Capstone Classics

A luxury, keep-sake edition of an ancient Chinese scripture This ancient text, fundamental to Taoism, has become a source of inspiration and guidance for millions in modern society. It's focus on attunement, rather than mindless striving, offers an alternative to command-and-control leadership and a different way of seeing personal success — a position that has led to this ancient Chinese text becoming an internationally bestselling personal development guide. Now the text has been given a makeover and this deluxe, gift edition is set to become the market leader, following in the footsteps of the other bestselling Capstone Classic editions. Includes: • Paints a picture of a person in full attunement • Illustrates how fulfillment and peace, without struggle, can deliver to us what we need and desire • An alternative way to view personal success • A new introduction by Tom Butler Bowdon, the classic personal development expert.

The newest deluxe edition in the bestselling Capstone Classics Series This ancient classic has had a make-over. In recent years these Capstone Classic deluxe editions have caught the book buying public's imagination. The volumes of international bestsellers such as Think and Grow Rich and The Art of War have quickly become the market leaders. Now Plato's best known work, one of the most intellectually and historically influential works of philosophy and political theory, has been brought to life in this luxury, hardback, keep-sake edition. This edition includes: • Plato's plans for a perfect society characterised by a blend of wisdom, courage, self-discipline and justice • Lessons to learn about living according to eternal truths, instead of existing simply for survival and pleasure • A new introduction by Tom Butler Bowdon, the classic personal development expert

An essential companion to the most relevant works of Michel de Montaigne. “Essays: The Philosophy Classic” delivers a carefully curated collection of thought-provoking works by sixteenth-century thinker Michel De Montaigne. Exploring topics as diverse as politics, poetry, love, friendship and the purpose of philosophy, this latest entry in the celebrated Capstone Classics series is accessible and intuitively organized. Follow the thoughts of the person who created the essay genre in literature as he expresses his philosophy, interests, and learning. Throughout, you'll be guided by an expansive introduction by leading Montaigne scholar Philippe Desan and the comments of series editor Tom Butler-Bowdon, placing the work of Montaigne in its historical and philosophical context. You'll also find: • Celebrated and famous works by Montaigne, including noted classics like "That to Study Philosophy is to Learn to Die" • Lesser-known works that have taken on increased importance in the unique context of the 21st-century • A version of the popular Charles Cotton translation first published in 1685: a simple, faithful, and clear adaptation of the French original An invaluable resource for anyone interested in the insightful and illuminating work of one of the most enduring thinkers of the 16th-century, “Essays: The Philosophy Classic” is an essential addition to the libraries of philosophers, historians, and laypeople seeking an eye-opening and fascinating exploration of life itself.

DISCOVER A TALE OF UNIMAGINABLE ADVERSITY “Twelve Years a Slave” tells the story of Solomon Northup, a free-born man of colour who was kidnapped and sold into slavery in the American South in 1841. His true tale of captivity, torture and abuse brings to life the unimaginable evils of slavery in a time when it was yet to be outlawed. Equal parts slave, travel, and spiritual narrative, Twelve Years A Slave reveals Northup to be a person of astonishing strength and wisdom. An insightful introduction by David Fiske reveals the world into which Northup was born, the kidnapping phenomenon to which he fell victim, and the legacy of slavery today.

A classic masterpiece of gothic horror fiction Dracula, Bram Stoker's chilling tale of disturbing events, dark desires and the harrowing world of vampires, has gripped audiences since it was first published in 1897. Reflecting the anxieties of late 19th-century Victorian society, this book explores the themes of superstition, sexuality and the fear of the unknown. This epistolary novel conveys its narrative through letters, diary entries and newspaper articles as Jonathon Harker travels to Gothic Transylvania to assist the infamous Count Dracula with the purchase of an English house. The newly-qualified solicitor soon discovers the sinister truth about the Count's vampiric intentions and diabolical ambitions. The only thing standing in Count Dracula's way is a small group of people led by Professor Abraham Van Helsing, who know what he secretly is and have vowed to stop him. Dracula remains a cornerstone of vampire lore, and has an ongoing influence on popular culture even today. This quintessential Gothic novel is perfect for horror fans, classic novel enthusiasts and fans of supernatural fiction.

A twisted, upside-down creation myth that gave birth to the modern science fiction novel Frankenstein, Mary Shelley's chilling Gothic tale, lays bare the dark side of science, and the horror within us all. Written after a nightmare Mary Shelley was only eighteen, this book gave birth to the modern science fiction novel. Set against the backdrop of Europe in the late 18th century, Frankenstein explores themes of scientific ethics, the nature of monstrosity, and the consequences of playing god. The book follows the ambitious scientist Victor Frankenstein who plunders graveyards to create a human-like creature from reanimated body parts, driven by his desire to overcome death and unlock the secrets of life. Frankenstein is often considered a reflection of the cultural and scientific anxieties of the time, with the Industrial Revolution and advancements in science raising questions about the ethical boundaries of scientific exploration. Despite first being published in 1818, this novel remains relevant today, prompting discussions on the consequences of unchecked ambition and societal rejection of the "other." This seminal work is perfect for fans of the Gothic and science fiction genres.

In December 1831, Charles Darwin boarded the HMS Beagle, accompanying her crew on a five-year journey that crossed the Atlantic Ocean to survey the coasts of South America. As the expedition's geologist and naturalist, Darwin collected evidence from the Galapagos Islands and other locations which prompted him to speculate that species evolve over generations through a process of natural selection. In 1859, Darwin published “On the Origin of Species”, a work of scientific literature considered to be the foundation of evolutionary biology. His revolutionary work presented evidence from the Beagle expedition as well as from years of subsequent research and experimentation. Written for non-specialists, Darwin's book gained widespread interest from the scientific community, religious leaders, politicians and the general public. The theory Darwin presented in his book quickly became the subject of heated debate and discussion. Now accepted by the scientific community, Darwin's concepts of evolutionary adaptation via natural selection are central to modern evolutionary theory and form the foundation of modern life sciences. Perhaps the most transformative scientific volume ever published, this volume of the first edition of “On the Origin of Species”: • Outlines Darwin's ideas, scientific influences and the core of his theory • Details natural selection and address possible objections to the theory • Examines the fossil record and biogeography to support evolutionary adaptation • Features a "Recapitulation and Conclusion" which reviews key concepts and considers the future relevance of Darwin's theory “On the Origin of Species: The Science Classic” is an important addition to the bestselling Capstone Classics series edited by Tom Butler-Bowdon. It includes an insightful Introduction from leading Darwin scholar Dr John van Wyhe of the University of Singapore, which presents new research and an offers an original perspective on Darwin and his famous work.

“The Prophet” is an inspirational book of 26 poetry fables written in English by Lebanese-American poet and writer Kahlil Gibran. One of the most translated books in history, Gibran's famous work has been translated into over 100 different languages since its first publication in 1923. The book provides timeless spiritual wisdom on universally-shared aspects of life, such as giving, buying and selling, beauty and friendship, eating and drinking, crime and punishment and spirituality and religion. The book follows Almustafa, a man who has waited for twelve years for a ship to take him from the island of Orphalese back to his home. He has come to know the people on the island, who consider him a wise and insightful man. On the day Almustafa's ship finally arrives, he feels a deep sadness. The local elders ask him not to leave. Almustafa speaks of his philosophy of life and the truths he has discovered to the gathered crowd. His words have an almost magical quality to them. As he prepares to board his ship, it becomes clear that Almustafa's words do not refer to his journey home, but rather to the world he came from before he was born. “The Prophet” is a metaphor for the mystery of life and an exploration of the human condition. Inspirational and extremely readable for modern audiences, this classic text teaches us: • We should be glad of the experience of coming into the world • The separation you feel from other people is not real • True marriage gives both people space to develop their individuality • Enjoying your work is expressing your love for whoever benefits from it • Sorrow makes space for more joy in another season of life Featuring an insightful introduction from the editor, “The Prophet: The Spirituality Classic” is a must-read book for anyone interested in exploring the undeniable truths of life we all share.

Discover Virginia Woolf's landmark essay on women's struggle for independence and creative opportunity. “A Room of One's Own” is one of Virginia Woolf's most influential works and widely recognized for its extraordinary contribution to the women's movement. Based on a lecture given at Girton College, Cambridge, it is one of the great feminist polemics, ranging in its themes from Jane Austen and Charlotte Brontë to the silent fate of Shakespeare's gifted (imaginary) sister, and the effects of poverty and sexual constraint on female creativity. The work was ranked by The Guardian newspaper as number 45 in the 100 World's Best Non-fiction Books. Part of the bestselling Capstone series, this collectible, hard-back edition of “A Room of One's Own” includes an insightful introduction by Jessica Gildersleeve that explains the book's place in modernist literature and why it still resonates with contemporary readers. Born in 1882, Virginia Woolf was one of the most forward-thinking English writers of her time. Author of the classic novels Mrs Dalloway (1925) and To the Lighthouse (1927), she was also a prolific writer of essays, diaries, letters and biographies, and a member of the celebrated Bloomsbury Set of intellectuals and artists. • Discover why “A Room of One's Own” is considered among the greatest and most influential works of female empowerment and creativity • Learn why Woolf's classic has stood the test of time. Make this attractive, high-quality hardcover edition a permanent addition to your library. • Enjoy an insightful introduction by Jessica Gildersleeve, who connects the themes of the text to the concerns of today's audience Capstone Classics brings “A Room of One's Own” to a new generation of readers who can discover how Woolf's book broke new artistic ground and advanced the position of women writers and creatives around the world.

Part of the bestselling Capstone Classics Series edited by Tom Butler-Bowdon, this collectible, hard-back edition of The Interpretation of Dreams provides an accessible and insightful edition of this important work of psychology Sigmund Freud's The Interpretation of Dreams introduced his ground-breaking theory of the unconscious and explored how interpreting dreams can reveal the true nature of humanity. Regarded as Freud's most significant work, this classic text helped establish the discipline of psychology and is the foundational work in the field of psychoanalysis. Highly readable and engaging, the book both provides a semi-autobiographical look into Freud's personal life — his holidays in the Alps, spending time with his children, interacting with friends and colleagues — and delves into descriptions and analyses of the dreams themselves. Freud begins with a review of literature on dreams written by a broad range of ancient and contemporary figures — concluding that science has learned little of the nature of dreams in the past several thousand years. Although the prevailing view was that dreams were merely responses to 'sensory excitation,' Freud felt that the multifaceted dimensions of dreams could not be attributed solely to physical causes. By the time Freud began writing the book he had interpreted over a thousand dreams of people with psychoses and recognised the connection between the content of dreams and a person's mental health. Among his conclusions were that a person's dreams: • Prefer using recent impressions, yet also have access to early childhood memories • Unify different people, places, events and sensations into one story • Usually focus on small or unnoticed things rather than major events • Are almost always 'wish fulfilments' which are about the self • Have many layers of meaning which are often condensed into a single image The Interpretation of Dreams: The Psychology Classic is as riveting today as it was over a century ago. Anyone with interest in the workings of the unconscious mind will find this book an invaluable source of original insights and foundational scientific concepts. This edition includes an insightful Introduction by Sarah Tomley, a psychology writer and practicing psychotherapist. Tomley considers paints a picture of Freud's life and times, reveals the place of The Interpretation of Dreams in the context of Freud's other writings, and draws out the key points of the work.

Explore the ancient Stoic way of thinking and the valuable lessons it holds for contemporary life This new volume contains the Enchiridion and selected Discourses of the great Stoic philosopher Epictetus, who believed that moral philosophy should be a practical guide to leading a better life. His works offer timeless instruction on how to live authentically, "in accordance with nature". Like other prominent Stoic thinkers Seneca and Marcus Aurelius, Epictetus teaches us to attain self-mastery through the use of reason and virtuous living. In this striking addition to the Capstone Classics series, you can discover-or rediscover-the renowned Greek philosopher's guide to living the best life possible. Epictetus teaches that personal power and peace of mind are your birthright. Epictetus focused on maintaining discipline in matters that are under our control, and letting go of matters that are not. The key to improving oneself is to learn what is 'in one's power', not judging as good or bad anything over which we have no sway. In this remarkably simple yet transformative worldview, we gain peace of mind and have a greater impact on the world. • Discover the practical moral philosophy of Epictetus, renowned Greek philosopher in the Stoic tradition • Gain solace and peace of mind from the Stoic message of letting go of what we cannot control • Learn the key messages of Epictetus in a new edition introduced by personal development author Tom Butler-Bowdon • Gain the keys to a virtuous, productive, and happy life Whether you are formally studying philosophy or pursuing your own personal development, Selected Discourses - The Wisdom of Epictetus will make an excellent addition to your library.

Make each of your days meaningful using Seneca's immortal guidance In On the Shortness of Life: The Stoic Classic, Tom Butler-Bowdon introduces the work of Lucius Annaeus Seneca, an ancient Roman philosopher who wrote on the fleeting nature of existence and the need to live in a way that is worthy of the short time we have on this planet. In the book, you'll learn how to go beyond busyness and shallow pursuits and fill your days with purpose. The happy life is the virtuous life. Seneca explains how to: • Spend time in reflection and truly honour yourself and your value. • Fulfil your duties to family and society yet remain mentally independent. • Separate what matters from what merely pleases the ego. Perfect for anyone seeking meaning and purpose in their daily lives, On the Shortness of Life is an extraordinary reminder of the transient nature of life that shows you how to make each moment count.

The original and bestselling leadership book! Sun Tzu's ideas on survival and success have been read across the world for centuries. Today they can still be applied to business, politics and life. The Art of War demonstrates how to win without conflict. It shows that with enough intelligence and planning, it is possible to conquer with a minimum of force and little destruction. This luxury hardback edition includes an introduction by Tom Butler-Bowdon that draws out lessons for managers and business leaders, and highlights the power of Sun Tzu's thinking in everyday life.

DISCOVER ONE OF THE MOST IMPORTANT ACCOUNTS OF SLAVERY IN NINETEENTH CENTURY AMERICA One of history's greatest crimes, the American slave trade led to the suffering of untold numbers of men and women. But how can we better understand the lives and experiences of those who endured it? Narrative of the Life of Frederick Douglass is a harrowing firsthand look at the brutal indignities of slavery in the nineteenth century, and the society that allowed it to happen. To better understand our shared present, we need to fully grapple with our difficult past. Douglass' Narrative is a key piece of that puzzle. An insightful introduction by Debra Newman Ham, a former Black history archivist for the Library of Congress, analyzes the text and looks at the key events in Douglass' life.

The original guide to creating wealth! With this seminal book, Wallace Wattles popularized the Law of Attraction, the powerful concept that inspired The Secret. The Science of Getting Rich explains how to attract wealth, overcome emotional barriers, and apply foolproof methods to bring financial success into your life. This special 100-year edition contains the complete, original text, along with never-before published biographical information on Wattles, and a foreword by Catherine Ponder, the doyenne of modern prosperity writers. It also features an introduction from personal development authority Tom Butler-Bowdon, plus another Wattles classic, The Science of Being Great.

DISCOVER THE ENDURING LEGACY OF ANCIENT STOICISM Since Roman antiquity, Lucius Annaeus Seneca's Letters have been one of the greatest expressions of Stoic philosophy. In a highly accessible and timeless way, Seneca reveals the importance of cultivating virtue and the fleeting nature of time, and how being clear sighted about death allows us to live a life of meaning and contentment. Letters from a Stoic continues to fascinate and inspire new generations of readers, including those interested in mindfulness and psychological techniques for well-being. This deluxe hardback selected edition includes Seneca's first 65 letters from the Richard M. Gummere translation. An insightful introduction by Donald Robertson traces Seneca's busy life at the centre of Roman power, explores how he reconciled his Stoic outlook with vast personal wealth, and highlights Seneca's relevance for the modern reader.

DISCOVER THE WORK THAT LAUNCHED REVOLUTIONS AROUND THE WORLD Although it was published in 1848, The Communist Manifesto is as controversial and provocative as ever. Its stirring and poetic language helped spread Marx and Engels' socialist message far and wide, unleashing a century of political revolution. In an age of great inequality, the Manifesto's message of an exploited and suffering working class that must rise up and claim the means of production and wealth continues to resonate. This deluxe edition features an insightful introduction from Tom Butler-Bowdon which explains how the text came to be written, and why it remains popular.

A startling and thought-provoking work from one of the most powerful philosophers in the Western canon “Thus Spoke Zarathustra: A Philosophy Classic”, is Friedrich Nietzsche's classic masterpiece of philosophy and literature. Nietzsche writes from the perspective of Zarathustra who, after years of meditation, has come down from a mountain to provide his wisdom to an unsuspecting world. He offers enduring observations on God, the Übermensch, the will to power, and the nature of human beings. This Capstone edition includes an insightful introduction from leading Nietzsche scholar Dirk R. Johnson Perfect for students and scholars of philosophy, literature and history, “Thus Spoke Zarathustra: A Philosophy Classic” belongs in the libraries of anyone interested in the philosophy of Nietzsche and in his powerful explorations of God, life, power, and humanity.

A deluxe, high-quality edition of Friedrich Nietzsche's seminal work “Beyond Good and Evil” is one of the final books by German philosopher Friedrich Nietzsche. This landmark work continues to be one of the most well-known and influential explorations of moral and ethical philosophy ever conceived. Expanding on the concepts from his previous work Thus Spoke Zarathustra, Nietzsche adopts a polemic approach to past philosophers who, in his view, lacked critical sense in accepting flawed premises in their consideration of morality. The metaphysics of morality, Nietzsche argues, should not assume that a good man is simply the opposite of an evil man, rather merely different expression of humanity's common basic impulses. Controversial in its time, as well as hotly debated in the present, Nietzsche's work moves beyond conventional ethics to suggest that a universal morality for all human beings in non-existent—perception, reason and experience are not static, but change according to an individual's perspective and interpretation. The work further argues that philosophic traditions such as "truth," "self-consciousness" and "free will" are merely inventions of Western morality and that the "will to power" is the real driving force of all human behaviour. This volume: • Critiques the belief that actions, including domination or injury to the weak, can be universally objectionable • Explores themes of religion and "master and slave" morality • Includes a collection of stunning aphorisms and observations of the human condition This deluxe volume is perfect for anyone with interest in philosophy, psychology, science, history and literature.

The classic self-help guide, full of timeless wisdom Florence Scovel Shinn's “The Game of Life and How to Play It” first appeared in bookstores in 1925 and is now considered a classic in the self-help genre. The author's insights into achieving meaning, happiness and success are just as relevant and effective today as they were nearly a century ago, hence its reissue as part of the exciting Capstone Classics line. This edition of “The Game of Life and How to Play It” includes an insightful introduction by series editor and self-help expert Tom Butler-Bowdon. Tom is an authority on classic self-help texts and adroitly connects the content of this book with the concerns of modern readers. • Enjoy the colourful anecdotes of 1920s New York that have made Scovel Shinn's book a cult classic • Discover the original "life hacks" for advancing in every area of your life, from health to wealth to love • Succeed by attuning yourself with the unchanging principles that govern the universe Find out why “The Game of Life and How to Play It” is one of the defining self-help guides of the 20th century.

THE MOST INFLUENTIAL BOOK ON MODERN ECONOMICS The Wealth of Nations is an economics book like no other. First published in 1776, Adam Smith's groundbreaking theories provide a recipe for national prosperity that has not been bettered since. It assumes no prior knowledge of its subject, and over 200 years on, still provides valuable lessons on the fundamentals of economics. This keepsake edition is a selected abridgement of all five books, and includes an Introduction by Tom Butler-Bowdon, drawing out lessons for the contemporary reader, a Foreword from Eamonn Butler, Director of the Adam Smith Institute, and a Preface from Dr. Razeen Sally of the London School of Economics.

What we can learn from a Renaissance nowhere In 1516, a book was published in Latin with the enigmatic Greek-derived word as its title. Utopia-which could mean either "good-place" or "no-place"-gives a traveler's account of a newly discovered island somewhere in the New World where the inhabitants enjoy a social order based purely on natural reason and justice. As the traveler describes the harmony, prosperity, and equality found there, a dramatic contrast is drawn between the ideal community he portrays and the poverty, crime, and often frightening political conditions of 16th century Europe. Written by Sir Thomas More (1477—1535)-then a rising intellectual star of the Renaissance and ultimately the advisor and friend of Henry VIII who was executed for his devoutly Catholic opposition to the king-Utopia is as complex as its author. In the form of a Platonic dialogue, Utopia explores topics such as money, property, crime, education, religious tolerance, euthanasia, and feminism. Claimed as a paean to communism (Lenin had More's name inscribed on a statue in Moscow) as often as it has been seen as a defense of traditional medieval values, Utopia began the lineage of utopian thinkers who use storytelling to explore new possibilities for human society-and remains as relevant today as when it was written in Antwerp 500 years ago. • Explore the issues like feminism, euthanasia, and equality through Renaissance eyes • Early communist tract or a defense of medieval values? You decide. • Peer inside the enigmatic mind of the man who dared stand up to Henry VIII • Appreciate the postmodern possibilities of Platonic dialogue

A deluxe special edition of the ancient classic written by the Roman Emperor known as "The Philosopher" Meditations is a series of personal journals written by Marcus Aurelius, Emperor of Rome from 169 to 180 AD. The last of the "Five Good Emperors," he was the most powerful and influential man in the Western world at the time. Marcus was one of the leaders of Stoicism, a philosophy of personal ethics which sought resilience and virtue through personal action and responsibility. Stoicism, viewed as a foundation of modern self-help, has inspired many personal development and psychotherapy approaches through to the present day. Meditations is perhaps the most important source of our modern understanding of Stoic philosophy. Its twelve books chronicle different stages of Marcus Aurelius' life and ideas. Although he ruled during the Pax Romana, the age of relative peace and stability throughout the empire, his reign was marked by near-constant military conflict and a devastating plague which killed upwards of five million people. Aurelius' writings give modern readers an unprecedented look into the "spiritual exercises" which helped him through his tumultuous life and strengthened his patience, empathy, generosity, self-knowledge and emotional health. The private reflections recorded in the Meditations were never meant to be published, rather they were a source for Marcus' own guidance and self-improvement, and jotted down by campfires or in military tents on the Roman front. The lessons, insights and perspectives contained within this remarkable work are just as relevant today as they were two millennia ago. This volume: • Presents the timeless wisdom of Emperor Marcus Aurelius and his Stoic philosophy, with new research on his life and times • Contains valuable insights on topics such as resilience, moderation and emotional control • Discusses how to live "in agreement with nature" and abide by strong ethical principles Part of the bestselling Capstone Classics Series edited by Tom Butler-Bowdon, this attractive, high-quality hardcover volume includes: • An original Introduction by Marcus Aurelius authority and Stoicism expert Donald Robertson, author of How To Think Like A Roman Emperor. • A modernised, up to date version of the classic George Long translation. Meditations: The Philosophy Classic is a volume which will occupy a prominent place in any library for years to come.

DISCOVER THE INDIGNITIES AND REALITIES OF SLAVERY FROM A CAPTIVATING FIRST-HAND NARRATIVE Olaudah Equiano's interesting narrative is an astonishing first-hand account of kidnapping, enslavement and eventual emancipation that has horrified and enlightened readers for over 200 years. The Interesting Narrative of Olaudah Equiano is a seminal work in a genre that seeks to help us better shape the present by understanding our violent past. An insightful Introduction from Atlantic slave trade expert Michael Taylor sheds light on Equiano's life, including his spiritual conversion, his wide travels, and the impact of his writing on the eventual abolition of slavery.