever Penguin Classic in 1946. Each book gives readers a taste of the Classics'' huge range and diversity, with works from around the world and across the centuries - including fables, decadence, heartbreak, tall tales, satire, ghosts, battles and elephants.