Featuring a stunning Introduction by popular author of The Ice Storm and Demonology Rick Moody, this special edition of The Mayor of Casterbridge is a tie-in to the AandE Television Network adaptation of Thomas Hardy's critically acclaimed novel. In a surprisingly personal essay, Moody names the saga "the first great novel about alcoholism," and delivers penetrating insight into the character of Michael Henchard and the crippling deficiencies that foretell his ruin. The Mayor of Casterbridge opens with an act of such heartlessness and cruelty that it still shocks readers today. Michael Henchard, an out-of-work hay-trusser, gets drunk at a fair and for five guineas sells his wife and child to a sailor. When the horror of his act sets in the following morning, the wretched Henchard swears he will not touch alcohol for twenty-one years. Through hard work and acumen, he becomes rich, respected, and eventually the mayor of Casterbridge. Eighteen years pass before Henchard's fateful oath comes back to claim its due

EACH ENRICHED CLASSIC EDITION INCLUDES: A concise introduction that gives readers important background information. A chronology of the author's life and work. A timeline of significant events that provides the book's historical context. An outline of key themes and plot points to help readers form their own interpretations. Detailed explanatory notes. Critical analysis, including contemporary and modern perspectives on the work. Discussion questions to promote lively classroom and book group interaction. A list of recommended related books and films to broaden the reader's experience. Enriched Classics offer readers affordable editions of great works of literature enhanced by helpful notes and insightful commentary. The scholarship provided in Enriched Classics enables readers to appreciate, understand, and enjoy the world's finest books to their full potential.

Thomas Hardy's richly evocative novel opens with the arrival of Bathsheba in the village of Weatherbury to work the large, dilapidated farm that is her inheritance. The plot turns on her sentimental education, her infatuation for Sergeant Troy, a dazzling young cavalry officer, and her relationship with the shepherd-farmer, Gabriel Oak. Gabriel's strong presence permeates a drama of temptation,treachery and passion in which Bathsheba achieves a painful but necessary self-knowledge.

In WASHINGTON SQUARE(1880),Henry James reminisces about the New York he had known thiry years before as he tells the story of Caterine sloper and her fortune-seeking suitor morris townsend.This perceptively drawn human dramsa is james' most accessible work and an enduring literary triumph. Washington Square press' Enriched Classics present the great works of world literature enhanced for the contemporary reader.This edition of WASHINGTON SQUARE has been prepared by Peter Conn,Andrea Mitchell Professor of English at the University of Pennsylvania.It includes his introduction,Notes,selection aof critical excerpts,and suggestions for further reading as well as a unique visual essay of period illustrations and photographs.

Fifteen men on the dead man's chest-Yo-ho-ho and a bottle of rum!' Treasure Island is a tale of pirates and villains, maps, treasure and shipwreck. When young Jim Hawkins finds a packet in Captain Flint's sea chest, he could not know that the map inside it would lead him to unimaginable treasure. Shipping as cabin boy on the Hispaniola, he sails with Squire Trelawney, Captain Smollett, Dr Livesey, the sinister Long John Silver and a frightening crew to Treasure Island. There, mutiny, murder and mayhem lead to a thrilling climax.

Oliver Twist is born in a workhouse and lives there until the day he pleads for more gruel Cast out into a harsh world, Oliver is taught to survive in London by Fagin and his gang of thieves. But can wits alone over-come poverty on the dangerous city streets?PENGUIN POPULAR CLASSICS are the per-fect introduction to the world-famous PENGUIN CLASSICS series - which en-compasses the best books ever written,from Homer's Odyssey to Orwell's 1984 and everything in between. For a full list and ideas on what to read next, visit www.penguinclassics.com

When Kitty Crozier meets dissident Romanian poet and compulsive storyteller Virgil Florescu in the hospital, love blooms immediately. Their tale is played out against a backdrop of repression and suffering during the Ceausescu regime, Kitty's reunion with her much-married father, and the crumbling marriage of Kitty's twin, Daisy. Virgil's is the sensitive and charming voice in which most of the story is told, and it is the unspeakable family secret that he carries that propels much of the narrative. Fittingly, this memorable and moving novel ends with five poems from Virgil to Kitty, which encapsulate much of what he has told her. Very funny yet deeply tragic, this is a good bet for all libraries, especially where Bailey's prize-winning earlier novels (At the Jerusalem) are known.

Myles Falworth was only eight years old the day a knight in black rode into the courtyard of his father’s castle with murderous intent, triggering a chain of events that brought disgrace to the house of Falworth. In spite of his family’s disgrace, young Myles quickly wins a reputation for courage and independence while in training as a knight at the castle of the great Earl of Mackworth. Then one day, when Myles is sixteen, he discover that his blind father has been condemned for treason, and is being hunted by a powerful enemy who is close to the King. To challenge the King’s champion means certain death. Myles must fight to restore his family’s rights, but does he dare to risk battle to win back his family’s honor?

The town of Hamelin is filled with rats! There are rats in the cupboards, rats in the marketplace, rats in the doghouses, even rats in the pots and pans. The rats are eating all the food, chewing through the houses, and chasing away the cats. The people of Hamelin don't know what to do!Then a mysterious stranger comes to town and promises to kick out the rats for good. Can the townspeople trust this oddly dressed man? And is getting rid of the rats worth the price?

Folger Shakespeare Library The world's leading center for Shakespeare studies Each edition includes: Freshly edited text based on the best early printed version of the play Full explanatory notes conveniently placed on pages facing the text of the play Scene-by-scene plot summaries A key to famous lines and phrases An introduction to reading Shakespeare's language An essay by an outstanding scholar providing a modern perspective on the play Illustrations from the Folger Shakespeare Library's vast holdings of rare book Essay by Susan Snyder The Folger Shakespeare Library in Washington, D.C., is home to the world's largest collection of Shakespeare's printed works, and a magnet for Shakespeare scholars from around the globe. In addition to exhibitions open to the public throughout the year, the Folger offers a full calendar of performances and programs.

Gr. 1-3. In this latest addition to Murphy's growing MathStart series, the Maple Street School's Save the Planet Club decides to clean up Gilroy Park and plant some flowers to celebrate Earth Day. To raise the necessary funds to purchase plants, they hold an aluminum-can drive, with a goal of collecting 5,000 cans. Keeping track of the daily totals is somewhat of a challenge until the kids begin to sort--using bags of 10, 100, and so forth--allowing Murphy to explain the concept and use of place value. Andriani's cheerful illustrations fairly teem with information about recycling and add humor and human interest to the story. Appended notes suggest extension activities for parents or teachers and also point children to related books. Funny anytime, this will also be a good choice for jazzing up a routine math lesson or as a springboard for Earth Day activities. Kay Weisman

MassieBlock:WhenthePrettyCommitteedeemsitsboy-fastnullandvoid,boyfeversweepsthroughBOCD.WhatbetterwaytobackhandspringintonewcrushDempsey'sheart-andmakeoldcrushDerringtonjealous-thancheerforhimonthesoccerfield?Andjustlikethat,MassieformsBOCD'sfirst-evercheerleadingsquad.ButwillMassiestillhavesomethingtocheeraboutwhenDempseystartsspendingahlotoftimewithLBRLayneAbeley?Givemean"E"forEhmagawd! KristenGregory:WithMassieandherSBFF(secretbestfriendforever)Laynevyingforthesameboy,Kristenhastomakeachoice:A)thePrettyCommittee,orB)theWittyCommittee.Andifshedoesn'tchoosefast,she'llendupC)Committeeless. DylanMarvil:Ishidingsomething,andit'snotjustthosepeanutbutterLunabarsstashedunderhermattress.She'sgotasecretcrushonDerrington-andit'snosecretthathelikesburpiliciousredheads... AliciaRivera:Preferspliéstopom-poms,especiallywhenMassieordershertothebottomofthecheer-pyramid.CanAliciaacceptherbetastatus,orisittimetobecomealphaofherownsquad? ClaireLyons:Nowthatshe'sbackwithCam,Clairefinallyhasherlovelifeinorder.Butherfriends

Elizabeth Bennet is at first determined to dislike Mr. Darcy, who is handsome and eligible. This misjudgment only matched in folly by Darcy's arrogant pride. Their first impressions give way to truer feelings in a comedy concerned with happiness and how it might be achieved. Jane Austen was born in Steventon, Hampshire, on December 16, 1775. Her father, the Reverend George Austen, was rector of Steventon, where she spent her first twenty-five years, along with her six brothers (two of them later naval officers in the Napoleonic wars) and her adored sister, Cassandra. She read voraciously from an early age, counting among her favorites the novels of Samuel Richardson, Henry Fielding, and Fanny Burney, and the poetry of William Cowper and George Crabbe. Her family was lively and affectionate and they encouraged her precocious literary efforts, the earliest dating from age twelve, which already displayed the beginnings of her comic style. Her first novels, Elinor and Marianne (1796) and First Impressions (1

Black Beauty had a fine, soft black coat, one white foot and a silver star on his forehead. This tale tells of the horse's adventures and tjoys is perhaps the most famous animal story of all time.Tens of millions of copies have been sold,and it remains as pupular now as when it was first published over a century ago.

A concise introduction that gives readers important background information A chronology of the author's life and work A timeline of significant events that provides the book's historical context An outline of key themes and plot points to help readers form their own interpretations Detailed explanatory notes Critical analysis, including contemporary and modern perspectives on the work Discussion questions to promote lively classroom and book group interaction A list of recommended related books and films to broaden the reader's experience Enriched Classics offer readers affordable editions of great works of literature enhanced by helpful notes and insightful commentary. The scholarship provided in Enriched Classics enables readers to appreciate, understand, and enjoy the world's finest books to their full potential.

PENGUIN POPULAR CLASSICS Learning that his father has been killed byhis uncle，Hamlet's only honourable courseof action is revenge．But his nature tendstowards reflection rather than murder—and,as a result。his own destruction seemsinevitable． PENGUlN POPULAR CLASSICS are the per-feCt introduction to the world．famousPENGUIN C LA SSICS series．—which en-compasses the best books ever written，from Homer’s Odyssey to Orwell’S l984and everything in between．For a full listand jdeas on what to read next，visitwww．penguinclassics．com

Drawing on her own experience, Anne Bront~ charts the development of gentle Agnes and sympathetically depicts the harsh treatment she receives along the way. Leaving her idyllic home and close-knit family, Agnes arrives at the Bloomfields' residence, inside whose walls reign cruelty and neglect. Although faced with tyrannical children and over-indulgent parents, the generosity of spirit and warm candour learnt from her own family never desert her. Agnes also remains firm in the Murray household, where she is used by the two disdainful young daughters for their own deceitful ends and where her chances of happiness are almost spoiled for her.

Acknowledged as one of the most brilliant American writers, Edgar Allan Poe crafted a fantastic world filled with mystery and horror that has thrilled readers for generations. This edition includes Poe's most famous tales and poems, including "The Tell-Tale Heart," "The Fall of the House of Usher," "The Purloined Letter," "The Pit and the Pendulum," "The Raven," "Lenore," and "Annabel Lee."

The Brothers Grimm rediscovered a host of fairy tales, telling of princes and princesses in their castles, witches in their towers and forests, of giants and dwarfs, of fabulous animals and dark deeds. This selection of their tales was made and translated by Lucy Crane, and includes firm favourites such as Rapunzel, The Goose Girl, Sleeping Beauty, Hansel and Gretel and Snow White. It is Illustrated throughout by Walter Crane's charming line drawings.

Brown(Chains of Command)shamelessly promotes himself and his previous works in his eighth aeronautical techno-thriller.Thus,this unwieldy tale of domestic terrorism includes forces and characters (notably maverick Coast Guard Rear Admiral Ian Hardcastle) from prior books,as well as gratuitious self-references ("They had gotten that idea from a techno-thriller novel published a few years back...called ammerheads ";or,"This is not some Dale Brown novel,this is real-life").Supervillain Henri Cazaux,rich beyond measure from drug- and gun-running,has vowed revenge upon the U.S.government for abuse he suffered at the hands of Air Force security police when,as a youth,he was caught dealing hashish to American troops.He begins by bombing major civilian airports;the government,which must predict his next targets and outwit him,eventually has to employ military forces over the skies of our largest cities.Although Brown raises some provocative issues,such as the problem of interagency rivalries and the appropriateness o