Taken from the first published biography of Dante Gabriel Rossetti, this text takes a fascinating look at the life and works of the eminent English poet, illustrator, painter and translator.

A fascinating look at the Catholic concept of Heaven.From the preface:Many books, owing to their special character, are designed for only a small circle of readers. But topics involving general and vital interests deservedly claim the attention of all persons. Such is the subject of the present work-"e;The Happiness of Heaven."e; For who is he that, believing in the existence of that blessed abode, does not hope eventually to arrive there?What sublime descriptions do not the Holy Scriptures give us of the blessed City of God! Her wails are built of jasper-stone; but the City itself is of pure and shining gold, like to clear crystal glass. And the foundations of the City are adorned with all manner of precious stones. Her gates are pearls. The very streets are transparent as glass. This glorious City has no need of the sun or of the moon to shine in her; for the glory of God is her light.In the midst of her sits the Ancient of days: His garments are white as snow: His throne is like flames of fire. Thousands and thousands minister unto him, and ten thousand times a hundred thousand stand before Him. A river of life-giving water, as clear as crystal, whose banks are adorned with the tree of life, issues from the throne of God. The Blessed drink of the torrent of pleasure, and are inebriated with the plenty of the house of God. All tears are wiped away from their eyes: and death shall be no more, nor mourning, nor crying, nor sorrow shall be any more, for the former things are passed away.And, when we are assured that no mortal eye hath seen nor ear heard, nor heart of man conceived the happiness prepared for God's children, we must conclude that the magnificent language describing the heavenly Jerusalem is only symbolical; that the Holy Ghost speaks of the most precious and beautiful things we know, in order to raise our minds to the reality which they faintly represent. It has been the aim of the author of the following pages to discover the meaning concealed under those enticing figures. In his exposition of "e;The Happiness of Heaven,"e; he has endeavored to follow the teachings of the most approved theologians of the Church. Moreover, mindful that our Divine Model spoke of the Kingdom of Heaven in parables, he has laid aside, as far as possible, the technical language of the schools, and has replaced it by illustrations, which are better adapted to the capacity of all.Should the worshipper of mammon, on perusing these pages, pause in his headlong course, to think of "e;treasures which neither the moth nor rust consumes;"e; should the votary of pleasure be induced to sigh after the joys that pass not away; should the poor and the afflicted of every description, cast a lingering, longing glance toward that blessed region where sorrow is unknown; should those who have consecrated themselves to God be incited to a greater perfection and to a desire of a higher degree of glory in heaven, the writer will deem himself amply rewarded for his labor.

A fascinating look at University life in the Medieval era, written by Scottish historian, Historiographer Royal and Principal of the University of Glasgow Sir Robert Sangster Rait Kt. CBE DL.

A fascinating look at the state of Europe at the start of the French revolution in the 18th century, written by 19th century American historian Edward Jackson Lowell.

A fantastic collection of writings by cleric and writer Augustus Jessop that take a look at, amongst other topics, monastic life in the early days of the friars.

No author is more associated with Christmas-time than Charles Dickens. This collection contains two of his festive short novels: 'The Chimes' and 'The Holly Tree'.

Taken from his 1766 work 'Apocalypsis Revelata' (The Apocalypse Explained), this is a fascinating look at the theologies of Swedish scientist, philosopher, Christian mystic and theologian Emanuel Swedenborg.

Edith Wharton's first published novel is set in late-18th century Italy during the years that Europe was shaken by the French Revolution. Odo Valsecca inherits a dukedom and is forced to choose between his personal liberal ideals and the conservatism of his family tradition.

The fascinating and somewhat sensationalist memoirs of Anna Leonowens, the English travel writer, educator, and social activist that became tutor to the wives and children of the king of Siam from 1862-68. Her story was later fictionalised in the book 'Anna and the King of Siam', which was adapted by Rogers and Hammerstein into the hit 1951 musical 'The King and I'.

A fantastic dramatic novel by English novelist, journalist and translator Mary Anne Evens, better known by her pen name of George Eliot. One of her most sophisticated and subtle treatments of her own attitude to religion, this is a prime example of her trademark realism style.

A fantastic collection of six short stories in the 'plantation tradition' genre by American author Thomas Nelson Page.Note: these stories were written in the late 19th century and as such are a product of their time. Some of the stereotypes portrayed within may be insulting to a modern audience.

A fantastic tale of the Napoleonic War by the creator of Sherlock Holmes, Sir Arthur Conan Doyle. Also contains a story starring his famous creation the ever-vain Brigadier Gerard.

A fantastic collection of legends about the Greek king of Ithaca, Odysseus, also known by his Latin name of Ulysses, written by English essayist Charles Lamb.

A fascinating look at the life of one of the most influential men in the ancient world: Marcus Tullius Cicero. Philosopher, politician, lawyer, Cicero made his name with his famous orations and written prose.

A history of the city of Versailles in France. Versailles was once the capital of France and the Palace of Versailles is considered one of the most beautiful palaces in the world. This is a comprehensive study of many important periods in the history of the city.

A fascinating series of autobiographical writings by English nature writer John Richard Jefferies, which give an intriguing insight into English rural life in the 19th century.

A fantastic collection of thirteen witty short stories from the British-Canadian short story writer and novelist Robert Barr.

A fantastic romance novel set during the 16th century French Wars of Religion, written by the master of the romance novel, Stanley J. Weyman.

A fantastic look at one of the most important figures in the history of the Orthodox Christian Church, Saint Athanasius of Alexandria.

A fascinating collection of writings about the 'Ridings' (archaic sub-counties) of the North English county of Yorkshire, their distinctive dialects and rich folklore, written by the literary scholar Frederic Moorman.

A fantastic historical novel set during the events of the Scottish uprising, written by the author of The Last of the Mohicans, James Fenimore Cooper.