Raskolnikov is a desperately impoverished young student and intellectual who robs and murders a moneylender to ease his own financial problems and, he rationalises, to better the world by expelling it of her evil doings. However, after he falls ill, he is eventually burdened by his past actions and seeks salvation. Was it justifiable homicide? Captivating and often disturbing, this novel explores this and other profound life concepts. Crime and Punishment is considered to be the one of the most influential Russian novels ever written. Read it and see why.

First published in 1781 Critique of Pure Reason is widely regarded as the most influential and widely read work of the German philosopher Immanuel Kant and one of the most influential and important in the entire history of Western philosophy. Kant saw the work as an attempt to bridge the gap between rationalism and empiricism and as a counter to the radical empiricism of David Hume.

Mayer Alan Brenner's "The Dance of Gods" series was published by DAW Books in the 1990s. A witty and intelligent science / fantasy crossover, Pratchett meets Zelazny meets Douglas Adams, it also prefigures Charles Stross in interesting ways. The series follows a cluster of raffish characters through overlapping and colliding story lines in a wonderfully realized world.

"The humour was never farcical, always intelligent, but there was a certain madcap, slyness to it which I haven't experienced in fantasy for quite a while. Some scenes had me laughing out loud -- not good when traveling with a bunch of strangers, but a perfect remedy to Life..." -- The Book Swede

The plot thickens and larger issues may be at stake in the second book of Mayer Alan Brenner's "Dance of Gods" series. Originally published by DAW Books, the books are a witty and intelligent science / fantasy crossover.

"A winner ... I was utterly hooked. Its not a belly-laugh-inducing parody of a fantasy so much as an off-the-wall kind of fantasy in its own right..." --Interzone

Plot-lines collide and family secrets are revealed in the third book of Mayer Alan Brenner's "Dance of Gods" series. Originally published by DAW Books, the books are a witty and intelligent science / fantasy crossover.

"Ya gotta love a series with a hero named 'Maximillian the Vaguely Disreputable'. READ THIS SERIES, shouts your FAQmaker, it's fast and furious, and fun..." -- The Recommended Fantasy Author List

Daniel Deronda is the ward of wealthy Englishman, Sir Hugo Mallinger. He falls for the beautiful Gwendolen but a reversal in her family's fortunes sees her marry another and binds her to a different life. Meanwhile, Deronda saves a young Jewish woman, Mirah, and becomes involved in her search for lost family and identity. But a dramatic revelation threatens Deronda's own sense of identity. Romance and realism intertwine in this beautiful book.

David Copperfield is a marvellous showcase for Dickens' writing brilliance. In it, the title character David Copperfield relates the story of his life, growing up in a world that has kinder moments but which too often can be so cruel. As usual, Dickens has created a cast of interesting characters who at times add comic moments to the story and almost always present Copperfield with many a life lesson. In part autobiographical, this story has been described by Dickens himself as his "favourite son". A must read.