2017 Reprint of 1925 Edition. Full facsimile of the original edition, not reproduced with Optical Recognition software. Although admired by D. H. Lawrence, this modern classic went generally unnoticed during the years after its publication in 1925. Yet it is "a fundamental book, essential if one proposes to come to terms with American literature" (Times Literary Supplement). William Carlos Williams was not a historian, but he was fascinated by the texture of American history. Beginning with Columbus's discovery of the Indies and moving on through Sir Walter Raleigh, Cotton Mather, Daniel Boone, George Washington, Ben Franklin, Aaron Burr, Edgar Allan Poe, and Abraham Lincoln, Williams found in the fabric of familiar episodes new shades of meaning and configurations of character. He brought a poetic imagination to the task of reconstructing a live tradition for Americans, and what results is one of the finest works of prose to have been penned by any writer of the twentieth century.

Since 1986, the Best American Essays series has gathered the best nonfiction writing of the year and established itself as the best-selling anthology of its kind. In this year's edition, essay veteran Katha Pollitt writes about learning to drive, and Adam Gopnik describes his daughter's peculiar take on our culture of busyness. Other creative-nonfiction luminaries are featured as well: Andre Aciman explores the emotional and nostalgic resonances of scents, and Michael Pollan considers the various ways of understanding animal rights. Culled from well-known magazines like The New Yorker and the New York Times Magazine, and smaller periodicals like Raritan and the Georgia Review, these diverse and wide-ranging essays are sure to thrill fans of the genre. Since its inception in 1915, the Best American series has become the premier annual showcase for the country's finest short fiction and nonfiction. For each volume, a series editor reads pieces from hundreds of periodicals, then selects between fifty and a hundred outstanding works. That selection is pared down to the twenty or so very best pieces by a guest editor who is widely recognized as a leading writer in his or her field. This unique system has helped make the Best American series the most respected -- and most popular -- of its kind. From The New Yorker to the Threepenny Review, from the Atlantic Monthly to DoubleTake, the editors of The Best American Essays have scoured the country's best magazines in search of the most artful and powerful writing around. This thoughtful, provocative collection is the result of their search. Andre Aciman Donald Antrim Atul Gawande Adam Gopnik Michael Pollan Katha Pollitt Susan Sontag John Edgar Wideman

Bali and Angkor: Or Looking at Life and Death is a book written by Geoffrey Edgar Solomon Gorer. The book is a travelogue that explores the cultural and religious traditions of two Southeast Asian destinations, Bali and Angkor. The author takes the readers on a journey to explore the unique customs, beliefs, and practices of the people of Bali and Angkor. Through his vivid descriptions and observations, Gorer delves into the Balinese Hindu religion, which is deeply rooted in the island's history and culture. He explores the complex rituals and ceremonies that are an integral part of the Balinese way of life. Gorer also examines the impact of tourism on Bali's traditional way of life and how the Balinese are adapting to the changing times.In the second part of the book, Gorer takes the readers to Angkor, the ancient city in Cambodia that was once the capital of the Khmer Empire. He explores the magnificent temples and ruins of Angkor, which are some of the most impressive architectural wonders in the world. Gorer also provides a historical background of the Khmer Empire and its impact on the region.Throughout the book, Gorer reflects on the themes of life and death and how they are perceived and dealt with in Bali and Angkor. He also provides insights into the cultural and social aspects of these two destinations and how they have evolved over time. Overall, Bali and Angkor: Or Looking at Life and Death is a fascinating and insightful book that offers a unique perspective on these two Southeast Asian destinations. It is a must-read for anyone interested in exploring the rich cultural and religious traditions of Bali and Angkor.This scarce antiquarian book is a facsimile reprint of the old original and may contain some imperfections such as library marks and notations. Because we believe this work is culturally important, we have made it available as part of our commitment for protecting, preserving, and promoting the world's literature in affordable, high quality, modern editions, that are true to their original work.