Martin Chuzzlewit's wealthy grandfather forces him to emigrate to America after the selfish Martin falls in love with the wrong girl; upon his return, Martin seems to prove his worth.

The work of a master storyteller, Quo Vadis is a panoramic historical novel that has captivated readers for generations. "Sienkiewicz wrote Quo Vadis for the entire world and the world took it to its heart," commented James Michener. Now, a sparkling new translation restores the original glory and splendor missing from earlier English translations of this great tale. Set at a turning point in history (A.D. 54-68), as Christianity replaces the era...

A semi-autobiographical novel examines the complex relationships that exist in the Pontifex family as they reflect the hypocrisy of the middle-class life in Victorian England.

"The brave and bold outlaw, Robin Hood, and his merry band of followers roam through Sherwood Forest robbing the rich and aiding the poor. Clad in Lincoln green they elude and evade the Sheriff of Nottingham who is determined to catch them. Join them on their merry and bold adventures as they outsmart the Sheriff and make new friends. Their amazing exploits have thrilled and delighted young readers for centuries."--Bk. back cover.

"Though The Deerslayer (1841) was the last of James Fenimore Coopers five Leatherstocking Tales to be written, it is the first in the chronology of Natty Bumppos life. Set in the 1740s before the start of the French and Indian War, when Coopers rugged frontiersman is in his twenties, Coopers novel shows us how 'Deerslayer' becomes 'Hawkeye.' It remains the best point of entry into the series for modern readers. In his introduction, Ezra Tawil examines...

A picaresque historical novel by Charles Reade, published in 1861 and set in late medieval Holland and Europe. The novel focuses on the story of a young scribe and illuminator named Gerard Eliason and his love for Margaret Brandt, daughter of a poor scholar. Interacting with them is a cast of vividly drawn characters and various historical personages. The overarching theme through all of their adventures is the conflict between man's obligations to...

"The epitome of the chivalric novel, Ivanhoe sweeps readers into Medieval England and the lives of a memorable cast of characters. Ivanhoe, a trusted ally of Richard-the-Lion-Hearted, returns from the Crusades to reclaim the inheritance his father denied him. Rebecca, a vibrant, beautiful Jewish woman is defended by Ivanhoe against a charge of witchcraft -- but it is Lady Rowena who is Ivanhoe's true love. The wicked Prince John plots to usurp England's...

The "No Popery" or Gordon Riots of 1780 include orgies and fires and Lord George Gordon as a major figure.

Colonel Pyncheon does well in denouncing Old Matthew: he founds a New England dynasty and builds a remarkable mansion; but on its opening day he is found dead, slaked in his own blood. By 1840, that dynasty is almost spent; amid the dust and decay of the Seven Gables, Clifford and Hepzibah believe in their own continued nobility as much as they believe in the mysterious curse still tracking the Pyncheons. After 30 years in prison for a murder he did...

"The Pioneers introduces readers to the colorful and enduring character of frontiersman Natty Bumppo. Forced by a local landowner to obey new hunting laws, Natty Bumppo rebels and finds allies in the landowner's daughter and a mysterious young stranger. Against the backdrop of the changing seasons, a varied cast of unforgettable characters is caught up in a drama that illuminates the essence of the American character and the conflict between a restlessly...