The Analects is a collection of sayings and teachings attributed to the Chinese philosopher Confucius and his disciples. The book emphasizes the importance of personal and societal morality, filial piety, and the cultivation of knowledge and virtue. Confucius stresses the importance of leading by example and treating others with respect and kindness. The Analects has had a profound impact on Chinese culture and philosophy, and its teachings continue to be studied and applied today.

This ancient Chinese military treatise, written by a renowned general and military strategist, is a comprehensive guide on military strategy and tactics. It covers various aspects of warfare, from planning and preparation to execution and aftermath. The work emphasizes the importance of understanding one's enemy, using deception, and adapting to changing circumstances. It also stresses the importance of terrain, morale, and leadership. Despite its military focus, its principles have been applied to business, politics, and other fields, making it a timeless classic on strategy.

This ancient text is a fundamental guide to the philosophy of Taoism, offering wisdom on how to live a balanced, virtuous life in harmony with the natural world and the Tao, the source of all existence. The book explores themes such as simplicity, humility, and non-aggression, emphasizing the importance of understanding and aligning oneself with the Tao. It provides guidance on leadership, personal growth, and spiritual enlightenment, advocating for a life of peace, contemplation, and connection with the universe.

This book is a collection of speeches and writings by the former leader of the People's Republic of China. It covers a wide range of topics including communism, revolution, class struggle, and the correct handling of contradictions among the people. The book was published with the intention of promoting the leader's ideology and was widely distributed during the Cultural Revolution. It was considered an essential guide to life and politics in China during this period.

This book is a biographical account of three generations of women in China, spanning the years 1909 to 1991. The narrative follows the lives of the author's grandmother, a warlord's concubine; her mother, a high-ranking official in the Communist Party; and the author herself, who grew up during the Cultural Revolution before moving to the West. The book presents a vivid portrayal of the political and social changes in China during the 20th century, as seen through the eyes of these three women.

"Mencius" is a philosophical text that presents the teachings and thoughts of Mencius, a follower of Confucius. The book is a compilation of dialogues, anecdotes, and allegories that illustrate Mencius's views on human nature, morality, and political theory. Central to his philosophy is the belief in the inherent goodness of human nature and the importance of cultivating one's moral character. The book also discusses his ideas on proper governance, advocating for a benevolent and virtuous ruler who prioritizes the welfare of the people.

This ancient Chinese text is a divination system and book of wisdom. It provides guidance for moral and ethical decisions through 64 hexagrams, which are six-line figures made up of broken and unbroken lines. Each hexagram represents a specific situation or state of affairs, and the text provides interpretations and advice for each. The book has been used for centuries as a tool for decision-making, prediction, and gaining deeper understanding of situations and relationships.

The "Platform Sutra" is an essential text in Zen Buddhism, presenting the teachings and philosophy of a renowned sixth patriarch. The book offers deep insights into the nature of enlightenment and the practice of dhyana (meditation). It emphasizes the concept of 'sudden enlightenment', asserting that it can be achieved by realizing one's own 'Buddha nature'. The text is also known for its promotion of direct, personal experience and the potential for enlightenment in all beings, irrespective of their social or educational status.

"Records of the Grand Historian" is an ancient Chinese text that provides a comprehensive history of China, from the earliest times up to the author's own period. The book is divided into five parts: the Basic Annals, the Chronological Tables, the Treatises, the Hereditary Houses, and the Biographies. It covers the lives of significant figures, political events, cultural developments, and much more. The author's objective and critical approach to history has had a profound influence on Chinese historiography and continues to be a valuable resource for understanding ancient Chinese history and culture.

This book provides a personal account of a woman's life in late 19th and early 20th century China, as she navigates the complexities of poverty, tradition, and societal upheaval. Through her eyes, readers experience the struggles of the lower classes, particularly for women, in a rapidly changing society. Her story is one of resilience and determination, as she confronts challenges such as opium addiction in her family, the death of her children, and the need to work as a servant and street peddler. Her narrative offers a vivid portrayal of the customs, family life, and social hierarchies of her time, providing a valuable historical perspective on the life of an ordinary woman in China.

This book is a collection of the diaries, letters, and poems of a young Jewish woman who emigrated from Hungary to Palestine in the 1930s, driven by her Zionist beliefs. She joined the Haganah and later volunteered for a daring military operation to parachute into Nazi-occupied Europe during World War II, with the aim of aiding Allied forces and rescuing Hungarian Jews from the Holocaust. Her writings reflect her courage, literary talent, and the depth of her commitment to her cause. Tragically captured, tortured, and eventually executed by the Nazis, she became an enduring symbol of bravery and sacrifice in the face of tyranny.

"The Collected Songs of Cold Mountain" is a compilation of poems by a legendary Chinese poet. The book is a collection of over 300 poems filled with wit, wisdom, and spiritual insight. The poet, a recluse who lived in the mountains, expresses his views on life, nature, and the impermanence of human existence through his deeply philosophical and often humorous verses. He is considered a significant figure in Chinese literature and his works have greatly influenced Zen Buddhism.

The book comprises two philosophical essays that delve into the nature and significance of friendship and the challenges and wisdom of old age. The first essay explores the meaning of true friendship, its role in society, and its importance as a foundation for moral and happy life, emphasizing mutual respect, virtue, and genuine affection. The second essay addresses the concerns of aging, arguing against the common perceptions of old age as a miserable phase. Instead, it presents old age as a period capable of great mental and intellectual activity and satisfaction, provided one has lived a life based on virtue and fulfillment. Through these essays, the text provides timeless insights into handling some of life's most profound transitions with grace and wisdom.

"Epistles" is a collection of poetic letters offering insights into the human condition, moral philosophy, and the art of living well. Written in the first century BCE, the work reflects the author's mature thoughts on various subjects, ranging from personal ethics to literary criticism. Through these letters, the poet shares his wisdom with friends and notable contemporaries, employing a conversational tone that blends humor, irony, and sincerity. The epistles serve as a guide to practical wisdom, emphasizing moderation, self-awareness, and the importance of living in harmony with nature and society.

"Satires" is a collection of poetic essays that delve into the follies and vices of Roman society during the first century BCE. Through a series of witty, critical, and often self-deprecating poems, the author explores themes such as greed, corruption, and social ambition, while advocating for a life of moderation and philosophical contentment. Employing a conversational tone and a keen eye for the absurd, the work satirizes the behaviors of both the elite and the common people, offering a timeless reflection on human nature and the pursuit of happiness.

"A Journey Round My Skull" is a deeply personal narrative that takes the reader through the author's own experiences with a brain tumor and the subsequent neurosurgery. Written with a blend of humor, introspection, and medical detail, the book explores the author's changing perceptions and emotions as he confronts his mortality and the intricacies of his own mind. It is a pioneering work in the genre of medical memoirs, offering a unique window into the psychological and physical journey of a patient in the early 20th century, as well as the evolving field of neurosurgery.

"Bezzeg Az én Időmben" is a reflective work that delves into the generational differences and societal changes in Hungary, offering a nostalgic look at the past through the lens of personal anecdotes and cultural observations. The book contrasts contemporary life with the experiences of previous generations, exploring themes of family, education, and social norms. It serves as a commentary on the evolution of Hungarian society, inviting readers to consider the implications of progress and the value of tradition in a rapidly changing world.

"The Confessions of a Haut Bourgeois" is a memoir that delves into the life and reflections of a man born into the Hungarian upper middle class at the turn of the 20th century. The narrative explores the author's formative years, education, and experiences that shaped his worldview, set against the backdrop of a fading Austro-Hungarian Empire and the tumultuous changes sweeping through Europe. It is a poignant examination of the cultural and social mores of the time, as well as a personal reckoning with the loss of the author's own privileged world and the search for identity in a society undergoing profound transformation.

The book is an autobiographical account of a Hungarian poet's life during the mid-20th century, chronicling his experiences from his carefree youth through the rise of fascism and his subsequent imprisonment in a brutal labor camp. It is a tale of intellectual passion, political upheaval, and the resilience of the human spirit in the face of totalitarianism. The narrative captures the author's journey through a Europe ravaged by war and political strife, his encounters with notable literary figures, and his unyielding commitment to his beliefs and to poetry, even as he endures the hardships and absurdities of a communist regime.

"Red Scarf Girl" is a memoir of the author's childhood during the Cultural Revolution in China. The story follows a 12-year-old girl from a previously respected family who is labeled a class enemy and forced to turn against her own parents. The book provides a deeply personal account of the extreme political and social upheaval during this period in China's history, highlighting the fear, confusion, and courage of a young girl struggling to reconcile her loyalty to her family and her loyalty to her country.

This memoir tells the harrowing story of a 13-year-old Jewish girl's survival during the Holocaust. The narrative follows her life from her quiet existence in Hungary through the horrors of Auschwitz and other concentration camps, and finally to her liberation and the struggle to rebuild her life in the aftermath of such trauma. The memoir is a powerful testament to human resilience and the will to survive against all odds.

"Falling Leaves" is a heartbreaking autobiography that recounts the life of a young girl who grows up in a wealthy but abusive family in 20th century China. Despite being the daughter of a prosperous businessman, she is treated as an outcast and blamed for her mother's death, who died shortly after her birth. The story portrays her struggle for acceptance and love within her family, her journey through the cultural revolution in China, and her eventual success as a physician in the U.S. It's a poignant exploration of the themes of familial bonds, resilience, and the human spirit's ability to overcome adversity.

This book is a memoir of a young girl growing up in China during the 1940s and 1950s. The protagonist is considered unlucky by her family after her mother dies giving birth to her. She is mistreated by her stepmother and largely ignored by her father, leading to a lonely and challenging childhood. Despite these difficulties, she finds solace in her academic achievements and her Aunt Baba's support. The story is a testament to the power of hope and perseverance in the face of adversity.

This book is a memoir written by a personal physician who served Chairman Mao for over two decades. It offers an unprecedented and intimate look into the life and character of the powerful Chinese leader. The book reveals Mao's personal habits, manipulative nature, political maneuvers, and his disregard for human life in the pursuit of his goals. It also uncovers the power struggles within the Chinese Communist Party, providing a unique perspective on China's political history.

The book is a seminal work on irregular warfare and revolutionary strategy authored by a prominent 20th-century leader. It outlines the tactics and philosophy behind guerrilla warfare, emphasizing the importance of mobile and flexible combat strategies as a means for smaller, less-equipped forces to combat and ultimately defeat larger, conventional armies. The author discusses the integration of political and military efforts and the necessity of popular support among the local populace to sustain such movements. The work has been influential in various revolutionary movements around the globe, providing a tactical framework for conducting insurgency operations.