A celebration culture and technology, as seen through the history of the humble yet ubiquitous toothpick, from the best-selling author of The Pencil. From ancient Rome, where emperor Nero made his entrance into a banquet hall with a silver toothpick in his mouth, to nineteenth-century Boston, where Charles Forster, the father of the American wooden toothpick industry, ensured toothpicks appeared in every restaurant, the toothpick has been an omnipresent, yet often overlooked part of our daily lives. Here, with an engineer's eye for detail and a poet's flair for language, Henry Petroski takes us on an incredible tour of this most interesting invention. Along the way, he peers inside today's surprisingly secretive toothpick-manufacturing industry, and explores a treasure trove of the toothpick's unintended uses and perils, from sandwiches to martinis and beyond.

This collection of tales opens up a magical world far from our customary haunts. Ghost stories, romances, fables, and heroic sagas: the forms are familiar, but the characters we meet surprise us at every turn. For those who know and love the tales of the Grimms and Andersen, the universal themes of fairy tale literature emerge in these classic stories, but with a sophistication that is uniquely Chinese and altogether entrancing. With black-and-white drawings throughout Part of the Pantheon Fairy Tale and Folklore Library

In DICKENS'S LONDON - Premium Collection of 11 Novels & 80+ Tales (Illustrated), Charles Dickens masterfully captures the essence of Victorian London through his vivid descriptions and compelling narratives. His literary style, characterized by rich prose and acute social commentary, immerses readers in the bustling streets and complex characters of the era. From the heart-wrenching struggles of orphans in 'Oliver Twist' to the comedic misadventures of Mr. Pickwick in 'The Pickwick Papers,' Dickens's work remains a timeless portrayal of society in flux. The inclusion of detailed illustrations further enhances the reading experience, bringing to life the settings and personalities depicted in each story. Dickens's ability to seamlessly weave together plotlines and subplots showcases his unparalleled storytelling skills, making this collection a must-read for lovers of classic literature. Charles Dickens's own experiences growing up in poverty and working in a factory influenced his deep empathy for the marginalized and vulnerable. His firsthand knowledge of the disparities and injustices present in Victorian society compelled him to use his platform as a writer to advocate for social change. Through his works, Dickens sheds light on the harsh realities faced by the underprivileged, shining a spotlight on the pressing need for reform and compassion. DICKENS'S LONDON offers readers a captivating journey through the sights, sounds, and struggles of nineteenth-century England, serving as a poignant reminder of the enduring power of literature to illuminate the human condition and inspire transformative action.

From the irresistibly droll mind of Jim Knipfel comes These Children Who Come at You with Knives, and Other Fairy Tales, a series of twisted fables that echo with pinpoint acuity. A masterful storyteller whose memoirs and novels have earned him widespread acclaim, this is Knipfel’s first foray into the short story, and he delivers in spades: this wickedly dark satire on the notion of happily ever after turns the traditional fairy tale on its head. Among the array of lonely losers wallowing in discontent, the enterprising reader of this volume may meet a talking chicken who learns the world has little patience for intelligence, a foul-mouthed gnome set on world domination, and a magical snowman wrestling with the horror of being alive. In These Children Who Come at You with Knives, Knipfel’s singular and brilliantly funny mind reinvents the bedtime story and offers up a wildly entertaining meditation on the perils of human nature.

Presents a history of the ancient world, from 6000 B.C. to 400 A.D.

Charles Dickens' 'A Dickens Boxed Set' is a comprehensive collection of the acclaimed author's works, including 20 novels, over 200 short stories, plays, poems, and articles. The collection showcases Dickens' versatile writing style, ranging from social commentary to ghost stories, all set against the backdrop of Victorian England. Readers will be captivated by Dickens' intricate plots, vivid characters, and poignant themes that continue to resonate with modern readers. This boxed set offers a glimpse into the literary world of one of the most influential writers of the 19th century. Dickens' use of satire, humor, and compassion makes this collection a must-read for any literature enthusiast. Dive into the pages of this boxed set to experience the timeless brilliance of Charles Dickens' storytelling. With something for everyone, from the casual reader to the serious literary scholar, 'A Dickens Boxed Set' is a treasure trove of literary gems waiting to be explored.