Showing results by author "Beauty_23" in All Categories

This is an introduction to Einstein’s space-bending, time-stretching theory of Relativity, written by the master himself. Special and General relativity explain the structure of space time and provide a theory of gravitation, respectively. Einstein’s theories shocked the world with their counterintuitive results, including the dissolution of absolute time. In this book he brings a simplified form of his profound understanding of the subject to the layperson. In the words of Einstein: “The present book is intended, as far as possible, to give an exact insight into the theory of Relativity...

The first chapter of a book is often the hook to draw a reader in. It could make you eager for more or realize it isn't for you. Here we offer the seventh "First Chapter Collection" in which readers share the first chapters of a variety of fiction and non-fiction works.

Henry IV, King of France and Navarre (1553-1610) was the first monarch of France from the House of Bourbon. He was raised in the Protestant faith, barely escaped death in the St. Bartholomew's Day massacre, and led the Protestant forces against the Catholic armies in the French Wars of Religion. Declaring that "Paris was well worth a mass," he abjured the Calvinist faith, which brought an end to the pitiless strife that was destroying France. "Good King Henry" is remembered for his courage in battle, his geniality, and his great concern for the welfare of his subjects. A survivor of multiple ...

Marcus Aurelius wrote Meditations in Greek while on campaign between 170 and 180, as a source for his own guidance and self-improvement. These memos survive and continue to inspire others to this day. These writings take the form of quotations varying in length from one sentence to long paragraphs. He explicates the Stoic philosophy that the only way a man can be harmed by others is to allow his reaction to overpower him. He shows no particular religious faith in his writings, but seems to believe that some sort of logical, benevolent force organizes the universe in such a way that even "bad" ...

The Odyssey is one of two major ancient Greek epic poems attributed to Homer. It is, in part, a sequel to the Iliad, the other Homeric epic. The Odyssey is fundamental to the modern Western canon; it is the second-oldest extant work of Western literature, while the Iliad is the oldest. Scholars believe the Odyssey was composed near the end of the 8th century BC, somewhere in Ionia, the Greek coastal region of Anatolia. The poem mainly focuses on the Greek hero Odysseus (known as Ulysses in Roman myths), king of Ithaca, and his journey home after the fall of Troy. It takes Odysseus ten years to...

By turns illuminating, infuriating, bewildering, and amusing, Nietzsche's masterwork covers a lot of ground. He rejects most strands of Western thought, especially on the subject of morality, and develops his own theme demanding that individuals embrace their own 'will to power' to give life intention and direction. First published in German in 1887, this translation was produced in 1907 by Helen Zimmern, a long-standing acquaintance of Nietzsche.There is an accessible text at http://www.gutenberg.org/ebooks/4363 but it leaves out all words in Greek, and is not in alignment with any printed ...

Leviathan I & II takes readers on a thrilling journey into the depths of ancient, mythical horrors. Set in a world where humanity faces an unstoppable sea creature, the story blends elements of cosmic terror, survival, and mystery. With a gripping narrative full of dark secrets, these volumes explore the rise of an ancient force that threatens all of existence. Packed with tension and heart-pounding action, Leviathan I & II is a captivating tale of power, fear, and the unknown. Summary Beauty_23.

When Lucy Honeychurch travels to Italy with her cousin, she meets George Emerson, a bohemian and an atheist who falls in love with her. Upon her return to England, she is forced to choose between free-spirited George and her more conventional fiancé, Cecil Vyse. The story is both a romance and a critique of English society at the beginning of the 20th century. (Summary from Wikipedia)

Michel de Montaigne was a contemporary of Shakespeare who, after having played his part in France's terrible wars of religion, retired to his estates and decided to write about what he knew best--himself. And so in his likes and dislikes, his reflections on history, his loves and his travels, he brought to life, not just one man, but all human experience. "What do I know?" he asked. If not himself and his own soul, then nothing else. (Summary by Pamela Nagami, M.D.)

Edward I (1239 – 1307), was King of England from 1272 to 1307. The eldest son of Henry III, Edward was involved from an early age in the political intrigues of his father's reign. Edward spent much of his reign reforming royal administration and common law. After suppressing a minor conflict in Wales in 1276–77, Edward responded to a second one in 1282–83 by conquering Wales. Edward's temperamental nature and height (6'2") made him an intimidating figure. He often instilled fear in his contemporaries, although he held the respect of his subjects for the way he embodied the medieval ideal...

In the Jungle Books, Kipling tells 9 wonderful and exciting tales about Mowgli, the human baby raised by a pack of wolves in the jungles of India. His exploits and adventures are many and varied especially his dealing with the other animals such as his wolf mother and father and brother wolves, Baloo the wise bear who teaches him the Law of the Jungle, and in his life long battle with Shere-Kahn, the lame human killing tiger. I have enjoyed these stories so much that I decided to take all 9 of them that are scattered throughout the first and second Jungle Books, as well as a few of his songs, ...

"I seen my opportunities and I took 'em.", George Washington Plunkitt of Tamminy Hall. There's good graft and bad graft according to Plunkitt. Listen to this candid discourse from a 19th century politician, and decide for yourself if things have changed.(Summary by Mike Vendetti)

This exciting historical adventure depicts the last stand of the Gordons - God's "outlaws" - fighting for their Catholic Faith in the early days of the Protestant Revolution in seventeenth-century Scotland.Written for the children but enjoyed by young and old alike, this intriguing novel is filled with courageous heroes, cowardly villains, secrets and even secret passages! (Summary by Maria Therese)Reader's Note: A new (and hopefully improved) recording of this book was uploaded in June, 2013.

Lost on Venus by Edgar Rice Burroughs is a thrilling sci-fi adventure following Carson Napier’s perilous journey through the mysterious, perilous jungles of Venus. Battling monstrous creatures, hostile civilizations, and deadly landscapes, Carson fights for survival while protecting the brave Duare, a princess from the forbidden city of Vepaja. Filled with action, romance, and Burroughs’ signature world-building, this audiobook transports listeners to a strange and captivating alien world, where danger lurks at every turn and heroism is the only way forward. - Summary by Beauty_23

The Mahabharata is one of the two major Sanskrit epics of ancient India. Traditionally, the authorship of the Mahabharata is attributed to Vyasa. With more than 74,000 verses, Mahabharata is said to be the longest poem. Mahabharata tells the story of the epic Kurukshetra War and the fates of the cousin brothers Kauravas and the Pandavas. But more than that the Mahabharata contains much philosophical and devotional material, such as a discussion of the four "goals of life" or 'purusharthas'. The latter are enumerated as dharma (right action), artha (purpose), kama (pleasure), and moksha (...

Boston Blackie by Jack Boyle is a collection of stories about a reformed jewel thief turned private detective. Blackie, a charming and cunning antihero, uses his criminal past and sharp intellect to solve crimes and help those in need. Set in the early 20th century, the tales showcase Blackie's encounters with corrupt officials, dangerous criminals, and moral dilemmas. While always staying one step ahead of the law, Blackie embodies a complex mix of wit, loyalty, and redemption. Summary by Beauty_23

William Weekley was graduate of Asbury Seminary, Wilmore, Kentucky, and a bishop in the Church of the United Brethren in Christ. From the author’s preface, “It was not my purpose, in the preparation of this little volume, to make it an autobiography, but rather a narration of incidents connected with the twenty years of humble service which I tried to render the United Brethren Church among the mountains of West Virginia. These incidents present an all-round view, in outline, of the real life and labors of the itinerant preacher, a third of a century ago, in an isolated section, where the ...

Three little kittens unwisely leave their mittens on the bank of the pond when they go ice-skating one day, and they return to find the mittens have vanished. What follows is the exciting tale of how the kittens finally retrieve their mittens. - Summary by Rachel Tevis

A story for boys who want to know of the thrills and joys of Aviation. It is written by a war flyer who was a pilot with a squadron at the front and who there learned to know how he and other young men reacted to those dangerous moments when lightning-quick decisions were necessary. - Summary by EDITOR

X Minus One was a groundbreaking 1950s radio show that adapted classic science fiction stories from writers like Ray Bradbury, Isaac Asimov, and Philip K. Dick. The X Minus One Project by Various is an audiobook collection bringing these timeless tales to modern audiences. Each episode explores futuristic visions, alien encounters, dystopian societies, and the complexities of human nature. With immersive narration and vintage sci-fi charm, it captures the golden age of speculative fiction. Fans of classic sci-fi radio dramas will appreciate its mix of adventure, mystery, and thought-provoking ...