Read hundreds of free ebook samples from the authors and publishers of Smashwords.  Click to Smashwords to make your purchase.



- Hide covers    - Hide descriptions    + Show bios
The Life & Legend Of Cesare Borgia by M. G. Scarsbrook The Life & Legend Of Cesare Borgia by M. G. Scarsbrook Feb. 09, 2012 $2.99 395875 words Sample 20%
A collection of research and biographical texts about the scandalous, dramatic life of Cesare Borgia.
Seven Centuries of Diepenbrocks by William Diepenbrock Seven Centuries of Diepenbrocks by William Diepenbrock Feb. 06, 2012 $3.99 14503 words Sample 15%
The author documents the fascinating personal history of the Diepenbrock clan from the 1300s to present day and chronicles its involvement in European and American history.
Diaspora to the Sun by Jack R. Williams Diaspora to the Sun by Jack R. Williams Feb. 01, 2012 $4.99 130910 words Sample 20%
This is my family saga across the anti-podal easterly flow of twentieth century history. My family characters are light and they always considered themselves ironically to be in the best of worlds, reminiscent of Voltaire’s Dr. Pangloss.
The Sable Provenance by John Namnik The Sable Provenance by John Namnik Jan. 25, 2012 $2.99 103759 words Sample 20%
This 200-year saga (1790 – 1990) is a close-to-true novel that began with a criminal family in England, another in Scotland, and a family of nobles in Ireland. It is the story of how they came to be in Australia and how the progress of convicts and aristocrats resulted in the SABLE siblings of Western Australia.
Parachuting for Gold in Old Mexico by General Jim Hall Parachuting for Gold in Old Mexico by General Jim Hall Jan. 13, 2012 $9.99 195884 words Sample 20%
Meet the Greatest Generation's Parachuting Pioneer and Visionary! Jim Hall's incredible parachuting career started, and almost ended, in 1949 in the skies above northern Sonora, Mexico. Now, 60 plus years and 1800 successful parachute jumps later, you will revel in Jim's adventures in Parachuting for Gold in Old Mexico when he takes you on a remarkable journey.
To Live, To Think, To Hope - Inspirational Quotes of Helen Keller by Matthew Gordon To Live, To Think, To Hope - Inspirational Quotes of Helen Keller by Matthew Gordon Jan. 08, 2012 $2.49 18114 words Sample 10%
Covering the entirety of her life, "To Live, To Think, To Hope" compiles over 600 quotes by Helen Keller on topics such as optimism, friendship, nature, religion, life, death & many more. The quotes come from Helen's various writings, all of which are sourced. This book also contains a selection of Helen's poetry.
Sala - More than a Survivor by Marsha Casper Cook Sala - More than a Survivor by Marsha Casper Cook Jan. 03, 2012 $5.99 34163 words Sample 20%
This is the touching and inspirational story of Sala Lewis, who at age ten was left alone to wander the streets of Poland after her family was taken away by the Nazis. Sala had been out with her friends and came home to find her family gone and the apartment where she lived sealed off. Everything she possessed was no longer hers. She had no family, no clothes, no food, nothing ...
Interludes by Richard F. Challis Interludes by Richard F. Challis Dec. 30, 2011 $0.99 7501 words Sample 13%
The author spent a month's holiday each year staying with his grandmother in rural Suffolk from the time he was ten to when war broke out when he was fifteen. This is a collection of six true short stories only totalling about 5700 words in which the author is able to capture the society and atmosphere of 1930's country England, and convey images of a bygone era.
Montana Memories by Thomas Bullock Montana Memories by Thomas Bullock Dec. 20, 2011 $1.99 50011 words Sample 20%
Montana Memories is a series of recollections of the author’s experiences growing up in Montana during the middle of the twentieth century. The nation had recovered from a long depression, fought and won a world war and faced the uncertainties of the Cold War. For young boys it was time of adventure and daring escapades while hunting and fishing in the spectacular Montana venues.
Ruta's Closet by Keith Morgan Ruta's Closet by Keith Morgan Dec. 01, 2011 $12.99 109164 words Sample 15%
Ruta Kron did not share the fate of the more than 200,000 Lithuanian Jews murdered in the Holocaust but lived to tell how courage, love and an indomitable spirit can triumph over evil. The true story of her family's survival will move and inspire readers. Ruta's Closet is written in a fast-paced, fictional style. It's a good read for all and an ideal candidate for Book Club selection.
The Funniest People in Families, Volume 6: 250 Anecdotes by David Bruce The Funniest People in Families, Volume 6: 250 Anecdotes by David Bruce Nov. 27, 2011 $1.00 22741 words Sample 20%
A sample: It took decades for sculptor Louise Nevelson to become recognized as a major American artist. After she had become famous, a museum executive arrived 10 minutes late for a meeting with her, and he apologized. Ms. Nevelson replied, “What’s 10 minutes? Where were you 10 years ago?”
The Funniest People in Families, Volume 5: 250 Anecdotes by David Bruce The Funniest People in Families, Volume 5: 250 Anecdotes by David Bruce Nov. 27, 2011 $1.00 22892 words Sample 20%
A sample: One Sunday, Texas preacher Edwin Porter was preaching when his three-year-old grandson grew tired. The grandson stood up on the pew and said in a loud voice, “Granddaddy, that will be about enough.” Mr. Porter immediately said, “We will close the service by singing, ‘Praise God from whom all blessings flow.’”
The Funniest People in Families, Volume 4: 250 Anecdotes by David Bruce The Funniest People in Families, Volume 4: 250 Anecdotes by David Bruce Nov. 27, 2011 $1.00 40046 words Sample 20%
A sample: Travelers must often be problem solvers. While traveling in Russia, Betty Clabaugh (the sister of Doris Jadan, wife of tenor Ivan Jadan) knew that she shouldn’t drink the water. Therefore, she brushed her teeth with champagne.
The Funniest People in Families, Volume 3: 250 Anecdotes by David Bruce The Funniest People in Families, Volume 3: 250 Anecdotes by David Bruce Nov. 27, 2011 $1.00 26787 words Sample 20%
A sample: In 1968, the New York Radical Women protested the Miss America pageant because they regarded it as being sexist. The activists filled a trash can with objects that they believed oppressed women, including bras, girdles, stiletto heels, and tweezers, and they chose—and put a crown on—their own, alternative Miss America: a live sheep.
The Funniest People in Families, Volume 2: 250 Anecdotes by David Bruce The Funniest People in Families, Volume 2: 250 Anecdotes by David Bruce Nov. 27, 2011 $1.00 21730 words Sample 20%
A sample: Patricia Cockburn’s mother once discovered the butler drunk and under the dining room table moments before a dinner party was to begin. She told him, “Stay where you are, Jones, and don’t touch any of the ladies’ ankles.”
The Most Interesting People Who Live Life, Volume 2: 250 Anecdotes by David Bruce The Most Interesting People Who Live Life, Volume 2: 250 Anecdotes by David Bruce Nov. 27, 2011 $1.00 22583 words Sample 20%
A sample: Jimmy Piersall was an amazing center fielder who could both make seemingly impossible catches and rifle the baseball to home plate. Manager Casey Stengel was once asked if his team would run on Mr. Piersall. Mr. Stengel replied, “Oh, sure. We’ll run on him—every time somebody hits the ball over the center-field fence.”
Nelson Mandela’s Poetic Biography:  How to Live Before You Die - Experience Leadership Academy, Best Business Quotes and Freedom Struggle by UrbaneBooksPublishing Nelson Mandela’s Poetic Biography: How to Live Before You Die - Experience Leadership Academy, Best Business Quotes and Freedom Struggle by UrbaneBooksPublishing Nov. 26, 2011 $9.99 6383 words Sample 12%
"Nelson Mandela’s Poetic Biography: How to Live Before You Die - Experience Leadership Academy, Best Business Quotes and Freedom Struggle" is an ebook about Nelson Mandela's remarkable life and commitment to the Freedom struggle. This ebook was written to introduce
The Most Interesting People Who Live Life: 250 Anecdotes by David Bruce The Most Interesting People Who Live Life: 250 Anecdotes by David Bruce Nov. 26, 2011 $1.00 23322 words Sample 20%
A sample: Nancy Cartwright, the voice of TV’s Bart Simpson, owns these vanity license plates: ELBARTO and DNTHVCW (short for Don’t Have a Cow). Before she could afford to buy good cars, she owned a 1968 Opel Kadette, paying $350 for it although it could barely go 45 mph. Because people got so angry at how slowly she drove, she put this bumper sticker on it: “It’s floored.”
The Funniest People Who Live Life, Volume 2: 250 Anecdotes by David Bruce The Funniest People Who Live Life, Volume 2: 250 Anecdotes by David Bruce Nov. 26, 2011 $1.00 22360 words Sample 20%
A sample: Groucho Marx once asked Melinda, his little daughter, what she did at nursery school. She replied, “Oh, Daddy, all we do is paint and go to the toilet.” Groucho called this “the most accurate description of a nursery school that’s ever been uttered.”
The Funniest People in Families: 250 Anecdotes by David Bruce The Funniest People in Families: 250 Anecdotes by David Bruce Nov. 26, 2011 $1.00 21702 words Sample 20%
A sample: While Eve Arden, famous especially for her radio and TV lead character in "Our Miss Brooks," was having labor pains for her son (Douglas), she ran into one small problem—nurses in the pre-labor room kept asking her for her autograph.
The Most Interesting People in Politics and History, Volume 3: 250 Anecdotes by David Bruce The Most Interesting People in Politics and History, Volume 3: 250 Anecdotes by David Bruce Nov. 25, 2011 $1.00 24612 words Sample 20%
A sample: Bob Rafsky suffered from AIDS, and he was an activist for AIDS research. One day, he went to a Japanese pharmaceuticals company to ask why research was being delayed on a promising new drug. To make a point, he rolled the leg of his pants up, and then showed the executives a lesion-covered leg. (Some anecdotes are thought provoking rather than funny.)
The Most Interesting People in Politics and History, Volume 2: 250 Anecdotes by David Bruce The Most Interesting People in Politics and History, Volume 2: 250 Anecdotes by David Bruce Nov. 25, 2011 $1.00 29338 words Sample 20%
A sample: Activist Abbie Hoffman was under constant surveillance by government agents for five years. He handled this situation well—when he needed to go somewhere, he used to hitchhike and get a ride with the agents who were trailing him.
The Most Interesting People in Politics and History: 250 Anecdotes by David Bruce The Most Interesting People in Politics and History: 250 Anecdotes by David Bruce Nov. 25, 2011 $1.00 27024 words Sample 20%
A sample: Australians know how to engage in activism. When the Australian prime minister would not apologize to Aborigine peoples because of the removal of Aboriginal children from their homes, 250,000 people in Sydney walked on the Sydney Harbour bridge on May 28, 2000, and a plane above the bridge skywrote the word “Sorry.”
Daniel  A Tale of Courage and Determination, of Love and Loss by Vicky Adin Daniel A Tale of Courage and Determination, of Love and Loss by Vicky Adin Nov. 24, 2011 $6.99 84154 words Sample 15%
A vivid, attention-grabbing insight into the everyday lives of pioneering New Zealanders, Daniel makes history come alive! A powerful and moving narrative traces Daniel Adin through the generations, from 1863 until his death in 1926. The story alternates between real-life events as they happen to Daniel and following Libby, the modern-day researcher, as she seeks his true story.
The Funniest People in Relationships: 250 Anecdotes by David Bruce The Funniest People in Relationships: 250 Anecdotes by David Bruce Nov. 24, 2011 $1.00 22526 words Sample 20%
A sample: Some happily married heterosexual men like to dress like women. One way to get the proper female frontal development is for the man to wear a mastectomy bra. Many wives have ordered a mastectomy bra and been treated so nicely by the sales staff over the telephone that they have been tempted to say, “Don’t worry. I don’t have breast cancer. My husband just likes to wear a bra.”
The Most Interesting People in Sports: 250 Anecdotes by David Bruce The Most Interesting People in Sports: 250 Anecdotes by David Bruce Nov. 23, 2011 $1.00 27009 words Sample 20%
A sample: Hugh Troy once worked as a sports reporter for the student newspaper at Cornell. As a reporter, he gave the newspaper the reports of track and field meets, but he felt bad for whoever finished last in an event. Therefore, he invented the name “Johnny Tsal” and always listed Johnny Tsal as finishing last in whatever event he was covering.
The Funniest People Who Live Life by David Bruce The Funniest People Who Live Life by David Bruce Nov. 23, 2011 $1.00 20809 words Sample 20%
A sample: Comedian Bill Hicks and his comedian friends loved to watch such religious programs as "The PTL [Praise the Lord and People That Love] Club." They used to make bets about how long it would take the preacher to stop talking about Jesus and start talking about dollars.
The Empress of South America by Nigel Cawthorne The Empress of South America by Nigel Cawthorne Nov. 22, 2011 $8.95 83586 words Sample 15%
The true story of Eliza Lynch: the Irishwoman who destroyed Latin America's wealthiest country - and became its national heroine.
The Most Interesting People in Religion: 250 Anecdotes by David Bruce The Most Interesting People in Religion: 250 Anecdotes by David Bruce Nov. 21, 2011 $1.00 29785 words Sample 20%
A sample: Lessons can be learned in strange ways. John Wesley and Samuel Bradburn once witnessed an angry quarrel between two women who used bad language but who used it passionately and well and with their whole being. Mr. Bradburn was disgusted by the language and wanted to leave, but Mr. Wesley told him, “Stay—and learn how to preach.”
250 Anecdotes About Religion: Volume 2 by David Bruce 250 Anecdotes About Religion: Volume 2 by David Bruce Nov. 20, 2011 $1.00 23434 words Sample 20%
A sample: In the family of Quaker humorist Tom Mullen, as part of the Christmas tradition the youngest child opened her presents first. The youngest child was Ruthie, who was not as materialistic as her siblings. For Ruthie a great part of the pleasure of Christmas lay in making her siblings wait a long time to open their presents.
250 Anecdotes About Religion by David Bruce 250 Anecdotes About Religion by David Bruce Nov. 20, 2011 $1.00 23714 words Sample 20%
A sample: Andrew Carnegie was a very wealthy man who had a reputation for donating money to charitable causes. Mark Twain wrote him to say that he wanted to buy a $2 hymnbook, pointing out that “I will bless you, God will bless you and it will do a great deal of good.” Mr. Twain then added a postscript: “Don’t send the hymn-book—send me the two dollars.”
The Love of a Brother; From Plaistow to Passchendaele by Martin Cearns The Love of a Brother; From Plaistow to Passchendaele by Martin Cearns Nov. 17, 2011 $5.99 28466 words Sample 20%
A true life story written in 1917 and brought to 21st century readers after nearly 100 years left forgotten. It gives us the First World War with the reality of courage honour and death in the front line,interesting and intimate detail of what could happen away from the front and the close bond between two brothers. The publisher will donate all net sale proceeds to the charity Help for Heroes
Where The Forest Trail Meets The River by Larry Rintala Where The Forest Trail Meets The River by Larry Rintala Nov. 15, 2011 $3.99 64348 words Sample 20%
With the Nanaimo River on Vancouver Island as a back-drop, the author paints a vivid picture of the lifestyle, values and attitudes of a community of hard-working, country people in this true story of a young boy growing up on a farm in British Columbia in the 1960s.
A Kid in the Great Depression by Lou Tyrrell A Kid in the Great Depression by Lou Tyrrell Nov. 10, 2011 $2.99 101845 words Sample 15%
Glendale, California. 1927. The family gathers around the table as father carves a roast duck while making a thrilling announcement that shortly we’ll be moving into a fabulous new house. Then history takes over. One day we were rich. The next we were broke. Living in a little cottage surrounded by a walnut grove. Come along as we lived through the worst depression in American history.
A Namibian Canvas by Julia Stevens A Namibian Canvas by Julia Stevens Nov. 07, 2011 $6.99 67630 words Sample 15%
Namibia’s history, both personal and national. Julia Steven’s diary of her stay in Namibia the year it gained independence from South Africa is pure poetry. The country comes alive in vivid colour and symphonic sound. Funny, insightful, and heart-stopping – for instance when she ventured into Angola while the war was still on...
Eleanor Roosevelt's Life of Soul Searching and Self Discovery by Ann Atkins Eleanor Roosevelt's Life of Soul Searching and Self Discovery by Ann Atkins Nov. 05, 2011 $4.95 34660 words Sample 20%
Transforming the power in Eleanor Roosevelt’s story to your story starts now. Whatever the scale of your rendezvous with destiny, the fact remains it is up to you to live it. The audacity of Eleanor Roosevelt to live out her own destiny challenges us to do the same. After all, it’s not about Eleanor. Her story is history. It’s about us.
My New World, A Teenager's WWII Odyssey by MK Alexander My New World, A Teenager's WWII Odyssey by MK Alexander Oct. 26, 2011 $2.99 23357 words Sample 10%
A biography of Mary Cotsis, centered around her World War Two experiences as she escapes the Nazi Occupation of Greece and travels to America to begin a new life. Illustrated with period photographs.
The Fabulous Showman : A Biography of P. T. Barnum by Irving Wallace The Fabulous Showman : A Biography of P. T. Barnum by Irving Wallace Oct. 26, 2011 $3.99 95234 words Sample 20%
Besides the towering figure of Barnum himself, this book's cast of characters includes not only Jenny Lind, Jumbo, and Tom Thumb, but also such ill-assorted figures a Chang and Eng (the original Siamese Twins), Queen Victoria herself, captive white whales, "The Feejee Mermaid," and Abraham Lincoln. This is far and away the best biography of one of the most fascinating of all Americans.
California Mystique by Jack Adler California Mystique by Jack Adler Oct. 20, 2011 $4.99 59333 words Sample 20%
Daughters and Sons of The Golden State. Famous and infamous.
Norman A Journey Through Time by Alex Askaroff Norman A Journey Through Time by Alex Askaroff Oct. 17, 2011 $2.99 37947 words Sample 20%
From the 1920's to the swinging 60's and beyond. From the cold Atlantic Waters to the beaches of Normandy. From Sumatra and the Japanese surrender to Africa, this book follows Norman's true and remarkable story over 90 years. We meet Winston Churchill and Royalty. From Vera Lynn to Princess Margaret. Norman's journey will take you through an amazing period of drama in war and peace.
Freetown Christiania: A true account of: sex, drugs & anarchy by Eugene Losse Freetown Christiania: A true account of: sex, drugs & anarchy by Eugene Losse Oct. 16, 2011 $2.99 63398 words Sample 20%
In 1970 squatters broke into an abandoned army base in the center of Copenhagen. This was the birth of Freetown Christiania. 25 years later, Eugine is hitch-hiking the freeways of Scandinavia. A chance encounter delivers him into a world of anarchy. From the barrel of a Hells Angel shotgun to Pusher Street's hash market, Eugine describes life lived under anarchy. Includes descriptive sex scenes
The Real Napoleon by john tarttelin The Real Napoleon by john tarttelin Oct. 14, 2011 $5.99 74705 words Sample 15%
In this book Napoleon is shown for what and who he was and not as the caricature described by many bigoted historians, especially of the British persuasion. He was not short, he was often very generous and he seldom forgot a friend, particularly in the early days before he was famous. France was attacked in 1805, 1806, 1807, 1809 and 1814 - yet it is always Napoleon who is blamed for these wars.
Susan Lawrence: The Enigma in the Wright House by Roberta Volkmann Susan Lawrence: The Enigma in the Wright House by Roberta Volkmann Oct. 12, 2011 $11.99 34275 words Sample 10%
This book chronicles the complex life of the woman who commissioned Frank Lloyd Wright to "remodel" her deceased father's house in Springfield, Illinois, in 1902. Susan Lawrence assumed several names and many roles as she entertained lavishly, traveled the world, championed the rights of women and African-Americans, shared her time and money, and led seekers of spiritual truths.
Only Yesterdays by Dominic Caruso Only Yesterdays by Dominic Caruso Oct. 10, 2011 $3.99 95807 words Sample 29%
My father’s murder trial and appeal pitted certain elements of the AMA and the ‘Mafia’ against each other, a drama which was played out in the newspapers of the day, hurtling one hitherto obscure but proud family of immigrants from Sicily into the national spotlight.
Gunther Rall: Luftwaffe Ace & NATO General by Jill Amadio Gunther Rall: Luftwaffe Ace & NATO General by Jill Amadio Oct. 10, 2011 $9.99 74467 words Sample 20%
Vivid authorized biography of General Gunther Rall,3rd ranking highest all-time fighter ace in World War II, service as a Nato representative, test pilot for the U.S. Air Force's F-104,and Chief of the New German Air Force. Details of his 3 meetings with Hitler, his perspective of global affairs. Includes 90 exclusive photos.
Southern Sage:The Honorable Woodrow Melvin by Sylvia Melvin Southern Sage:The Honorable Woodrow Melvin by Sylvia Melvin Oct. 06, 2011 $2.99 45251 words Sample 20%
How many small town lawyers end their careers as a judge on the Appellate Court? Woodrow Melvin's passion for the law takes him on a journey into the courts of Florida as well as the State House of Representatives and the State Senate. Judge Melvin describes the gut-wrenching decisions he must make whether it be a child custody case or sentencing of a criminal. The legacy of Judge Melvin lives on.
Sirens and Grey Balloons by Peter Hurdwell Sirens and Grey Balloons by Peter Hurdwell Oct. 04, 2011 $2.99 76054 words Sample 20%
The life of a small boy living in a London suburb which sustained heavy damage from enemy bombing where over a hundred of its citizens were killed and only ten percent of its buildings survived the war unscathed. He recalls the terror of lying in a cupboard under the stairs as the Luftwaffe bombed his suburb and later devastation caused by V1 flying bombs and long range V2 rockets.
The Randolph Women & Their Men by Ruth Doumlele The Randolph Women & Their Men by Ruth Doumlele Oct. 04, 2011 $11.99 76497 words Sample 15%
A rich and vivid portrait of post-Revolution life in the South on the scale of Gone With the Wind – only this story is true. Ruth Doumlele has cleverly woven the many lives of the famous and infamous of that time into one seamless narrative. While the Randolphs hold center stage, their exploits bring them together with those influential people who determined our nation’s legacy.
No Minute Hand to My Clock by Derik Le Grange No Minute Hand to My Clock by Derik Le Grange Sep. 28, 2011 $2.50 102979 words Sample 20%
Henry Bossau was a staunch but intelligent, opinionated but enlightened Afrikaner. He was a farmer, writer, painter, philosopher and scholar who lived in the first half of the 20th century. He was also an alcoholic. Experience his rollercoaster life as he tussles with the questions of life and riches. Yet, all too often the answers seem to linger at the bottom of a brandy bottle.
Tent Boxer by Roy Maloy Tent Boxer by Roy Maloy Sep. 12, 2011 $1.00 51817 words Sample 30%
Tent Boxer, narrates the life story of Kevin Leigh; an orphan turned Jimmy Shamran's prize fighter in the Australian agricultural show circuit in the 1950's as he discovers his heart's only true love. His epic romance with the striptease-tent owner's daughter spans decades to show the endurance of love. Embellished biographical