This is a story of literature, history, art, culture and leisure; it is a story of ideas.

And it is a short story, to be sure; a preface to some of the finer works among a select few genres, from a select few authors - a cursory way to pass the time, and a useful base of knowledge.  

Many of the works you likely know and will have read; others may be familiar to you only in-passing.  

All are worth reading, re-reading, sharing and discussing; the ideas and knowledge contained in each of the works are fascinating.