Discover a new way to read classics with Quick Read.
This Quick Read edition includes both the full text and a summary for each chapter.
- Reading time of the complete text: about 3 hours
- Reading time of the summarized text: 5 minutes
John Stuart Mill's book "Utilitarianism" is a classic exposition and defense of utilitarianism in ethics. The essay first appeared as a series of three books published in Fraser's Magazine in 1861. Mill's aim in the book is to explain what utilitarianism is, to show why it is the best theory of ethics, and to defend it against a wide range of criticisms and misunderstandings. Mill believed that happiness (or pleasure) was the only thing humans do and should desire for its own sake. The goal of the ethical life is to maximize happiness. Mill tried to develop a more refined form of utilitarianism that would harmonize better with ordinary morality and highlight the importance in the ethical life of intellectual pleasures, self-development, high ideals of character, and conventional moral rules. Mill formulates a single ethical principle, the principle of utility or greatest-happiness principle, from which he says all utilitarian ethical principles are derived. Mill appreciates the force of the objection that utilitarianism might sometimes license acts of flagrant injustice. Mill's Utilitarianism remains "the most famous defense of the utilitarian view ever written" and is still widely assigned in university ethics courses around the world.
Discover a new way to read classics with Quick Read.
This Quick Read edition includes both the full text and a summary for each chapter.
- Reading time of the complete text: about 5 hours
- Reading time of the summarized text: 10 minutes
Discover a new way to read classics with Quick Read.
This Quick Read edition includes both the full text and a summary for each chapter.
- Reading time of the complete text: about 3 hours
- Reading time of the summarized text: 7 minutes
"The Land That Time Forgot" is a novel by Edgar Rice Burroughs, the first of his Caspak trilogy. The story was first published in Blue Book Magazine as a three-part serial in 1918. The novel is set in World War I and opens with a framing story in which a manuscript relating the main story is recovered from a thermos off the coast of Greenland. The story ultimately develops into a lost world story reminiscent of such novels as Sir Arthur Conan Doyle's The Lost World and Jules Verne's The Mysterious Island and Journey to the Center of the Earth. The novel features a unique biological system for the lost world, in which the slow progress of evolution in the world outside is recapitulated as a matter of individual metamorphosis. The novel was adapted to film in 1974 and inspired two more Burroughs adaptations. A second film adaptation of the same name was released in 2009. In July 2016, publisher American Mythology Productions released a comic book sequel by writer Mike Wolfer and artist Giancarlo Caracuzzo. The copyright for this story has expired in the United States and, thus, now resides in the public domain there.
Discover a new way to read classics with Quick Read.
This Quick Read edition includes both the full text and a summary for each chapter.
- Reading time of the complete text: about 2 hours
- Reading time of the summarized text: 5 minutes
The School and Society is a highly influential publication that laid the foundation for John Dewey's later work. In the initial publication, Dewey proposes a psychological, social, and political framework for progressive education, including collaborative practical experimentation as the central element of school work. He argues that the progressive approach is both an inevitable product of the Industrial Revolution and a natural fit with the psychology of children. The book had almost immediate popularity and influence, with three printings within its first year, comprising 7,500 copies between them. The first lecture examines the relationship of education and social progress. Dewey argues that, with the coming of the industrial age, many traditional educative processes had been lost. The third lecture takes on the issue of "waste in education" in a somewhat unusual mode. The work was cited by Édouard Claparède who helped shape a progressive éducation nouvelle in Geneva, Switzerland, in the years leading up to the first world war.
Discover a new way to read classics with Quick Read.
This Quick Read edition includes both the full text and a summary for each chapter.
- Reading time of the complete text: about 6 hours
- Reading time of the summarized text: 15 minutes
"A Room with a View" is a novel written by E. M. Forster in 1908. It tells the story of Lucy Honeychurch, a young woman living in Edwardian era England. The novel is set in Italy and England and explores themes of romance and social critique. In the first part, Lucy is touring Italy with her cousin Charlotte Bartlett and encounters the unconventional Emerson family. Lucy develops feelings for George Emerson but tries to suppress them due to societal expectations. In the second part, Lucy becomes engaged to Cecil Vyse but eventually realizes her true feelings for George. The novel ends with Lucy and George eloping to Florence. The appendix provides additional information about their lives after the events of the novel. "A Room with a View" has been adapted for stage, film, radio, and television, and has had a lasting impact on popular culture.
Discover a new way to read classics with Quick Read.
This Quick Read edition includes both the full text and a summary for each chapter.
- Reading time of the complete text: about 2 hours
- Reading time of the summarized text: 9 minutes
"The Enemies of Books" is a book written by William Blades, a 19th-century bibliophile and book collector. It was first published in 1880 and has since been republished in different editions. The book focuses on the preservation of books and the dangers they face. Blades passionately criticizes biblioclasts, both human and non-human, who mistreat books. The book covers various enemies of books, including fire, water, gas and heat, dust and neglect, ignorance and bigotry, bookworms, bookbinders, book collectors, vermin, servants, and children. Blades concludes the book with a plea for reverence towards old books, which he believed was lacking during his time. Overall, the book serves as a call to protect and cherish literature from its many threats.
Discover a new way to read classics with Quick Read.
This Quick Read edition includes both the full text and a summary for each chapter.
- Reading time of the complete text: about 2 hours
- Reading time of the summarized text: 2 minutes
"Ghosts" is a play written by Henrik Ibsen in 1881. It explores controversial topics such as religion, venereal disease, incest, and euthanasia, making it highly controversial at the time. The play revolves around Mrs. Helen Alving, a widow, who discovers that her son Oswald has inherited syphilis from his father. She also learns that Oswald is in love with Regina Engstrand, who is actually his half-sister. The play delves into the consequences of not breaking societal moral codes. "Ghosts" received negative criticism initially but is now considered an important and influential play. It has been performed worldwide and adapted for film and television multiple times. The play's frank treatment of taboo subjects shocked audiences and was met with strong criticism. However, it has since gained recognition for its bold exploration of societal norms and moral codes.
Discover a new way to read classics with Quick Read.
This Quick Read edition includes both the full text and a summary for each chapter.
- Reading time of the complete text: about 6 hours
- Reading time of the summarized text: 10 minutes
"Niels Lyhne" is a novel written by Danish author Jens Peter Jacobsen in 1880. It is considered a naturalistic work and part of the Modern Breakthrough movement in Scandinavian Realism. While it contains romantic elements, the novel also critiques atheism and faith. The story follows the protagonist, Niels Lyhne, as he renounces his faith, experiences loss, and ultimately faces disillusionment and death. The novel explores themes of individual struggle, artistic expression, and the helplessness of the individual. It is regarded as the first novel to depict the state of mind of the atheistic bourgeois intelligentsia. Rainer Maria Rilke, in "Letters to a Young Poet," praises the novel alongside the Bible as essential reading. "Niels Lyhne" has been translated into English as "Siren Voices" and a more faithful translation is available under the original title. It is considered a precursor to existentialist novels of the mid-20th century.
Discover a new way to read classics with Quick Read.
This Quick Read edition includes both the full text and a summary for each chapter.
- Reading time of the complete text: about 6 hours
- Reading time of the summarized text: 15 minutes
"Up from Slavery" is an autobiography written by Booker T. Washington, an American educator, in 1901. The book details Washington's journey from being enslaved as a child during the Civil War to becoming an influential figure in education. Washington describes his experiences at the Hampton Institute and his efforts to establish vocational schools like the Tuskegee Institute to help Black and other marginalized communities gain valuable skills. He emphasizes the importance of combining academic subjects with practical training to reassure the white community of the value of educating Black people. The book was a best-seller and remains one of the most popular African-American autobiographies. It provides insights into the challenges faced by African Americans during the Reconstruction Era and Washington's efforts to uplift his race through education and hard work. Despite criticism from figures like W.E.B. Du Bois, Washington's work had a significant impact on race relations in the United States.
Discover a new way to read classics with Quick Read.
This Quick Read edition includes both the full text and a summary for each chapter.
- Reading time of the complete text: about 4 hours
- Reading time of the summarized text: 19 minutes
"The Secret of the Old Mill" is the third volume in the original Hardy Boys series, written by Leslie McFarlane under the pseudonym Franklin W. Dixon. The book follows Frank and Joe Hardy, along with their friend Chet Morton, as they investigate a counterfeit ring and a sabotage operation at Elekton Controls. The boys encounter various clues and dangers along the way, including a mysterious man on a train, counterfeit money, and threatening notes. They also discover a hidden room with a printing press and counterfeit bills. With the help of their father, a detective, and their friends, Tony and Chet, the Hardy Boys uncover the truth and apprehend the culprits. The book is highly regarded as one of the best examples of the Hardy Boys series and has sold over 1.4 million copies.
Discover a new way to read classics with Quick Read.
This Quick Read edition includes both the full text and a summary for each chapter.
- Reading time of the complete text: about 6 hours
- Reading time of the summarized text: 18 minutes
**"Phantastes:** A Faerie Romance for Men and Women" is a fantasy novel written by George MacDonald and published in 1858. The story follows Anodos, a young man who is transported to a dreamlike world in search of his ideal of female beauty. Along his journey, he encounters various adventures and temptations, ultimately leading him to question his ideals. The book had a significant influence on fantasy authors C.S. Lewis and J.R.R. Tolkien. The plot begins with Anodos discovering a fairy lady in his inherited desk, which leads him to Fairy Land. He encounters spirits of trees, a marble statue, and a knight named Sir Percivale. Anodos also faces his shadow, explores a palace, and travels through different worlds. He becomes a hero, battles giants, and confronts a cult of worshippers. Eventually, Anodos dies but is revived on Earth with the memories of his experiences. The novel was first published in 1858 and has since been reprinted and illustrated. It has received mixed reception, with C.S. Lewis praising it while others criticized its rhymes and poems.
Discover a new way to read classics with Quick Read.
This Quick Read edition includes both the full text and a summary for each chapter.
- Reading time of the complete text: about 7 hours
- Reading time of the summarized text: 25 minutes
"Sartor Resartus: The Life and Opinions of Herr Teufelsdrckh in Three Books" is a novel written by Thomas Carlyle in 1831. It is a commentary on the thoughts and early life of a German philosopher named Diogenes Teufelsdrckh. The novel parodies Hegel and German Idealism. The story is presented as a review by an English Editor who struggles to understand Teufelsdrckh's book. The novel explores Teufelsdrckh's upbringing, education, and spiritual crisis. It also introduces characters like Blumine and Towgood, who play significant roles in Teufelsdrckh's life. The book combines fact and fiction, satire and seriousness, and challenges the reader to question where truth can be found. "Sartor Resartus" had a significant influence on American literature and was admired by writers like George Eliot and Jorge Luis Borges.
Discover a new way to read classics with Quick Read.
This Quick Read edition includes both the full text and a summary for each chapter.
- Reading time of the complete text: about 13 hours
- Reading time of the summarized text: 39 minutes
"A Tale of Two Cities" is a novel by Charles Dickens that has had a significant impact on popular culture. The story is divided into three books, each with its own plot. The first book introduces the characters and sets the stage for the events to come. The second book focuses on the trial of Charles Darnay, a French émigré accused of treason. The third book takes place in Paris during the French Revolution, where Darnay is imprisoned and faces the guillotine. The novel ends with a prophetic vision and the sacrifice of Sydney Carton, a selfless hero. The publication history of the novel is discussed, as well as its analysis as a work of historical fiction. The book also mentions various adaptations of the novel, including films, stage musicals, and an opera. Overall, "A Tale of Two Cities" is a timeless and influential piece of literature.
Discover a new way to read classics with Quick Read.
This Quick Read edition includes both the full text and a summary for each chapter.
- Reading time of the complete text: about 11 hours
- Reading time of the summarized text: 26 minutes
"Madame Bovary" is a novel by Gustave Flaubert, published in 1857. It tells the story of Emma Bovary, a woman who lives beyond her means in order to escape the boredom of provincial life. The novel was initially criticized for its obscenity but became a bestseller and is now considered a masterpiece of literary realism. The plot follows Emma's unhappy marriage to Charles Bovary, her affairs with the law student Léon Dupuis and the landowner Rodolphe Boulanger, and her eventual descent into despair and death. The book explores themes of romanticism, the gap between illusion and reality, and the folly of aspirations. "Madame Bovary" has been praised for its stylistic perfection and its influence on the development of psychological realism in literature. It has been adapted into several films and television series.
Discover a new way to read classics with Quick Read.
This Quick Read edition includes both the full text and a summary for each chapter.
- Reading time of the complete text: about 14 hours
- Reading time of the summarized text: 27 minutes
"The Last of the Mohicans: A Narrative of 1757" is a historical romance novel written by James Fenimore Cooper in 1826. It is set during the French and Indian War and follows the events surrounding the Siege of Fort William Henry. The novel focuses on the transport of Colonel Munro's daughters, Alice and Cora, to safety at Fort William Henry. The book has been widely popular since its publication and is often studied in American literature courses. Cooper's writing reflects the prevailing belief at the time that Native Americans were disappearing due to settler colonialism. The novel features characters such as Natty Bumppo, Chingachgook, and Magua. It has had a significant impact on popular perceptions of American Indians and the frontier period. The story has been adapted into several films, radio dramas, and TV series.
Discover a new way to read classics with Quick Read.
This Quick Read edition includes both the full text and a summary for each chapter.
- Reading time of the complete text: about 3 hours
- Reading time of the summarized text: 7 minutes
"Flower Fables," also known as "Queen Aster," was the first published work by Louisa May Alcott. It was released on December 9, 1854. The book is a collection of imaginative stories that Alcott had originally written six years earlier for Ellen Emerson, the daughter of Ralph Waldo Emerson. The initial edition of the book consisted of 1600 copies. Although Alcott believed it sold well, she only received around $35 from the publisher, George Briggs. "Flower Fables" is available as a public domain audiobook on LibriVox and can be found on Project Gutenberg. For further reading on Louisa May Alcott and her relationship with her father, John Matteson's book "Eden's Outcasts: The Story of Louisa May Alcott and her Father" is recommended.
Discover a new way to read classics with Quick Read.
This Quick Read edition includes both the full text and a summary for each chapter.
- Reading time of the complete text: about 11 hours
- Reading time of the summarized text: about 1 hour
"The Swiss Family Robinson" is a novel written by Johann David Wyss and published in 1812. It tells the story of a Swiss family who becomes shipwrecked in the East Indies while en route to Australia. The family, along with some domestic animals, survives and builds a settlement on the island. The book is influenced by Jean-Jacques Rousseau's teachings and contains moral lessons on frugality, husbandry, acceptance, and cooperation. It is also inspired by Daniel Defoe's "Robinson Crusoe." The novel has undergone many adaptations and versions over the years. The main characters include the patriarch William, his resourceful wife Elizabeth, and their four sons Fritz, Ernest, Jack, and Franz. The family faces various challenges and adventures on the island, eventually being rescued by a British ship. The novel has been adapted into films, TV series, and stage plays, and has become a classic in children's literature.
Discover a new way to read classics with Quick Read.
This Quick Read edition includes both the full text and a summary for each chapter.
- Reading time of the complete text: about 5 hours
- Reading time of the summarized text: 9 minutes
"Whose Body?" is a 1923 mystery novel by Dorothy L. Sayers, marking her debut and introducing the character of Lord Peter Wimsey. The story revolves around the discovery of a dead body in an architect's London flat, wearing only a pair of pince-nez. Lord Peter Wimsey, who has taken an interest in criminal investigation, decides to privately investigate the case alongside Inspector Charles Parker. The body is initially believed to be that of a famous financier, Sir Reuben Levy, who had recently disappeared. However, it is soon revealed that the cases may be unrelated. Wimsey connects the two cases through a chance encounter between a prostitute and Levy on the night of his disappearance. Eventually, Wimsey uncovers that a respected surgeon, Sir Julian Freke, lured Levy to his house and murdered him. Freke attempts to kill both Parker and Wimsey but is arrested before he can carry out his plan. The novel received praise for its clever plot and the introduction of the charismatic Lord Peter Wimsey.
Discover a new way to read classics with Quick Read.
This Quick Read edition includes both the full text and a summary for each chapter.
- Reading time of the complete text: about 10 hours
- Reading time of the summarized text: 19 minutes
The text is a comprehensive exploration of various historical figures and events, primarily focusing on the era of Louis XIV. It discusses the intellectual jousts between Voltaire, Fréron, Saint-Foix, Lagrange-Chancel, and Father Griffet, and the mystery surrounding Saint-Mars' celebrated prisoner. The text also delves into the life of Buckingham, his audacious behavior, and his passionate love for the Queen of France.
The narrative then shifts to the political story of Louis XIII.'s marriage with Anne of Austria, highlighting the unusual harmony between the political and personal aspects of their union. The text also discusses the life of Anne of Austria, her transformation into a French patriot during her regency, and her complex relationship with Richelieu.
The book further explores the mystery of the Man with the Iron Mask, examining various theories about his identity and the circumstances of his arrest. It also discusses the life of Vermandois, his charm, courage, and the romanticized image of him that persisted after his death.
The narrative also delves into the story of Monmouth, his failed rebellion against James II, and his subsequent execution. His story is contrasted with that of Beaufort, who was celebrated for his bravery and military prowess.
The text also discusses the story of Avedick, an Armenian Patriarch who was imprisoned for his religious beliefs, and Matthioly, a diplomat who was imprisoned for his role in a failed negotiation.
The key message of the text is the exploration of the complex interplay of power, politics, and personal relationships in history. It underscores the often harsh realities of political life, the tragic consequences of failed ambitions, and the enduring mysteries of historical events.
Discover a new way to read classics with Quick Read.
This Quick Read edition includes both the full text and a summary for each chapter.
- Reading time of the complete text: about 6 hours
- Reading time of the summarized text: 16 minutes
"Heretics" is a collection of 20 essays written by G. K. Chesterton and published in 1905. In these essays, Chesterton engages in extensive arguments against prominent intellectuals of his time, including atheist Joseph McCabe, George Bernard Shaw, Friedrich Nietzsche, H. G. Wells, and Rudyard Kipling. He covers a wide range of topics, from cosmology to anthropology to soteriology. Chesterton criticizes French nihilism, German humanism, English utilitarianism, and the arrogance of the European intelligentsia. The book is considered central to Chesterton's moral theology, along with his other work, "Orthodoxy." The chapters in "Heretics" include discussions on the importance of orthodoxy, the negative spirit, the influence of Rudyard Kipling, George Bernard Shaw, H. G. Wells, and more. The book is a valuable resource for those interested in Christian apologetics.
Discover a new way to read classics with Quick Read.
This Quick Read edition includes both the full text and a summary for each chapter.
- Reading time of the complete text: about 4 hours
- Reading time of the summarized text: 18 minutes
"The Marvelous Land of Oz" is the second book in L. Frank Baum's Oz series, published in 1904. The story follows an orphan boy named Tip, who lives under the cruel rule of the Wicked Witch Mombi. Tip creates a scarecrow-like figure named Jack Pumpkinhead, but Mombi sees through the trick and plans to turn Tip into a marble statue. To escape, Tip runs away with Jack and steals the Powder of Life, which brings a wooden Sawhorse to life. They encounter General Jinjur's all-girl Army of Revolt and join forces with the Scarecrow and the Tin Woodman to retake the Emerald City. Along the way, they face challenges from Mombi and are aided by the Queen of the Field Mice. They eventually discover that Tip is actually the long-lost princess Ozma, who becomes the rightful ruler of Oz. The book explores themes of women's rights and was influenced by activist Matilda Joslyn Gage. "The Marvelous Land of Oz" has been adapted for the stage, film, television, and comics.
Discover a new way to read classics with Quick Read.
This Quick Read edition includes both the full text and a summary for each chapter.
- Reading time of the complete text: about 7 hours
- Reading time of the summarized text: 13 minutes
"The Small Bachelor" is a novel by P. G. Wodehouse, first published in 1927. Set during Prohibition, it tells the story of George Finch, a short-statured artist living in New York's Greenwich Village. George falls in love with Molly Waddington, but faces opposition from her socially ambitious step-mother, who wants Molly to marry an English lord. The plot involves various characters, including George's friend J. Hamilton Beamish, a mild-mannered policeman named Garroway, and Molly's father, Mr. Waddington. The story takes twists and turns as George and Molly's wedding is threatened by the arrival of George's ex-fiancée and a fake girlfriend. Eventually, Mrs. Waddington's doubts about George's morals are dispelled, and the story ends with the characters planning to go out West. The novel was adapted into a silent film in 1927 and a theatrical adaptation titled "Over the Moon" in 2003.
Discover a new way to read classics with Quick Read.
This Quick Read edition includes both the full text and a summary for each chapter.
- Reading time of the complete text: about 6 hours
- Reading time of the summarized text: 14 minutes
The book discusses the lais of Marie de France, a collection of twelve short narrative poems written in Anglo-Norman in the late 12th century. These poems focus on courtly love and are considered the basis for the genre known as the Breton lais. Marie's lais celebrate love, individuality, and vivid descriptions, reflecting the emerging literature of the time. Only one manuscript, Harley 978, preserves all twelve lais. The arrangement of the lais in this manuscript contrasts the positive and negative consequences of love. Marie's prologue in the manuscript explains her inspiration and desire to preserve these tales. Two of her lais mention King Arthur and his Knights of the Round Table, making her a precursor to later Arthurian tales. Marie's lais were also among the first works translated into Old Norse. Overall, Marie de France's lais hold significance in Anglo-Norman and medieval literature, despite little being known about the poet herself.
Discover a new way to read classics with Quick Read.
This Quick Read edition includes both the full text and a summary for each chapter.
- Reading time of the complete text: about 5 hours
- Reading time of the summarized text: 12 minutes
"Little Lord Fauntleroy" is a novel by Frances Hodgson Burnett that was published in 1886. The story follows young Cedric Errol, who lives with his mother in poverty after the death of his father. Cedric's life takes a turn when an English lawyer informs them that Cedric is the heir to his wealthy grandfather's title and estate. Despite his initial disdain for Americans, the grandfather is charmed by Cedric and becomes a benefactor to his tenants. The novel had a significant impact on fashion, popularizing the Fauntleroy suit for middle-class American children. "Little Lord Fauntleroy" was a huge success during its serialization and inspired various adaptations in stage, film, and television. The story's themes of compassion and the transformation of the grandfather make it a beloved classic.
