Today in Bookish and Literary History, January 15

 1759 Candide by Voltaire - FR

Candide is a satirical novel published in 1759 that is the best-known work by Voltaire. It is a savage denunciation of metaphysical optimism--as espoused by the German philosopher Gottfried Wilhelm Leibniz--that reveals a world of horrors and folly. This pocket-sized, illustrated hardcover edition makes a lovely addition to any reader’s library.

1846 Poor Folk by Fyodor Dostoyevsky (first novel) - RUS

Fyodor Dostoevsky's Poor Folk is a classic Russian novel that follows the lives of two people living in poverty. The main characters, Makar Devushkin and Varvara Dobroselova, are both struggling to make ends meet in 19th century St. Petersburg. Their story is a compelling tale of poverty, love, and resilience. Through the use of vivid imagery and powerful prose, Dostoevsky paints a vivid picture of the harsh realities of life in a lower class Russian society. Poor Folk is an emotional and captivating story of everyday people struggling to survive in a difficult world. This edition is based on the 1915 translation by C.J. Hogarth (1869-1942).

2007 Half of a Yellow Sun by Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie - Nigeria

Half of a Yellow Sun is a tremendously evocative novel of the promise, hope, and disappointment of the Biafran war.

• NATIONAL BOOK CRITICS CIRCLE AWARD FINALIST
• Recipient of the Women’s Prize for Fiction “Winner of Winners” award

2010 The Ones That Got Away by Stephen Graham Jones - US

Thirteen stories of monsters, murder, and mayhem from a master of horror.

2024 The Perfect Affair by Angela Henry - US

When Paige Nichols meets her husband’s glamorous new colleague at a faculty mixer, she instantly knows they’re having an affair. It’s the way he looks at her, like she’s the only woman in the world. Aaron used to look at her like that, too. And with her beautiful, knowing smile, Cara Morton seems to enjoy flaunting their romance right under her nose.