"Mistakenly assumed to have drowned in the Thames, John Harmon assumes a new identity to get acquainted with Mr. and Mrs. Boffin, who are next in line for his inheritance, and with Bella Wilfer, whom his father's will stipulates he must marry. Amid a vast gallery of scoundrels, strivers, and social climbers, Dickens' final complete novel explores the effects of greed and corruption, blending psychological insight with social commentary"--

"This volume contains the first three books in John Galsworthy's 'The Forsyte Chronicles, ' a nine book epic story of an upper-middle-class British family from the 1880s through the 1920s.'" *** "Chronicles the lives of the monied Forsytes, whose sense of what is valuable in this world is constantly at war with their passions."

First published in 1754 under title: A careful and strict enquiry into the modern prevailing notions of that freedom of will, which is supposed to be essential to moral agency, vertue and vice, reward and punishment, praise and blame. "Remarks on the Essays on the principles of morality and natural religion": pages 453-465.

Interspersed are passages from the author's "Essays" and "Journal."

In Shakespeare's time, the term "comedy did not necessarily denote something funny or amusing. Rather, through such plays such as A Midsummer Night's Dream and The Merchant of Venice, the playwright examines other defining characteristics of comedic drama-the social interactions of common folks and a focus on the contradictions inherent in everyday life. Readers explore the major themes of Shakespearean comedies, which have enchanted readers and theater-goers...

As with many writers before and since, William Shakespeare was influenced by the events that took shape all around him. Sweeping changes to England's politics, language, and culture that took place during his lifetime were the fertile ground from which the Bard drew inspiration. Shakespeare's life is surveyed and the social context in which he created his greatest drama and poetry is examined.