My Experiences in a Lunatic Asylum (Treasure Trove Classics) PDF Download

Author: A. Sane A Sane Patient
Publisher: Createspace Independent Publishing Platform
ISBN: 9781541172708
Category :
Languages : en
Pages : 102

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Book Description
My Experiences in a Lunatic Asylum is one of many similar tales (e.g. Clarissa Caldwell Lathrop's A Secret Institution, 1890) which echoed and fed the fear rife in Victorian Britain of being falsely confined in such private asylums. Merivale's pamphlet perhaps stands out from others, however, in its literary stature, coming from the pen of an author who counted amongst his friends William Makepeace Thackeray, Matthew Arnold, Anthony Trollope, Charles Dickens and others. The barrister and author Herman Charles Merivale (1839-1906) was committed, in February 1875, to Ticehurst in Sussex, a private lunatic asylum owned and run by the Newington family since 1792. Having suffered from what would nowadays be deemed as depression, Merivale spent almost seven months at Ticehurst where his mental state, intake of food, as well as his sleeping habits were recorded in a casebook. After initially being released in September 1875, he returned to the asylum within a year on account of suicidal tendencies and was later transferred out of the hospital in 1877 although his condition had not improved. In his book, published in 1879 under the pseudonym of "A Sane Patient", Merivale tells of his first night: I was therefore 'removed,' half-dying, in a state of semi-consciousness, I can scarcely remember how, to the castellated mansion mentioned in my first chapter. The wrong should have been impossible, of course; but it is possible, and it is law. My liberty, and my very existence as an individual being, had been signed away behind my back. In my weakened perceptions I at first thought that the mansion was an hotel. Left alone in a big room on the first evening, I was puzzled by the entrance of a wild-looking man, who described figures in the air with his hand, to an accompaniment of gibber, ate a pudding with his fingers at the other end of a long table, and retired. My nerve was shaken to its weakest, remember; and I was alone with him! It was not an hotel. It was a lunatic asylum.

Author: Arthur Conan Doyle
Publisher: Good Press
ISBN:
Category : Fiction
Languages : en
Pages : 10888

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Book Description
THE GREAT BRITISH DETECTIVES boxed set is an unparalleled collection that spans the rich tapestry of early twentieth-century British detective literature. Curated to showcase the diversity of narrative techniques, settings, and characters, this anthology embarks on a thrilling journey through the fog-laden streets of London to the country's quaint villages, encapsulating the golden age of detective fiction. The assortment includes seminal works that have shaped the genre, blending intellectual puzzles with suspenseful storytelling, and features contributions from literary titans to hidden gems. The thematic cohesion around mystery and intrigue is brilliantly executed, offering readers an exhaustive exploration of the detective genre's evolution. The authors represented in this collectionamong them Arthur Conan Doyle, G. K. Chesterton, and Edgar Wallacebring together a wealth of literary experience and accolades. Their backgrounds, ranging from journalism to medicine, have informed their storytelling, infusing their narratives with authenticity and complexity. This anthology situates itself within significant literary and cultural movements, reflecting societal anxieties and the universal quest for truth and justice. These narratives not only entertain but also offer intriguing insights into the zeitgeist of early 20th-century Britain. For aficionados of detective stories, THE GREAT BRITISH DETECTIVES boxed set opens a veritable treasure chest of narrative riches. The volume is an indispensable addition to the libraries of those keen to immerse themselves in the intrigue and intellect of classic detective literature. It stands as a testament to the enduring appeal of the genre, inviting readers on a journey of discovery through the minds of its most gifted architects. This collection is not merely a historical artifact; it is a vibrant conversation across generations, inviting reflection on the timeless themes of morality, law, and the human condition.

Author: Bram Stoker
Publisher: Good Press
ISBN:
Category : Fiction
Languages : en
Pages : 1649

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Bram Stoker's '12 Novels in One Volume' serves as a comprehensive collection of the author's works, showcasing his iconic horror classics in a single volume. Stoker's writing style is characterized by intricate storytelling, gothic elements, and a mastery of creating suspense. Readers can expect to be immersed in chilling tales that explore themes of fear, the supernatural, and human nature, all of which have solidified Stoker's place as a prominent figure in the horror genre. This collection presents a literary feast for those who appreciate well-crafted narratives and spine-tingling moments. Bram Stoker's fascination with the unknown and the macabre can be traced back to his personal experiences and his interest in folklore and mythology. His background as a theater manager and critic also influenced his writing style, leading to vivid descriptions and dramatic storytelling. Stoker's ability to evoke a sense of unease and intrigue in his readers is a testament to his skill as a writer and storyteller. For fans of horror literature and those looking to delve into the works of a master of the genre, 'Bram Stoker: 12 Novels in One Volume' is a must-read. This collection offers a comprehensive look into Stoker's captivating storytelling and will leave readers spellbound by the dark and haunting worlds he creates.

Author: Steve Luxenberg
Publisher: Hachette Books
ISBN: 1401394426
Category : Psychology
Languages : en
Pages : 508

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Book Description
Beth Luxenberg was an only child. Or so everyone thought. Six months after Beth's death, her secret emerged. It had a name: Annie. Praise for Annie's Ghosts "Annie's Ghosts is one of the most remarkable books I have ever read . . . From mental institutions to the Holocaust, from mothers and fathers to children and childhood, with its mysteries, sadness, and joy--this book is one emotional ride."--Bob Woodward, author of The War Within and State of Denial "Steve Luxenberg sleuths his family's hidden history with the skills of an investigative reporter, the instincts of a mystery writer, and the sympathy of a loving son. His rediscovery of one lost woman illuminates the shocking fate of thousands of Americans who disappeared just a generation ago."--Tony Horwitz, author of A Voyage Long and Strange and Confederates in the Attic "I started reading within minutes of picking up this book, and was instantly mesmerized. It's a riveting detective story, a moving family saga, an enlightening if heartbreaking chapter in the history of America's treatment of people born with what we now call special needs." -- Deborah Tannen, author of You Just Don't Understand and You're Wearing That "This is a memoir that pushes the journalistic envelope . . . Luxenberg has written a fascinating personal story as well as a report on our communal response to the mentally ill." -- Helen Epstein, author of Where She Came From and Children of the Holocaust "A wise, affecting new memoir of family secrets and posthumous absolution." -- The Washington Post "Annie's Ghosts will resonate for many, whether the chords have to do with family secrets, the Depression, memories of a thriving Detroit, the Holocaust's horrors, or the immigrant experience." -- The Detroit Free Press

Author: Johann Wolfgang von Goethe
Publisher: DigiCat
ISBN:
Category : Fiction
Languages : en
Pages : 28592

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Book Description
DigiCat presents to you this meticulously edited and formatted collection of the greatest world classics: Les Misérables (Victor Hugo) The Call of the Wild (Jack London) Walden (Henry David Thoreau) Anna Karenina (Leo Tolstoy) War and Peace (Leo Tolstoy) Crime and Punishment (Fyodor Dostoevsky) Art of War (Sun Tzu) Dead Souls (Nikolai Gogol) Don Quixote (Miguel de Cervantes) Dona Perfecta (Benito Pérez Galdós) A Doll's House (Henrik Ibsen) Gitanjali (Rabindranath Tagore) The Life of Lazarillo de Tormes (Anonymous) Life is a Dream (Pedro Calderon de la Barca) The Divine Comedy (Dante) Decameron (Giovanni Boccaccio) The Prince (Machiavelli) Arabian Nights Hamlet (Shakespeare) Romeo and Juliet (Shakespeare) Robinson Crusoe (Daniel Defoe) Pride & Prejudice (Jane Austen) Frankenstein (Mary Shelley) Jane Eyre (Charlotte Brontë) Wuthering Heights (Emily Brontë) Great Expectations (Charles Dickens) Ulysses (James Joyce) Pygmalion (George Bernard Shaw) Ivanhoe (Sir Walter Scott) Dr Jekyll and Mr Hyde (Robert Louis Stevenson) Peter and Wendy (J. M. Barrie) The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn (Mark Twain) Moby-Dick (Herman Melville) Little Women (Louisa May Alcott) Leaves of Grass (Walt Whitman) The Raven (Edgar Allan Poe) Anne of Green Gables (L. M. Montgomery) Iliad & Odyssey (Homer) The Republic (Plato) Faust, a Tragedy (Johann Wolfgang von Goethe) Siddhartha (Herman Hesse) Thus Spoke Zarathustra (Friedrich Nietzsche) 20,000 Leagues Under the Sea (Jules Verne) Journey to the Centre of the Earth (Jules Verne) The Hunchback of Notre Dame (Victor Hugo) The Flowers of Evil (Charles Baudelaire) The Count of Monte Cristo (Alexandre Dumas) The Poison Tree (Bankim Chandra Chatterjee) Shakuntala (Kalidasa) Rámáyan of Válmíki (Válmíki) Tao Te Ching (Laozi) The Analects of Confucius (Confucius) Hung Lou Meng or, The Dream of the Red Chamber (Cao Xueqin) Two Years in the Forbidden City (Princess Der Ling) Bushido, the Soul of Japan (Inazo Nitobé) The Book of Tea (Kakuzo Okakura) Botchan (Soseki Natsume)...

Author: Wilhelm Hauff
Publisher: Good Press
ISBN:
Category : Fiction
Languages : en
Pages : 13819

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Book Description
The Horror Beyond Life's Edge: 560+ Macabre Classics, Supernatural Mysteries & Dark Tales is a literary journey that transcends the commonplace, delving into the realms of the macabre, the supernatural, and the darkly mysterious. This anthology boasts a collection that spans a broad spectrum of literary styles, from gothic horror and eerie ghost stories to unsettling tales of the uncanny and supernatural investigations. The diversity and significance of the works included cannot be overstated, featuring standout pieces from the Victorian era to the early twentieth century, encapsulating the evolution of horror and mystery in literature. The anthology serves as a conduit to explore the depths of human fears, anxieties, and the unknown through a compendium of narratives that challenge the boundaries of imagination and reality. The contributing authors and editors of this collection represent a pantheon of literary giants, each bringing their unique voice and perspective to the overarching theme. From the psychological terror of Edgar Allan Poe to the cosmic horror of H.P. Lovecraft; from the gothic romance of the Brontë sisters to the social critiques of Charles Dickens and the pioneering science fiction of H.G. Wells; these authors collectively contribute to the rich tapestry of horror and supernatural literature. The anthology aligns with various historical, cultural, and literary movements, enriching the readers understanding by offering a myriad of lenses through which to view the complexities of fear, the supernatural, and the human condition. The Horror Beyond Life's Edge: 560+ Macabre Classics, Supernatural Mysteries & Dark Tales is an indispensable volume for readers seeking to immerse themselves in the breadth and depth of gothic, horror, and supernatural literature. This anthology offers a unique opportunity to explore a multiplicity of perspectives, themes, and narratives within a single tome. It is a call to readers to delve into the abyss of the macabre, to confront the shadows lurking at the edges of life, and to explore the diversity of human expression found in the confrontation with the unknown. For scholars, enthusiasts, and casual readers alike, this collection stands as a monumental testament to the enduring power and appeal of the horror and mystery genre.

Author: Alex Beam
Publisher: PublicAffairs
ISBN: 0786750367
Category : Psychology
Languages : en
Pages : 297

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Book Description
Its landscaped ground, chosen by Frederick Law Olmsted and dotted with Tudor mansions, could belong to a New England prep school. There are no fences, no guards, no locked gates. But McLean Hospital is a mental institution-one of the most famous, most elite, and once most luxurious in America. McLean "alumni" include Olmsted himself, Robert Lowell, Sylvia Plath, James Taylor and Ray Charles, as well as (more secretly) other notables from among the rich and famous. In its "golden age," McLean provided as genteel an environment for the treatment of mental illness as one could imagine. But the golden age is over, and a downsized, downscale McLean-despite its affiliation with Harvard University-is struggling to stay afloat. Gracefully Insane, by Boston Globe columnist Alex Beam, is a fascinating and emotional biography of McLean Hospital from its founding in 1817 through today. It is filled with stories about patients and doctors: the Ralph Waldo Emerson prot'g' whose brilliance disappeared along with his madness; Anne Sexton's poetry seminar, and many more. The story of McLean is also the story of the hopes and failures of psychology and psychotherapy; of the evolution of attitudes about mental illness, of approaches to treatment, and of the economic pressures that are making McLean-and other institutions like it-relics of a bygone age. This is a compelling and often oddly poignant reading for fans of books like Plath's The Bell Jar and Susanna Kaysen's Girl, Interrupted (both inspired by their author's stays at McLean) and for anyone interested in the history of medicine or psychotherapy, or the social history of New England.

Author: Herman Hesse
Publisher: e-artnow
ISBN: 8026895428
Category : Fiction
Languages : en
Pages : 40892

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Book Description
e-artnow presents to you this meticulously edited and formatted collection of the greatest world classics: Les Misérables (Victor Hugo) The Call of the Wild (Jack London) Walden (Henry David Thoreau) Anna Karenina (Leo Tolstoy) War and Peace (Leo Tolstoy) Crime and Punishment (Fyodor Dostoevsky) Art of War (Sun Tzu) Dead Souls (Nikolai Gogol) Don Quixote (Miguel de Cervantes) Dona Perfecta (Benito Pérez Galdós) A Doll's House (Henrik Ibsen) Gitanjali (Rabindranath Tagore) The Life of Lazarillo de Tormes (Anonymous) Life is a Dream (Pedro Calderon de la Barca) The Divine Comedy (Dante) Decameron (Giovanni Boccaccio) The Prince (Machiavelli) Arabian Nights Hamlet (Shakespeare) Romeo and Juliet (Shakespeare) Robinson Crusoe (Daniel Defoe) Pride & Prejudice (Jane Austen) Frankenstein (Mary Shelley) Jane Eyre (Charlotte Brontë) Wuthering Heights (Emily Brontë) Great Expectations (Charles Dickens) Ulysses (James Joyce) Pygmalion (George Bernard Shaw) Ivanhoe (Sir Walter Scott) Dr Jekyll and Mr Hyde (Robert Louis Stevenson) Peter and Wendy (J. M. Barrie) The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn (Mark Twain) Moby-Dick (Herman Melville) Little Women (Louisa May Alcott) Leaves of Grass (Walt Whitman) The Raven (Edgar Allan Poe) Anne of Green Gables (L. M. Montgomery) Iliad & Odyssey (Homer) The Republic (Plato) Faust, a Tragedy (Johann Wolfgang von Goethe) Siddhartha (Herman Hesse) Thus Spoke Zarathustra (Friedrich Nietzsche) 20,000 Leagues Under the Sea (Jules Verne) Journey to the Centre of the Earth (Jules Verne) The Hunchback of Notre Dame (Victor Hugo) The Flowers of Evil (Charles Baudelaire) The Count of Monte Cristo (Alexandre Dumas) The Poison Tree (Bankim Chandra Chatterjee) Shakuntala (Kalidasa) Rámáyan of Válmíki (Válmíki) Tao Te Ching (Laozi) The Analects of Confucius (Confucius) Hung Lou Meng or, The Dream of the Red Chamber (Cao Xueqin) Two Years in the Forbidden City (Princess Der Ling) Bushido, the Soul of Japan (Inazo Nitobé) The Book of Tea (Kakuzo Okakura) Botchan (Soseki Natsume)…

Author: Johann Wolfgang von Goethe
Publisher: Good Press
ISBN:
Category : Literary Criticism
Languages : en
Pages : 28593

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Book Description
The 'World's Greatest Classics in One Volume' encompasses an unparalleled assembly of literary geniuses, spanning from ancient to modern times. This anthology curates a mosaic of narratives, philosophies, and poetic expressions that have shaped and reflected societies through centuries. The collection boasts a tapestry of literary styles, from the tragic to the comedic, the epic to the intimate, enveloping the reader in a journey through the human condition as seen by the likes of Shakespeare, Austen, Dostoyevsky, and Whitman, among others. It highlights the diversity and significance of these works, threading together the universal themes of love, conflict, ambition, and identity across different cultures and epochs, offering a kaleidoscope of human experience. The contributors to this volume are not only titans in the literary world but also pivotal figures who have contributed significantly to various intellectual movements, from the Enlightenment to Romanticism, and Modernism to the Harlem Renaissance. Their backgrounds are as diverse as their writing, spanning continents and centuries, reflecting a rich tapestry of global history and thought. The anthology serves as a confluence where the East meets the West, tradition confronts modernity, and narrative innovation interlaces with timeless truths, providing a pluralistic platform that celebrates the breadth of human creativity. 'Readers are invited to delve into the 'World's Greatest Classics in One Volume' not just as a means of literary exploration but as an enriching journey through the annals of human thought and expression. This collection is perfect for those seeking to immerse themselves in the cornerstone texts of global literature, offering a unique opportunity to engage with the minds that have perennially inspired, disturbed, and transformed the world. For students, educators, and lifelong learners, this anthology promises a comprehensive and insightful compendium that fosters appreciation, critical reflection, and an enduring dialogue between the past and present.

Author: Johann Wolfgang von Goethe
Publisher: Good Press
ISBN:
Category : Literary Criticism
Languages : en
Pages : 28591

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Book Description
The Greatest Classics of All Time is an unprecedented compilation that traverses boundaries, epochs, and geographies to present a tapestry of human thought and narrative brilliance. Encompassing a vast range of literary styles from the pre-eminent figures of Western and Eastern literature, this anthology affords readers an exceptional view into the diversity of human experience and expression. Among the collection are seminal works that have shaped the course of literary and philosophical thought, revealing the depth of human emotion, the complexities of societal structures, and the eternal questions that have engaged humanity. Every piece, carefully selected for its enduring impact and relevance, contributes to a dialogue spanning centuries, from ancient wisdom to modern existential reflections. The contributing authors and editors are giants in their own right, drawn from the pantheon of world literature across ages. From the critical realism of Dickens and Balzac to the existential musings of Dostoyevsky; from the transcendental optimism of Whitman to the sharp political insights of Machiavelli; and the mystical depths of Tagore, this collection represents a confluence of literary movements and cultural epochs. Each author's unique background, perspective, and historical context enriches the anthology, offering readers a panoramic view of humanity's intellectual heritage. This assembly elucidates the interconnectedness of literature with history, culture, and philosophy, embodying the diverse expressions of human civilization. The Greatest Classics of All Time is not merely a collection of texts; it is an invitation to embark on a journey through the epochs of human thought and feeling. It offers readers an unparalleled opportunity to engage with the masterworks of literature that have withstood the test of time, encouraging a deeper appreciation for the nuances of human experience. For scholars, students, and lovers of literature, this anthology promises a comprehensive educational experience, fostering a greater understanding of the world's literary and cultural traditions. It is a testament to the power of literature to cross boundaries, to challenge, and to enlighten, making it an essential addition to any collection.