"Early Autumn" is a Pulitzer Prize-winning novel that explores the life of a New England matriarch, her disintegrating, aristocratic family and a young girl who moves in with them. The story delves into the family's struggle to maintain their fading glory and the young girl's transformation under the guidance of the matriarch. The novel is a critique of the American Dream and the social changes in the United States during the early 20th century.

"The Waters of Kronos" is a novel that explores the themes of time, memory, and the loss of innocence. The story follows an elderly man who returns to his childhood hometown, only to find it submerged under a reservoir. As he navigates the physical and metaphorical waters, he embarks on a journey through his past, reliving key moments of his life and confronting the ghosts of his past. The novel is a poignant exploration of the human condition, the inexorable passage of time, and the enduring power of memory.

This novel tells the story of the Timberlake family, focusing on two sisters, Stanley and Roy. Stanley is a selfish, manipulative woman who abandons her husband for her sister Roy's husband, causing a series of tragic events. Meanwhile, Roy, the more responsible and virtuous sister, must navigate the fallout of Stanley's actions. The book explores themes of family, morality, and the destructive power of selfishness, all set against the backdrop of the American South in the early 20th century.

"The Travels of Jaimie McPheeters" is a historical fiction novel that follows the journey of a 14-year-old boy and his father as they join a wagon train heading for California during the Gold Rush in 1849. The narrative is filled with humor and adventure, as the pair encounter a variety of colorful characters and dangerous situations along the way. The boy's father is a doctor with a penchant for gambling, which often lands them in trouble, but also provides opportunities for the young protagonist to grow and learn about life, human nature, and himself.

"O Strange New World" is a historical account that explores the intellectual and cultural development of America from the time of the first settlers to the early 19th century. The author examines how the settlers' ideas of freedom, individualism, and progress were shaped by their experiences and the unique challenges they faced in the New World. The book provides a comprehensive understanding of the origins and evolution of American thought and values.

"Wandering Through Winter" is a travelogue in which the author and his wife journey 20,000 miles across America from the southwestern deserts to the northeastern forests, exploring the beauty of nature during the winter months. The book, fourth in a series on the American seasons, combines scientific explanations with poetic descriptions of the landscapes, wildlife, and natural phenomena they encounter, capturing the quiet but profound transformations that occur in the natural world during winter.

"So Human an Animal" is a Pulitzer Prize-winning work that explores the complex relationship between the environment and human health. The book argues that the rapid technological advancements and urbanization of the 20th century have negatively impacted human health and happiness. The author suggests that a return to a more natural way of living and a reconnection with nature could help to alleviate these issues. The book is a call to action, urging society to consider the impact of its actions on the environment and human well-being.

"The Problem of Slavery in Western Culture" is a comprehensive historical analysis of the cultural, moral, and intellectual dilemmas slavery posed to Western society. The book explores the paradox of a freedom-loving society that also allowed and justified human bondage, tracing the evolution of thought on slavery from ancient times to the late eighteenth century. It delves into the ways in which different societies have rationalized and confronted slavery, including religious, philosophical, and political perspectives, ultimately leading to the abolitionist movements.

"Rousseau and Revolution" is a comprehensive historical account of the European Enlightenment period, focusing on the social and political upheavals that led to the French Revolution. The book explores the philosophical teachings of Jean-Jacques Rousseau, his influence on the era, and how his ideas significantly contributed to the revolutionary spirit. It also provides a detailed examination of the cultural, scientific, and intellectual developments during the 18th century, offering an in-depth understanding of the social and political transformation of the time.

"Laughing Boy" is a novel set in the early 20th century that explores the life of a young Navajo man who falls in love with a beautiful, educated woman from his tribe. The narrative delves into their relationship, the clash of traditional and modern cultures, and the struggle for identity amidst societal changes. The story portrays the protagonist's journey towards self-discovery and his struggle to reconcile his love for the woman with his commitment to his tribe's customs and traditions.

"The Rising Sun" provides an in-depth historical account of Japan during World War II from the perspective of the Japanese. The book explores the political and military events leading up to the war, the conduct of the war itself, and the aftermath, including the bombings of Hiroshima and Nagasaki. The narrative is based on interviews, diaries, memoirs, and letters of the people who lived through these events, offering a unique and comprehensive look at Japan's role in the war.

"The Lion and the Throne" is a comprehensive biography of Sir Edward Coke, a prominent lawyer, judge, and politician in Elizabethan and Jacobean England. The book follows Coke's life, career, and his role in the development of the common law system. It also highlights his battles with the monarchy, especially with King James I, over the supremacy of the law and the rights of individuals, laying the groundwork for modern constitutional law.

This political novel delves into the world of U.S. Senate politics. The plot revolves around the contentious confirmation process of a controversial Secretary of State nominee, who is suspected of having communist sympathies. As the Senate battles over the nomination, the novel reveals the complex web of political maneuvering, personal secrets, and power struggles among the country's leaders. The story provides an insightful exploration of American politics, ethics, and the consequences of past actions.

"The Town" is the final installment in a trilogy depicting the pioneering American spirit. It follows Sayward Wheeler, the daughter of a pioneer, as she witnesses the transformation of the Ohio wilderness into a bustling town. She experiences the joy and pain of motherhood, the comfort and loneliness of marriage, and the satisfaction and despair of building a home, all while observing the encroachment of civilization on the wilderness she loves. The novel explores themes of progress, change, and the cost of civilization.

The novel follows the life of George Caldwell, a high school teacher in a small town in Pennsylvania, who is struggling with feelings of disappointment and failure. He is constantly compared to his father, a mythological centaur, symbolizing the conflict between the mundane and the extraordinary. The narrative alternates between the modern world and the mythological realm, exploring themes of identity, disillusionment, and the struggle between the human and the divine.

"Guard of Honor" is a detailed and realistic portrayal of life in a World War II army air forces base. It revolves around the experiences of a disillusioned newspaperman, who is called back into service during World War II. The narrative delves into the complexities of military life, the intricate bureaucracy, racial tensions, and the moral dilemmas faced by those in positions of power during the war. The novel explores the themes of duty, honor, and the harsh realities of war.

The novel is a layered narrative that alternates between the protagonist, a writer, working on his novel in 1960s New Hampshire and the story within his novel set in 1930s New England. The protagonist's story explores his relationships with his family, friends, and fellow writers, while the story within the novel follows a young man's journey of self-discovery during the Great Depression. The book won the National Book Award for Fiction in 1975.

"The Late George Apley" is a satirical novel that presents a critical view of the upper class society in Boston during the early 20th century. The narrative unfolds through a series of letters, diary entries, and other documents, chronicling the life of George Apley, a wealthy Bostonian. The book explores Apley's struggles to uphold the traditions and social norms of his class, despite the rapidly changing world around him. The story provides a nuanced portrayal of the protagonist's life, highlighting the constraints and pressures of conforming to societal expectations.

This novel is a powerful portrayal of the life of an African American woman named Mary, who grows up in a religious community in the South during the early 20th century. Mary, who is initially a devout follower of her faith, is led astray by her desires and ends up bearing many children out of wedlock. Her community ostracizes her for her transgressions and she must find a way to survive and care for her children on her own. The story explores themes of faith, sin, redemption, and resilience in the face of adversity.

"Honey in the Horn" is a novel set in Oregon at the turn of the 20th century, following the life of Clay Calvert, a young orphan. The story explores his adventures as he travels across the state, encountering various characters and cultures, including homesteaders, laborers, and Native Americans. The book delves into the rich tapestry of the Pacific Northwest, its history, and its people, painting a vivid picture of the region's diversity and the challenges faced during that era.

"Lamb in His Bosom" is a historical novel that follows the life of Cean and Lonzo, a young couple in the pioneer South during the late 18th and early 19th centuries. The narrative explores their journey through love, hardship, and the daily struggles of pioneer life. The book provides an intimate look into the lives of the rural poor, their faith, their relationship with the land, their customs, and the rhythm of their language. The story is a testament to human resilience and the power of love and family in the face of hardship.

This book is a comprehensive biography of Ralph Waldo Emerson, one of the most influential figures in American literature and philosophy. It delves into his life and works, exploring his role as a key figure in the Transcendentalist movement. The book provides an in-depth look at Emerson's personal life, his relationships, and his intellectual development, offering valuable insights into his profound influence on American thought and culture.

This book is a comprehensive biography of a renowned American author, exploring his life, works, and the era in which he lived. It delves into the author's early life, his experiences as a sailor, and how these influenced his writing. The book also provides an in-depth analysis of his major works, including his most famous novel about a giant white whale. The author's personal struggles, including his financial difficulties and his declining popularity during his lifetime, are also detailed. The biography offers a detailed and insightful look into the life and works of one of America's greatest novelists.

"Mistress to an Age: A Life of Madame De Stael" is a comprehensive biography of Germaine de Stael, one of the most influential women of the 18th and 19th centuries. The book delves into her role as a prominent writer, intellectual, and political activist during the French Revolution and Napoleonic era. It also explores her personal life, detailing her tumultuous relationships, her exile from Paris, and her influential salon that attracted many of the era's leading intellectuals and artists.

The novel is a dystopian tale that follows the life of a young man as he recounts his harrowing journey from a world ravaged by nuclear war and environmental collapse to the relative safety of Antarctica. As society crumbles around him, he becomes part of a diverse group of refugees who establish a new community on the icy continent, attempting to build a society based on egalitarian principles. The narrative explores themes of survival, the resilience of the human spirit, and the quest for a utopian society amidst the backdrop of a world in chaos, raising profound questions about civilization, governance, and human nature.