Streets of Gold
Evan Hunter
A blind jazz pianist, Ignazio Silvio Di Palermo (who later adopts the name Dwight Jamison), recounts the sprawling, often contradictory, saga of his Italian-American family's journey through the American Dream. From his grandfather's arrival in New York with dreams of 'gold in the streets' to his own struggles with blindness, music, and identity, the narrative weaves together personal anecdotes, cultural observations, and philosophical musings on truth, lies, and the elusive nature of American success. A poignant and complex exploration of immigration, family, and the search for belonging in a land of shifting realities.
There Is Confusion
Jessie Redmon Fauset
Set in post-slavery New York and Philadelphia, Jessie Redmon Fauset's seminal novel introduces Joanna Marshall, a fiercely ambitious young Black woman determined to carve out a name for herself as a dancer, and Peter Bye, whose family history is deeply rooted in the legacy of slavery. As their lives intertwine, Fauset masterfully explores themes of race, class, ambition, and the complex journey of defining liberty and identity for a generation of Black Americans navigating a society still grappling with its past. A rediscovered gem from the Harlem Renaissance, this novel offers a profound look into the challenges and triumphs of its characters.
The Tragedy of King Lear
William Shakespeare
This updated critical edition of Shakespeare's 'King Lear' offers a comprehensive exploration of one of the Bard's most profound tragedies. Edited by Jay L. Halio, it provides in-depth analysis of the play's textual history, including the differences between the Quarto and Folio versions, alongside a rich account of Shakespeare's sources, literary and political influences, and a substantial stage history. It's an essential resource for understanding the enduring power and complexity of King Lear.
Jane Eyre
Charlotte Brontë
Orphaned at a young age, Jane Eyre endures a difficult childhood before becoming a governess at Thornfield Hall. There, she finds herself drawn to the enigmatic Mr. Rochester, but their path to happiness is fraught with secrets and societal expectations. A story of love, independence, and self-discovery.
The Divine Comedy of Dante Alighieri
Dante Alighieri
This scholarly edition presents Dante Alighieri's epic poem, *Inferno*, the first canticle of *The Divine Comedy*, in a literal prose translation by Robert M. Durling. Accompanied by a comprehensive introduction and extensive notes by Ronald L. Martinez and Robert M. Durling, this volume offers deep insights into the historical, cultural, and theological contexts of Dante's masterpiece. It includes textual variants, a bibliography, and detailed explanations designed to aid both first-time readers and seasoned scholars in navigating the complexities of medieval thought and the poet's intricate narrative of the Catholic Otherworld.
One Hundred Years of Solitude
Gabriel Garcia Marquez
A landmark 20th-century novel that tells the multi-generational story of the Buendía family in the fictional town of Macondo. Through love, war, and tragedy, the novel explores themes of fate, history, and the cyclical nature of time in a vibrant and unforgettable way.