This book is a seminal work of literary criticism that has profoundly influenced western thought. The book discusses the nature of poetry, tragedy, and comedy, as well as the components that make up a good story such as plot, character, thought, diction, melody, and spectacle. The author also introduces the concept of catharsis, the purging of emotions through the experience of art, and discusses the role of the tragic hero. The book is a must-read for anyone interested in literature, drama, or philosophy.

"The Theogony" is an ancient Greek epic poem that explores the genealogy of the gods. The narrative begins with the primordial deities Chaos, Gaia, and Eros, then progresses through the generations of Titans, Olympian gods, and mortal heroes. It provides an account of the struggles and power dynamics among these divine beings, culminating in the reign of Zeus as the king of the gods. The poem is a significant source of Greek mythology and offers insights into the ancient Greeks' worldview and their understanding of the universe's origins.

The book is a collection of lyrical poetry that delves into themes of historical reflection, personal experience, and existential contemplation. The poet, known for his profound and often melancholic musings, explores the depths of human emotion and the passage of time, frequently drawing upon Hellenistic history and mythology to enrich his verse. His work is characterized by a sense of nostalgia and a deep appreciation for the fleeting moments of beauty and pleasure in life, as well as an acute awareness of the inevitable decay and loss that accompany them. The poems are celebrated for their technical mastery, rich language, and the ability to evoke vivid imagery and complex emotional landscapes.

"Works and Days" is an ancient Greek epic poem that provides advice on life and farming. The author uses the myth of Prometheus and Pandora to explain why life is hard for humans, attributing it to Pandora's release of evils into the world. The work serves as a farmer's almanac, giving detailed advice on the best times to plant and harvest crops, and also provides moral guidance, emphasizing the importance of hard work, justice, and piety.

"The Twilight Years" is a poignant story revolving around the life of a middle-aged woman who is burdened with the responsibility of taking care of her ageing and ailing father-in-law while trying to balance her work and personal life. The novel explores the themes of old age, family responsibilities, societal expectations, and the struggles of women in a patriarchal society. It offers a critical examination of the social, cultural, and personal issues related to aging and care-giving in post-war Japan.

"Fragments" is a collection of philosophical musings and theories from an ancient Greek philosopher. The book explores a wide array of topics, including the nature of the universe, the human mind, and the relationship between the two. Often cryptic and paradoxical, the author's thoughts challenge traditional perceptions of reality and encourages readers to think deeply about their own existence and understanding of the world.

"Crito" is a philosophical dialogue where the main character, a renowned philosopher, is in prison awaiting execution and is visited by his friend, Crito, who urges him to escape. The philosopher argues that since the laws of Athens have given him life, education, and many other benefits, it would be unjust for him to break those laws by escaping. The dialogue explores themes of justice, law, obligation, and the social contract.

The novel centers around an aging businessman who, upon hearing nightly sounds from the nearby mountain, begins to confront his own mortality and the complexities within his family. As he navigates his strained relationship with his wife, his adulterous son, and his daughter-in-law whom he harbors feelings for, he experiences a profound sense of solitude and existential dread. The narrative subtly explores themes of aging, alienation, and the ephemeral nature of life.

"Z" is a political novel that explores the events surrounding the assassination of a prominent leftist politician in Greece. The story delves into the corruption and violence that pervades the government, with the narrative alternating between the perspectives of the victim, the assassins, the investigators, and the government officials involved. The novel is a critique of political tyranny and an exploration of the struggle for justice in a corrupt system.

"The Tale of the Bamboo Cutter" is a classic piece of Japanese literature that follows the story of a bamboo cutter who finds a tiny girl inside a glowing bamboo stalk. The girl grows into a beautiful and desirable woman, attracting numerous suitors including the emperor. However, she reveals that she is not from Earth, but from the moon and is eventually taken back, leaving the bamboo cutter and her suitors heartbroken. The tale is a poignant exploration of love, loss, and the transient nature of beauty.

A Personal Matter is a novel that tells the story of Bird, a young man struggling to come to terms with the birth of his son who has a severe brain hernia. As he grapples with his personal demons and the societal stigma associated with having a disabled child, he also contemplates killing his son to end his suffering. The narrative explores themes of responsibility, shame, and the human condition, ultimately leading to Bird's acceptance of his son and his own life.

"Alcestis" is a Greek tragedy that tells the story of a queen who voluntarily chooses to die in place of her husband, the king, when he is fated to die early. The king's friend, Heracles, visits them and, unaware of the queen's death, is offended that he is not being properly entertained. Upon learning the truth, he fights and defeats Death to bring the queen back to life, restoring happiness to the royal household. The play explores themes of love, sacrifice, death, and the power of friendship.

A Wild Sheep Chase follows the story of a recently divorced advertising executive in Tokyo who is given a mysterious assignment by a sinister, powerful man: to find a particular sheep with a star-shaped birthmark. This mission leads him to travel across the snowy landscapes of Northern Japan, crossing paths with peculiar characters, and exploring themes of loneliness, fate, and identity. The narrative is a blend of detective story, postmodern critique, and surreal journey, infused with the author's unique style of magical realism.

"The Box Man" is a surreal narrative about a man who chooses to live as a homeless individual, inside a box, in Tokyo. The protagonist, a former doctor, narrates his experiences and observations from within the box, and the narrative often blurs the line between reality and hallucination. The book is a philosophical exploration of identity, anonymity, and the nature of existence, challenging the reader's perception of what it means to be an individual in society.

A renowned novelist in Tokyo is drawn back into the life of his first love, Otoko, who he had a passionate affair with when she was just 15. Now a successful painter, she lives with a young woman named Keiko, who is deeply devoted to her. As the novelist becomes entangled in their lives once again, a complex web of love, jealousy, and resentment unfolds. The novel is a poignant exploration of the enduring themes of memory, love, and loss.

"Euthyphro" is a philosophical dialogue that takes place in the weeks leading up to the trial of Socrates, where Socrates and Euthyphro engage in a conversation about the nature of piety. The dialogue begins with Socrates questioning Euthyphro about his decision to prosecute his own father for the murder of a slave. This leads to a discussion about what is considered holy and the nature of the gods. Despite their lengthy conversation, the two philosophers never arrive at a definitive answer, leaving the question of what constitutes true piety unresolved.

"Discourses of Epictetus" is a philosophical work that compiles the teachings of the Stoic philosopher Epictetus, as recorded by his pupil Arrian. The text is a practical guide for applying philosophy to daily life, emphasizing ethics, personal freedom, and mental strength. It explores how to live virtuously in accordance with nature, control one's emotions, and maintain tranquility by focusing only on what is within one's control. The discourses delve into discussions about the nature of human beings, the purpose of life, and the path to happiness, offering insights that aim to equip individuals with the resilience and wisdom necessary to lead fulfilling lives.

"Kafka On The Shore" is a surreal and philosophical novel by Haruki Murakami that follows two parallel storylines. The first is that of Kafka Tamura, a 15-year-old boy who runs away from home to escape an Oedipal prophecy and searches for his missing mother and sister. The second storyline follows Nakata, an elderly man who has lost his memory but possesses the ability to communicate with cats. As their paths converge, they encounter strange and mystical events that challenge their perceptions of reality and identity. The novel explores themes of fate, free will, and the human psyche, and is a captivating and thought-provoking read.

The novel explores the life of a young man living in post-World War II Japan who grapples with his homosexuality in a society that does not accept it. The protagonist must wear a metaphorical mask to hide his true identity and desires, leading to a life of self-denial and inner turmoil. The narrative delves into themes of identity, sexuality, societal expectations, and the struggle for self-acceptance.

"Forbidden Colours" is a deeply introspective novel that explores themes of beauty, youth, old age, love, and betrayal, set against the backdrop of post-war Japan. The story follows a young, beautiful man who is manipulated by an elderly writer to seek revenge on women. The young man's beauty becomes a weapon, while the old man's bitterness and jealousy drive the plot. The novel delves into the darker aspects of human nature and society's obsession with beauty, providing a stark commentary on the human condition.

The "Hippocratic Corpus" is a collection of around 70 early medical works from ancient Greece, written in Ionic Greek. The texts are of varying content and length, covering a wide range of medical topics, including clinical descriptions of disease, surgical procedures, medical ethics, and philosophical reflections. Although traditionally attributed to Hippocrates, modern scholars believe that many of the works were not written by him and instead represent the work of several different authors over several decades. Despite this, the collection remains an invaluable resource for understanding the beginnings of Western medicine.

The narrative delves into the life of a troubled man who feels disconnected from society, viewing himself as fundamentally different from those around him. Through a series of notebooks, he recounts his life story, detailing his struggles with alienation, social anxiety, and a deep sense of personal inadequacy. As he grapples with his own identity and the expectations of others, his journey is marked by failed relationships, substance abuse, and an ongoing battle with his inner demons. The protagonist's quest for understanding and his inability to find his place in the world ultimately lead him down a dark and self-destructive path, reflecting a poignant exploration of the human condition and the difficulty of truly connecting with others.

The novel is a poignant and detailed account of the aftermath of the atomic bombing of Hiroshima, as experienced by a Japanese family. Through the diary entries of a survivor and the narrative of the days that follow, the book explores the devastating impact of the bomb on the city's inhabitants, their struggle with radiation sickness, and the societal stigma they face. It delves into the physical and psychological trauma inflicted by the event, painting a somber picture of the human cost of war and the long-lasting effects of nuclear weapons on both individuals and communities.

In this novel, two parallel narratives intertwine, one following a data encryptor in a dystopian, futuristic Tokyo who becomes embroiled in the machinations of a mysterious scientist and his granddaughter, the other set in a surreal, dreamlike town where a man is tasked with reading old dreams from unicorn skulls. As the story progresses, it becomes evident that the two worlds are connected in a profound and unsettling way, leading to a shocking conclusion that explores themes of consciousness, identity, and the nature of reality.

"Enneads" is a collection of 54 philosophical treatises by Plotinus, a prominent philosopher of the ancient world. The work is a cornerstone of Neoplatonism, a school of Hellenistic philosophy that sought to reconcile Greek philosophy with religious mysticism. The book covers a wide range of topics, including the nature of reality, the self, the universe, and the divine. The author argues for the existence of a transcendent One from which all existence emanates, and that the goal of human life is to strive for unity with this divine principle.