eBooks de Biografías históricas universales, página 5 de 907

In 1869, Empson Edward Middleton, an English ex-soldier and man of means, built himself a 23-foot sailboat and set about becoming the first man to single-handedly circumnavigate England. He chose the most difficult route he could think of, one of poorly charted sea lanes and powerful tides, and recorded his remarkable feat in this book, which served as his log and diary. The Cruise of the Kate is an incredible tale from the days when all a navigator had to steer by was the compass and the stars, along with the occasional landmark and passing vessels. Middletons lively, detailed account of his daring but successful voyage brings to life the condition of solo ocean sailing more than a century ago.

First published in 1926, "Seven Pillars of Wisdom" by T. E. Lawrence is the story of the Arab Revolt against the Turkish Empire and Lawrences role in it. Lawrence, educated at Oxford, begins by working for a museum on an archaeological dig in the Middle East at the outbreak of the First World War. He is commissioned into the British Army while at the Euphrates and is attached to the Hejaz Expeditionary Force with Lawrence functioning as the British soldier attached to the Arab leadership in the revolt against the Turks. The Arab region is a part of the Ottoman Empire at the opening of the book. Turkey is an ally of Germany in the war and England feels that helping the Arabs defeat the Turks helps England in her war against Germany."Seven Pillars of Wisdom" is an unusual and rich work. It encompasses an account of the Arab Revolt against the Turks during the First World War alongside general Middle Eastern and military history, politics, adventure and drama. It is also a memoir of the soldier known as Lawrence of Arabia. Lawrence is a fascinating and controversial figure and his talent as a vivid and imaginative writer shines through on every page of this, his masterpiece. "Seven Pillars of Wisdom" provides a unique portrait of this extraordinary man and an insight into the birth of the Arab nation.

Battle for the Solomons is Pulitzer Prize-winning reporter Ira Wolferts dazzling account of the fierce land, sea, and air fighting in the Solomon Islands during 1942. Wolfert was in the thick of it, facing death alongside the troops, and he reproduces events as they happen in real time, making for a tense, suspenseful read. Wolfert risked his life for the sake of authenticity, and survived to write this, one of the most remarkable combat memoirs of World War 2.

Can You Forgive Her?, first published in serial form in 1864 and 1865, is the first in a series of six Trollope novels (known as the Palliser series) dealing broadly with 19th Century English political scene. It introduces the reader to Plantagenet and Glencora Palliser, as they court, marry, and as Plantagenet sets out on his political career, which is carried on in the foreground or background throughout the series. Each novel has a focus on other particular characters, as well. In this one, it is the dilemma of Alice Vavasor, who is a young woman choosing between two suitors: one who has all the best qualities, but who prefers a retiring private life, and another, whose qualities are doubtful, but who is ambitious for public office. There is also a comic subplot involving a widowed aunt, who also must choose between two suitors: Mr. Cheeseacre, a dull but stable farmer, and Capt. Bellfield, a charming but somewhat erratic retired military man.Novels in the Palliser series:1- Can You Forgive Her? (1864)2- Phineas Finn (1869)3- The Eustace Diamonds (1873)4- Phineas Redux (1874)5- The Prime Minister (1876)6- The Dukes Children (1879)The series overlaps with Trollopes Chronicles of Barsetshire, also a series of six novels, which deal with life in the fictional county where the Palliser family is politically important.

"In the Heart of Africa" is a classic African explorer biography by Samuel White Baker. The story developed during "In the Heart of Africa" is summarised at the beginning of the novel by the narrator and protagonist:"In March, 1861, I commenced an expedition to discover the sources of the Nile, with the hope of meeting the East African expedition of Captains Speke and Grant, that had been sent by the English Government from the South via Zanzibar, for the same object. I had not the presumption to publish my intention, as the sources of the Nile had hitherto defied all explorers, but I had inwardly determined to accomplish this difficult task or to die in the attempt."

"Correspondence" is a magnificent collection of letters written by the post-Cartesian philosopher Benedict de Spinoza during the 17th century. It was impossible for so bold and original a thinker as Spinoza not to take his part in the discussion of the new results that came pouring from the laboratories in a manner reminiscent of our own times, more especially as he was earning his living by grinding lenses. It is true that he made no original contribution to the scientific thought of the day, and likewise made no experimental discoveries. Nevertheless, from his letters we can form a lively picture of those days when so many science discoveries were happening.However, the chief interest of the letters is undoubtedly for the philosophers who find therein discussed at length Spinozas conception of God, but the man of science, as such, who has the faintest historic sense cannot but be entertained to find himself in a world where the transmutation of silver to gold witnessed by Helvetius was a matter of lively inquiry, and where the authority of Descartes was well-nigh absolute.

"In Ghostly Japan" is a collection of 13 stories collected by Lafcadio Hearn that contains Japanese ghost stories, but also several non-fiction pieces. Hearn tries to give a glimpse into the customs of the Japanese, by giving examples of Buddhist Proverbs and explaining the use of incense and the nation wide fascination with poetry.A perfect collection of deathless images of ghosts and goblins, touches of folklore and superstition, salted with traditions of the nation.The Japanese have two kinds of ghosts in their folklorethe spirits of the dead, and the spirits of the living. This classic of Japanese literature invites you to take your choice if you dare.

"Famous Impostors" was Bram Stokers fifth and final book of nonfiction, first published in the UK in 1910.Aliases. Fraudsters. Confidence tricksters. People pretending to be what they are not, for financial, political or personal gain. Fiction is filled with them to entertain us; but would not be anywhere near as believable if such people had not, in reality, existed since time immemorial. In "Famous Impostors", the great Bram Stoker (author of "Dracula") throws light on just a few such people, who have tricked their way into the annals of history.

In "The Teeth of the Tiger", Maurice Leblanc delivers another Arsene Lupin adventure set in World War I. Arsene Lupin is the French counterpart to the English Sherlock Holmes, a sincere hero who has failings, which ender him to the reader. This romance and adventure/thriller is by far the best of the Lupin series."The Teeth of the Tiger" tells the story of the final Will of a man named Mornington, who, in the year 1900, left behind the sum of $400 million francs. Of that, three-fourths went to his adopted country - which left $100 million francs to be distributed to his heirs. The executor of the estate was Morningtons friend, Don Luis Perenna (AKA Arsene Lupin). The problem, however, was that no one knew where (or even who) some of the heirs were. If no heirs were to be found within 3 months, the entire $100 million francs would go to Perenna. And Lupin had a reputation as being something of a rogue. It is definitely a race against time, as the heirs seem to be turning up dead at an alarming rate.

Immerse yourself in the timeless brilliance of Charles Dickens with The Charles Dickens Collection by Steppenwolf Press. This exquisite anthology brings together twelve of his most iconic works, offering a sweeping journey through the drama, humor, and humanity that define his legacy. Begin with A Tale of Two Cities, where the chaos of the French Revolution sets the stage for a powerful story of love and sacrifice. Walk the shadowed streets of Victorian London in Oliver Twist, where innocence and cruelty clash in a world of desperate survival. With Hard Times, delve into Dickens sharp critique of industrial society, exposing the cold logic of utilitarianism and its impact on the human spirit. Explore the intricate web of secrets and corruption in Bleak House, a masterful tale of love and greed entwined with the inefficiencies of the legal system. Follow the deeply personal journey of David Copperfield, a poignant coming-of-age story filled with unforgettable characters and universal truths. In Dombey and Son, witness a powerful exploration of family, ambition, and redemption, and in Little Dorrit, unravel the quiet yet profound drama of a world trapped by social and personal debts. Experience Dickens satirical genius in Martin Chuzzlewit, a story of selfishness and transformation, and savor the rich humor and heartfelt drama of Nicholas Nickleby, where courage and kindness shine against cruelty. Our Mutual Friend paints a vivid picture of greed, love, and redemption amid the murky waters of Victorian social change, while Great Expectations unfolds a haunting and deeply moving tale of ambition, betrayal, and forgiveness. Rounding out this collection is Barnaby Rudge, a gripping historical novel set during the Gordon Riots, blending history, love, and rebellion in one of Dickens lesser-known but equally compelling works. Through these stories, Dickens introduces us to some of literatures most memorable characters: the enigmatic Miss Havisham, the fiercely determined David Copperfield, the cunning Fagin, and many more. Each tale reflects his unparalleled ability to capture the complexities of human nature while painting a vivid portrait of the eras struggles and triumphs. The Charles Dickens Collection by Steppenwolf Press is more than a compilationits a celebration of one of the greatest literary minds in history. Beautifully curated and elegantly presented, this volume invites readers to rediscover the magic of Dickens or to experience it for the first time. Its a journey into the heart of storytelling, one that will leave you moved, inspired, and forever touched by his genius.

Compiled and Edited by Charles W. Eliot in 1909, the Harvard Classics is a 51-volume Anthology of classic literature from throughout the history of western civilization. The set is sometimes called "Eliots Five-Foot Shelf."This e-book includes all 51 volumes PLUS the Harvard Classic Shelf of Fiction, the equivalent of over 30,000 printed pages in one e-book!

"Hospital Sketches" is a fictionalised account of Louisa May Alcotts experiences nursing during the Civil War and presented in a collection of letters. The book garnered Alcotts first critical recognition for her observations and humour.Tribulation Periwinkle, looking for something to do, follow the suggestion of her brother, Tom, and decided to become a nurse for the Union Army. However, her difficulties begin before she even gets to the hospital. She describes the inconveniences of travel on her way to Washington, D.C. Once Nurse Periwinkle arrives at the Hurly-Burly Hotel, a temporary hospital, she has to learn how to nurse.

"The Autobiography of Benjamin Franklin" is a blueprint for the prototypical American, chronicling Benjamin Franklins life as a printer, diplomat, statesman, patriot, scientist, inventor, and writer. Published posthumously in various forms over several years, first in French and then in English, Franklins autobiography is a literary achievement worthy of the epic U.S. founding father. Franklin originally intended the document of his life and works to be for the sole use and enjoyment of his son, William. Hence, Franklin wrote his autobiography in the form of an extended letter to his son. While recording the events of his life, he adds instructions for good living which makes this work Americas first How to Succeed book.

"Letters on England" is a collection of letters created by Voltaire after his three-year exile to England (1726-9) following imprisonment in the Bastille for his satirical writings. Voltaire wrote this series of letters offering the French public a panoramic view of English culture. He was full of enthusiasm and freedom - as opposed to the tyrannical feudal society of his homeland. "Letters on England" discusses English religious sects, politics, scientists and writers with great admiration, yet the clever Voltaire also flattered his French readers with humorous references to the old-fashioned clothes and speech of the Quakers and to antics in the House of Commons. At first banned in France, this intriguing and often comic account of a culture viewed through foreign eyes was to prove highly influential in shaping French attitudes to England.

"The Diary of a Nobody" is the fictitious record of fifteen months in the life of Charles Pooter, his family, friends and small circle of acquaintances. It first appeared serialised in Punch magazine and it was published in book form in 1892, entertaining readers ever since. "The Diary of a Nobody" might be regarded as the first blog; being a record of the simplicities and humiliations in the life of this mundane, but upright, city clerk, who had an incontestable faith that a record of his daily life was worth preserving for posterity.Set in about 1891 in Holloway, which was then a typical suburb of the impecuniously respectable kind, the authors contrive a record of the manners, customs and experiences of the late Victorian era. The bare record of facts, simply recorded, manages to be humorous rather than dull, no doubt because of the usual occupations of the authors who were comedians and entertainers.

William F. Buffalo Bill Cody (1846-1917) was a famous American Indian fighter, buffalo hunter and entertainer, known best for his Wild West circus-like shows. As a young man Cody served in in the Union army during the Civil War. His Wild West show toured the world between 1883-1906 and was a very popular form of entertainment. The show featured celebrities like Annie Oakley and Sioux chief Sitting Bull. Buffalo Bill Cody died in 1917.This is his story in his own words. Buffalo Bill was arguably, the most recognized man in the world when he penned this book. The first stories are of some of his adventures and the remaining ones are autobiographical. All of them have been proved to be historically accurate in all important aspects.

Plutarchs "Parallel Lives" (AKA Lives of the Noble Greeks and Romans) is a collection of biographies about great men and leaders from Greece and Rome.The book is structured in pairs of biographies including Themistocles v. Camillus, Pyrrhus v. Marius, Alexander v. Caesar, and Phocion v. Cato the Younger. Plutarch compares the lives of leaders from both the Greeks and the Romans to show how similar they were. He hoped that the comparisons would lead to mutual respect between the two empires that were both influential at the time. As a result, most of the biographies are filled with moral teachings. "Parallel Lives" can still be used by anyone intending to run for public office today since the same ethical principles apply to modern leaders.

"My Life" is an amazing story of an amazing life, regardless of your thoughts on Leon Trotskys political views and stances. It is one of the most historically important autobiographies of the past century. Well worth reading and re-reading.This book is not an objective photograph of my life, Trotsky writes in his foreword to "My Life", but a component of it. In these pages I am continuing the struggle to which my whole life is devoted Recounting events, I analyse and appraise them; telling my story, I defend myself, and even more frequently attack.When he wrote these words in 1929, Trotsky was fifty years old. He had left his old name of Lev Bronstein behind twenty-seven years ago, and in that interval he had escaped from Siberia twice, been imprisoned a number of times by a number of governments, met Lenin, fallen out with Lenin, fallen back in with Lenin, led the Petrograd Soviet, founded the Red Army, won the Civil War, produced a vast quantity of journalism, theory and even literary criticism and finally, after years of struggle against the rising Stalinist faction, found himself stripped of all power and exiled from the USSR. Once Lenins friend and equal, he was now reviled. His views, integral to the formation of Bolshevik and then Soviet policy, no longer had any expression. His face was being excised from pictures, his words from pages. His allies were dead, exiled or surrendered. These are the circumstances in which he began to write his memoirs."My Life" is primarily a very carefully constructed testimony. Trotskys life and reputation were at stake. His story had to be watertight, explaining away his class origins (his parents were landowners), smoothing over his early conflicts with Lenin and ensuring that his religious and ethnic origins were not prominent. Every action had to be accounted for, every wrong step justified.

"The Education of Henry Adams", the most famous work of its author, was originally intended only for a small audience; after its posthumous publication in 1918, it promptly won the prestigious Pulitzer Prize in 1919, and it is still regarded as a masterpiece of American literature."The Education of Henry Adams" is a brilliant autobiography of this relevant American historian. A member of the Adams political family and descendant of two US presidents, Adams wrote the book in 1905 to reconcile himself to the turn of the century, which was shaping up to be vastly different from the life he knew as a child. The book also provides a pointed critique of educational philosophy and practice of the 19th century.

The rich without deprivation, the intolerant without reception, the programmatic without improvisation, the 5-star hotel tourist without a camping backpack, the chauvinist without identifying himself with what can mean feeling woman, the parent without going down in the infantile sensibility, the pragmatist who never dreams and will never dreams, for sure everyone has in common the good probability of having thwarted part of his existence.