Two Arkansas teenagers are run over by a train. The state medical examiner rules they smoked themselves into "a marijuana-induced stupor" before lying down, side by side on the tracks. He rules the deaths accidental. Case closed. Except that when the parents of one get the bodies exhumed, new autopsies point to murder. That launches the mom of one of the boys on a journey that will lead her into a dark world of drugs and political corruption. In 2001, after this book's release, a U.S. court of appeals wrote: "The record in this case reads like a John Grisham novel." Shockingly, this story is true.
When Stoner was published in 1965, the novel sold only a couple of thousand copies before disappearing with hardly a trace. Yet John Williams’s quietly powerful tale of a Midwestern college professor, William Stoner, whose life becomes a parable of solitude and anguish eventually found an admiring audience in America and especially in Europe. The New York Times called Stoner “a perfect novel,” and a host of writers and critics, including Colum McCann, Julian Barnes, Bret Easton Ellis, Ian McEwan, Emma Straub, Ruth Rendell, C. P. Snow, and Irving Howe, praised its artistry. The New Yorker deemed it “a masterly portrait of a truly virtuous and dedicated man.” The Man Who Wrote the Perfect Novel traces the life of Stoner’s author, John Williams. Acclaimed biographer Charles J. Shields follows the whole arc of Williams’s life, which in many ways paralleled that of his titular character, from their shared working-class backgrounds to their undistinguished careers in the halls of academia. Shields vividly recounts Williams’s development as an author, whose other works include the novels Butcher’s Crossing and Augustus (for the latter, Williams shared the 1972 National Book Award). Shields also reveals the astonishing afterlife of Stoner, which garnered new fans with each American reissue, and then became a bestseller all over Europe after Dutch publisher Lebowski brought out a translation in 2013. Since then, Stoner has been published in twenty-one countries and has sold over a million copies.
The 'SCIENCE FICTION Ultimate Box Set' assembles an unparalleled compendium of works from the pioneers and titans of the science fiction genre. Spanning a variety of literary styles—from the adventurous to the speculative, and the fantastical to the utopian—this collection encompasses the rich diversity that has defined and continuously reinvents science fiction. Unique in its breadth, the anthology invites readers to explore seminal works that have laid the foundations of modern speculative storytelling, including groundbreaking narratives of interstellar exploration, time travel, and alternate realities. The contributing authors, a veritable lexicon of literary virtuosos like Jules Verne, H.G. Wells, Mary Shelley, and George Orwell, bring together a tapestry of cultural, philosophical, and scientific insights from their respective epochs. Their collective works reflect the evolution of science fiction as a mirror to society's advancements and anxieties, tracing the genre's roots from gothic novels and romanticism to the dawn of the atomic age and beyond. Their diverse backgrounds and contributions illuminate the anthology's overarching theme: the insatiable human quest for knowledge and the exploration of the unknown. 'Readers of the SCIENCE FICTION Ultimate Box Set' are afforded an extraordinary journey through the annals of science fiction. Each page offers an opportunity to witness the evolutionary arc of one of literature's most dynamic genres. The anthology serves not just as a collection of stories, but as an educational resource and a bridge to the dialogue between generations of storytellers. For enthusiasts and newcomers alike, this box set promises endless hours of imaginative thought, challenging one's perceptions of what is possible in the realm of the written word.
The Greatest Classics of Science Fiction' encapsulates an extraordinary array of imaginative explorations into what was, what is, and what could be, presented through a prism of genres ranging from adventure and mystery to dystopian futures. This collection is not only a testament to the speculative and pioneering spirit of its authors but also a monument to the diversity and depth of early science fiction. Among the standout pieces are tales that laid the foundations for entire subgenres, exploring themes of technology, society, and the human condition with unmatched inventiveness and foresight, all without attributing greatness to a single voice but rather celebrating the collective genius at work. The authors represented in this anthology, including Jules Verne, H.G. Wells, and Mary Shelley, among others, are titans of literature whose individual contributions to the genre have become landmarks of cultural and historical significance. Their backgrounds, ranging from the romantic adventurers and keen observers of the human psyche to visionary dreamers, unite to form a tapestry that reflects the multifaceted concerns and aspirations of the eras they lived in. This convergence of minds aligns with several major literary and social movements, from the romanticism of the 19th century to the early modernist waves of the 20th, each bringing a unique flavor to the science fiction genre. 'The Greatest Classics of Science Fiction' is not merely an anthology; it is an invitation to witness the convergence of visionary minds who have shaped not only science fiction but also our understanding of the world through speculative thought. Readers seeking to immerse themselves in the roots of science fiction will find this collection an invaluable compendium, offering insights into the human condition while exploring the limitless possibilities of the imagination. It is an essential read for those who wish to appreciate the breadth and depth of a genre that continues to question, challenge, and entertain.
DigiCat presents to you this unique SF collection, designed and formatted to the highest digital standards and adjusted for readability on all devices. Contents: Jules Verne: Journey to the Center of the Earth Twenty Thousand Leagues under the Sea H. G. Wells: The Time Machine The War of The Worlds Mary Shelley: Frankenstein Arthur Conan Doyle: The Lost World Edgar Allan Poe: A Descent into the Maelstrom The Conversation of Eiros and Charmion Mark Twain: A Connecticut Yankee in King Arthur's Court Edward Bulwer-Lytton: The Coming Race Edwin A. Abbott: Flatland Jack London: Iron Heel Edward Bellamy: Looking Backward: 2000–1887 Robert Louis Stevenson: The Strange Case of Doctor Jekyll and Mr Hyde George MacDonald : Lilith H. Rider Haggard: King Solomon's Mines William Hope Hodgson: The Night Land Charlotte Perkins Gilman: Herland Ayn Rand: Anthem Hugh Benson: Lord of the World David Lindsay: A Voyage to Arcturus Abraham Merritt: The Moon Pool The Metal Monster
The Ultimate SF Collection: 150 Classics is an unparalleled compilation that traverses the broad spectrum of science fiction, showcasing the rich diversity and profound depth of this genre. From the proto-science fiction elements of Mary Shelley's groundbreaking work to the complex social commentaries of H.G. Wells, and the pioneering space operas of E.E. Smith, this anthology celebrates the multifaceted nature of science fiction. It navigates through various literary styles, from adventure-laden narratives and speculative technological wonders to dystopian visions and philosophical explorations, offering readers a comprehensive journey through the evolution of the genre. Standout pieces include timeless classics that have become cornerstones of science fiction, reflective of the era's technological aspirations and societal fears. The contributing authors and editors, a constellation of literary luminaries, bring together an extraordinary range of perspectives, each infusing the collection with unique insights grounded in their distinct historical and cultural contexts. Authors like Jules Verne and H.G. Wells are credited with the genesis of speculative fiction, while pioneers like Mary Shelley and Edgar Allan Poe introduced elements that would define the genre. This anthology not only highlights seminal works that contributed to the development of science fiction but also aligns with various literary movements, from Romanticism to Modernism, enriching the readers' understanding of its thematic diversity. The Ultimate SF Collection: 150 Classics offers a unique opportunity to immerse oneself in the expansive universe of science fiction. It is an essential read for aficionados and newcomers alike, providing a broad compilation that celebrates the genre's ability to question the known and imagine the unknown. This anthology encourages readers to explore the depths of human imagination, the ethical dilemmas of science and technology, and the endless possibilities of alternative realities. It is an invitation to traverse time, space, and dimension through a literary lens, fostering a deeper appreciation of the genre's contribution to culture and society.
A historian debunks four-dozen PC myths about our nation's past. Over the last forty years, history textbooks have become more and more politically correct and distorted about our country's past, argues professor Larry Schweikart. The result, he says, is that students graduate from high school and even college with twisted beliefs about economics, foreign policy, war, religion, race relations, and many other subjects. As he did in his popular A Patriot's History of the United States, Professor Schweikart corrects liberal bias by rediscovering facts that were once widely known. He challenges distorted books by name and debunks forty-eight common myths. A sample: • The founders wanted to create a wall of separation between church and state • Lincoln issued the Emancipation Proclamation only because he needed black soldiers • Truman ordered the bombing of Hiroshima to intimidate the Soviets with atomic diplomacy • Mikhail Gorbachev, not Ronald Reagan, was responsible for ending the Cold War America's past, though not perfect, is far more admirable than you were probably taught.
