The Philosopher Zeno (Right Honourable, and my most worthily esteemed Lord) being demaunded on a time by what meanes a man might attaine to happinesse; made answere: By resorting to the dead, and having familiar conversation with them. Intimating thereby: The reading of ancient and moderne Histories, and endeavouring to learne such good instructions, as have bene observed in our Predecessors. A Question also was mooved by great King Ptolomy, to one of the learned wise Interpreters. In what occasions a King should exercise himselfe, whereto thus hee replyed: To know those things which formerly have bin done: And to read Bookes of those matters which offer themselves dayly, or are fittest for our instant affaires. And lastly, in seeking those things whatsoever, that make for a Kingdomes preservation, and the correction of evill manners or examples.Upon these good and warrantable grounds (most Noble Lord) beside many more of the same Nature, which I omit, to avoide prolixity, I dare boldly affirme, that such as are exercised in the reading of Histories, although they seeme to be but yong in yeares, and slenderly instructed in worldly matters: yet gravity and gray-headed age speaketh maturely in them, to the no meane admiration of common and vulgar judgement. As contrariwise, such as are ignorant of things done and past, before themselves had any being: continue still in the estate of children, able to speake or behave themselves no otherwise; and, even within the bounds of their Native Countries (in respect of knowledge or manly capacity) they are no more then well-seeming dumbe Images.In due consideration of the precedent allegations, and uppon the command, as also most Noble encouragement of your Honour from time to time; this Volume of singular and exquisite Histories, varied into so many and exact natures, appeareth in the worlds view, under your Noble patronage and defence, to be safely sheelded from foule-mouthed slander and detraction, which is too easily throwne upon the very best deserving labours.I know (most worthy Lord) that many of them have (long since) bene published before, as stolne from the first originall Author, and yet not beautified with his sweete stile and elocution of phrases, neither favouring of his singular morall applications. For, as it was his full scope and ayme, by discovering all Vices in their ugly deformities, to make their mortall enemies (the sacred Vertues) to shine the clearer, being set downe by them, and compared with them: so every true and upright judgement, in observing the course of these well-carried Novels, shall plainly perceive, that there is no spare made of reproofe in any degree whatsoever, where sin is embraced, and grace neglected; but the just deserving shame and punishment thereon inflicted, that others may be warned by their example. In imitation of witty Æsope; who reciteth not a Fable, but graceth it with a judicious morall application; as many other worthy Writers have done the like.For instance, let me heere insert one. A poore man, having a pike staffe on his shoulder, and travailing thorow a Countrey Village, a great Mastive Curre ran mainly at him, so that hardly he could defend himselfe from him. At the length, it was his chance to kill the Dogge: for which, the Owner immediately apprehending him, and bringing him before the Judge, alledged, that he had slaine his servant, which defended his life, house, and goods, and therefore challenged satisfaction. The Judge leaning more in favour to the Plaintiffe, as being his friend, neighbour, and familiar, then to the justice and equity of the cause; reprooved the poore fellow somewhat sharpely, and peremptorily commanded him, to make satisfaction, or els he would commit him to prison. That were injustice replyed the poore man, because I kilde the dogge in defence of mine owne life, which deserveth much better respect then a million of such Curres. Sirra, sirra, saide the Judge, then you should have turned the oth

This collection of literature attempts to compile many of the classic, timeless works that have stood the test of time and offer them at a reduced, affordable price, in an attractive volume so that everyone can enjoy them.

Jake’s reputation as a lady killer takes a hit when he falls for Trish and her two young children, Lexie and Trevor.Jake’s reputation as a lady killer takes a hit when he falls for Trish and her two young children, Lexie and Trevor. Trish has sworn off love after a disastrous marriage that left her in financial ruin, and she has no intention of getting involved with Jake or anyone else ever again. Her plate is overflowing with starting a new business and raising two kids on her own, and there is absolutely no room for a man in her life or for love in her heart. Independence is one thing, but when it compromises health and happiness – not to mention love – Jake knows it’s time to reevaluate. Somehow he has to find a way to prove to Trish that trusting someone doesn’t always lead to betrayal. If he can only convince her to take a chance on love again, he’ll gladly spend the rest of his life showing her that depending on someone else is what makes life worth living.

What does it take for a man to say, "I love you" out loud? Certainly the woman he loves can tell from his actions. And if she can tell, why must he initiate those words? Words explores new love first from his point of view, then hers. A sensual read, guaranteed to make you seek out that special someone in your life."A Tale of Two Cities" by Charles Dickens, is part of a computerised reading program devised by journalist/author Dave McKay. The program, which paraphrases classic novels, primarily targets people who are learning English as a second language. It enables older students to quickly read classic novels despite having a very limited reading vocabulary. Each book has a number on the cover, showing how many different English words were used in McKay's translation of teh book.When reading them in the proper order, readers will find that no book includes more than 100 new words (i.e. word not already learned from reading the previous titles). "A Tale of two Cities: uses 1700 different easy English words, and should follow on after completing "Huckleberry Finn", which uses an English vocabulary list of 1600 words.Other titles include: The King's New Clothes (400 words), Jungle Book (500 words), Robinson Crusoe (700 words), The Invisible Man (900 words), Uncle Tom's Cabin (1050 words) Julius Caesar (1200 words), Merchant of Venice (1300 words).This reading program has been used extensively in Kenya and India.

George has a hard time dealing with his farm and his four children after the death of his wife. When the ladies at his church raise money for a mail order bride for him, he doesn’t argue with them. Millie has a short time to find her own way in the world before she is kicked out of the orphanage where she was raised. George’s letter about his requirements for a bride fit in all ways but one.George has a hard time dealing with his farm and his four children after the death of his wife. When the ladies at his church raise money for a mail order bride for him, he doesn’t argue with them. He needs a caretaker for his family. Millie has a short time to find her own way in the world before she is kicked out of the orphanage where she was raised. George’s letter about his requirements for a bride fit in all ways but one. Will her lie keep them apart even after they’re married?

King Jesus,is one of the most controversial historical novels of all time. In it, Robert Graves has summoned his superb narrative powers, his painstaking scholarship, his wit and unsurpassed ability to recreate the past, to produce a magnificent portrayal of the life of Christ on earth.

Robert Drake did not think much of his father’s attempt to sway his dreams of becoming an FBI agent, nor the hallucination that took place during that attempt. It was long behind him now and he was bound and determined to make his own way in life. What he didn’t know is his earlier episode was going to lead him down a much darker path.Robert Drake did not think much of his father’s attempt to sway his dreams of becoming an FBI agent, nor the hallucination that took place during that attempt. It was long behind him now and he was bound and determined to make his own way in life. What he didn’t know is his earlier episode was going to lead him down a much darker path. Robert’s talents may prove the better, but one thing is for certain, one cannot exist alone in this world.Just when you thought you had seen the worst of man,He manages to out do himself.Truly there is nothing new under the sun,But that does not lessen the shock of man’s perversity.Take heart, trust in God,Only He shines in this dark world.

David Morgan, heir to a family fortune, rebels and becomes a jet fighter pilot. Meeting Debra, an Israeli writer, he follows her to her homeland and becomes involved in her country's war for national survival, at a terrible cost to both Debra and himself.

Marina had So Much To Tell You. Now it's Lisa's turn. While writing in a journal for class, Lisa gradually reveals her own personal feelings and concerns, while describing relationships with and problems of other girls at her boarding school.

Recently widowed private eye, autistic, Full House superfan and go-to guy for all random pop culture questions long past their sell-by date, Archie Lemons starts his first case since his finding his wife murdered in their home. Will this case help snap him from his reverie or will it prove to be his final undoing?Two men on the same side of the law-with two different objectives. While investigating the same case, the situation turns deadly. Jim Harper has been Sheriff of Lewis County for three decades. But when a drug investigation shatters the harmony of his County, he finds his community questioning his abilities. Alan Bradley is a hard driving Special Agent of the Drug Enforcement Agency. A tip leads Bradley to Lewis County where he suspects a drug dealer is hiding. The Phantom file is a mysterious case on the DEA dockets, and solving it would make Bradley a hero. Problems arise, which lead to mistakes and he finds himself unprepared. In order to preserve his credibility, he spin doctors the situation. He resurrects a ghost from Lewis County's past-D.B. Cooper! The public's reaction to the story of this hijacker couldn't be predicted as everyone is caught up in its wake. They clash but there can only be one winner, and it'll be at the expense of the other. Who will find that truth first?

As an uberhuman replicator, Carlos is able to peel another copy of himself whenever he needs company or back-up. However, someone wants to test the extent of these abilities by systematically assassinating his 'tribe' while on holiday in Puerto Rico.As an uberhuman replicator, Carlos is able to peel another copy of himself whenever he needs company or back-up. However, someone wants to test the extent of these abilities by systematically assassinating his 'tribe' while on holiday in Puerto Rico.A short story exploring some of the complications (and opportunities) facing a man who can make copies of himself.

A silly, simple little short story about two silly and simple little people, Grace and Benny Bevermeyer. Originally written for audio in a Tom Bodett-style narration, "Toothpick for Two" is a long married couple is reminded why they love eachother on a stormy night coming home from a family reunion. True love isn't all fun, but it can be funny, especially when you find it all over again.A silly, simple little short story about two silly and simple little people, Grace and Benny Bevermeyer. Originally written for audio in a Tom Bodett-style narration, "Toothpick for Two" requires a sense of humor.On a stormy night coming home from a family reunion, a long married couple just aren't getting along. But a simple, thoughtful act can warm even the coldest of hearts and can cure what ails those who have been together for years, but have forgotten how much they really love each other. True love isn't all fun, but it can be funny, especially when you find it all over again.Chuckle-back guarantee! Caution: sense of humor required.

Alex McCormick is a national hero,an astronaut who sacrifices everything and everyone to realize his dreams. The first man to travel to Jupiter's moon, he is on the brink of reaching his life's goal when fate sweeps it all away, leaving him embarked upon the strangest journey of all, the quest to find out who he really is. Arrogant, brilliant,charming and oblivious, he just might be God.Just who is Alex McCormick? His fellow flyboys at Edwards Air Force base would probably say he's a regular guy, just like them; a man in love with flying, in love with the sense of freedom bordering on ecstasy a man feels when leaving the sodden pull of gravity behind to soar above the earth, looking down on the mundane world below from a godlike perspective.If his wife - beautiful,brilliant and thwarted in her own aspirations in order to support his - was to hear their description she might nod in silent agreement: He certainly loved flying much more than he loved his son or her.Now embarked on a three year deep space voyage to Jupiter, his tongue-in-cheek goal "to go where no man has gone before" is met in the most unforeseen and literal way when his space vehicle crashes on Europa and he awakens in an alien recovery facility where he is about to discover his true self.Who is Alex McCormick? Arrogant, self-centered, brilliant, charming and oblivious, he just might be God.

Contains: "The Borders of Infinity" Brothers in Arms Mirror Dance Miles Naismith--in the person of his two alter-egos Admiral Naismith and Lieutenant Lord Vorkosigan--embarks on a perilous series of adventures, from the liberation of Barrayaran allies from a Cetagandan POW camp to the rescue of clone children scheduled

When Nancy Drew's friend Jennifer Bishop, a flight attendent, discovers a smuggling ring operating inside the airline, Nancy is brought in by airline president Preston Talbot and Bess goes undercover as a flight attendent,

The Aldens are at the Greenfield train station to meet their favorite mystery writer! Gilbert Finch has agreed to come to their library and meet all of his fans. But when Finch’s train arrives, there is no sign of him anywhere. The famous author has vanished! Will the Boxcar Children be able to find him?

A brilliant story of magic and mayhem from the outstanding Eva Ibbotson, now with a fantastic new cover-look!

The first book in the Gary Maddox Series:Sydney private investigator Gary Maddox scratches out a living doing personal injuries surveillance. A mother asks him to find out who killed her drug-dealing son. The son deserved to die. But the mother deserves justice and offers Gary a lot of money. Soon he's battling drug dealers, corrupt cops, hit-men and thugs. He's well armed and not dead yet.I have been abandoned in a stark landscape. I have no idea who I am or why I've been cast out. My only protection is a Ruger double-action revolver. I discover if I can make it through the no-man's-land alive, I might have a chance at amnesty. All I have to do is trek the two-hundred-and-fifty miles north through desolate wasteland to the Gate. Alone.I could say this is the worst day of my life, but I honestly have no idea.Into the Wasteland follows one young woman's journey through treacherous landscapes, backstabbing strangers, and lethal challenges. If she survives, her path will lead her to a final destination beyond anything she could have imagined.All author's proceeds from sales of this dystopian novella series benefits battered women’s shelters.Lisa's novellas are written without explicit intimacy or violence. As such they are suitable for teens and up.

Her older brother MIA, the responsibility for taking in their four-year-old sister Jazz and her dog Hank falls on Sera Dobson after their mother's suddenly death. Grief stricken, Sera’s mind starts playing tricks on her, making her talk to her sister’s dog, see ghosts, and believe there is a conspiracy at work. Caring for a child is hard enough. She doesn’t need the added headache of a breakdown.With her older brother MIA, the responsibility for taking in their four-year-old sister Jazz and her dog Hank falls on Sera Dobson after their mother's suddenly death. Grief stricken, Sera’s mind starts playing tricks on her, making her talk to her sister’s dog, see ghosts, and believe there is a conspiracy at work. Caring for a child is hard enough. She doesn’t need the added headache of a mental breakdown...

Three short fantasy stories set in different worlds of magic. "Indra’s Return" - Indra returns from exile with one purpose: to take revenge on the Elven King for sending him away. "World of Shells" - When Aima doesn’t returned by nightfall, Jun sets out to find her. "The Wolf Game" - In a world where the undead rule, Mara, a shadow woman, meets a white wolf.Three short fantasy stories set in different worlds of magic Indra’s ReturnIndra returns from exile with one purpose: to take revenge on the Elven King for sending him away. But in a game where nobody is who and what they seem, Indra will find that discovering the truth might be crueler than living a lie. Short epic fantasy story – 3561 words.World of ShellsWhen Aima doesn’t returned by nightfall, Jun sets out to find her. But the World of Shells is a dangerous place when light fades. Weaving his way between giant lizards, aggressive clan members and hungry birds of prey, he will either save Aima, or die trying. Short epic fantasy story – 3960 words.The Wolf GameIn a world where the undead rule, and shape-shifters are owned and kept by mortals, Mara, a shadow woman, acts as a guard for Riffa, a ghoul. When a white werewolf saves Mara in a fight, a bond forms between them. But while Mara wonders what this werewolf wants from her, she has to wonder about her own desires. Short urban fantasy story – 5365 words.

After two decades Laura Gentry has returned to Hathaway Hall. The old house stands firm upon the cliffs against the windy lament of Eternity Bay - the place her sister fell to her doom. Now a man waits for her on the shore, who at once bewitches her heart. But is he real, or is she losing her mind? Or could Jordan really be a ghost?A Short Story-Bill Tompkins is a retired high school science teacher turned novelist and indie author. Frustrated at the lack of sales for his AWESOME book, he turns to extreme measures.Nar Schmidt is Bill's 15 year-old neighbor, former student and computer prodigy whose favorite pastime is roaming around in the elaborate computer systems of large corporations.Bill enlists the teenager in a wild scheme to exact revenge on unfaithful readers- forcing them to buy his book at the point of a gun.