The Brothers Grimm, Jacob (1785-1863) and Wilhelm (1786-1859), were born in Hanau, near Frankfurt, in the German state of Hesse.

A Russian prince returns to Saint Petersburg after a long absence in Switzerland, where he was undergoing treatment for epilepsy.

The Sonnets compiles 154 Sonnets written by Shakespeare on all manner of themes from love and fidelity to politics and lineage.

The Woman in White is credited with being the first of the sensation novels, and one of the finest examples of the genre.

The Pickwick Papers was Dickens' first published novel and the first ever publishing phenomenon with illegal copies, theatrical performances and merchandise.

Nicholas Nickleby is left responsible for his mother and sister when his father dies.

The Republic is Plato's most famous work and one of the seminal texts of Western philosophy and politics.

The Cherry Orchard was written by Chekhov as a comedy, but directed by Stanislavski as a tragedy on its premier.

The novel Uncle Tom's Cabin, by American author Harriet Beecher Stowe, focuses on a slave named Uncle Tom to weave a portrayal of the cruelty of slavery, finding redemption in the idea that Christian love can conquer something so destructive.

Tom Swift and His Motor-Cycle is the first book in the original Tom Swift series.

Tom Swift and His Motor Boat is the second book in the original Tom Swift series.

Tom Swift and His Airship is the third book in the original Tom Swift series.

Tom Swift and His Submarine Boat is the fourth book in the original Tom Swift series.

Tom Swift and His Electric Runabout is the fifth book in the original Tom Swift series.

Tom Swift and His Wireless Message is the sixth book in the original Tom Swift series.

Tom Swift Among the Diamond Makers is the seventh book in the original Tom Swift series.

Tom Swift in the Caves of Ice is the eighth book in the original Tom Swift series.

Tom Swift and His Sky Racer is the ninth book in the original Tom Swift series.

Tom Swift and His Electric Rifle is the tenth book in the original Tom Swift series.

Tom Swift in the City of Gold is the 11th book in the original Tom Swift series.