Portfolio 1 Column

First published in 1812, The Swiss Family Robinson may sometimes seem old-fashioned to modern readers, especially the family’s attitude toward wildlife (if it moves, shoot it). However, it’s a truly exciting adventure and a timeless story of warm and loving family life. As the narrator says: “It was written… for the instruction and amusement of my children… Children are, on the whole, very much alike everywhere, and you four lads fairly represent multitudes… It will make me happy to think that my simple narrative may lead some of these to observe how blessed are the results of patient continuance in well-doing, what benefits arise from the thoughtful application of knowledge and science, and how good and pleasant a thing it is when brethren dwell together in unity, under the eye of parental love.” Written by Swiss pastor Johann David Wyss and edited by his son Johann Rudolf Wyss (this edition lists J.R. as the author), the novel was intended to teach his four sons about family values, good husbandry, the uses of the natural world, and self-reliance. It’s fun to think of the long-ago author reading his own books of natural history and creating this novel to share his interests with his boys.

Aleister Crowley was born 12 October 1875. He was an English occultist, ceremonial magician, poet, painter, novelist, and mountaineer. He founded the religion of Thelema, identifying himself as the prophet entrusted with guiding humanity into the Æon of Horus in the early 20th century. A prolific writer, he published widely over the course of his life. Born to a wealthy family in Royal Leamington Spa, Warwickshire, Crowley rejected his parents’ fundamentalist Christian faith to pursue an interest in Western esotericism. He was educated at Trinity College at the University of Cambridge, where he focused his attentions on mountaineering and poetry. Some biographers allege that here he was recruited into a British intelligence agency, further suggesting that he remained a spy throughout his life. In 1898 he joined the esoteric Hermetic Order of the Golden Dawn, where he was trained in ceremonial magic. Moving to Boleskine House by Loch Ness in Scotland, he went mountaineering in Mexico before studying Hindu and Buddhist practices in India. He married Rose Edith Kelly and in 1904 they honeymooned in Cairo, Egypt Crowley declared his followers should “Do what thou wilt” and seek to align themselves with their True Will through the practice of magick. Herein is a treasury of his long lost writings.

Victor Frankenstein, inspired by the dreams of ancient alchemists and empowered by modern science, creates a humanoidq. It wanders alone into a hostile world, where fear of its size and ugliness subjects it to violence and ostracism, which in time it learns to blame upon its maker. As compensation for its suffering, it demands that he create a companion with whom to share its outcast life. Moved by the creature’s account of its sufferings, the scientist agrees, but a long period of procrastination awakens doubts. In retaliation, the creature begins a campaign of vengeance. There then follows a chase into the frozen north, which the creature prolongs so as to destroy his pursuer by exposure and exhaustion. This story, narrated by Victor, forms a frame surrounding the creature’s tale of its wanderings and unhappy encounters with human beings. Victor’s narrative is framed within a series of letters written by the young mariner who rescues him from an iceberg while engaged in his own ambitious scientific endeavor, searching for the North Pole. This novel was begun while the author and her lover, Percy Shelley, were in hiding on the shores of Lake Geneva, where they were the frequent guests of Lord Byron. The novel was published in 1818. For everyone interested in the cultural significance of classical horror literature here is a once in a lifetime, must have audio event. Perfect for universities and all educational media.

“There are two basic motivating forces: fear and love. When we are afraid, we pull back from life. When we are in love, we open to all that life has to offer with passion, excitement, and acceptance.” “I believe in everything until it’s disproved. So I believe in fairies, the myths, dragons. It all exists, even if it’s in your mind. Who’s to say that dreams and nightmares aren’t as real as the here and now?” John Lennon Here, from the extensive private archives of the world’s foremost Beatles historian and author Geoffrey Giuliano, comes perhaps the rarest, virtually unheard interviews with the founder and spiritual heart of the Beatles. In these incredible, now over 50 year old tapes, you will come to know the real John Lennon in his own stirring words and private thoughts. Here is the chance to understand the man behind the music and understand, even more deeply, the incredible music behind the man. Perfect for all hard-core Beatles collectors, John Lennon fans, pop historians, curious commuters, Interested musicians, and all library and school collections. A once-in-a-lifetime audio experience.