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Today’s Freebie Friday! Get Philosophical Treatises for Free

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Noet-FreebieFriday-300x300Today only, download Harvard Classics: Edmund Burke for free. Then, add Harvard Classics: Modern English Drama for only $0.99. Just use coupon code EDMUND at checkout. Be sure to hurry—this special offer ends at midnight. Get both right now!

A prominent eighteenth-century political theorist and philosopher, Edmund Burke wrote extensively on aesthetics, politics, and ethics. Harvard Classics: Edmund Burke brings together his most influential works, including:

  • On Taste: Introductory Discourse
  • The Sublime and Beautiful
  • Reflections on the Revolution in France
  • A Letter from the Right Hon. Edmund Burke to a Noble Lord

Get your free book now!

Today’s $0.99 bonus book, Harvard Classics: Modern English Drama, features the witty comedies and moving dramas that defined eighteenth- and nineteenth-century English theater. Each work cleverly comments on the political and social issues of its time. You’ll get:

  • All for Love; or, the World Well Lost, by John Dryden
  • The School for Scandal, by Richard Brinsley Sheridan
  • She Stoops to Conquer, by Oliver Goldsmith
  • The Cenci, by Percy Bysshe Shelley
  • A Blot in the ’Scutcheon, by Robert Browning
  • Manfred, by Lord Byron

Download your free book and $0.99 bonus book today. Don’t forget—this special offer ends at midnight!

 
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Get 58% off the Oxford Humanities Reference Collection (5 vols.)

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Collection CoverFor over 500 years, Oxford University Press has published authoritative works by leading scholars. With the five-volume Oxford Humanities Reference Collection, you can incorporate this renowned scholarship into your study.

Plus, when you pre-order this collection by September 4, you’ll get 56% off. Place your order now to take advantage of this special price.

Each work in this collection has been written, edited, and reviewed by leading scholars in their fields. The most recent editions, you’re guaranteed top-quality, up-to-date scholarship. Plus, each work is integrated into the Noet platform. Reserve the Oxford Humanities Reference Collection today and get it for just $199.99.

This indispensable collection features:

  • Oxford Latin Dictionary, 2nd ed. (2 vols.)
  • The Oxford Companion to Classical Civilization, 2nd ed.
  • The Oxford Dictionary of Philosophy, 2nd ed.
  • The Oxford Companion to Philosophy, 2nd ed.

Together, these five volumes provide a comprehensive guide to Western thought—from its roots in classical antiquity, all the way up to the present day. Plus, with Noet’s advanced tagging, these exceptional reference works connect to relevant resources in your library, helping you discover new connections and see ideas in context.

For the exploration of humanity’s past, present, and future, this collection is indispensable.

Save 56% when you pre-order the Oxford Humanities Reference Collection by September 4. Get it for only $199.99.

Happy Freebie Friday! Get Medieval Masterpieces and More Free

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Noet-FreebieFriday-300x300Today only, get great works of medieval and Elizabethan literature free with Harvard Classics: Chronicle and Romance. Then, expand your study of the Middle Ages by adding Harvard Classics: Epic and Saga for only $0.99. Just use coupon code CHIVALRY at checkout. Get both right now!

Today’s free book includes:

  • The Chronicles of Froissart, translated by Lord Berners and edited by G.C. Macaulay
  • The Holy Grail, by Sir Thomas Malory
  • A Description of Elizabethan England, by William Harrison

Get your free book right now.

Go deeper in your exploration of medieval literature with this week’s $0.99 bonus book, Harvard Classics: Epic and Saga. It includes influential epic poetry, songs, and Norse legends. You’ll get:

  • Beowulf, translated by Francis B. Gummere
  • The Song of Roland, translated by John O’Hagan
  • The Destruction of Dá Derga’s Hostel, translated by Whitley Stokes
  • The Story of the Volsungs and Niblungs, translated by Eiríkr Magnússon and William Morris
  • Songs from the Elder Edda, translated by Eiríkr Magnússon and William Morris

Get today’s free book and add a valuable bonus book for only $0.99 before it’s too late. Hurry—this deal will disappear at midnight!

Among the most beloved characters from medieval works are King Arthur and his (mostly) loyal Knights of the Round Table. One of their greatest adventures is retold in Sir Thomas Malory’s The Holy Grail. While many say that up to 150 knights sat at the Round Table, here are the ones featured in Malory’s best-known work:

Sir Launcelot

LauncelotFamily: Legend has it that he was raised by the Lady of the Lake (the same one who gave King Arthur his magic sword, Excalibur).

Character: He was perhaps the most talented of all the Knights of the Round Table—at least until his son showed up.

Flaw: Launcelot fell in love with Guenever (also spelled Guinevere)—who just happened to be married to King Arthur.

Fun Fact: While many knights elected to carry shields or wear armor that displayed their status, Launcelot was fond of disguising his identity.

 

GawaineSir Gawaine

Family: Gawaine was one of King Arthur’s nephews.

Character: He was known for his courteous nature and his love of glory, adventure, and fame.

Flaw: Some thought that Gawaine was too much of a ladies man and that his love of fame often clouded his judgment.

Fun Fact: Gawaine was Launcelot’s best friend.

 

GalahadSir Galahad

Family: Sir Galahad is Launcelot’s son.

Character: Galahad was the perfect Christian knight—courageous, gentle, and chivalrous. He believed that his first duty was to serve God, his second was to serve King Arthur.

Flaw: It would appear that Galahad’s only flaw was . . . actually, he was pretty flawless.

Fun Fact: Just like King Arthur, Galahad pulled a sword from a stone.

 

Bors2Sir Bors

Family: He’s the son of King Bors of Gaunes and Evianne.

Character: Bors was known for his virtuous nature.

Flaw: He was so committed to the rules of chivalry that he can often come across as legalistic.

Fun Fact: Sir Bors is Launcelot’s cousin.

 

Sir Percivale

PercivalFamily: His father died in battle. Concerned that her son would meet the same fate, Percivale’s mother raised him in the forest, away from society. Despite her best efforts, one day young Percivale saw a group of knights. He was so  impressed with their heroic appearance that he decided to join their ranks.

Character: Percivale was well-known for both his fighting skills and goodness.

Flaw: Due to his naiveté, Percivale often finds himself in awkward situations.

Fun Fact: When he first arrived at court, Percivale was mistaken for a fool. This is likely because his mother, in hopes of deterring her son’s success, had him wear an outlandish outfit.

Get today’s free book and add a valuable bonus book for only $0.99. Hurry—this deal will disappear at midnight!

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Augustine of Hippo: A Life (Guess what? It’s Freebie Friday!)

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Noet-FreebieFriday-300x300

Freebie Friday has arrived! Today only, get Harvard Classics: Confessions of St. Augustine and The Imitation of Christ free, then add St. Augustine’s Select Letters for only $0.99. Just use coupon code AUGUSTINE at checkout. Get both now!

Today’s free book includes:

  • Confessions of St. Augustine, translated by Edward B. Pusey
  • The Imitation of Christ, by Thomas à Kempis and William Benham

Pick up your free book today. Just use the coupon code AUGUSTINE at checkout.

Get to know St. Augustine even better by reading the Loeb Classical Library edition of his personal correspondence. Get your free book and add a valuable bonus book for only $0.99 before it’s gone. Act fast—this special deal ends at midnight! 

A powerful story of redemption, Augustine’s Confessions also represents a cornerstone of Western theological and philosophical thought. Widely recognized as the first Western autobiography, Confessions presents Augustine’s reflections on his youth and Christian conversion. It represents the most complete record of any single person living in the fourth and fifth centuries, and a major milestone in the development of Western literature.

Curious about the significant events and ideas—both personal and political—that shaped Augustine’s life and Confessions? Keep reading.

The Life and Times of Augustine of Hippo

The Saint Augustine Taken to School337: Following the death of Emperor Constantine, the Roman Empire is divided. The western portion is ruled by Constans, a Christian. The east is the domain of Constantius II, an Arian.

350: Constantius II becomes sole emperor of the Roman Empire.

354: On November 13, Augustine is born in Thagaste in North Africa. His father, Patricius, is a pagan. His mother, Monica, is Christian. His parents are poor, but determined to provide their son with a good education.

354–365: Through scrimping and saving, Patricius is able to send his son to school. Young Augustine adores his Latin studies. But, his Greek language instructor is rather mean. Augustine rebels against his harsh teacher by refusing to learn Greek. Later in his life, when reflecting on his method of rebellion, Augustine is regretful.

361: Julian, often referred to as “Julian the Apostate” becomes emperor of Rome.

364: Valentinian I succeeds Julian as emperor of the west. He instates his brother, Valens, as ruler of the east.

Augustine of Hippo2366: Augustine begins studying rhetoric in Madaura, North Africa. At the time, the art of elegant speaking was essential for anyone wishing to pursue a professional career.

371: Augustine begins studies at Carthage. He grows fond of the theater and develops close friendships with dissipated young men. He also begins an affair with an unnamed woman. Their relationship would last for 14 years.

372: Augustine’s beloved father, Patricius, dies. On his deathbed, to the joy of his wife, Patricius converts to Christianity.

Meanwhile, in Carthage Augustine’s son is born. He names him Adeodatus, which means “God-given.”

Around this time, Augustine also becomes interested in Manichaeism. This religious movement taught that the world was divided between light and darkness, good and evil, and that these opposing forces were in constant competition with each other. According to Manichaeism, this war also occurred within each individual human whose soul, composed of light, warred with the body, composed of darkness.

Saint Augustine and Saint Monica374: Returning home to Thagaste, Augustine teaches grammar. His mother, Monica, is upset that he became a follower of the Manichees.

376: Augustine returns to Carthage and teaches rhetoric. He is disappointed by his students, who delight in horseplay and despise study.

379: Theodosius I becomes emperor of the Roman Empire. He makes Christianity the official religion of the Empire.

383: Augustine moves to Rome and teaches rhetoric. This time his students attend class consistently—but refuse to pay their fees.

Augustine leaves Rome when Symmachus, prefect of the city, offers him a teaching position in Milan.

384: In Milan, Augustine begins studying Neoplatonism. He becomes intrigued by the Neoplatonic idea of a supreme being. Around this time he meets Bishop Ambrose and is impressed by the bishop’s sermons and spirituality.

386: After many challenging emotional, spiritual, and mystical experiences, Augustine converts to Christianity.

Saint Augustine in his Study2387: Augustine’s dear mother, Monica, dies. Augustine is plunged into deep grief.

388: Returning to Thagaste, Augustine establishes a monastic community.

390:  Augustine’s life is once again shattered—his beloved son Adeodatus dies.

391: Restless with grief, Augustine travels to Hippo, where he becomes an ordained priest.

394: Augustine begins his campaign against the Donatists. The Donatists were a schismatic church that resisted forgiveness of certain sins. Augustine disagreed with this point of view.

395: Augustine is ordained assistant bishop of Hippo.

Meanwhile, Arcadius becomes emperor in the east. Honorius, a Christian, becomes emperor in the west. Honorius grants legal recognition to the Church in Africa.

396: Augustine becomes Bishop of Hippo. He remains bishop until his death in 430.

397: Augustine begins writing The Confessions, completing them around 400.

Get your free book and add a valuable bonus book for only $0.99 before it’s gone. Act fast—this deal ends at midnight.

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Advice from Benjamin Franklin (Plus, it’s Freebie Friday!)

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Noet-FreebieFriday-300x300Happy Freebie Friday, everyone!

Today only, pick up Harvard Classics, vol. 1 for free! Just use coupon code AMERICA at checkout, and spend your 4th of July with some of the people who shaped life in early America. Be sure to hurry—this deal ends tonight at midnight.

You’ll get:

  • Benjamin Franklin, His Autobiography
  • The Journal of John Woolman
  • Some Fruits of Solitude, in Reflections and Maxims Part I, by William Penn
  • More Fruits of Solitude, being the Second Part of Reflections and Maxims, by William Penn

Get all four titles for free today!

BenjaminFranklin2Of all the influential figures in Colonial America, Benjamin Franklin is perhaps the most memorable. Politician, author, scientist, postmaster, diplomat, inventor—he was the quintessential Renaissance man. He was born to humble origins and worked his way towards becoming one of the most influential men in America—if not the world.

Franklin credits his rise to prominence to a good work ethic and his constant endeavor to improve himself. At the age of 20, realizing that he was becoming trapped by poor decisions, he set out to unlearn his bad habits, replacing them with good ones. He identified 13 virtues and even kept a journal recording his progress. (Curious about what these 13 virtues entailed? Download today’s free book!)

In his Autobiography, Benjamin Franklin admits that he fell short of his virtuous ideals on multiple occasions. However, he writes that his lifelong pursuit of virtue did make him a better, happier, and more successful person.

Throughout his Autobiography, Franklin shares nuggets of wisdom learned through his many successes and failures. These timeless insights remain relevant today.

5 Pieces of Advice from Benjamin Franklin, Renaissance Man

BenjaminFranklin1 About opportunity: “Human felicity is produc’d not so much by great pieces of good fortune that seldom happen, as by little advantages that occur every day.”

About personal relationships: “I grew convinc’d that truth, sincerity, and integrity in dealings between man and man were of the utmost importance to the felicity of life.”

About besetting sins: “In reality, there is, perhaps, no one of our natural passions so hard to subdue as pride. Disguise it, struggle with it, beat it down, stifle it, mortify it as much as one pleases, it is still alive, and will every now and then peep out and show itself; you will see it, perhaps, often in this history; for, even if I could conceive that I had completely overcome it, I should probably be proud of my humility.”

BenjaminFranklin4About self-improvement: “If you wish information and improvement from the knowledge of others, and yet at the same time express yourself as firmly fix’d in your present opinions, modest, sensible men, who do not love disputation, will probably leave you undisturbed in the possession of your error.”

Nothing is below his notice! “[I]f you teach a poor young man to shave himself, and keep his razor in order, you may contribute more to the happiness of his life than in giving him a thousand guineas.”

Get Benjamin Franklin’s Autobiography, The Journal of John Woolman, and William Penn’s Fruits of Solitude for free with coupon code AMERICA. Hurry—this special deal ends at midnight!

 
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