"The Shame of the Cities" is a collection of articles that exposes the corrupt political machines controlling American cities in the early 20th century. The book details the author's investigations into municipal corruption in several major U.S. cities, including St. Louis, Minneapolis, and Philadelphia. Through vivid descriptions and meticulous reporting, the author reveals how political graft and business interests have compromised the effectiveness and fairness of local governments, highlighting the deep-seated issues of urban politics and the urgent need for reforms to restore civic integrity and public trust.

This book is a collection of wise sayings and practical advice on frugality, industry, and thrift. It compiles maxims and proverbs from annual almanacs, advocating for hard work, time management, and prudent financial planning as the cornerstones of prosperity and success. The work emphasizes the virtues of self-improvement and reflects the author's belief in the potential for self-made prosperity through disciplined personal conduct, offering timeless wisdom that has been influential in shaping attitudes towards personal finance and moral integrity.

The novel is a sweeping tale of ambition, love, and betrayal, following the life of Alfred Eaton, a man who emerges from the shadow of his wealthy and domineering father to carve out a successful career in the world of business. As he climbs the social and professional ladder, Alfred's personal life becomes increasingly complex and strained. He marries the beautiful but troubled Mary St. John, whose own issues and desires create further conflict. Set against the backdrop of mid-20th century America, the story delves into the intricacies of family dynamics, societal expectations, and the pursuit of success, all while questioning the true cost of the American Dream.

This foundational text in the field of electrical studies compiles a series of letters and documents detailing a variety of experiments and theoretical insights into the nature of electricity. The work is particularly renowned for its description of the author's famous kite experiment, which demonstrated the electrical nature of lightning. It also delves into the behavior of electrical charges, the concept of conservation of charge, and the invention of the lightning rod, among other topics. The author's accessible style and innovative approach not only advanced the understanding of electricity but also established key principles that would inform the future of electrical science and engineering.

This novel takes place in a small, economically depressed Pennsylvania town and follows two young men, Isaac and Billy, who are best friends. After a tragic incident involving a transient, the two friends are forced to flee. The novel explores themes of friendship, the American Dream, and the harsh realities of life in a declining Rust Belt town. The story is told from multiple perspectives, including the two friends, their family members, and the local sheriff.

This book offers an in-depth look into the life and correspondence of one of America's founding fathers, Benjamin Franklin. It provides an intimate portrayal of Franklin's personal and political life, detailing his contributions to science, literature, and the formation of the United States. The letters included in the book offer valuable insights into his relationships with other prominent figures of his time and his thoughts on various important events and issues.

In this horror novelization of a classic film, survivors of a zombie apocalypse seek refuge in a suburban shopping mall. As the undead hordes continue to swell and society crumbles outside the mall's walls, the group inside must fend off not only the relentless zombie threat but also the breakdown of human order. The story explores themes of consumerism, human nature, and survival as the characters face the terror of the walking dead and the realization that the sanctuary they've found may also become their tomb if they cannot overcome the challenges both outside and within their makeshift fortress.

This historical work delves into the pivotal event of George Washington crossing the Delaware River during the American Revolutionary War. It provides an in-depth analysis of the strategic decision-making, the hardships faced by the troops in the brutal winter, and the subsequent battles of Trenton and Princeton. The book also explores the impact of these events on the morale of the American forces and the ultimate outcome of the war, painting a vivid picture of this crucial period in American history.

The memoir provides a vivid portrayal of the author's early years growing up in 1950s Pittsburgh, capturing the joys, challenges, and awakenings of childhood with lyrical prose and keen observations. Through a series of anecdotes and reflections, it explores the development of a young person's mind as she navigates family dynamics, social norms, and her burgeoning passion for nature and literature. The narrative is as much an ode to the innocence and curiosity of youth as it is a contemplation of the process of self-discovery and the formative experiences that shape our understanding of the world and our place within it.

"Self-Consciousness" is a memoir that delves into the personal life of a renowned author, exploring his childhood, his relationship with his parents, his struggles with psoriasis and stuttering, as well as his religious beliefs and views on death. The author's reflections on his life are deeply personal, introspective, and filled with a sense of vulnerability, providing an intimate look into his experiences and thought processes. The book offers an insightful exploration of the author's self-consciousness and how it has shaped his life and work.

"Brothers and Keepers" is a profound exploration of the divergent paths taken by two siblings, narrated through the contrasting lives of the author and his younger brother. While the author achieves success as an academic and writer, his brother becomes entangled in the criminal justice system, ultimately serving a life sentence for his involvement in a robbery and murder. The memoir delves into themes of family, societal expectations, racial inequality, and the bonds of brotherhood, as the author seeks to understand how two brothers raised in the same environment could end up leading such drastically different lives. Through personal reflection and poignant narrative, the book examines the complex interplay of identity, choice, and fate.

The book is a candid and often humorous tale of an awkward high school senior whose mother forces him to befriend a classmate recently diagnosed with leukemia. As he and his co-filmmaker friend Earl embark on the project of making a film for the sick girl, the protagonist confronts the complexities of friendship, mortality, and the struggle to make a meaningful connection. Through the process, he grapples with his own insecurities and learns about the impact of genuine human relationships in the face of tragedy.

This biography delves into the life of John Adams, the second president of the United States. The book tells the story of Adams' journey from his childhood in Massachusetts, his education at Harvard, his marriage to Abigail, his role in the Continental Congress, his diplomatic duties in Europe, his presidency, and his retirement. It also explores his complex relationships with contemporaries like George Washington and Thomas Jefferson. The author uses correspondence and diaries to provide an in-depth look at Adams' personal and political life, highlighting his integrity, patriotism, and political foresight.

"The Quaker City, or The Monks of Monk Hall" is a sensational novel that explores the dark underbelly of Philadelphia society in the mid-19th century. The narrative delves into the lives of several characters who are drawn into the corrupt and sinister world of Monk Hall, a den of iniquity hidden behind the facade of a religious institution. The novel exposes themes of hypocrisy, vice, and the exploitation of the vulnerable by the wealthy and powerful. Through its intricate plot and dramatic style, the book critiques social and moral decay, offering a stark warning about the dangers of moral duplicity and the abuse of power.

"Modern Chivalry" is a satirical novel that follows the adventures of Captain Farrago and his servant, Teague O'Regan, as they travel through early post-revolutionary America. The narrative, which is both humorous and critical, explores the challenges and contradictions of the new democracy. Through the interactions between the idealistic, yet sometimes misguided Farrago, and the shrewd, earthy Teague, the novel examines the social and political landscape of the time, poking fun at pretension and highlighting the complexities of human nature and governance. The work is considered an important precursor to the American literary tradition, blending elements of picaresque narrative with keen social commentary.

In this installment of a time-traveling historical fiction series, the narrative continues to follow the lives of a 20th-century surgeon and her 18th-century Scottish Highlander husband as they attempt to make a life for themselves in the American colonies amidst the turmoil of the Revolutionary War. The couple faces personal and historical challenges as they navigate the complexities of loyalty, love, and survival. Their story is interwoven with that of their daughter and her family in the 20th century, who are dealing with their own set of trials and discoveries that are mysteriously connected to the past. The novel blends rich historical detail with romance, adventure, and the intricacies of family and relationships across time.

This novel presents an alternate history where the Confederate States of America won the Civil War, leading to a vastly different 20th century. The protagonist, hailing from a diminished and impoverished United States, becomes involved with a community of scholars and eventually gains access to a time machine. Driven by curiosity and a desire to understand how history could have been different, he inadvertently causes the very outcome he sought to prevent, ensuring the Confederacy's victory at the pivotal Battle of Gettysburg. The book explores themes of destiny, the impact of individual actions on history, and the nature of progress in a society shaped by a different set of historical winners and losers.

In this installment of a sweeping historical fiction series, the story continues to follow the time-traveling 20th-century doctor and her 18th-century Scottish Highlander husband as they navigate the perils of the American Revolution. With their family scattered across continents and time, they face the challenges of war and the complexities of loyalty and love. As battles rage and loyalties are tested, the couple must use all their wits and courage to protect their loved ones and secure a future that is constantly threatened by the tumultuous events of history. The novel weaves together intricate narratives of romance, adventure, and historical drama, creating a rich tapestry of characters whose lives are inextricably linked across the ages.

"Ten North Frederick" is a novel that explores the life of Joe Chapin, a wealthy, ambitious lawyer living in Gibbsville, Pennsylvania, during the early 20th century. The story delves into his personal and professional life, including his troubled marriage, his strained relationship with his children, his political aspirations, and his secret love affairs. The narrative is an exploration of social class, ambition, and the pursuit of the American Dream, revealing the emptiness and dissatisfaction that can often lie beneath a seemingly successful and enviable life.

"The Town" is the final installment in a trilogy depicting the pioneering American spirit. It follows Sayward Wheeler, the daughter of a pioneer, as she witnesses the transformation of the Ohio wilderness into a bustling town. She experiences the joy and pain of motherhood, the comfort and loneliness of marriage, and the satisfaction and despair of building a home, all while observing the encroachment of civilization on the wilderness she loves. The novel explores themes of progress, change, and the cost of civilization.

The novel follows the life of George Caldwell, a high school teacher in a small town in Pennsylvania, who is struggling with feelings of disappointment and failure. He is constantly compared to his father, a mythological centaur, symbolizing the conflict between the mundane and the extraordinary. The narrative alternates between the modern world and the mythological realm, exploring themes of identity, disillusionment, and the struggle between the human and the divine.

"The Waters of Kronos" is a novel that explores the themes of time, memory, and the loss of innocence. The story follows an elderly man who returns to his childhood hometown, only to find it submerged under a reservoir. As he navigates the physical and metaphorical waters, he embarks on a journey through his past, reliving key moments of his life and confronting the ghosts of his past. The novel is a poignant exploration of the human condition, the inexorable passage of time, and the enduring power of memory.

In a small town during World War II, twelve-year-old Annabelle encounters a bully named Betty, whose cruel actions escalate to the point of injuring a classmate. Annabelle finds herself caught in a web of lies and secrets as she tries to protect her friend and bring justice to Wolf Hollow. This coming-of-age story explores themes of bravery, friendship, and the power of standing up for what is right, even in the face of danger.

"The Maples Stories" is a collection of short stories that intricately explores the complexities of marriage and relationships through the lives of Richard and Joan Maple. Over the course of several decades, the stories trace the nuances of their marriage, from the blossoming of their youthful love to the disintegration of their bond and eventual divorce. The narrative captures the shifting dynamics and emotional landscapes of the couple as they navigate the trials of raising children, infidelity, and the search for individual identity within the confines of a long-term, evolving relationship.

This novel is a fictional account of the real-life 1985 bombing in Philadelphia that destroyed a predominantly black neighborhood. The story is told from the perspective of a writer who returns to his hometown to try to make sense of the tragedy. The narrative explores themes of race, poverty, and the destructive power of the state, while also delving into the personal trauma and guilt felt by the protagonist. The novel is a poignant exploration of the lasting impact of violence and the struggle for justice and understanding.