Why Read the Classics? by Italo Calvino

Why Read the Classics? by Italo CalvinoFrom the internationally acclaimed author of some of this century's most breathtakingly original novels comes this posthumous collection of thirty six literary essays that will make any fortunate reader view the old classics in a dazzling new light. Learn why Lara, not Zhivago, is the center of Pasternak's masterpiece, Dr. Zhivago, and why Cyrano de Bergerac is the forerunner of modern day science fiction writers. Learn how many odysseys The Odyssey

Blurring the lines between magical realism

the mysterious woman pulling their strings becomes the CIA s public enemy number one

But even in the afterlife

The book is based on the real story of a reform school in Florida that operated for one hundred and eleven years and warped the lives of thousands of children

Today he is the director of the Center for Compassion and Altruism Research and Education (CCARE) at Stanford University

First in the Morning: Every morning you probably begin your day by looking at the news and checking your emails – and you will probably agree that this is not the most inspirational start to the day

evaluating financial statements

and his freedom will be within reach

and in 2009 he guided Sir Ranulph Fiennes to the summit of Everest

acclaimed author and journalist Elizabeth Gilbert explores the fascinating true story of Eustace Conway

It’s about finding ourselves

dissected with razor-sharp intellect