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Classical Poets Edition Books

Classical Poets Edition books are unique in their celebration of human civilization’s rich cultural traditions, including traditional metered poetry and great spiritual traditions.  These great texts are made accessible often with illustrations and generous footnotes, as well as introductions with first-time readers and students in mind.

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Poetry

How to Write Classical Poetry

This comprehensive volume contains the basics on writing metered poetry, different forms such as sonnet, haiku, limerick, rondeau, villanelle, and sestina. It also features great poems of the past and analysis of the poems.

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Literature

The Odyssey by Homer (New Solot Translation with Illustrations)

Homer’s civilization-defining classic The Odyssey, translated by Michael Solot, edited by Andrew Benson Brown, and spectacularly illuminated with hand-drawn illustrations by Aedan Kennedy. Mr. Solot’s enchanting metered and often alliterative translation, and his dedication to effective storytelling make it worth revisiting the epic tale of Odysseus and his homeward journey. This edition is also perfect for teens and twenty-somethings who need an engaging introduction to real culture that has been sorely missing from their 21st century lives. Read more in James Sale’s incisive review in The Epoch Times here.

The Iliad & The Odyssey by Homer

In one volume, these classics are brought to life with a plain English translation. Excerpts of Alexander Pope’s rhyming 18th century translation are also included to give a flavor of the excitement of the original Greek meter.

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Sir Gawain and the Green Knight

The 14th century Arthurian classic brought to life in delightful alliterative and in some cases metered poetic translation.

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Hamlet, Prince of Denmark by William Shakespeare (Plus a Journey to the West Episode)

The profound play is translated within the original black verse, seamlessly synthesizing the original with a translation that is thoroughly readable and poetic. Additionally, a strikingly similar episode from the Chinese classic novel Journey to the West is included, making for great literary comparisons across civilizations.

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The Merchant of Venice by William Shakespeare

The enchanting play is translated within the original black verse, seamlessly synthesizing the original with a translation that is thoroughly readable and poetic.

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The Count of Monte Cristo by Alexandre Dumas

This version is significantly abridged to make it work for a class novel. However, it keeps the spectacular first act of the novel completely in tact, including the rich language and culture. Other parts included allow the complete story to be told and the themes to fully take shape in just under 400 pages.

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Great Expectations by Charles Dickens

The original work plus helpful footnotes and images, as well as an introduction explaining key themes.

King Arthur

The original story of King Arthur comes to life in this beautifully adapted, readable, and illustrated version appropriate for all ages. This volume covers the sword in the stone, the obtaining of Excalibur from the Lady in the Lake, the courting of Guinevere, and the beginning of the Round Table. Also included are the brief, original 9th century historical record that first mentions King Arthur and an epilogue that covers and analyzes the profound significance of the quest for the Holy Grail.

Robinson Crusoe by Daniel Defoe

The timeless tale of a man trapped on a deserted island comes to life in splendid fashion. This edition keeps virtually all of the original story, including Robinson Crusoe’s profound spiritual reflections.

History

Epic History Tales—Oracle at Delphi, 300 Spartans, Alexander the Great, and Julius Caesar—by Jacob Abbott

Based on the original ancient histories of the Oracle at Delphi, the 300 Spartans, Alexander the Great, and Julius Caesar, adapted by 19th century writer Jacob Abbott and updated again for the modern classroom and home library. Abbott’s iconic adapted histories formed part of the foundation of Abraham Lincoln’s education.

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The True History of Christopher Columbus by Edward Everett Hale

Reclaiming the history of Christopher Columbus, this history shows the well documented truth: Columbus was a courageous explorer and courteous conqueror. It also includes classic Columbus poems.

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The East

Treasured Tales of China Volume 1

Treasured Tales of China Volume 2

Treasured Tales of China Volume 3

Cultural, mystical, and historical, each of these volumes contains a variety of short stories perfect for elementary and middle school students, and anyone interested in Eastern cultures.

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The Story of Milarepa by Tsangnyön Heruka

An unforgettable spiritual journey of this real Tibetan Buddhist who achieved Enlightenment in an unconventional way. It includes metered and rhyming translations of his Milarepa’s songs.

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Dream of the Red Chamber Part 1 by Cao Xueqin

The Qing Dynasty classic novel with metered and rhyming translations of poems and riddles from the original text.

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Featured Image: “Books and Butterflies” by Steven J. Levin