100 Open College Courses

While the classes you take through online college are a great resource, you can augment your learning by taking some time to see what entirely free courses are out there offered by universities. Taking these courses can be a great way to get a foundation of knowledge or expand on what you already know. Here are 100 open courses that are designed for beginners, so you can start your educational journey on the right foot.
Business and Finance

These courses will help you learn a little bit more about the business and financial worlds.

1. Introductory Economics: Take this course to learn the basics of economics. [Carnegie Mellon]
2. Introduction to Microeconomics: Not even sure what microeconomics is? You’ll learn that and more here. [Utah State]
3. Introduction to Copyright Law: Knowing a little bit about copyright law can help you no matter what field you’re in, so take a free course in it here. [MIT]
4. Introduction to Financial and Managerial Accounting: Those going into business and financial work can benefit from this course. [MIT]
5. Introduction to Operations Management: Get some tips on better running and managing a business from this course. [MIT]
6. Introduction to Marketing: Taking this course can help you with a marketing career or selling your own products. [MIT]
7. Strategic Management I: Give your management skills a few new tricks with this course on analytical and strategic management. [MIT]

Math
Improve your understanding of math with these courses.

8. Introduction to Probability and Statistics: Learn how to better use statistics and probability in real life through this course. [MIT]
9. Introduction to Partial Differential Equations: Through this course, you’ll learn about the essentials of differential equations. [MIT]
10. Introduction to Functional Analysis: This undergraduate course covers topics like normed spaces, completeness, functionals, Hahn-Banach theorem, and duality. [MIT]
11. Introduction to Algorithms: Take this course to learn more about how algorithms can be used efficiently and in practical applications. [MIT]
12. Calculus for Beginners and Artists: Even those with little math knowledge can learn basic calculus through this course. [MIT]
13. College Algebra: If you still need some help with learning algebra, this course can be a big help. [Utah State]
14. Introduction to Numerical Methods: Check out this course to learn more about the basic methodology of numerical linear algebra. [MIT]

Science
Through these courses you can gain some valuable scientific knowledge.

15. Introduction to Ocean Science and Engineering: Take this course to learn about the relationship between engineering and the functions of the ocean. [MIT]
16. Freshman Organic Chemistry: Through this course, students can learn about basic organic chemistry, essential to taking further courses in the subject. [Yale]
17. Fundamentals of Physics: Learn more about classical mechanics through this free course. [Yale]
18. Agricultural Science and Policy I: This course from Tufts will teach you the essential chemical, biological and physical properties of agriculture. [Tufts]
19. Introduction to Modern Physics: Don’t know much about quantum physics? This introductory course will give you a great overview. [Tufts]
20. Introduction to Biology: This course features video lectures that will educate you on basic cellular structure, function and chemistry. [MIT]
21. Nano-life: An Introduction to Virus Structure and Assembly: In this course, you’ll get a chance to learn more about the reproduction and biology of viruses. [MIT]
22. Introduction to Experimental Chemistry: If you have access to a lab, you’ll be able to experiment with different chemical properties and reactions in this course. [MIT]
23. Introductory Quantum Mechanics I: This course will teach you the essentials of quantum mechanics. [MIT]
24. Introduction to Applied Nuclear Physics: Even if you’re a nuclear physicist, you can find plenty to learn in this course. [MIT]
25. Introduction to Astronomy: Explore the solar system and beyond through this beginning course in astronomy. [MIT]
26. Introduction to Special Relativity: You’ll learn the equations and applications of Einstein’s Special Theory in this course. [MIT]

Literature
From contemporary to ancient, these courses cover a wide range of literary subjects.

27. Introduction to European and Latin American Fiction: In this free course, you’ll get a walk through of the most important Latin American and Iberian fiction. [MIT]
28. Introduction to Contemporary Hispanic Literature: Those unfamiliar with modern Hispanic literature can learn more about it through the recommendations and guidance of this course. [MIT]
29. Introduction to Fiction: Learn more about the basics of fiction from narratives to styles in this course. [MIT]
30. Introduction to Theory of Literature: This survey course offers an introduction to the major literary theories of the 20th century. [Yale]
31. Foundations of Western Culture: Homer to Dante: Get a survey in the most important works of literature from ancient times to the medieval in this course. [MIT]

Social Sciences
Use these courses to learn about psychology, anthropology, sociology and more.

32. Introduction to Asian American Studies: Literature, Culture, and Historical Experience: This course is a great opportunity to learn more about Asian cultures and literature even if you know little about it to start. [MIT]
33. Introduction to Latin American Studies: Take this course to learn about Latin American history, culture and people. [MIT]
34. Introduction to Psychology: Here you can learn about human behavior and emotions like perception, communication, learning, memory, decision-making, religion, persuasion, and love. [Yale]
35. Introduction to Peace Studies: Get insights into the causes and potential resolutions of conflict around the world. [Notre Dame]
36. Introduction to Social Psychology: In this course, you’ll learn how others and our own experiences shape who we are. [Notre Dame]
37. Introduction to Anthropology: Learn the methodology and theories of cultural anthropology in this course. [MIT]
38. The Human Past: Introduction to Archaeology: Take this course to get an excellent overview on the field of archaeology. [MIT]
39. Introduction to Women’s and Gender Studies: Explore issues in culture and society that affect how we see and understand gender and sexuality. [MIT]

History and Politics
Discover new parts of the past and gain a greater understanding of international relations through these free courses.

40. Introduction to Environmental History: Through this course, you can learn about the ways humans have interacted with their environments throughout history. [MIT]
41. Introduction to Political Philosophy: You’ll read some of the major works of literature in political philosophy in this course. [Yale]
42. Introduction to Ancient Greek History: Explore the history of the ancient Greeks through this introductory course. [Yale]
43. A Passage to India: Introduction to Modern Indian Culture and Society: Those seeking to learn more about modern India as well as Indian history should take this course. [MIT]
44. Introduction to the History of Technology: This course will teach you about where technology as we know it today comes from. [MIT]
45. American Urban History I: Trace the history of the city through this free course from MIT. [MIT]
46. Introduction to Political Thought: You’ll examine the major texts in political history in this course. [MIT]
47. Introduction to the American Political Process: Study the US government using traditional and modern methods in this course. [MIT]
48. Introduction to Comparative Politics: This course will teach you the basic analytical frameworks–culture, social structure, and institutions–to understand modern politics. [MIT]

Technology
If you’re not quite tech-savvy, consider taking one of these courses.

49. Intro to Tech Communication: Those in the technological fields can learn to better communicate through written and spoken words in this course. [MIT]
50. Communication Systems I: Study analog communication systems in this course. [Utah State]
51. Introduction to Open Education: Learn about open education and its applications through this free course. [Utah State]
52. A Gentle Introduction to Programming Using Python: Don’t know much about Python programming? This course can help. [MIT]
53. Introduction to Mathematical Programming: Check out this course to learn how to apply math to programming with optimization problems and algorithms. [MIT]
54. Introduction to Technology and Policy: Through this course, students will learn how to use math to make better business decisions. [MIT]
55. Introduction to Robotics: If you’ve got an interest in robotics, you’ll learn how to design and build ones that actually work in this course. [MIT]
56. Introduction to Technology and Cities: Take this course to learn about the impact of information and communication technologies on urban planning. [MIT]

Engineering
Increase your expertise in engineering with a few of these courses.

57. Introduction to Aerospace Engineering and Design: Take this course to learn the basics of aerospace engineering. [MIT]
58. Introduction to Lean Six Sigma Methods: This course will teach you how to make your engineering designs more efficient. [MIT]
59. Introduction to Bioengineering: Here you can learn about the intersection between biology and engineering. [MIT]
60. Introduction to Electric Power Systems: Electrical engineers in training can use this course material to learn more about electrical power systems. [MIT]
61. An Introduction to Intelligent Transportation Systems: In this course, you’ll learn about the impact of intelligent transportation systems and how to design them more effectively. [MIT]
62. Introduction to Modeling and Simulation: Learn to build models for computer and structural engineering in this course. [MIT]
63. Principles of Computer System Design: An Introduction: Tech geeks can learn how to design and build computer systems in this course. [MIT]
64. Introduction to Radar Systems: This ten-lecture series will help you learn how radar works and its modern applications. [MIT]

Arts and Architecture
These courses can help you learn about drama, architecture, music, photography and a wide range of other arts.

65. Beginning Costume Design and Construction: If your passion is theater, this course can help you learn how to design great costumes. [MIT]
66. Introduction to Drama: Learn more about the basics of drama, from the history to great works you should know. [MIT]
67. Introduction to Media Studies: This course will educate students on modern technology and media and how to be more intelligent consumers. [MIT]
68. Introduction to Anglo-American Folk Music: Take this course to learn about the production, transmission, preservation and qualities of folk music. [MIT]
69. Understanding Theatre: Here, you’ll be able to learn about theatre as an art form. [Utah State]
70. Introduction to the Visual Arts: With the help of this course, you can learn to analyze contemporary art and become familiar with a number of art practices. [MIT]
71. Introduction to Integrated Design: Explore the basics of architectural design, design history and visual arts in this course. [MIT]
72. Introduction to Urban Design and Development: Try out this course to learn about modern urban design as well as to understand how cities evolve over time. [MIT]
73. Introduction to Design Inquiry: Read through this course material to understand how the process of developing architectural plans and designs works. [MIT]
74. Introduction to Sculpture: This course addresses issues important to creating and understanding sculpture, like materials, location and aesthetics. MIT]
75. Introduction to Photography: Want to try your hand at photography? This course will help you understand images and how to make your own. [MIT]
76. Introduction to Video: Get help with techniques in shooting, editing, and presenting video in this course. [MIT]
77. Fundamentals of Music: Even if you have little knowledge of music right now, this course will help you discover the basics of Western music. [MIT]

Foreign Language and Culture
Start learning another language with help found in these courses.

78. Beginning Japanese I: Start learning Japanese through this introductory course. [MIT]
79. Introduction to French Culture: This course will help you to learn more about French people and culture. [MIT]
80. Introduction to Spanish Culture: Those studying Spanish will appreciate this course on Spanish culture. [MIT]
81. French I: Through this course, students will learn the fundamentals of French language. [MIT]
82. German I: Learn to speak a little German with help from this course. [MIT]
83. Chinese I: With China playing a bigger role in business all the time, knowing a little Chinese, as this course can teach you, can be a big help. [MIT]
84. Spanish 1: Take this introductory course in Spanish to start learning the language. [MIT]
85. Beginning Latin: Latin may be a dead language, but knowing it can help you better understand all the languages people still speak that are based on it. [Utah State]

Health and Medicine
Try these courses out to learn more about medical science.

86. Introduction to Neuroscience: Take this course to learn more about how the brain works. [MIT]
87. Basic Human Pathology: Parts I and II: Gain a greater understanding of how diseases and illnesses affect the human body in this course. [Tufts]
88. Medicine I: If you’re planning to be a doctor or a nurse, this course in basic medical skills can be a great place to start learning. [Tufts]
89. Introduction to Clinical Pain Problems: Learn more about the mechanisms, research and treatments of pain in this course. [Tufts]
90. Introduction to Neural Networks: Learn how the brain acquires knowledge, perceives the world and processes information in this course. [MIT]

Philosophy and Religion
From the spiritual to the philosophical, these courses have it covered.

91. Introduction to Philosophy of Language: This course addresses language on a deeper level, examining meaning, reference, and truth. [MIT]
92. Introduction to the Old Testament: In this courses, you can learn more about the Old Testament, what it says and the history that surrounds it. [Yale]
93. Introduction to New Testament History and Literature: Not only will you learn about the New Testament in this course but the history of the origins of Christian faith as well. [Yale]
94. Introduction to Philosophy: This course will help you learn about the essential questions of philosophy and the great minds who posed them. [Notre Dame]
95. Foundations of Theology: Biblical and Historical: Students can take a look back at the origins of Christianity in this course. [Notre Dame]
96. Introduction to Catholic Moral Theology: Those not familiar with the Catholic religion and those just wanting to learn more alike can do so here. [Notre Dame]

Language and Linguistics
Learn more about language and writing through these courses.

97. Introduction to Linguistics: This course will introduce you to the basic vocabulary and workings of modern linguistics. [MIT]
98. Introduction to Syntax: If you don’t know much about syntax now, you will when this course is complete. [MIT]
99. Introduction to Phonology: In this course, students will explore phonological analysis and study current debates, research and analytical techniques in the field. [MIT]
100. Introduction to Writing Academic Prose: Get a crash course in writing for your college and grad school courses from this resource. [Utah State]

SOURCE: Best Colleges Online

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100 Free Online Books Everyone Should Read

By Caitlin Smith
Whether you want to learn more about business or read some the great works of literature, you’ll find more than enough material to keep you busy for months in collections of free ebooks.

Some books are released free of charge by their authors, while others have been around for so long that copyright laws no longer apply and they can be freely exchanged.

We’ve pulled together 100 of these free online books that are well worth your time to read, though this is by no means a comprehensive list of the great, free literature out there.

Classics
The Internet can be a great place to find some of the most important works of literature from the past few hundred years. Here are just a few works that have made must-read lists that you can access for free.

1. The Canterbury Tales by Geoffrey Chaucer: Pilgrimages were a major part of medieval life and you can enjoy several different perspectives as Chaucer’s characters travel to Canterbury Cathedral.
2. The Adventures of Tom Sawyer by Mark Twain: This well-loved novel follows the hi jinks of young Tom Sawyer, full of humor, adventure and fun.
3. Madame Bovary by Gustave Flaubert: French bourgeois life in all of its soul-crushing triviality is explored through the character of Emma Bovary in this novel.
4. Moby Dick by Herman Melville: Follow along with this book as Captain Ahab tracks down his arch-nemesis the legendary white whale.
5. The Hunchback of Notre Dame by Victor Hugo: Full of tragic characters, this novel explores life from its beauty to its horror.
6. Crime and Punishment by Fyodor Dostoevsky: Is murder ever justified? This novel explores through its main character the student Raskolnikov.
7. 20,000 Leagues Under the Sea by Jules Verne: This sci-fi novel is full of adventure as a group of sailors try to track down a deadly sea monster.
8. Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen: This story explores the many difficulties associated with marriage and morality in 18th century England.
9. Jane Eyre by Charlotte Bronte: Jane Eyre follows Jane, an orphan, throughout her life providing readers with a compelling story full of love, social criticisms and many elements characteristic of the Gothic novel.
10. A Tale of Two Cities by Charles Dickens: Get a more personalized tale of life during the French Revolution as the monarchy is replaced by a regime responsible for terror and numerous executions.
11. War and Peace by Leo Tolstoy: Many know little of this novel other than that its long, but the story takes readers through the impact of the Napoleonic invasion of Russia through a vast and varied cast of characters.
12. The Count of Monte Cristo by Alexandre Dumas: Treachery and lost love form the basis for this novel by Three Musketeers author Dumas.
13. Heart of Darkness by Joseph Conrad: This novella takes readers to the depths of the Congo to find the mysterious Kurtz, along the way exploring ideas of imperialism.
14. Ulysses by James Joyce: The classical Modernist novel, Ulysses follows the story of the Odyssey through stream of consciousness writing that’s been called everything from brilliant to obscene.
15. Siddhartha by Herman Hesse: This novel parallels the life of the Buddha, employing Eastern philosophy in a beautiful and poignant tale of a quest for enlightenment.
16. This Side of Paradise by F. Scott Fitzgerald: Set in the years following WWI, this book explores the life of Princeton student Amory Blaine as he struggles with greed, morality, status and more.
17. The Time Machine by H.G. Wells: When the Victorian scientist at the center of this story propels himself forward in time he discovers a world that may not be all that it’s cracked up to be.
18. Uncle Tom’s Cabin by Harriet Beecher Stowe: This abolitionist novel helped fuel the movement towards the end of slavery in the United States.
19. Little Women by Louise May Alcott: Follow along with the young women in this novel who come of age in this 19th century setting.
20. Don Quixote by Cervantes: This famous Spanish novel follows the often absurd travels of Don Quixote and his faithful squire Sancho Panza.
21. The Devil’s Dictionary by Ambrose Bierce: Originally published in a magazine, this collection of definitions is entertaining, enlightening and controversial.
22. Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde by Robert Louis Stevenson: Readers will be familiar with the title character in this novel who leads a double life as the unpredictable Mr. Hyde.
23. Dracula by Bram Stoker: With all the hubbub about vampires these days why not read the classic vampire novel about the most famous vampire of them all?
24. The Turn of the Screw by Henry James: This psychological short story will have readers questioning their own judgment about what’s real and what’s imagined.
25. Metamorphosis by Franz Kafka: The Metamorphosis is one of Kafka’s most famous short stories, transforming traveling salesman Gregor into a horrifying cockroach.

Philosophy and Religion
These famous works will help you get a better understanding of religious and philosophical theories from around the world and through many different periods of time.

26. Voltaire’s Philosophical Dictionary: This series of essays is highly critical of French life during the 19th century and takes aim at the government, society and religious institutions.
27. Leviathan by Thomas Hobbes: This 17th century book on social contract theory explores the nature of legitimate government and the structure of society.
28. Thus Spoke Zarathustra by Friedrich Nietzsche: This book deals with ideas such as the "eternal recurrence of the same", the "death of God", and the "prophecy" of the Overman, themes expanded on from earlier writings.
29. Beyond Good and Evil by Freidrich Neitszche: This work expands on Thus Spoke Zarathustra, attempting to move beyond traditional definitions of good and evil and tries to gain a better sense of the nature of knowledge and the condition of modern man.
30. Discourse of a Method by Renee Descartes: This philosophical and mathematical work is essential to understanding modern science and thought.
31. The Tao Te Ching by Laozi: Written in the 6th century, this text is fundamental to the Taoist school of Chinese thought and has had influence throughout the centuries since its creation.
32. The Bible: Even if you’re not a Christian, the Bible will help inform your understanding of numerous aspects of Western society from great art to historical motivations.
33. Martin Luther’s 95 Theses: Breaking with the Catholic Church of the Baroque era, this work marks the beginnings of Protestantism.
34. The Critique of Pure Reason by Immanuel Kant: Regarded as the most important work by this German philosopher, The Critique of Pure Reason investigates the limitations reason itself.
35. The Sayings of Confucius: With lessons on morality, social relationships, justice and society at large, these teachings form the foundation of Confucianism.
36. The Problems of Philosophy by Bertrand Russell: This book is an attempt to create a more accessible guide to the issues of philosophy.
37. Myths and Legends of Ancient Greece and Rome by E.M. Berens: The mythology of ancient Greece and Rome is a part of any complete reading of Western history.
38. The Golden Bough by Sir James George Frazer: This study of mythology and religion takes a logical approach to understanding the place of these in modern society.

Politics, Economics and History
Check out these free books to learn more about some important political and economic ideas.

39. The Communist Manifesto by Marx and Engels: Even if you don’t agree with the tenets of socialism you can’t argue about the importance of this work that’s essential to understanding political and philosophical thought in the 19th and 20th centuries.
40. Common Sense by Thomas Paine: Those looking to learn more about American history will appreciate this work that encouraged colonists to pursue freedom from British rule.
41. The Wealth of Nations by Adam Smith: Scottish economist Adam Smith’s well-known work explores the intricacies of the economics at the beginning of the Industrial Revolution.
42. The Prince by Niccolo Machiavelli: While today Machiavelli’s name bring negative connotations, this Italian work is essential reading for those interested in politics and the maintenance of political entities.
43. The Jungle by Upton Sinclair: The burgeoning industries of the U.S. brought about many positive changes but some pretty negative ones as well, and this novel was one of the first to expose the seamy underbelly of turn of the century factory work.

Plays and Poems
While novels are a great source of learning, plays and poems shouldn’t be neglected if you want to be well-rounded in your knowledge of literature. These free selections can be a great place to start.

44. Selected Poems of Emily Dickinson: Get a good background in the works of a great American poet though this free collection.
45. The Complete Works of William Shakespeare: With this complete collection of works, you’ll be able to pick and choose the plays and poems you find most interesting.
46. The Complete Works of Percy Bysshe Shelley: Learn more about the works of this Romantic poet through this large collection of his works.
47. Pygmalion by George Bernard Shaw: While many people may have seen the film adaptation of this play in My Fair Lady, the written version is just as full of wit and charm.
48. The Divine Comedy by Dante Alighieri: Explore the depths of hell through this highly important work of Italian literature.
49. Paradise Lost by John Milton: This epic poem follows the fall of Lucifer and his subsequent seduction into sin of the human race.
50. The Raven by Edgar Allen Poe: One of the most well-known poems ever written, this work by Poe is essential to any reading list.
51. Hedda Gabler by Heinrich Ibsen: In this play, a bored housewife dabbles in the lives of others with disastrous results.
52. The Importance of Being Earnest by Oscar Wilde: With plot twists and turns about mistaken identities, love triangles and romantic affairs this play is an entertaining way to spend an afternoon.
53. The Poetical Works of William Wordsworth: The works of this English Romantic poet helped bring about a new style and approach to literature in 18th century England.
54. The Waste Land by T.S. Eliot: This influential modernist work deals with death, grieving and coming to terms with loss.

Ancient Writings
Go old school with your reading by taking a look at these important texts. You’ll find ideas and stories that have influenced people in the thousand-plus years since they were written.

55. The Iliad by Homer: This epic poem about the Trojan War is one of, if not the oldest, work of literature in the Greek language.
56. The Odyssey by Homer: Homer’s other epic poem, the Odyssey tells the story of Odysseus and his long, problematic journey home.
57. The Art of War by Sun Tzu: The Art of War was written in the 6th century and contains explanations about military strategy and tactics that can still be useful today in any competitive field.
58. The Works of Aristotle: Aristotle’s writings influence writers in the centuries following his life and are still part of philosophy and liberal arts educations today.
59. Symposium by Plato: These speeches by Plato explore love and passion.
60. Apology, Crito, and Phaedo of Socrates by Plato: Socrates was executed for his supposed corruption of young minds, and Plato expands upon the ideas of this great thinker through this series of writings.
61. Aesop’s Fables: From simple morality to classic tales you’ve likely heard before, this collection of fables is full of humor, wit and insight into human nature.
62. Beowulf: This ancient epic work is full of manly fights, hideous, bloodthirsty monsters, revenge, action and adventure that is at your fingertips after you learn to get past the Old English writing.
63. The Aeneid by Virgil: This epic poem tells the story of Aeneas, ancestor to the Romans, and his travels from Troy to Italy.
64. Poetics by Aristotle: Aristotle’s theory of poetry is a classic work that lays out terms you may already be familiar with from catharsis to mimesis.

Technology and Business
Learn more about the basics of business online and off with these free online texts.

65. How to Speak and Write Correctly by Joseph Devlin: Learn how to improve your communication skills from this book, helping you go further in many aspects of life.
66. Professional Customer Service: If you own a business the customer is the real boss, so learn how to provide efficient, high-quality customer service from this ebook.
67. Fail As Fast As You Can and Other Contrarian Business Secrets: Don’t want to run your business into the ground? Check out this online book to learn how to avoid that fate.
68. Beginners Guide to the Internet: Whether you’re trying to get your business on the web or just want to learn to navigate it a little better, this text can give you the information you need.
69. Web Marketing Success: Web marketing is an essential for most businesses today and you’ll get the basics from this ebook.
70. Art and Science of Obtaining Venture or Angel Investor Capital: Need some capital to get your business off the ground? This text can help you find great investors in your business.

Finances
With an economy on the decline, you should be aware of where every cent you have is going. These free texts can help you make sound financial decisions even in tough times.

71. What Women Need to Know About Retirement: This text is a great read for women who want to make sure they’re well-prepared for their golden years.
72. ID Theft: What It’s All About: Worried you might have your identity stolen? This short book will help you understand what happens in ID theft and what you can do to prevent and recover from it.
73. Estate Planning: Make sure your loved ones are well-provided for even if you’re not around with some careful estate planning. Check out this book for tips and advice.
74. Savings Fitness: A Guide to Your Money and Your Financial Future: You worry about getting your body in shape why not your finances too? In this book you’ll find some ways to pump up your savings and investments.
75. Get the Facts on Saving and Investing: This book will give you the basics on saving and investing for newbies in the financial field.
76. Building a Better Credit Report: From getting the free credit report to which you’re entitled to helping improve your credit score, you’ll find loads of helpful advice in this government produced text.
77. Consumer Action Handbook: If you feel like you’ve gotten ripped off you may be able to take action against the perpetrator. Find out more by reading this ebook from this government consumer action group.
78. Taking Control of Your Finances: Feel like you’re going in financial down spin? This text can help you get a handle on your spending, increase saving and deal with a variety of other financial issues.
79. Banking Basics: Learn how to use your bank the right way from this ebook.
80. Know Before You Go: To Get a Mortgage: If you’re thinking of buying a new home this guide can help you make sure you don’t make any big blunders.

Not Just for Kids
While many of these books are today considered children’s literature, their enjoyment is hardly limited to the youthful.

81. Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland by Lewis Carroll: Take a tumble down the rabbit hole into the topsy-turvy world of this classic book.
82. The Velveteen Rabbit by Margery Williams: The stuffed rabbit at the center of this story wants nothing more than to become real through the love of his owner.
83. Peter Pan by J.M. Barrie: The iconic character of Peter Pan saw his beginnings in this well-received story.
84. Grimm’s Fairy Tales: With evil witches, beautiful princes, enchantment, adventure and more, these stories will keep adults and children engaged for hours.
85. Black Beauty by Anna Sewell: Anyone who’s ever really loved an animal will appreciate this simple, touching story of the life of a horse.
86. Wind in the Willows by Kenneth Grahame: The collection of animal characters that form the cast of this book wander about on the river, ultimately pursuing storylines that provide valuable moral lessons.
87. Treasure Island by Robert Louis Stevenson: From swashbuckling on the high seas to hidden treasures, this novel explores themes often uncommon in children’s literature like the ambiguity of morality making it a work that holds up for adult readers as well.
88. The Wonderful Wizard of Oz by Frank Baum: While many are familiar with the film version of this classic, the original book is well worth a read at any age.
89. Beatrix Potter Collected Works: Beatrix Potter wrote and illustrated many well-loved children’s stories that appeal to adults and children alike in their simplicity and charm.
90. Gulliver’s Travels by Jonathan Swift: From the diminutive Lilliputians to the giants of Brobdingnag this book provides plenty of adventure with a little satire on human nature as well.

Miscellaneous
From great biographies to essential historical writings, these varied books are well-worth your time to check out.

91. The Autobiography of Benjamin Franklin: One of the best loved founding fathers, this story tells about the life of Franklin in his own words.
92. Narrative of the Life of Frederick Douglass: Here you’ll find an epic success story of the child of slaves who grew to be a great intellectual and public figure.
93. The Education of Henry Adams: This book records the experiences of Henry Adams as he comes to terms with the changing and modernizing world in his old age.
94. The Notebooks of Leonardo Da Vinci: Explore the mind of one of the greatest artists and thinkers through his many notebooks.
95. Concerning the Spiritual in Art by Wassily Kandinsky: This modernist painter explores how painting affects the viewer in this theoretical work.
96. Lives of the Artists by Giorgio Vasari: Often regarded as the earliest art historian, Vasari writes about the lives of the artists that play an important role in the Renaissance and the years leading up to it.
97. On the Origin of Species by Charles Darwin: While it may not make for the most exciting reading, this book is essential for those who want to understand the origins of modern biology.
98. Essays by Ralph Waldo Emerson: From advocating the rights of women to speaking about the joys of nature, this collection of essays is great non-fiction reading.
99. Walden by Henry David Thoreau: Get some inspiration on moving closer to nature in this classic work.
100. The Kama Sutra by Vatsyayana: Keep your relationships spicy by checking out this ancient text full of advice on the art of lovemaking.

SOURCE: Best Colleges Online

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25 Biographies Everyone Should Read

By Lauren Bailey
 College is a tricky time: It’s a formative period that often shapes who you are and where you will go, but you don’t realize it until much later.

Because of that, it can often help to study the lives and deeds of famous men and women to see where they came from and better understand how a person’s course is created by the world around them.
Biographies let us understand people better, which in turn can help us figure out our own path.

Here are 25 fascinating biographies that every college student should read and remember.

1. An Unfinished Life: John F. Kennedy, 1917-1963: Robert Dallek enjoyed amazing access to personal documents to create this compelling, masterful biography of one of the most compelling American presidents of all time.
2. Lyndon Johnson and the American Dream: Author Doris Kearns Goodwin has many political volumes to her name, but this one is a cut above. As a member of Johnson’s White House staff, she had a front-row seat for his contentious administration, and her access makes for a gripping biography of a man thrust into the spotlight of leadership.
3. Huey Long: Huey Long, aka "The Kingfish," was a divisive figure in Southern politics in the early 20th century, and would later inspire the central character in Robert Penn Warren’s All the King’s Men. This biography by T. Harry Williams won the Pulitzer Prize and National Book Award for its fascinating profile of a man whose death remains a source of debate.
4. Let it Blurt: The Life & Times of Lester Bangs, America’s Greatest Rock Critic: Arguably one of the best rock critics of all time, and certainly one of the most impassioned, Lester Bangs wrote for Rolling Stone and Creem among other outlets before dying of a drug overdose at 33. Jim Derogatis’ biography is a fantastic portrait of the man whose voice helped define 1970s rock.
5. The Autobiography of Malcolm X: As told to Alex Haley (Roots), the autobiography of Malcolm X is a riveting look at the life and events of one of the biggest figures in the civil rights movement.
6. Truman: David McCullough has won the Pulitzer Prize twice, and the first time was for this sprawling, landmark biography of President Harry Truman.
7. John Adams: This fantastically detailed story of one of the nation’s founding fathers won author David McCullough his second Pulitzer and inspired an HBO miniseries.
8. The Kid Stays in the Picture: Robert Evans racked up credits like The Godfather and Rosemary’s Baby during his peak as a Hollywood producer, and his autobiography is packed with wild and engaging stories about what it was like to get movies made.
9. Peter the Great: His Life and World: This Pulitzer winner from Robert K. Massie takes college students and other readers through Russian history and the rule of one its most infamous rulers.
10. Gandhi, an Autobiography: The Story of My Experiments With Truth: Gandhi’s autobiography is one of the best resources available for students looking to learn more about the leader who pioneered civil disobedience in his quest for social justice.
11. The Power Broker: Robert Moses and the Fall of New York: Author Robert Caro offers a searing look at the life and practices of Robert Moses, an urban planner whose contributions and tactics in the shaping of New York City made him one of the most controversial figures there who never held elected office. A vital read for anyone looking to understand Moses and, by extension, modern New York.
12. Surely You’re Joking, Mr. Feynman! (Adventures of a Curious Character): This autobiography, by turns comic and serious, relates stories from the life of Nobel Prize-winning physicist Richard Feynman, whose work included the Manhattan Project.
13. Bonhoeffer: Pastor, Martyr, Prophet, Spy: Dietrich Bonhoeffer is a renowned theologian, but this biography highlights his formative years as well as his involvement in an attempt to assassinate Adolf Hitler.
14. Mother Jones: The Most Dangerous Woman in America: Mary Harris Jones’ biography details her exploits as one of the most famous union organizers of all time, and her work inspired a magazine that was named after her.
15. Marie Antoinette: The Journey: Antonia Fraser writes about Marie Antoinette with a sharp eye, giving college students a fresh take on the elusive French ruler.
16. Personal History: Katharine Graham led The Washington Post for more than 20 years, and her autobiography talks of her time there during some of the nation’s most difficult periods, including the Watergate scandal. The book won the Pulitzer Prize.
17. The Autobiography of Martin Luther King, Jr.: Arguably the most important figure in the struggle for civil rights in 20th century America, Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. led a large life cut short by an assassin. This volume captures his works and thoughts better than almost any other.
18. American Lion: Andrew Jackson in the White House: Newsweek editor Jon Meacham crafts a fantastic portrait of Andrew Jackson, a divisive but important president.
19. The First Tycoon: The Epic Life of Cornelius Vanderbilt: Vanderbilt’s name is synonymous with capitalism and power, and this gripping biography shows how he got his start and played a role in everything from the Civil War to the transportation revolution.
20. The Wilderness Warrior: Theodore Roosevelt and the Crusade for America: Douglas Brinkley writes about Teddy Roosevelt with flair, and this biography highlights his efforts to sustain the shrinking remnants of the American frontier.
21. Churchill: Paul Johnson’s biography is an indispensable account of the life of one the most important figures in global politics of the past 100 years.
22. On Writing: A Memoir of the Craft: Stephen King’s memoir is a great read for college students for two reasons: It’s a well-told autobiography as well as a fantastic primer in what it takes to be a writer.
23. The Diving Bell and the Butterfly: Jean-Dominique Bauby’s autobiography is a stirring testament to resilience: He was left almost completely paralyzed after a car accident and wrote this book by dictating its words one letter at a time by blinking his left eye.
24. Angela’s Ashes: Frank McCourt’s acclaimed autobiography creates a compelling portrait of his poverty-stricken childhood in Ireland.
25. A Heartbreaking Work of Staggering Genius: Dave Eggers burst onto the literary scene with this rule-breaking memoir about his parents’ death and his subsequent efforts to raise his younger brother. A beautiful, hilarious book.

SOURCE: Best Colleges Online

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