"The Histories of Herodotus" is an ancient text that provides a comprehensive account of the Greco-Persian Wars. It is often considered the first work of history in Western literature. The author, often referred to as the 'Father of History', provides a narrative that not only discusses the conflicts between the Greeks and Persians, but also delves into the customs, geography, and history of each civilization. This detailed and pioneering work has greatly contributed to our understanding of the ancient world.

The novel follows the journey of a wealthy Englishman who makes a high-stakes wager that he can travel around the world in eighty days. Accompanied by his loyal French valet, they encounter numerous obstacles and adventures across different cultures and landscapes, including rescuing a beautiful Indian woman from a ritual sacrifice. The book is a celebration of the technological advancements of the 19th century, with the main characters utilizing various modes of transportation such as steamships, railways, and even an elephant.

This seminal work offers a comprehensive analysis of the Mediterranean region during the 16th century, focusing on the complex social, political, and economic landscapes that defined the era of Philip II of Spain. The book transcends traditional historiography by emphasizing the geographical and ecological factors that shaped human activity, from the ebb and flow of commerce and the patterns of agrarian life to the rise and fall of empires. Through a meticulous study of the Mediterranean world, the narrative weaves together the intricate tapestry of cultures, religions, and power dynamics that characterized the period, providing a vivid portrayal of the enduring influence of the environment on the course of human history.

"Thaïs" is a historical novel set in Egypt during the 4th century, revolving around a beautiful and hedonistic courtesan, and a Christian ascetic monk who becomes obsessed with her. The monk, seeking to save her soul, convinces her to abandon her life of luxury and pleasure to live in a convent as a penitent. However, as she finds peace and salvation in her new life, the monk is tormented by his repressed desires and lust for her, ultimately leading to his own spiritual downfall. The novel explores themes of desire, faith, and the destructive power of obsession.

The book is a collection of lyrical poetry that delves into themes of historical reflection, personal experience, and existential contemplation. The poet, known for his profound and often melancholic musings, explores the depths of human emotion and the passage of time, frequently drawing upon Hellenistic history and mythology to enrich his verse. His work is characterized by a sense of nostalgia and a deep appreciation for the fleeting moments of beauty and pleasure in life, as well as an acute awareness of the inevitable decay and loss that accompany them. The poems are celebrated for their technical mastery, rich language, and the ability to evoke vivid imagery and complex emotional landscapes.

The book is an Enlightenment-era philosophical novel that follows the adventures of its eponymous hero, a young nobleman in ancient Babylonia. Through a series of misfortunes and experiences, including love, injustice, and chance, the protagonist explores themes of fate, free will, and the search for truth. His journey is marked by encounters with a diverse cast of characters, each representing different aspects of society and human nature. The protagonist's wisdom and observations on human folly and the ironies of life offer a satirical critique of the social and political systems of the day, ultimately advocating for enlightenment and reason over superstition and tyranny.

This novel unfolds in the turbulent era of World War II, exploring the lives of individuals caught in the whirlwind of global conflict and personal turmoil. Set against the backdrop of Alexandria, a melting pot of cultures and nationalities, the narrative delves into the complexities of human relationships, political intrigue, and the quest for identity amidst the chaos of war. Through the eyes of its diverse characters, the story captures the essence of a lost spring, symbolizing both the literal and metaphorical loss experienced by those living through the war and its aftermath. The novel is a poignant reflection on the cost of conflict and the enduring hope for renewal and peace.

Set against the backdrop of World War II and the subsequent civil war in Greece, this novel weaves together the lives of a diverse group of characters who find themselves in Jerusalem, Cairo, and Alexandria. Through their interconnected stories, the narrative explores themes of identity, displacement, and the quest for personal and political freedom. The cities, each with their own unique atmosphere and challenges, serve as more than mere settings; they are integral to the characters' experiences, reflecting the broader historical and cultural shifts of the mid-20th century. As these individuals navigate love, betrayal, and the struggle for a sense of belonging, the book offers a rich tapestry of human resilience and the complexities of home in times of turmoil.

This book is a historical novel that delves into the life of Ismail Ferik Pasha, a prominent figure in the late Ottoman Empire. Through a blend of historical facts and literary imagination, the narrative explores the complexities of Ismail's character, his rise to power, and his contributions to the political and social landscape of his time. The story is not only a portrayal of an individual's life but also a reflection on the themes of power, identity, and the intricacies of the Ottoman Empire's politics. The novel provides a vivid glimpse into the era's cultural and historical context, making it a compelling read for those interested in history and the dynamics of power.

This historical novel follows the life of a real-life Andalusian-born traveler of the 16th century, who is captured by Christian pirates and presented as a gift to the Pope. Renamed after the pontiff, he becomes a respected scholar and diplomat, navigating the complex cultural and religious divides of the Mediterranean world. Throughout his journeys, which take him from his birthplace in Granada to Fez, Timbuktu, Constantinople, and Rome, he witnesses the tumultuous events of his time, including the fall of Granada and the rise of the Ottoman Empire. His story is one of identity, belonging, and the universal quest for knowledge and understanding amidst a backdrop of conflict and change.

The play is a unique twist on the story of Helen of Troy, presenting an alternate version where Helen never actually went to Troy but was instead whisked away to Egypt by the gods while a phantom took her place, leading to the infamous Trojan War. In Egypt, the real Helen waits for her husband, Menelaus, to find her, while fending off the advances of the Egyptian king who desires her. When Menelaus finally arrives, he and Helen must concoct a plan to escape together, challenging the audience's perception of the myths surrounding Helen's beauty and the war fought in her name.

The book is a collection of poetry that delves into the profound themes of silence, the desert, and the nature of the word, reflecting the author's Jewish heritage and the existential weight of the Holocaust. The poems are marked by a deep philosophical inquiry, exploring the relationship between language and meaning, presence and absence, and the divine and the human. Through a blend of aphorism, parable, and lyrical meditation, the poet weaves a tapestry of thought that invites readers to contemplate the vastness of the unknown and the intimate process of writing as an act of creation and survival.

"Almagest" is a seminal work on astronomy and mathematics, written in the 2nd century. The book presents a comprehensive system of the world, including a detailed account of the fixed stars and the motions of the planets. It also includes a mathematical toolkit that was essential for understanding the heavens in its time, such as a catalogue of stars, the lengths of the tropical year and the lunar month, and the theory of the Sun, Moon, and planets. The book's geocentric model, where the Earth is at the center of the universe, was widely accepted until the Copernican Revolution.