Learn More about the Life and History of Christopher Columbus

Celebrate Columbus Day (or Indigenous Peoples Day as some people prefer to call it these days) by learning more about the explorer Christopher Columbus, with these Classics from Cosimo and decide for yourself how controversial he was.

The Life and Voyages of Christopher Columbus (Two Volumes in One) by Washington Irving

Inspired by the then-recent unearthing of original documents and letters of Christopher Columbus, the American writer Washington Irving set about, in the 1820s, to create the first unlimited and complete account of the great explorer and his journeys. This is that account, sweeping in its scope, as intimate as a novel, as thrilling as a grand adventure story. Originally written in two volumes but presented here in a combined edition, The Life and Voyages of Christopher Columbus tells of Columbus' three journeys to the New World, shipwrecks and mutinies, encounters with natives, and his establishment of military outposts in the Americas. With a dedication to historical accuracy combined with a flair for engaging storytelling, Irving bestows upon us one of the classic works of history of the Age of Exploration. 

Voyages and Discoveries of the Companions of Columbus by Washington Irving

As a follow-up to his History of Columbus, this 1831 work by Washington Irving details the voyages of the men who accompanied Columbus and followed in his wake, fulfilling his dream of further exploring the land he had encountered. The dashing tales of Alonzo de Ojeda, Vincente Pinzon, Diego de Nicuesa, and Vasco Núñez de Balboa are presented here for readers as both historical records and adventurous entertainment. History buffs will be delighted to learn about the lives of these important explorers.

Life of Columbus by Arthur Helps

The Life of Columbus has been called the cornerstone of the history of the American continent. The first issue of this edition, which appeared in 1910, vividly recreates the moral and intellectual atmosphere of Columbus's world. A lasting biography of thoughtfulness and scope, it encompasses Columbus's formative years including his life in Spain and a fascinating account of his earliest voyages of discovery. In addition, Sir Arthur Helps examines Columbus's role as the courageous "Discoverer of America" in light of his devoted and unwavering support of the Catholic Church in Spain and its flourishing influence in the Americas.

August Quote of the Month: Ulysses S. Grant's biography is the most remarkable work of its kind

"Ulysses S. Grant's biography is the most remarkable work of its kind."

— Mark Twain

In honor of our Classic of the Month, Personal Memoirs of Ulysses S. Grant by Ulysses S. Grant, we are highlighting this famous quote from Mark Twain this August.

18th president of the United States and the Union general who led the North to victory in the Civil War. Though Grant opens with tales of his boyhood, his education at West Point, and his early military career in the Mexican-American war of the 1840s, it is Grant's intimate observations on the conduct of the Civil War, which make up the bulk of the work, that have made this required reading for history students, military strategists, and Civil War buffs alike.

This unabridged edition features all the material that was originally published in two volumes in 1885 and 1886, including maps, illustrations, and the text of Grant's July 1865 report to Washington on the state of the armies under his command.

About the AuthorUlysses S. Grant (1822-1885), 18th president of the United States and the Union general who led the North to victory in the Civil War. Though Grant opens with tales of his boyhood, his education at West Point, and his early military career in the Mexican-American war of the 1840s, it is Grant's intimate observations on the conduct of the Civil War, which make up the bulk of the work, that have made this required reading for history students, military strategists, and Civil War buffs alike.

August Series of the Month: Abraham Lincoln: A History by John M. Hay

We are showcasing Abraham Lincoln: A History by John M. Hay as our Series of the Month this August in honor of the late President being in the news for his leadership skills, his use of the telegraph (instead of Twitter), and his lost loves.

Considered one of the best treatments of the presidency of Abraham Lincoln of its time, this 10-volume portrait of the man and his administration of the United States at the moment of its greatest upheaval is both intimate and scholarly.

Written by two private secretaries to the president and first published in 1890, this astonishingly in-depth work is still praised today for its clear, easy-to-read style and vitality. This new replica edition features all the original illustrations.


About the Authors 
American journalist and statesman John Milton Hay (1838-1905) was only 22 when he became a private secretary to Lincoln. A former member of the Providence literary circle when he attended Brown University in the late 1850s, he may have been the real author of Lincoln's famous "Letter to Mrs. Bixby." After Lincoln's death, Hay later served as editor of the New York Tribune and as U.S. ambassador to the United Kingdom under President William McKinley.

American author John George Nicolay (1832-1901) was born in Germany and emigrated to the U.S. as a child. Before serving as Lincoln's private secretary, he worked as a newspaper editor and later as assistant to the secretary of state of Illinois.


The hardcover retail list price for the series is $449.90, but now: our price: $359.99 (you save $90 or a 20 percent discount)

The paperback retail list price: $279.90, but now: our price: $229.99 (you save $50 or a 18 percent discount)

March Quote of the Month: "Literature is my Utopia"

In keeping with our leading ladies theme in the month of March for Women's History Month, we are focusing on Helen Keller, one of the bravest women in history.

"Literature is my Utopia."
- Helen Keller in The Story of my Life

The Story of My Life may be the most extraordinary autobiography ever written. Its author was only 22 when it was published, in 1903, but her life to that point had already been most uncommon: she had been rendered deaf, blind, and later mute by an illness at the age of 19 months, and only years later learned to read, speak, and understand others through the dedication of a teacher extraordinary in her own right. 

Here, in her own words, is Keller's firsthand experience of the dawning of enlightenment on the severely isolated child she was, and her evolution into the educated and erudite young woman she became.


About the Author
American author and activist Helen Adams Keller (1880-1968) became famous thanks to The Story of My Life, which was later adapted for stage and screen in various incarnations under the title The Miracle Worker, a reference to that special teacher, Annie Sullivan. 

January Quote of the Month: "By thought, the thing you want is brought to you; by action you receive it"

"By thought, the thing you want is brought to you; by action you receive it."

— Wallace Wattles in The Science of Getting Rich

Continuing January with books that will help readers become the best version of themselves, we present our Quote of the Month, from The Science of Getting Rich by Wallace D. Wattles.

Many people are in need of more money. It is one of the most popular self-help topics and perpetual concern for many people in the United States and around the world. In his book The Science of Getting Rich, Wallace Wattles gives readers his program for becoming wealthy.

Originally published in 1910, his method promises to work without failure because it is based upon exact science and infallible scientific laws. Sacrificing an explanation of his philosophy for brevity, Wattles provides readers a stripped-down guide on shaping the universe to their benefit through the power of positive thinking.

About the Author
American author Wallace Delois Wattles (1860-1911) overcame poverty and failure in his life to become a pioneer of the early self-help movement. Among his books are The Science of Being Great and The Science of Being Well.

December Quote of the Month: "Christmas won’t be Christmas without any presents!"

"Christmas won’t be Christmas without any presents!"
—Louisa May Alcott in Little Women

It is one of the most beloved novels in the English language, and its protagonists among the best friends a reader can have. Louisa May Alcott's Little Women—inspired by her own childhood with three sisters in Concord, Massachusetts—is the simple, elegant tale of tomboy Jo March, who strains against the limitations of women of her time, and dependable Meg, compassionate Beth, and spoiled Amy. Their childhood adventures and squabbles as well as their adult romances and travels continue to enthrall and delight readers a century and a half after the novel was first published, and have inspired stage plays, comic books, and countless film adaptations. Timelessly classic, this is an essential work for any library of 19th-century literature.

 

About the Author

Louisa May Alcott (1832-1888), one of the most well-known American novelists of the 19th century, was born on November 29, 1832 to transcendentalist educator Amos Bronson Alcott and his wife, Abigail May Alcott. She was the second of four sisters (like Jo, her literary corollary), and grew up in a family that encouraged and sympathized with her abolitionist and feminist leanings. As a child she received instruction from noted literary figures such as Henry David Thoreau, Ralph Waldo Emerson, Margaret Fuller, and Nathaniel Hawthorne, all family friends. In addition to the Little Women series, which included four novels, she wrote 28 other works, three under the pen name A.M Barnard. Though Alcott had chronic health problems in her later years, most likely attributed to an autoimmune disease, she continued to write until her death at 55 in 1888.

December eBook of the Month: Quiet Talks on Prayer by Samuel Dickey Gordon

This month Cosimo presents Quiet Talks on Prayer by Samuel Dickey Gordon as our December eBook of the Month in honor of the Christmas holiday.

"You see sin is slapping God in the face. It may be polished, cultured sin. Sin seems capable of taking quite a high polish. Or it may be the common gutter stuff. A man is not concerned about the grain of a club that strikes him a blow. How can He and I talk together if I have done that, and stick to it-not even apologized. "
— from "Why the Results Fail"

What is prayer? Can humans influence God's will? Why does it seem that many prayers go unanswered? The mysteries of the communication between God and his faithful are explored in this 1904 guide to the power and puzzle of prayer: how God heeds our entreaties, the ideal spirit with which to pray, and even what prayer means in the grand scheme of The Universe. Those who pray will find this a source of comfort and enlightenment even today, a century after it was first published.

About the Author
American lay-preacher Samuel Dickey Gordon (1859-1936) was a devotional speaker in high demand throughout the early 1900s, as well as a prolific author of inspirational works. His "Quiet Talks" series includes Quiet Talks on Power and Quiet Talks About Jesus.

Purchase this eBook at any of the retailers below.

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November eBook of the Month: The Story of Mankind by Hendrik van Loon

Sharing stories is a tradition many take part in over the Thanksgiving holidays. Because of this, Cosimo is happy to announce The Story of Mankind by Hendrik Willem van Loon as our November eBook of the Month!

It was intended for children, and of course much of the science is hopelessly out of date, but this ambitious, even audacious attempt to offer an overview of the entirety of human history remains a breathtaking work today.

A 1921 bestseller, The Story of Mankind won the first Newbery Medal in 1922, and it is no wonder: the book, which begins with the origin of life itself on our planet and the arrival of the earliest protohumans on the scene and ends with "The Last Fifty Years, Including Several Explanations and an Apology," is abundant with an offbeat charm and packed with the author's own beautiful illustrations and maps that are alive with a fresh, delectable humor. 

As a document of early modern science writing, it is invaluable. As a delightfully entertaining read, it is not to be missed. 

About the Author

Dutch-American author and educator Hendrik Willem van Loon (1882-1944) sold more than six million books during his lifetime, including The Story of the Bible (1923), Tolerance (1925), and  America (1927). After studies at Harvard, Cornell, and the University of Munich, he had a diverse career as a popular professor of European history at Cornell and of social sciences at Antioch College, an Associated Press correspondent in revolutionary Russia and World War I Belgium, and associate editor of the Baltimore Sun from 1923 to 1924. In appreciation for his dedicated anti-Nazi writing during World War II, he was awarded the Order of Knight of the Netherlands Lion.

Cosimo ebooks are available at the following retailers:

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November Quote of the Month: "I know not all that may be coming, ..........." - from Moby-Dick

This month, we have selected our November inspirational message from one of the greatest Classic writers:

"I know not all that may be coming, but be it what it will, I'll go to it laughing."
-- Herman Melville in Moby-Dick (Moby-Dick; Or, The Whale)

"Call me Ishmael." So begins the famous opening chapter of Moby-Dick; or, The Whale. Young sailor Ishmael is hired as a crew member of a whaler named Pequod, captained by a man named Ahab. In between lengthy chapters on whale biology and descriptions of the crew and the whaling trade, readers are slowly introduced to a captivating tale. Ahab is out for revenge on the great white whale that stole his leg, leaving him with a whale-bone prosthesis and a withering hatred for the beast.

Known as Moby Dick, the whale is infamous for his encounters and escapes with whale ships, and Ahab offers a gold coin, nailed to the Pequod's mast, as a reward for whoever sights him first. Beginning on a cold Christmas morning, the crew embarks on a journey to find the whale and make their fortunes. An exciting staple of American literature, Moby-Dick is a must-read for anyone interested in the classics. Herman Melville was inspired to write Moby Dick by the 1821 biographical account Narrative of the Most Extraordinary and Distressing Shipwreck of the Whale-ship Essex (Cosimo Classics, 2015), which in turn inspired the 2000 novel and 2015 movie, In the Heart of the Sea.
With all the uncertainty going on the world, perhaps the best thing to do is take Melville's advice and find joy and laughter in the unknown.

About the AuthorHerman Melville (1819-1891) was an American novelist. Born in New York, Melville lived and worked in the city for many years before moving with his family to Massachusetts, where he enjoyed a short friendship with author Nathaniel Hawthorne. Many of Melville's books are inspired by his own experiences; he sailed on merchant and whaling ships, spent time on the Marquesas Islands with natives, and spent time in England, Egypt, and Palestine. Melville even wrote poetry reflecting on the American Civil War. He eventually retired in New York City, where he was buried in the Bronx, relatively unknown. Melville was the author of 19 books of fiction, nonfiction, and poetry, including Typee (1846), Moby-Dick (1851), Bartelby the Scrivener (1853), Benito Cerino (1855), Battle-Pieces and Aspects of the War (1866), and Billy Budd, Sailor (1891, unfinished).

Grab Your Popcorn, New Agatha Christie Movie Releases 11/10!

Fans of Agatha Christie rejoice!! The long awaited 2017 movie,  Murder on the Orient Express, will be coming to a theater new you next week! The film stars Judi Dench, Johnny Depp, Josh Gad, and Michelle Pfeiffer, and releases in the United States on November 10. We at Cosimo are celebrating by stocking up on our mysteries and rereading our favorites below.

Agatha Christie (September 15, 1880 - January 12, 1976) was an iconic crime novelist, short story writer, and playwright. She was also the author of six romance novels. She has written numerous works, two of which Cosimo is proud to offer, and is recognized in the Guinness Book of World Records as the best-selling novelist of all time. 

First published in 1920, The Mysterious Affair at Styles was Agatha Christie's first novel. It introduced the world to Hercule Poirot, Christie's Belgian detective, who would go on to be featured in 39 of her novels. The mystery begins with the death of Emily Inglethorp at Styles, a manor in the English countryside. Captain Hastings, a guest at the house, calls upon his friend Poirot to help investigate. The obvious suspect is Emily's husband, who stood to inherit a large fortune upon her death. But the timeline doesn't quite work out, and Poirot must delve further into the lives and motivations of the family living at Styles to uncover who could have poisoned Emily with strychnine and why.


The grand dame of the cozy English murder mystery, Agatha Christie introduced Tommy and Tuppence, her duo of likeable upper-class detectives, in this 1922 novel, her second book. International intrigue, secret treaties, disguises, and blackmail follow this roguishly charming 1920s couple in their globetrotting quest to unravel the riddle of their disappearing client, disappearing diplomatic papers, and a devious plot that goes back to the sinking of the Lusitania. Beloved by Christie fans for their innocence and pluck, Tommy and Tuppence are a delight to spend quality crime-fighting time with.

2017 Banned Books Week & Cosimo's Bibliography of Forbidden Books

Cosimo is celebrating Banned Books Week by highlighting one of our Classic series from 1877, Bibliography of Forbidden Books by Henry Spencer Ashbee!

In this three-volume work that established Henry Spencer Ashbee, British book collector, travel writer and bibliographer, as England's leading authority on pornography, Ashbee describes scores of "curious, uncommon and erotic books" that were banned or otherwise prohibited from legitimate sale during the Victorian era... and some even until the 1960s. This catalog of mostly forgotten works is an invaluable (and highly entertaining) resource for bibliophiles, students of erotica, and collectors of Victoriana.

This series contains "gentlemen only" titles such as: Intrigues and Confessions of a Ballet Girl, The Pleasures of Kissing and Being Kissed, the infamous Memoirs of a Woman of Pleasure, the Cloisters Laid Open, Memoirs of Miss Mary-Catherine Cadiere, and Pretty Little Games for Young Ladies and Gentlemen.

About the AuthorBritish book collector, travel writer, and bibliographer Henry Spencer Ashbee (1834-1900), aka Pisanus Fraxi, is thought by some to have authored the notorious Victorian sexual memoir My Secret Life.

About the Organization

Banned Books Week was launched in 1982 in response to a sudden surge in the number of challenges to books in schools, bookstores and libraries. The 2017 celebration will be held September 24 - September 30. For this year's theme, the coalition of organizations that sponsors Banned Books Week will emphasize the importance of the First Amendment, which guarantees our inherent right to read. To find an event near you, please visit the Banned Books website.

June Classic of the Month: Uncle Tom's Cabin

This month, we are celebrating the birthday of Harriet Beecher Stowe and her best-selling anti-slavery novel that catapulted her into the spotlight. Uncle Tom's Cabin helped influence anti-slavery movement in the northern parts of the United States as well as Britain, while simultaneously sparking anger in the southern parts of America.

It is the best known book about American slavery, and was so incendiary upon its first publication in 1852 that it actually ignited the social flames that led to Civil War less than a decade later. 

What began as a series of sketches for the Cincinnati abolitionist newspaper The National Era scandalized the North, was banned in the South, and ultimately became the bestselling novel of the 19th century. Today, controversy over this melodramatic tale of the dignified slave Tom, the brutal plantation owner Simon Legree, and Stowe's other vividly drawn characters continues, as modern scholars debate the work's newly appreciated feminist undertones and others decry it as the source of enduring stereotypes about African Americans. 

As one of the most influential books in U.S. history, it deserves to be read by all students of literature and of the American story. 

About the Author
American abolitionist and author Harriet Beecher Stowe (1811-1896) was born in Connecticut, daughter of a Congregationalist minister and sister to abolitionist theologian Henry Ward Beecher. She wrote more than two dozen books, both fiction and nonfiction.

We are pleased to offer the this great Classic title in both a practical paperback and attractive hardcover.

Happy Birthday Lewis Carrol!

Charles Lutwidge Dodgson, better known by the pseudonym Lewis Carroll, was born on January 27th in 1832. Without this famous English author, we wouldn't have great poems, literature, photography, or classics like Alice's Adventures in Wonderland. We raise our glass to you Sir Carrol, happy (almost) birthday!

Alice's Adventures in Wonderland - Original Version

The adventures of Alice (named for one of the little girls to whom the book was dedicated) who journeys down a rabbit hole and into a whimsical underworld realm, instantly struck a chord with the British public, and then with readers around the world. Dodgson's playfulness, with language, with mathematical puzzles, with testy creatures such as the White Rabbit, the Mad Hatter and the Queen of Hearts, still confounds and teases lovers of fantasy fiction today. 

Through the Looking-Glass - Original Version 

In 1872, in reaction to the universal acclaim Alice's Adventures in Wonderland received, Dodgson published this sequel. Nothing is quite what it seems once Alice journeys through the looking-glass, and Dodgson's wit is infectious as he explores concepts of mirror imagery, time running backward, and strategies of chess-all wrapped up in the exploits of a spirited young girl who parries with the Red Queen, Tweedledee and Tweedledum, and other unlikely characters. In many ways, this sequel has had an even greater impact on today's pop culture than the first book. 

Alice's Adventures in Wonderland and Through the Looking-Glass 

Here, in one volume, you'll find both Alice's Adventures in Wonderland and the 1872 sequel, Through the Looking-Glass. Together, this is a masterwork of playful prose in which the author has invented some of the most memorable characters in literature: the White Rabbit, the Mad Hatter and the Red Queen. The conundrums and delights of these works ensure their ongoing influence over modern pop culture. This unabridged replica edition features the original illustrations by English artist Sir John Tenniel and is a treasured addition to any library.

Alice's Adventures Under Ground: Facsimile of the Original 1864 Author's Manuscript 

Alice's Adventures Under Ground was the little-known first draft of what became the famed Alice's Adventures in Wonderland. When Charles Dodgson, better-known as Lewis Carroll, first composed the story of Alice, it was on a boating trip with the Liddell sisters. It was for Alice Liddell that he told tales of Alice's adventures, and Dodgson eventually promised to write the stories down for her. This edition of Alice's Adventures under Ground is the second recorded version of Alice's tales (the first was destroyed), given as a gift to Miss Liddell for Christmas. Afterward, friends encouraged Dodgson to publish Alice's Adventures, which he did after some revisions with Macmillan & Company in London, as the version we know and love today. This facsimile of the handwritten 1864 manuscript includes additional material from the 1886 version and 37 original illustrations. The original manuscript can be viewed in the British Museum in London.

Thank you for your great works of literature Lewis Carrol!

 

September Classic of the Month: The Child and the Curriculum

For many children and teachers across the United States, today marks the first day of school! In celebration of new pencils, fresh textbooks, clean notebooks, and little minds eager to learn, we happily present our September Classic of the Month, The Child and the Curriculum by John Dewey.

In a time when memorization and recollection were the primary expectations in a child’s education, John Dewey discovered that essential components lacked within the classroom walls – exploration, curiosity, and ultimately, the ability to experience. He found that how children were expected to learn, greatly differed from the innate learning process we are all naturally inclined to follow— that the growth of knowledge is spurred through manipulation of one’s environment and one’s reflection upon it. It is in his words that readers can grapple the conclusion of his thoughts:“Education is not preparation for life; education is life itself.”

In this fascinating single volume, two of John Dewey’s insightful essays on education in America are presented, which display ground-breaking theory that has provided a foundation to modern education.

About the Author
American educator and philosopher John Dewey (1859–1952) helped found the American Association of University Professors. He served as a professor of philosophy at Columbia University from 1904 to 1930 and authored numerous books, including How We Think (1910),
Reconstruction in Philosophy (1919), and Human Nature and Conduct (1922).

Cosimo Classics is proud to offer this title in both hardcover and paperback at leading online bookstores including Barnes & Noble (paperback, hardcover) and Amazon (paperback,hardcover).

Abominable Snowman in the Media

The BBC recently published an article titled "Is the Himalayan Yeti a Real Animal?" asking if there is any truth behind the reports of a Yeti,  also known as the Abominable Snowman.

The article discusses the mythical descriptions and morals behind the folklore, as well as accounts of those who have seen the Yeti. There are also several scientific studies identified and researchers named, but true evidence is still hard to come by.

Cosimo is proud to offer "Abominable Snowmen - Legend Come to Life" by Loren Coleman in both hardcover and paperback for those interested in learning more about this elusive creature. Check out all of our Cosimo titles for even more information on the fascinating topic of cryptozoology.

October Series of the Month: The Complete Works of Edgar Allen Poe

With Halloween right around the corner, Cosimo has picked the perfect book for the the perfect scare. Originally published in 1902 The Complete Works of Edgar Allen Poe, our chosen Series of the Month, includes, in ten volumes, all the works of the admired American poet, fiction writer, and literary critic, Edgar Allen Poe (1808-1849). 

Through his work, Poe has pioneered the short story, popularized romantic Gothic fiction in 19th century America, and almost single-handedly invented the genre of detective fiction. Through his works, he reflects his literary theories. He believed that literature should make individuals think by possessing a meaning beyond the surface, and that works that have an obvious message are not true art. He also believed, which is evident through his creations, that literature should be brief and focus on a single objective.

The collection includes:
     - William Wallace
     - The Raven
     - Haunted Palace
     - Annabel Lee
     - A Dream Within a Dream
     - Tamerlane
     - The Conqueror Worm,

     - and many, more

Cosimo offers the full set by individual volume at leading online bookstores or as a full set in hardcover and paperback. This series is perfect for librarians, professors, or anyone who enjoys classic literature. Appreciating Poe's work is essential to any understanding of American literature. If you are interested in purchasing the full set, please contact us.

The paperback retail price for this series is $134.90, but now our price is $109.99 (you save $24.91 or 20%) 

The hardcover retail price for this series is $349.90, but now our price is $279.99 (you save $69.91 or 20%)

NYT Columnist Paul Krugman Highlights The Great Illusion and War in Ukraine

A recently published column in The New York Times entitled "Why We Fight Wars" by economic columnist Paul Krugman, refers to the 1910 Cosimo Classic, The Great Illusion. 


Krugman states: "A century has passed since the start of World War I, which many people at the time declared was 'the war to end all wars.' Unfortunately, wars just kept happening. And with the headlines from Ukraine getting scarier by the day, this seems like a good time to ask why." 

The Great Illusion, written by Norman Angell, argued that war destroys any wealth that conquerors may have wanted to obtain, making the whole enterprise pointless. This book was published just shortly before World War I began and obviously Angell's advice was not followed nor taken seriously then. Will Angell's and Krugman's advice be followed now before it is too late?

To read the full article by Paul Krugman, please visit The New York Times.

British journalist and politician Sir Ralph Norman Angell (1872-1967) was an executive for the World Committee against War and Fascism and a member of the executive committee of the League of Nations Union. Knighted in 1931, he was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in 1933. For more titles on war and peace, please see Angell's other titles, including: Peace Theories and the Balkan War and The Fruits of Victory.

The Gettysburg Address: 150 Years Later

"But the long story is that no single American utterance has had the staying power, or commanded the respect and reverence, accorded the Gettysburg Address. It has been engraved...translated...and analyzed in at least nine book-length critical studies over the last century." -- Allen C. Guelzo, "Lincoln's Sound Bite: Have Faith in Democracy"

We've been so busy we almost missed this important anniversary: the 150th anniversary of the Gettysburg Address! At only 272 words, it's a rather short speech for a President, yet the Gettysburg Address remains one of the most well-known speeches in American Presidential history.

"Four score and seven years ago..." is an introduction we all know, yet how many Americans know the details that surround this speech? For example, that Lincoln's speech was not the only one given that day, as Edward Everett gave a much longer oration as well? It's a testament to Lincoln's powers as an orator and writer that school children do not learn word one of the two-hour speech Everett delivered.

In honor of this anniversary we provide some links to interesting and fun articles about the address:

• "Lincoln's Sound Bite: Have Faith in Democracy," by Allen C. Guelzo. Here the author examines the reasons behind the Address' staying power in American history, detailing why it was--and is--considered a "landmark" speech.
• This famous speech went through multiple drafts: you can compare the text of five known copies (including the most-often replicated 'Bliss Copy') here.
• To commemorate the anniversary, special events were held on the fields of Gettysburg, including a reading of the Address by a Lincoln impersonator. Check out the video below for a vignette about what it's like being a Lincoln impersonator!

To learn more about the Gettysburg Address and other significant Lincoln works, check out Abraham Lincoln: The Gettysburg Speech and Other Papers, our Series of the Month Abraham Lincoln: A History (in hardcover or paperback), or The Lincoln Year Book: Axioms and Aphorisms From the Great Emancipator, by Wallace Rice (paperback).

Series of the Month: The Five Foot Shelf of Classics, by Charles W. Eliot

"Books are the quietest and most constant of friends; they are the most accessible and wisest of counselors, and the most patient of teachers."  -  Charles W. Eliot, The Happy Life

Imagine you were asked to name the most enriching books in literary history: a list of books that represent the most compelling works of literature the world has to offer. It’s a pretty Herculean task, isn’t it? It’s certainly not something we’d like to try!

Thankfully, Charles W. Eliot—Harvard University president for a record forty years—did the heavy lifting and put together a 51-volume anthology of classic works that represent a history of the progress of man, his inventions, and thoughts. This collection of works, originally referred to as The Harvard Classics, is more commonly known now as “The Five Foot Shelf of Classics.”

A very wise man indeed, Eliot believed that just a few minutes a day with one of his 51 volumes would constitute a well-rounded education and allow the reader to become an informed contributor to society.

Since its publication in 1909, this remarkable series has served as a ‘home educator’ for anyone eager to improve themselves. Eliot’s collection was even featured in the memoir The Whole Five Feet: What the Great Books Taught Me About Life, Death, and Pretty Much Everything Else, in which author Christopher Beha details how he turned to these great works for comfort and inspiration during a time of personal struggle. Beha’s memoir illustrates what Eliot believed about The Five Foot Shelf: that the great works of literature are still worth consulting, as a source not just of education, but of edification in every sense of the word.

The Five Foot Shelf of Classics is available in hardcover or paperback (call or email us for the full series), or for individual purchase on Amazon.com. [Note: You will receive a 20% discount and free shipping and handling within the contiguous United States if you purchase any full series from Cosimo.]

August Classic of the Month: The Master Key System

Our August Classic of the Month is a highly popular turn of the (20th) century work on personal achievement and success, i.e., one of the original self-help books. The Master Key System, by Charles F. Haanel, is a work that  has inspired and motivated scores of "employees" to make their careers and lives a booming success.

The idea that the key to professional and personal fulfillment is in our hands is a very provocative idea, and self-made millionaire businessman Charles F. Haanel not only believed this, he lived it. Even better, he wrote the instruction manual for how to use the tools that we all have available, our minds and spirits, to open the door to happier, healthier, smarter, more successful selves. By outlining the laws and principles that dictate achievement and personal development, Haanel makes creative power, motivation, and action accessible. This book is part philosophy, part positive psychology, and part business doctrine, and is sure to continue inspiring individuals to be the best they can be for centuries to come.

American author and entrepreneur Charles F. Haanel (1866-1949) was member of the American Scientific League and the American Society of Psychical Research, and author of several books including Mental Chemistry and The New Psychology.