A Library of the World's Best Literature - Ancient and Modern - Vol. XLV (Forty-Five Volumes); Synopses of Famous Books & General Index

Book excerpt: It would be enough to recommend this astonishing, 45-volume set, first published in 1896, if it were merely a wonderfully massive compilation of the world's best writings from the world's best authors up until the advent of the 20th century. But A Library of the World's Best Literature is so much more than that. For this marvelous collection represents the evolution of human thought-the evolution of human civilization, even-as seen through the mind of one of the most important, if sadly almost forgotten, literary figures of the 19th century.Popular American essayist, novelist, and journalist CHARLES DUDLEY WARNER (1829-1900) was renowned for the warmth and intimacy of his writing, which encompassed travelogue, biography and autobiography, fiction, and more, and influenced entire generations of his fellow writers. Here, the prolific writer turned editor for his final grand work, a splendid survey of global literature, classic and modern, and it's not too much to suggest that if his friend and colleague Mark Twain-who stole Warner's quip about how "everybody complains about the weather, but nobody does anything about it"-had assembled this set, it would still be hailed today as one of the great achievements of the book world.And so it still deserves to be. Arranged not chronologically but alphabetically, mostly under the names of authors but in some cases of literatures or special subjects-such as Icelandic literature or Arthurian legend-this set is no dry reference work. These eminently browsable volumes-available through Cosimo for the first time in decades in both paperback and hardcover editions-are meant to be read and enjoyed by anyone who loves the written word.Volume 45 features more synopses of notable works-from Adam Bede by George Eliot to Zury; The Meanest Man in Spring County by Joseph Kirkland-including many not previously referenced in the set but highlighted as well worth a serious reader's time and attention.This volume also includes a General Index to the 45-volume set.