In recent days, we've all been reminded of the hard times that this country has endured and the resilience with which America has reinvented itself time and again. Reflection is important and often one of the best conduits of inspiration: In 1933 the United States was in the worst year of the Depression with one in four people unemployed. The continuing drought in the Midwest turned once fertile land into dust bowls, and abroad, Americans witnessed the chilling election of Adolf Hitler as chancellor of Germany. And while prohibition was repealed, mainstream publishing, such as it was at the time, struggled to fulfill the needs and expectations of the American imagination. Yet through it all the Modern Library persisted—and even grew. By the end of that year, Modern Library was offering 200 books at 95 cents a copy—an especially good deal because, among other qualities, as the ad boasted, "They Float!" Many found these wonderful editions an inexpensive form of pleasure, escape, and inspiration during very tough times.



To be a part of the Modern Library's lasting and impressive presence on the landscape of American publishing is a great thrill, and so today it is my pleasure to introduce myself as the new executive editor of the Modern Library. I would like to take a moment to tell you about our upcoming books and remind you that the Modern Library's dedication to great works at reasonable prices—among other qualities—is one of the most positive parallels between troubled times.

This month we have five new additions to our Shakespeare trade paperback collection edited by Jonathan Bate and Eric Rasmussen: ANTONY AND CLEOPATRA, KING LEAR, MACBETH, THE SONNETS AND OTHER POEMS, and THE WINTER'S TALE. The collection sets a new standard in Shakespearean literature for the twenty-first century.

In May, we also have the New York Times bestselling and James A. Beard award-winning author Mark Kurlansky's translation of Emile Zola's, THE BELLY OF PARIS.

Happy reading,

John J. Flicker, Executive Editor
Modern Library
Random House
Modernlibrary@randomhouse.com

THE BELLY OF PARIS

THE SONNETS AND OTHER POEMS

MACBETH

ANTONY AND CLEOPATRA

KING LEAR

THE WINTER’S TALE

THE BELLY OF PARIS
Written by Emile Zola
Translated by Mark Kurlansky

Here is the New York Times bestselling author Mark Kurlansky's exciting new translation of Emile Zola's The Belly of Paris. This original trade paperback classic includes an introduction by Kurlansky that celebrates Emile Zola's role as a "naturalist," his 20-volume saga of Rougon-Macquart novels, and the special delights of The Belly Of Paris, which was the third in Zola's series about successive generations of a family in which characters do battle with their inner selves and the demons they have inherited.

It is the captivating story of Florent Quenu, a convict who has made a miraculous escape from prison after being falsely accused of murder. Back in Paris after his long confinement, Florent moves in with his brother's family and is soon caught up in dangerous politics—both domestic and national—as the dramatic difference between "fat and thin"—the rich and the poor, becomes too obvious to ignore. With vivid characters and Zola's stunning depiction of the people and the produce of Les Halles; this is a fascinating read for anyone interested in great French literature and vivid descriptions of the meats, fish, cheese, and produce in 19th-century Paris.

Visit our Web site at www.modernlibrary.com where you can access everything from sample excerpts and author interviews, to reading group guides, special offers. As always, please feel free to forward this message to a friend if you think they might enjoy it.

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