Read online or download public domain classics — fiction, philosophy, business, self-help, sci-fi & technology — free forever, in PDF, EPUB & Kindle formats.
15 books found
Fiction
1844
A legendary adventure novel of betrayal, imprisonment, escape, and meticulous revenge. Edmond Dantès transforms himself into the wealthy Count of Monte Cristo to punish those who wronged him.
Fiction
1892
A collection of twelve short stories featuring the world's most famous consulting detective, Sherlock Holmes, and his companion Dr. John Watson as they solve complex mysteries in Victorian London.
Non-Fiction
180 AD
A series of personal writings by Marcus Aurelius, Roman Emperor from 161 to 180 AD, recording his private notes to himself and ideas on Stoic philosophy.
Non-Fiction
1791
The unfinished record of his own life written by Benjamin Franklin from 1771 to 1790. It is considered one of the most famous and influential examples of an autobiography ever written.
Sci-Fi
1818
Victor Frankenstein creates a living creature from dead matter, then recoils in horror at what he has made. The monster, abandoned and despised, turns dangerous. The founding novel of science fiction.
Sci-Fi
1895
A Victorian inventor builds a machine that carries him 800,000 years into the future, where he discovers the human race has split into two very different species. The original time travel novel.
Business
1532
The foundational blueprint on political strategy and statecraft. Machiavelli's ruthlessly practical guide to obtaining, maintaining, and exercising power remains essential reading for modern leaders.
Business
1910
A pioneering masterwork on wealth accumulation and the power of mindset. Wattles outlines a pragmatic formula demonstrating how focused thought and deliberate action attract financial abundance.
Business
1776
A historic, incendiary revolutionary pamphlet that altered the course of history. Paine crafted an unyielding logical argument against monarchy, mobilizing public opinion to fight for American independence.
Business
1859
The timeless foundational classic that coined and popularized the self-improvement genre. Smiles advocates that character, industry, resilience, and self-reliance are the true engines of personal growth.
Business
1776
The definitive foundation of modern economic thought and free-market capitalism, exploring the complex systems driving global prosperity, division of labor, and the concept of the 'invisible hand'.
Self-Help
1903
A short but profound essay arguing that a person's character is shaped entirely by their thoughts. One of the first self-help books ever published and remains a quiet classic of personal development.
Self-Help
1841
Emerson's landmark 1841 essay urging individuals to trust their own instincts and ideas rather than following society's expectations. A foundational text of American individualism.
Self-Help
180 AD
The complete personal journals of the Roman Emperor and Stoic philosopher — private notes never intended for publication, yet one of the most enduring guides to calm and virtuous living ever produced.
Technology
1910
The most approachable introduction to calculus ever written. Thompson strips away mathematical intimidation and teaches differential and integral calculus with plain language and wit.
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