Read the books.
Make up your
own mind.
Explore five classics on desire, identity, belief and power. Find your way into Joyce, Lawrence, Hall, Voltaire and Machiavelli.
Find your first book Read the free companion sample 2-page PDF with starting tips for all five books.
Follow the idea that interests you.
Choose a story about desire or belonging, or examine how political power works.
Each book page gives you a place to begin.
Explore all five titles. Covers show illustrative designs for our planned editions.
A way into
the conversation.
You can begin with the idea that catches your attention. Our reading companion helps you choose a book and find your footing.
Choose a starting point
Try Candide for a short, sharp satire. Choose The Prince for arguments about power. Give Ulysses time, one episode at a time.
Understand the controversy
Read the history alongside the story. The book pages explain the disputes around each work and link to source editions you can read free.
Keep your own verdict
The full companion is planned to add discussion questions and space for your notes. The free sample already gives you a reading route for each title.
Build the library
you want to read.
Explore the proposed editions below. The five-book collections bring the whole selection together; a single hardcover lets you start with one title.
Proposed collection price: $99 for all five hardcovers, plus $6 shipping.
All prices are proposed in US dollars. Our planned hardcovers use an A5 format, matte covers and cream paper. Final print proofs, delivery countries and timing will be confirmed before orders open. Audiobooks are also in preparation.
Five-book hardcover collection
$99Proposed USD price · + $6 shipping
Preview this editionOrders are not open yet. This preview shows your proposed edition and price.
Choose your first book with the free sampleChoose your next
read with confidence.
Which book should I start with?
Candide offers short episodes and biting humour. The Prince works well a chapter at a time. Lawrence and Hall explore desire and belonging through novels. Ulysses asks for a slower approach. The free companion sample helps you choose.
What makes this collection worth considering?
The selection puts five different arguments about private life and public authority on one shelf. Our planned editions pair the books with original reading routes, historical context and discussion questions. Read the free companion sample to see how we approach them.
Can I read the original books for free?
Yes. Each book page links to its source edition. Our proposed price is for our editions and companion material. You can explore the source texts before deciding whether our collection suits you. Copyright status varies by territory and edition.
Are these books forbidden today?
The name refers to the works’ histories of controversy and censorship. These histories differ by place and period. The book pages explain that context; the name is not a claim that owning them is illegal today.
Can I order now?
Orders are not open yet. You can explore the books, compare proposed editions and download the free sample. Seller details, final editions and delivery terms will be published before purchases open.
What formats and delivery options are planned?
We are preparing hardcover and EPUB/PDF editions. The proposed five-book prices are $99 for hardcovers plus $6 shipping, or $19 for the digital collection. Single-title pages show additional proposed formats and prices. Audiobooks are still in preparation. Final device compatibility, delivery countries and timing remain to be confirmed.