First published in 1926, Bertram S. Puckle's "Funeral Customs" is a comprehensive account of traditional funerary traditions and customs throughout history and from all over the world. From lost ancient practices to the first graveyards and cemeteries, this volume sheds light on how we as humans have dealt with death and the dead over the ages. Contents include: "The Provisions Of Nature", "Death Warnings-When Does Death Take Place?", "Preparation For Burial, Coffins, 'Grave-Goods', Suttee", "Wakes, Mutes, Wailers, Sin-Eating, Totemism, Death-Taxes", "Bells ...

First published in 1916, this volume contains the second volume of Frank Harris's biography "Oscar Wilde - His Life and Confessions". An acquaintance of Wilde's, Harris attempts in this biography to do justice to his old friend whom he had helped throughout the controversy and his trial, twenty years previous. Contents include: "Prison and the Effects of Punishment", "Mitigation of Punishment but Not Release", "His St. Martin's Summer: His Best Work", "The Results of his Second Fall: His Genius", "His Sense of Rivalry, his Love of Life and Laziness", "A Great ...

In 1763, an 11-year-old boy named Thomas Chatterton began publishing mature works of poetry. Before long, he was fooling the literary world by passing his work off as that of a non-existent 15th-century poet named Thomas Rowley—which he did until unmasked by Horace Walpole. Brought up in poverty and without a father, he studied furiously and went on to try and earn a living from his writing. After impressing the likes of the Lord Mayor, William Beckford and the radical leader John Wilkes, he eagerly looked for an outlet in London for his political works ...

"Be Good to Yourself" is a 1910 self-help book by Orison Swett Marden. Dr. Orison Swett Marden (1848-1924) was an American author of inspirational literature. He primarily wrote about how to achieve success in life through the adoption of virtues and common-sense principles. This volume is perfect for those with an interest in self-improvement and is not to be missed by collectors of vintage self-help literature. Contents include: "Be Good To Yourself", "Economy That Costs Too Much", "Where does your Energy Go?", "The Strain to Keep up Appearances", "Nature ...

"The Mysterious Key and What It Opened" is a 1867 novel written by Louisa May Alcott. The story revolves around Lillian Trevlyn who, when only a baby, loses her father and almost loses her mother on the same day. As the years pass Lillian becomes a respectable young woman, but without ever having learnt the truth about that fateful day. That is, until Paul, an orphaned boy, enters the story as a groomsman. A light and enjoyable tale, Alcott's foray into mystery does not disappoint and is highly recommended for those who have read and enjoyed other works by ...

"The Game" is a 1905 novel by Jack London that tells the story of Joe, a twenty-year-old man who participates in boxing matches to make some extra money for his family. Engaged to be married, he resolves to give up his pugilistic career, but only after one last match-a match that would be his last whether he wanted it to be or not. The story is told from the point of view of his fiancé, Genevieve. John Griffith London (1876 - 1916), commonly known as Jack London, was an American journalist, social activist, and novelist. He was an early pioneer of ...

Flora Annie Steel (1847 – 1929) was an English writer who notably lived in British India for 22 years and is best remembered for her books set or related to the sub-continent. Steel's 1917 historical novel “Miss Stuart's Legacy” offers the reader a glimpse into colonial India that is typical with her fiction, weaving a delicate story to the backdrop of British imperialism in an exotic land. An entertaining and insightful read, this book is highly recommended for those with an interest in India's history and will not disappoint those who ...

The second volume in the classic Kristin Lavransdatter trilogy, The Mistress of Husaby continues the story of Kristin's eventful life as she adjusts to newly married life and the troubles of motherhood in medieval Norway. Opening with Kristin's arrival at her new home, Husaby, Sigrid Undset's novel explores the tribulations of a new family life against the stunning backdrop of 14th-century Norway. Kristin realises that married life is not all she had hoped and turns her attentions away from her husband, Erlend, and towards her faith and God. Amidst ...

Orison Swett Marden's 1917 self-help book "How to Get What You Want" aims to help the reader change their life to become more fulfilling and successful through following the basic laws of success and prosperity that are available to everyone. Dr. Orison Swett Marden (1848-1924) was an American author of inspirational literature. He primarily wrote about how to achieve success in life through the adoption of virtues and common-sense principles. Including simple steps and invaluable advice, this timeless volume can help you change your life just as it has helped ...

Originally published in 1923, “The Prophet” is a book containing twenty-six prose fables written by Lebanese-American poet Kahlil Gibran. Al Mustafa, the prophet, is preparing to leave the city he has called home for 12 years when he is stopped by a group of people, who proceed to ask him many questions related to the nature of life and being human. The main contents of this book comprise his answers, which take the form of aphoristic advice and suggestions. Gibran's masterpiece has been translated into more than 100 languages, making it among ...