Library
Public-domain books — and room for your own
The Wind in the Willows
"The Wind in the Willows" by Kenneth Grahame is a children's novel published in 1908. It follows Mole, Ratty, and Badger as they attempt to help the wealthy but reckless Mr. Toad, who becomes dangerously obsessed with motorcars and lands himself in serious trouble. Their adventures along the riverbank and through the Wild Wood blend friendship, excitement, and humor. Based on bedtime stories Grahame told his son, this tale of anthropomorphized animals has become a beloved classic of British literature. (This is an automatically generated summary.)
The Pilgrim's Progress from this world to that which is to come Delivered under the similitude of a dream, by John Bunyan
"The Pilgrim's Progress from this world to that which is to come" by John Bunyan is a Christian allegory written in 1678. The story follows Christian, an everyman burdened by sin, as he abandons his home and family to journey from the City of Destruction to the Celestial City atop Mount Zion. Along the way, he encounters treacherous swamps, false guides, and spiritual tests. This dream narrative explores themes of faith, deliverance, and the perils facing those who seek salvation through the narrow path to Heaven. (This is an automatically generated summary.)
琵琶记
蔡伯喈进京中了状元,家乡的妻子赵五娘一路弹着琵琶寻夫。南戏,四十二出。
The forged coupon, and other stories
"The forged coupon, and other stories" by graf Leo Tolstoy is a collection written between 1902-1904 and published in 1910. The title novella follows a schoolboy's desperate act of forging a bond coupon to repay a debt. This single deception triggers a devastating chain reaction, touching dozens of lives and ultimately leading to murder. The story explores how one evil deed ripples outward, yet maintains hope by showing that good works can spread just as powerfully as wrongdoing through society. (This is an automatically generated summary.)
The Monster Men
"The Monster Men" by Edgar Rice Burroughs is a science fiction novel published in 1913. Professor Arthur Maxon retreats to a remote island in the East Indies to conduct forbidden experiments in creating artificial human life. As he grows increasingly obsessed with perfecting his creations—particularly Number Thirteen—dark forces conspire around him. Pirates, treasure hunters, and his own assistant threaten his daughter Virginia, while the handsome but supposedly soulless Number Thirteen may be her only hope for survival in this Frankenstein-inspired adventure. (This is an automatically generated summary.)
Summer
"Summer" by Edith Wharton is a novel published in 1917. Set in rural New England, it follows seventeen-year-old Charity Royall, who longs to escape her small mountain town and her guardian's oppressive home. When a charming young architect arrives, Charity experiences passion and possibility beyond her constrained world. But their romance leads to consequences that force her to confront harsh realities about class, desire, and survival. This controversial coming-of-age story explores a young woman's sexual awakening and the difficult choices she must make. (This is an automatically generated summary.)
The warlord of Mars
"The Warlord of Mars" by Edgar Rice Burroughs is a science fantasy novel written in 1913 and published in 1914. John Carter races across the frozen polar regions of Mars to rescue his imprisoned wife, Princess Dejah Thoris, from vengeful enemies who have abducted her. His desperate pursuit leads him to discover the hidden realm of the Yellow Martians and their tyrannical ruler, triggering battles and rebellions that will determine the fate of multiple Martian kingdoms. (This is an automatically generated summary.)
搜神记
干宝辑的志怪,四百多条,神仙、妖怪、感应、复生。干将莫邪、董永都在其中。今本是后人从类书里辑出来的。
O Pioneers!
"O Pioneers!" by Willa Cather is a novel published in 1913. It follows Alexandra Bergson, a Swedish-American immigrant who inherits her family's Nebraska farmland and fights to build prosperity on the harsh prairie while neighbors abandon their dreams. As the land transforms under her determination, two forbidden romances unfold—one between Alexandra and an old friend, the other between her brother Emil and a married woman—testing loyalty, passion, and the price of survival in an unforgiving frontier. (This is an automatically generated summary.)
The prisoner of Zenda
"The Prisoner of Zenda" by Anthony Hope is an adventure novel published in 1894. When the King of Ruritania is drugged before his coronation, an English tourist who happens to be his lookalike is persuaded to impersonate him. What begins as a temporary political solution becomes dangerous when the king is kidnapped. The Englishman must maintain his royal disguise while navigating palace intrigue, assassination attempts, and forbidden love with Princess Flavia—all while trying to rescue the real king from his captors. (This is an automatically generated summary.)
The Tragedy of Pudd'nhead Wilson
"The Tragedy of Pudd'nhead Wilson" by Mark Twain is a novel published in 1894. Set in a Mississippi River town, it tells the story of two infants—one born into slavery with 1/32 black ancestry, the other white and free—who are secretly switched in their cradles. Each boy grows into the other's social role, setting the stage for a murder mystery that exposes the arbitrary nature of racial categories and the moral corruption beneath small-town respectability. (This is an automatically generated summary.)
Herland
"Herland" by Charlotte Perkins Gilman is a feminist utopian novel written in 1915. Three male explorers discover an isolated society composed entirely of women who reproduce without men. What they find challenges every assumption they hold about gender, civilization, and human nature. As the men learn the language and customs of this all-female utopia—free of war, conflict, and domination—they must confront their own prejudices about what women should be, leading to revelations that test their understanding of society itself. (This is an automatically generated summary.)
The Jungle Book
"The Jungle Book" by Rudyard Kipling is a collection of stories published in 1894. The tales follow Mowgli, a boy raised by wolves in the Indian jungle, alongside animal characters like Shere Khan the tiger and Baloo the bear. Through these fables, Kipling explores themes of abandonment and fostering, law and freedom, and the balance between civilization and wildness. The stories teach lessons about respect for authority while celebrating the freedom to move between different worlds, using animals as archetypes for human nature and society. (This is an automatically generated summary.)
At the Earth's Core
"At the Earth's Core" by Edgar Rice Burroughs is a fantasy novel written in 1914. When mining heir David Innes and inventor Abner Perry test an experimental drilling machine, they accidentally burrow 500 miles into Earth's crust and discover Pellucidar—a hollow world within our planet. This prehistoric land is populated by ancient creatures and dominated by the intelligent but cruel Mahars, who enslave primitive humans. Innes must navigate strange customs, win the heart of Dian the Beautiful, and lead a human revolt against their reptilian overlords. (This is an automatically generated summary.)
Child Christopher and Goldilind the Fair
"Child Christopher and Goldilind the Fair" by William Morris is a fantasy novel published in 1895. Set in the forested land of Oakenrealm, this reimagining of a medieval tale follows two displaced royal heirs who are forced into marriage. Christopher, unaware of his true noble identity, struggles with his love for Goldilind while believing their social stations are impossibly different. When an assassination attempt exposes hidden truths, Christopher must decide whether to challenge the usurper who stole his heritage and claim his rightful place. (This is an automatically generated summary.)
浮生六记
沈复回忆他和妻子陈芸的一生。原有六卷,今存四卷:闺房记乐、闲情记趣、坎坷记愁、浪游记快,后两卷已佚。
故事新编
鲁迅取神话和历史人物改写的八篇:补天、奔月、理水、采薇、铸剑、出关、非攻、起死。古人说现代的话,是有意为之。
Peter Pan
"Peter Pan: [Peter and Wendy]" by J. M. Barrie is a work that began as a play in 1904 and became a novel in 1911. It tells the story of Peter Pan, a mischievous boy who can fly and never grows up. He whisks Wendy Darling and her brothers away to Neverland, a magical island inhabited by mermaids, fairies, and pirates. There, they encounter the Lost Boys and face off against the villainous Captain Hook, all while navigating adventures that blur the line between childhood wonder and danger. (This is an automatically generated summary.)
Thuvia, maid of Mars
"Thuvia, Maid of Mars" by Edgar Rice Burroughs is a science fantasy novel published in 1916. The fourth book in the Barsoom series shifts focus to Carthoris, son of John Carter, who loves Princess Thuvia of Ptarth—a woman promised to another. When Thuvia is kidnapped and Carthoris is framed, war threatens to erupt between Martian nations. His desperate rescue mission leads him to ancient Lothar, where a mysterious race creates deadly illusions from pure thought. (This is an automatically generated summary.)
The Red Badge of Courage: An Episode of the American Civil War
"The Red Badge of Courage: An Episode of the American Civil War" by Stephen Crane is a war novel published in 1895. The story follows Henry Fleming, a young Union Army private who flees from battle during the American Civil War. Overwhelmed by shame and cowardice, he desperately longs for a wound—a "red badge of courage"—to redeem himself. When his regiment faces combat again, Henry must confront his fears. Known for its psychological realism and vivid battle sequences, the novel explores themes of maturation, heroism, and the true nature of courage. (This is an automatically generated summary.)
Clotelle; Or, The Colored Heroine, a tale of the Southern States; Or, The President's Daughter
"Clotelle; Or, The Colored Heroine" by William Wells Brown is a novel written in the mid-19th century. The book explores the complex social dynamics surrounding race and gender in the Southern United States before the Civil War, focusing particularly on the lives of mulatto women and their struggles against the system of slavery and societal expectations. The story introduces readers to Isabella, a beautiful quadroon woman, her mother Agnes, and her sister Marion, detailing their experiences and the exploitation they face in a society rife with immorality and prejudice. The opening portion of the novel establishes the setting and social context of the Southern states, highlighting the beauty and allure of Quadroon women, while simultaneously revealing the harsh realities of their existence under slavery. Isabella's mother, Agnes, is intent on raising her daughters with a semblance of dignity amidst the oppressive environment, even as they are ultimately sold at a slave auction. The narrative introduces characters such as Henry Linwood, who becomes entwined with Isabella's life as he promises to purchase her freedom.
Maria; Or, The Wrongs of Woman
"Maria; Or, The Wrongs of Woman" by Mary Wollstonecraft is a novel written in the late 18th century. This work serves as a poignant exploration of the injustices faced by women in a patriarchal society, narrated through the experiences of the protagonist, Maria, a woman who finds herself imprisoned both physically and emotionally. The book delves into themes of motherhood, oppression, and the struggle for agency in a world that often dismisses women's rights. The opening of the novel introduces Maria in a state of deep despair as she grapples with the anguish of separation from her child and the oppressive circumstances imposed upon her by her tyrannical husband. She reflects intensely on her situation, torn by feelings of grief and indignation while contemplating her potential escape. The narrative sets the stage for Maria's interactions with other characters, including Jemima, her guard, who becomes a crucial figure in Maria's journey toward reclaiming her autonomy. As Maria expresses her thoughts and emotions, the reader is drawn into her internal conflict and the broader social commentary on women's roles, resilience, and the yearning for freedom.
生死场
东北乡村在九一八前后的十年。前半写农人的生老病死,后半写日本人来了以后。
呐喊
鲁迅的第一部小说集,十四篇,1918 到 1922 年间写成。《狂人日记》《孔乙己》《药》《故乡》《阿Q正传》都在其中。
The island of Doctor Moreau
"The Island of Doctor Moreau" by H. G. Wells is a science fiction novel published in 1896. Shipwrecked scientist Edward Prendick finds himself stranded on a remote island inhabited by Doctor Moreau, a disgraced physiologist conducting horrific experiments. Through vivisection, Moreau transforms animals into human-like creatures called the Beast Folk, who struggle to maintain their humanity under a strict code of laws. As Prendick uncovers the dark secrets of the island, he confronts questions about the boundaries of science, the nature of human identity, and the price of unchecked ambition. (This is an automatically generated summary.)
A Study in Scarlet
"A Study in Scarlet" by Arthur Conan Doyle is a detective novel published in 1887. This groundbreaking work introduces Sherlock Holmes and Dr. Watson as they investigate a mysterious murder in London. When a man is found dead with the word "RACHE" written in blood, Holmes must unravel the scarlet thread of murder running through the case. The investigation leads to a dramatic tale of revenge spanning two continents, connecting a London crime scene to events in Utah's Salt Lake Valley decades earlier. (This is an automatically generated summary.)
American Hand Book of the Daguerreotype
"American Hand Book of the Daguerreotype" by S. D. Humphrey is a scientific publication written during the mid-19th century. The book serves as a practical manual for amateurs and professionals in the emerging field of photography, particularly focusing on the daguerreotype process, a pioneering photographic technique of the time. The opening portion of the book establishes its intent to provide detailed and reliable methods for mastering the art of daguerreotype photography. Humphrey emphasizes the importance of precise procedures, such as properly polishing and coating the daguerreotype plate, and he provides intricate instructions for each step of the process. The initial chapters outline crucial techniques like buffing the plate, developing images using mercury vapors, and maintaining chemical balance, which are essential for achieving successful photographic results. Furthermore, the author introduces the reader to necessary chemicals, equipment, and precautionary measures, setting the stage for a comprehensive guide aimed at enhancing skills in this complex and delicate art form. (This is an automatically generated summary.)
The Turn of the Screw
"The Turn of the Screw" by Henry James is a gothic horror novella published in 1898. A young governess arrives at a remote country estate to care for two children, only to become convinced that supernatural forces haunt the grounds. As she witnesses mysterious figures and grows increasingly alarmed by the children's behavior, the line between reality and imagination blurs. This unsettling tale has captivated readers for over a century with its deliberate ambiguity, leaving the true nature of the horror chillingly uncertain. (This is an automatically generated summary.)
The Marvelous Land of Oz
"The Marvelous Land of Oz" by L. Frank Baum is a novel published in 1904. This sequel follows young Tip as he escapes his cruel guardian, the witch Mombi, with a magical pumpkin-headed companion. When an all-girl army conquers the Emerald City, Tip joins forces with the Scarecrow and Tin Woodman on a wild adventure involving flying machines, hidden royalty, and shocking transformations that will determine Oz's rightful ruler. (This is an automatically generated summary.)
Narrative of the Life of Frederick Douglass, an American Slave
"Narrative of the Life of Frederick Douglass, an American Slave" by Frederick Douglass is a memoir written in 1845. This powerful firsthand account chronicles Douglass's experiences in bondage and his determination to gain freedom. From his early separation from his mother to brutal physical abuse under various masters, Douglass recounts the dehumanizing realities of slavery. His secret pursuit of literacy becomes a turning point, opening his mind to the possibility of escape and fueling his journey toward liberation and self-determination. (This is an automatically generated summary.)
西湖梦寻
张岱按方位写西湖七十二处景,每处先记旧貌,再录前人的诗文。写的时候,西湖已经不是他记得的样子。
The Wonderful Wizard of Oz
"The Wonderful Wizard of Oz" by L. Frank Baum is a children's novel written in 1900. When a cyclone sweeps young Dorothy and her dog Toto from Kansas to the magical Land of Oz, she discovers only one way home: she must destroy the Wicked Witch of the West. Joined by a Scarecrow seeking brains, a Tin Woodman wanting a heart, and a Cowardly Lion desiring courage, Dorothy follows the yellow brick road to seek help from the mysterious Wizard of Oz. (This is an automatically generated summary.)
The Aspern Papers
"The Aspern Papers" by Henry James is a novella published in 1888. A nameless narrator travels to Venice with a singular obsession: to obtain the private letters of Jeffrey Aspern, a deceased American poet. His target is Juliana Bordereau, the poet's aged former lover, who guards these precious documents. To gain access, the narrator poses as a lodger and considers courting Juliana's plain niece, Miss Tita. James crafts a suspenseful tale about the ethical boundaries of biographical pursuit, where desire for literary treasure collides with human dignity and privacy. (This is an automatically generated summary.)
文心雕龙
刘勰著,五十篇,中国第一部体系完整的文学理论书。前半讲各种文体的源流,后半讲怎么写和怎么评。全书用骈文写成。
Dream Days
"Dream Days" by Kenneth Grahame is a collection of children's fiction and childhood reminiscences published in 1898. A sequel to "The Golden Age," it follows the same family of five children through stories that capture an unsentimental view of childhood. Adults remain oblivious to the young people's true concerns, griefs, and rages. The collection is best known for including Grahame's beloved tale "The Reluctant Dragon," which has overshadowed the other selections in the book's legacy. (This is an automatically generated summary.)
山海经
记山川、道路、物产和神怪的古书,战国到汉初陆续成篇。夸父、精卫、西王母出自这里。
The Lost Continent
"The Lost Continent" by Edgar Rice Burroughs is a novel likely written in the early 20th century. The story is set in a post-apocalyptic future where the Eastern Hemisphere has been cut off from the West for over 200 years following a devastating war. The narrative revolves around Lieutenant Jefferson Turck, a naval officer of the Pan-American Federation, who embarks on a journey beyond the borders set by his civilization, seeking to uncover the mysteries of a long-lost and savage Europe. At the start of the book, Jefferson Turck reflects on the isolation of Europe and the consequences of the Great War that left it abandoned and forgotten. When his ship, the Coldwater, suffers mechanical failures, Turck finds himself crossing the forbidden line into this unknown territory. After a harrowing experience at sea, he and a few crew members wash ashore in a wild and dangerous land. As they navigate this savage world, they encounter exotic beasts and primitive tribes, revealing that civilization has regressed into a state of brutality and ignorance, far removed from the advanced society Turck knows.
Heart of Darkness
"Heart of Darkness" by Joseph Conrad is a novella published in 1899. Sailor Charles Marlow recounts his journey as a steamer captain for a Belgian company deep into the African interior. His assignment: to find Kurtz, an ivory trader who has mysteriously "gone native" at a remote station upriver. Conrad's tale explores European colonialism, power, and morality while questioning the boundary between civilization and savagery. The novella provides a dark meditation on imperialism, drawing unsettling parallels between London and Africa as places shrouded in darkness. (This is an automatically generated summary.)
西厢记
张生和崔莺莺,红娘居中。元杂剧,五本二十折,比通常的一本四折长得多。故事出自唐传奇《莺莺传》,结局改成了团圆。
Daddy-Long-Legs
"Daddy-Long-Legs" by Jean Webster is an epistolary novel published in 1912. It follows Jerusha "Judy" Abbott, an orphan sent to college by a mysterious benefactor she has never seen. Through monthly letters addressed to the anonymous "Daddy-Long-Legs," Judy chronicles her transformation from institutionalized orphan to educated young woman. As she navigates college life, friendships, and her dreams of becoming a writer, Judy remains unaware of her benefactor's true identity—a revelation that will ultimately change everything. (This is an automatically generated summary.)