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.

Emma is the comic novel by Jane Austen that centres around the "handsome, clever and rich", if somewhat spoilt, Emma Woodhouse who fancies herself as a match-maker to her friends. Set in Regency England, comedy ensues as Emma throws herself into the pursuits of love and marriage for others whilst herself remaining apparently immune to the charms of the opposite sex. Witty and charming - quintessential Jane Austen.

Great Expectations is one of Dickens' later works and considered one of his best. It is notable for it's more naturalistic depiction of characters; here motivations and personal viewpoints form the heart of the narrative. The story follows the arc of a young orphan's life as he first tries to raise himself to a higher station in life and finally discovers the solution to some mysteries and comes to terms with himself.

English seaman Charlie Marlow recounts a journey to his shipmates, a journey up river to the heart of the Congo. Marlow had been tasked to find what had happened to Kurtz who had been an inexplicably productive procurer of ivory until contact was lost. Respected and feared, Kurtz has an aura of mystery and danger that lures Marlow closer and closer until ...

Orphaned early in life, Jane Eyre endures life with a cruel aunt, harsh boarding school and generous lashings of cruelty. From this grew Jane's strength of character and quest for freedom and equality. Jane eventually secures a job as a governess and falls in love with the owner of the manor, Edward Rochester. Despite her plainness, she captures his heart. But can they overcome differences in social status, age and experience? Will a secret he has come between them? Will she follow her convictions even if it meant losing her true love? Will love conquer all? Jane Eyre is a sensational love story Bronte style with truckloads of gutsy character building material to boot.

This charming story details the lives and loves of four sisters growing up during the American Civil War. It was based on Alcott's own experiences as a child in Concord, Massachusetts. In response to reader demand Alcott wrote the sequel 'Good Wives'. Enthusiasm for the book has not dimmed since it was written; the book has been adapted to theatre, opera, and Anime.