English books

Set aboard a steamship sailing from Le Havre to Trouville, ‘Discovery’ is a short and funny story, with a moral tucked away in the dialogue.When the narrator meets his old friend, Henri Sidoine, the latter rants about the number of English people on board.With the kind of ire that Basil Fawlty (played by John Cleese) reserved for his guests, Sidoine gives full rein to his loathing of the English although, as it turns out, he fell in love with, and married, an Englishwoman.Is his argument genuinely about the self-proclaimed "lords of the sea", or is he revealing more about himself than he means to?An incisive tale with plenty of clever observations, ‘Discovery’ will delight fans of nautical short stories such as Ernest Hemingway's ´After the Storm´.Hailed as one of the pioneers of the modern short story, Henri Ren Albert Guy de Maupassant (1850 - 1893) was born in Dieppe, France. After his parents’ divorce, Maupassant was cared for by his mother who had a passion for literature.During his secondary education, he was introduced to the acclaimed novelist, Gustave Flaubert, who was to play a prominent part in Maupassant’s literary career.The Franco-Prussian War saw the author enlist in the Navy, and his experiences influenced many of his books, including ‘Boule de Suif.’ Flaubert was to take him under his wing after the war, introducing him to realist and naturalist authors, such as Émile Zola and Ivan Turgenev.

A vain and wealthy man, Lormerin is a slave to his mirror and very little else.However, one day, he opens a letter to find that his old flame, Lise, will be in town with her daughter, and he is invited to join them for dinner.What happens next causes Lormerin to reflect on himself in more ways than one...Paving the way for films, such as ‘Venus,’ starring Peter O’Toole and former Doctor Who, Jodie Whittaker, ‘All Over’ is a melancholy look at love and ageing.It will delight fans of OScar Wilde's ´Dorian Gray´.Hailed as one of the pioneers of the modern short story, Henri Ren Albert Guy de Maupassant (1850 - 1893) was born in Dieppe, France. After his parents’ divorce, Maupassant was cared for by his mother who had a passion for literature.During his secondary education, he was introduced to the acclaimed novelist, Gustave Flaubert, who was to play a prominent part in Maupassant’s literary career.The Franco-Prussian War saw the author enlist in the Navy, and his experiences influenced many of his books, including ‘Boule de Suif.’ Flaubert was to take him under his wing after the war, introducing him to realist and naturalist authors, such as Émile Zola and Ivan Turgenev.

Colone Laporte has an opinion about everything. Colonel Laporte is also right about everything. Or so he thinks.During a conversation with a friend, he is preaching his opinion about French people. He claims that they are famous for their attitudes towards members of the opposite sex. His friend disagrees. Frustrated and attempting to get his point across, he begins to tell the story of an encounter he had during the Franco-Prussian War. Only as his story continues does it become clear just how shocking this encounter was.This fast-paced tale is unmissable for fans of Ambrose Bierce.Guy de Maupassant (1850-1893) was one of the finest practitioners of the French short story. He was considered a master of both style and dramatic narrative. A representative of the Naturalist school, he wrote 300 short stories during his career - alongside a number of novels, travel books, and a volume of verse. The most notable of his work is considered to be his first short story - ‘Boule de Suif’. His volumes of short stories were heavily influential, with one of them acting as inspiration for John Ford’s ‘Stagecoach’.

Just like Jack Nicholson’s character in ‘About Schmidt,’ the narrator of ‘A Recollection’ is feeling useless.He feels, to quote Morrissey, that ´Everyday is Like Sunday.’ To shake himself from his drudgery, he decides to take a stroll from Paris to catch a boat to Saint-Cloud.After a dreamy stroll, he encounters a married couple, who seem to be in a spot of bother. Taken with the wife, the narrator agrees to help them, but will her company help or hinder his need for excitement?Combining romance with waspish humour, Maupassant offers an interesting slice of middle-age life.With memory as its central theme, ‘A Recollection’ is the ideal read for fans of Kazuo Ishiguro.Hailed as one of the pioneers of the modern short story, Henri Ren Albert Guy de Maupassant (1850 - 1893) was born in Dieppe, France. After his parents’ divorce, Maupassant was cared for by his mother who had a passion for literature.During his secondary education, he was introduced to the acclaimed novelist, Gustave Flaubert, who was to play a prominent part in Maupassant’s literary career.The Franco-Prussian War saw the author enlist in the Navy, and his experiences influenced many of his books, including ‘Boule de Suif.’ Flaubert was to take him under his wing after the war, introducing him to realist and naturalist authors, such as Émile Zola and Ivan Turgenev.

Money doesn’t buy happiness. But can it buy love?Two families live in the Norman countryside. Neither of them have any money. Both of them are happy, healthy, and fulfilled. A wealthy couple walks past regularly, marveling at the way the children play outside. Childless themselves, this sight makes them incredibly emotional. So they make the families an offer that neither of them can refuse, but will they accept?This social drama is perfect for fans of J.B Priestley’s ‘An Inspector Calls’.Guy de Maupassant (1850-1893) was one of the finest practitioners of the French short story. He was considered a master of both style and dramatic narrative. A representative of the Naturalist school, he wrote 300 short stories during his career - alongside a number of novels, travel books, and a volume of verse. The most notable of his work is considered to be his first short story - ‘Boule de Suif’. His volumes of short stories were heavily influential, with one of them acting as inspiration for John Ford’s ‘Stagecoach’.

‘A Mother of Monsters’ is a dark and disturbing story.The narrator is visiting his friend, and they walk along the seafront. As their conversation continues, the friend tells him of the eponymous mother, and they decide to visit her.What they are met with is both horrific and tragic and can be read as a commentary on the plight of the lower classes. Maupassant’s concise and simple style only serves to increase the horror and brutality of this short tale.A story that’s sure to linger, ´A Mother of Monsters´ is the ideal read for fans of Stephen King and ´American Horror Story´.Hailed as one of the pioneers of the modern short story, Henri Ren Albert Guy de Maupassant (1850 - 1893) was born in Dieppe, France. After his parents’ divorce, Maupassant was cared for by his mother who had a passion for literature.During his secondary education, he was introduced to the acclaimed novelist, Gustave Flaubert, who was to play a prominent part in Maupassant’s literary career.The Franco-Prussian War saw the author enlist in the Navy, and his experiences influenced many of his books, including ‘Boule de Suif.’ Flaubert was to take him under his wing after the war, introducing him to realist and naturalist authors, such as Émile Zola and Ivan Turgenev.

A masterpiece in literary manipulation, ‘A New Year’s Gift’ plays with our expectations while delivering a sobering dose of social commentary.We begin with Jacques, who is writing a letter to his sweetheart, Irene. When Irene appears on his doorstep, she brings with her a scandalous plan. Will he agree to her demands, or is there more to them than meets the eye?A tale of adultery, fealty, violence, and honour, ‘A New Year’s Gift’ also highlights the stifling social conventions of the time.This short story will delight fans of Raymond Carver.Hailed as one of the pioneers of the modern short story, Henri Ren Albert Guy de Maupassant (1850 - 1893) was born in Dieppe, France. After his parents’ divorce, Maupassant was cared for by his mother who had a passion for literature.During his secondary education, he was introduced to the acclaimed novelist, Gustave Flaubert, who was to play a prominent part in Maupassant’s literary career.The Franco-Prussian War saw the author enlist in the Navy, and his experiences influenced many of his books, including ‘Boule de Suif.’ Flaubert was to take him under his wing after the war, introducing him to realist and naturalist authors, such as Émile Zola and Ivan Turgenev.

Fun and intriguing stories are an integral part of every dinner party.In Paris, a man chats with friends after dinner and recounts the story of his recent visit to a brothel. After choosing a woman, he follows her back to her apartment for the night but is shocked when he hears a noise coming from the wardrobe...Short yet impactful, ´The Wardrobe´ is perfect for fans of Guy de Maupassant's work and readers of French Literature.Guy de Maupassant (1850-1893) was a famous French writer, best known as one of the finest practitioners of the short story.Master of style and dramatic narrative, Maupassant’s stories are mainly interested in the relationships between men and women, often found at the crossroads of life.One of his greatest influences was Gustave Flaubert, who introduced him to some of the central names of the time, such as Émile Zola, Henry James, and Ivan Turgenev.Some of his best-known works include the novels "Bel Ami" and "Une Vie", more than 300 short stories, travel books, and even an attempt at poetry. ‘Bel Ami’ was made into a film in 2012, starring Uma Thurman, Robert Pattinson, and Kristin Scott Thomas.

Despite its title. ‘The Effeminates’ has nothing to do with sexuality.Instead, it’s a satire on the fickle natures of Parisians and those who work in the Chamber of Deputies (a French parliamentary body).According to Maupassant’s observations, these ‘man-girls’ are a bane of society, forever changing their minds, following their whimsies, and plotting behind the backs of even their closest friends.An interesting psychological snapshot of 19th Century France, ‘The Effeminates’ is a welcome addition to any library.Hailed as one of the pioneers of the modern short story, Henri Ren Albert Guy de Maupassant (1850 - 1893) was born in Dieppe, France. After his parents’ divorce, Maupassant was cared for by his mother who had a passion for literature.During his secondary education, he was introduced to the acclaimed novelist, Gustave Flaubert, who was to play a prominent part in Maupassant’s literary career.The Franco-Prussian War saw the author enlist in the Navy, and his experiences influenced many of his books, including ‘Boule de Suif.’ Flaubert was to take him under his wing after the war, introducing him to realist and naturalist authors, such as Émile Zola and Ivan Turgenev.

It is often the most humble men that are the most dangerous.Central Corsica is dangerous. There is no question about that. Despite its beautiful scenery, the area is rife with bandits, mongrels, and crime. Whilst money is important, secrets are much more valuable. The quietest, almost silent villager is a source of interest for the entire of Corsica - they know he has secrets. But are they truly ready to find out who he really is?This dynamic tale is an entertaining introduction to Guy de Maupassant for fans of classic adventure fiction.Guy de Maupassant (1850-1893) was one of the finest practitioners of the French short story. He was considered a master of both style and dramatic narrative. A representative of the Naturalist school, he wrote 300 short stories during his career - alongside a number of novels, travel books, and a volume of verse. The most notable of his work is considered to be his first short story - ‘Boule de Suif’. His volumes of short stories were heavily influential, with one of them acting as inspiration for John Ford’s ‘Stagecoach’.

Despite quietly loathing his wife’s penchant for fake jewellery, Mr and Mrs Lantin are happily married.When she dies, finances force him to sell her gems and he discovers that one of them is not only real but worth a significant sum of money.What keeps niggling Mr Lantin is that he didn’t buy it for her – so who did?‘The Fake Gems’ is a cautionary short story from the pen of a master. The perfect addition to any collection of Maupassant’s works.Hailed as one of the pioneers of the modern short story, Henri Ren Albert Guy de Maupassant (1850 - 1893) was born in Dieppe, France. After his parents’ divorce, Maupassant was cared for by his mother who had a passion for literature.During his secondary education, he was introduced to the acclaimed novelist, Gustave Flaubert, who was to play a prominent part in Maupassant’s literary career.The Franco-Prussian War saw the author enlist in the Navy, and his experiences influenced many of his books, including ‘Boule de Suif.’ Flaubert was to take him under his wing after the war, introducing him to realist and naturalist authors, such as Émile Zola and Ivan Turgenev.

With all the wistful romance of ‘The Remains of the Day,’ (starring Anthony Hopkins and Emma Thompson), ‘Alexandre’ tells the story of a servant and his mistress, Madame Marambelle.Now wheelchair-bound, Madame Marambelle is reliant on Alexandre to get out and about. On one of their sojourns, they discuss her tyrannical husband, with Alexandre telling some uncomfortable home truths.However, he also has a secret of his own, and now seems as good a time as any to get it out in the open.A touching short story from one of the fathers of the genre, ‘Alexandre’ is the ideal read for fans of Jojo Moyes ´Me Before You´.Hailed as one of the pioneers of the modern short story, Henri Ren Albert Guy de Maupassant (1850 - 1893) was born in Dieppe, France. After his parents’ divorce, Maupassant was cared for by his mother who had a passion for literature.During his secondary education, he was introduced to the acclaimed novelist, Gustave Flaubert, who was to play a prominent part in Maupassant’s literary career.The Franco-Prussian War saw the author enlist in the Navy, and his experiences influenced many of his books, including ‘Boule de Suif.’ Flaubert was to take him under his wing after the war, introducing him to realist and naturalist authors, such as Émile Zola and Ivan Turgenev.

Laying the foundations for films, such as ‘One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest,’ starring Jack Nicholson, ‘Bertha’ is a study on mental illness.While the narrator visits his old friend, Dr Bonnet, the doctor asks him to wait while he visits a patient. The patient is Bertha, a woman who was once young and beautiful but with no way of communicating with the outside world.Rightly or wrongly, Dr Bonnet subjects her to a series of experiments before her family decides there’s an answer to her problems.A haunting and tragic short story from the pen of one of the fathers of the genre, ‘Bertha’ is the perfect introduction to Guy de Maupassant's authorship.Hailed as one of the pioneers of the modern short story, Henri Ren Albert Guy de Maupassant (1850 - 1893) was born in Dieppe, France. After his parents’ divorce, Maupassant was cared for by his mother who had a passion for literature.During his secondary education, he was introduced to the acclaimed novelist, Gustave Flaubert, who was to play a prominent part in Maupassant’s literary career.The Franco-Prussian War saw the author enlist in the Navy, and his experiences influenced many of his books, including ‘Boule de Suif.’ Flaubert was to take him under his wing after the war, introducing him to realist and naturalist authors, such as Émile Zola and Ivan Turgenev.

Later made into a film, starring Vincent Price, ‘The Diary of a Madman’ is a dark and disturbing short story.In just three pages, Maupassant introduces us to an upright magistrate who has just condemned a prisoner, Blondel, to death.Blondel is convicted of prolicide, and the magistrate wants to work out why he’s committed this terrible crime. Through his diary, we see how the idea takes root and becomes something much more sinister...A gripping read that’s as relevant today as when it was written, ‘The Diary of a Madman’ is the ideal read for fans of Stephen King.Hailed as one of the pioneers of the modern short story, Henri Ren Albert Guy de Maupassant (1850 - 1893) was born in Dieppe, France. After his parents’ divorce, Maupassant was cared for by his mother who had a passion for literature.During his secondary education, he was introduced to the acclaimed novelist, Gustave Flaubert, who was to play a prominent part in Maupassant’s literary career.The Franco-Prussian War saw the author enlist in the Navy, and his experiences influenced many of his books, including ‘Boule de Suif.’ Flaubert was to take him under his wing after the war, introducing him to realist and naturalist authors, such as Émile Zola and Ivan Turgenev.

What if you had to put a roof over the heads of your enemies?Anthony is a farmer. Sturdy and patriotic, he will stop at nothing to fight the Prussians. Bringing glory to his country is his main priority. When Prussians arrive on his doorstep he is prepared to sacrifice everything. But when he is forced to shelter, feed, and take care of a Prussian soldier he is forced into a change in outlook.The soldier's inability to speak French puts him in a vulnerable position and Anthony must decide whether to use this to his advantage or treat the soldier like a person.Guy de Maupassant (1850-1893) was one of the finest practitioners of the French short story. He was considered a master of both style and dramatic narrative. A representative of the Naturalist school, he wrote 300 short stories during his career - alongside a number of novels, travel books, and a volume of verse. The most notable of his work is considered to be his first short story - ‘Boule de Suif’. His volumes of short stories were heavily influential, with one of them acting as inspiration for John Ford’s ‘Stagecoach’.

Here comes the bride... but how long can she hide?When Kitty Clayton flees her wedding, her life seems worryingly futureless. All she knows is she'd rather sleep on the streets than go back to cheating Ethan.After picking her up hitch-hiking, widowed children's author Jack Duffy takes Kitty under his wing until she gets back on her feet. And it's not long before the two grow close...But with Jack struggling to recover from the guilt he feels over his wife's death and Kitty refusing to face up to the problems she's running away from, will the two ever manage to share a happily ever after?A heart-warming novel about love and new beginnings, you won't be able to put it down!What readers are saying about "Runaway Bride":´Full of heart, humour and larger-than-life characters´ - Debbie Johnson´Deliciously funny and the characters are adorable. I could not put it down! I relished every page´ - Reader review´A five-star read to run away with. This was such a glorious read, it was funny and brutally honest´ - Reader reviewMary Jayne Baker is a romance author from Yorkshire, UK. She lives in her beloved Dales, where she first started telling stories about heroines with flaws and the men who love them. Mary Jayne Baker is a pen name for an international woman of mystery...

She wanted an adventure. What she found was so much more...Adira Summers has spontaneously quit her high-flying career as a barrister in London. She needs to escape from the rat race and, encouraged by her bohemian gran, has bought a campervan to do so.Taking off for a tour around Britain, disaster strikes early on when her van breaks down outside the quaint village of Lilacwell. But things look up after she meets handsome Jasper, who is visiting to check on his ailing uncle and his crumbling estate, The Laurels.As Adira falls for Lilacwell, she is torn between forgoing her travel plans to stay or continuing with her adventure. Jasper must also choose between returning to his job in Dubai or moving back for his uncle - and Adira.A gorgeous summery romance for fans of Tessa Bailey and Jenny Colgan.What readers are saying about ´Escape to Lilacwell´:"A lovely read... The setting was nice and the story flowed well." - Reader review"This book fixed my reading slump! I enjoyed it so much that I kept turning the pages. Adira's a very relatable heroine and the romance develops slowly, in a very believable way." - Reader review"What a beautiful summer read, I enjoyed this book from the first to the last page. The characters are so well written. A good book to take on holiday." - Reader reviewSasha Morgan lives in a village by the coast in Lancashire with her husband and has one grown-up son. She writes mainly contemporary fiction, her previous series having a touch of 'spice', probably due to all the Jilly Cooper novels she read as a teenager.

In a quiet provincial Danish town, something is afoot. The volunteers of the local second-hand shop keep dying. Since they’re all OAP's, the police can’t see the problem. It’s the inevitable – if unfortunate – circle of life. However, resident busy-body, and force-to-be-reckoned-with, Anne-Maj Mortensen is not so sure. She may be newly retired herself, but she still has her wits about her and knows when something needs a little investigating... Scandi crime, but not as you’ve ever seen it before. The 'Danish Miss Marple' will thrill fans of Richard Osman's 'The Thursday Murder Club' and Anthony Horowitz' 'Hawthorne' series. Anne Grue is one of the most popular Danish crime novelists. Grue made her breakthrough with the crime novels about the detective Dan Sommerdahl which was adapted for tv, starring Peter Mygind and Laura Drasbæk - directed by Kenneth Kainz also known for his work on Netflix’s ‘The Rain’.

Most people go to an optician if their vision is bad. However, when Richard Henry Dana's sight was affected by measles while he was at Harvard College, he decided a sea voyage round Cape Horn was the best solution.He joined the crew of a merchant ship at Boston, kept a daily diary of his adventures, then produced this American classic. 'Two Years Before the Mast' is a vivid account of the true life of a common sailor at sea.Throughout his journey, Dana encounters indigenous people, describes being lowered down a cliff to retrieve cow hides, learns Spanish, acts as interpreter, and witnesses floggings.The return journey is hellish, and Dana's description of battling storms around the Cape moved 'Moby Dick' author, Herman Melville, to say it "must have been written with an icicle".A rollicking memoir that is better than fiction, ´Two Years Before the Mast´ is perfect for fans of the 'Bounty Trilogy' by Charles Nordhoff and James Norman Hall.Richard Henry Dana Jr. (1815-1882) was a Massachusetts-based American lawyer and politician who found fame for the classic memoir 'Two Years Before the Mast'.In both his legal career and his writing, he gained a reputation for standing up for the rights of the oppressed, including slaves on the run and freedmen.He became a prominent abolitionist, helping to found the anti-slavery Free Soil Party.

Sanger Rainsford is a big-game hunter, who finds himself washed up on an island owned by the eccentric General Zaroff.Zaroff, a big-game hunter himself, has heard of Rainsford’s abilities with a gun and organises a hunt. However, they’re not after animals – they’re after people.When he protests, Rainsford the hunter becomes Rainsford the hunted.Sharing similarities with "The Hunger Games", starring Jennifer Lawrence, this is the story that created the template for pitting man against man.Born in New York, Richard Connell (1893 – 1949) went on to become an acclaimed author, screenwriter, and journalist. He is best remembered for the gripping novel "The Most Dangerous Game" and for receiving an Oscar nomination for the screenplay "Meet John Doe".

‘Through the Wheat’ (1923) is a novel by the American journalist, scriptwriter, and novelist Thomas Alexander Boyd (1898–1935).Influenced by his own experiences on the battlefields of France in the First World War, this story follows William Hicks, a rifleman in the U.S. Marine Corps, through his first experience of combat.After enlisting, William Hicks is eager to see combat but as friends die and the reality of war hits home, he must find the strength to survive.Culminating at the Battle of Belleau Wood, this harrowing, evocative tale of the horrors of war is an action-packed, gripping tale about bravery and the futility of war, perfect for lovers of war fiction.Thomas Alexander Boyd (1898–1935) was an American journalist, scriptwriter, and novelist. A member of the U.S. Marine Corps, Boyd saw service during World War One and his harrowing experiences influenced many of his works.He is best known for the novels ´Through the Wheat´ (1923), ‘The Dark Cloud’ (1924), and a book of short stories, ‘Point of Honor’ (1925).

‘A Group of Noble Dames’ is a collection of ten short stories, framed by a central narrative.Thomas Hardy ties the tales together by presenting them as a conversation between the members of a club, in which each one tells the story of a noblewoman from the 17th or 18th Century.Through their accounts, Hardy examines a range of themes, including marriage, deceit, and social conventions. A consummate storyteller, the dialogue and characterisations are superb, allowing the reader to be drawn into each tale.‘Barbara of the House of Grebe’, one of the short stories from the collection, was later adapted for TV, starring Ben Kingsley.Born in Dorset, Thomas Hardy (1840 – 1928) was one of the most renowned poets and novelists of the 20th Century. The ill-health that plagued him as a child followed him into early adulthood, scuppering his chances of working as an architectural draftsman.His further ambitions into the priesthood were halted by lack of funds and his wavering faith, leading him to develop his writing abilitiesOver the course of his career, Hardy wrote 20 novels, numerous poems, and countless short stories. Many of his most famous works have been adapted for film or television, such as ‘Far from the Madding Crowd (starring Nigel Terry), ‘Jude’ (starring Kate Winslet), and ‘The Mayor of Casterbridge´ (starring Ciaran Hinds).Hardy died from pleurisy, aged 88.

‘The Auction Block’ by Rex Beach is ‘A Novel of New York Night Life’ that will be enjoyed by fans of Truman Capote’s ‘Breakfast at Tiffany’s’. In this story, Lorelei Knight’s parents are anxious to make their fortune by profiting from her beauty. So, they send her to New York to become a member of a "girl show". The over-indulgent son of a millionaire, Bob Wharton, soon falls in love with Lorelei, and when she learns her father is ill and in need of money, she marries the man for whom she has no love. Bob’s father, however, cuts off his allowance, forcing him to go to work, while Lorelei’s wholesomeness influences him to become a better man. Bob is doing well until Lorelei’s brother leads him to temptation and he slips back into his old ways, and Lorelei begins to consider leaving New York.

'The Life of a Ship' is a classic adventure tale about a young boy named Davy who has always dreamt about going to sea and living the life of an fearless fisherman. A perfect escape from the drudgery of everyday life. After years of watching ships being built at the docks and going on short excursions with his father and grandfather, he finally gets the chance to go on a great fishing expedition.But is Davy up for the challenge?A perfect fit for fans of exciting 19th century adventure stories complete with a potent take on morality.Recommended for fans of Daniel Defoe's adventure novel 'Robinson Crusoe' and Walt Disney's 1960 movie 'Swiss Family Robinson' starring John Mills, Dorothy McGuire, James MacArthur and Janet Munro. Nobel-Prize winning author William Golding also drew inspiration from Ballantyne's seafaring and adventure prose for his cult novel 'The Lord of The Flies'.R. M. Ballantyne was a Scottish writer specialising in the juvenile fiction genre. He was born as Robert Michael Ballantyne into a family of well-known printers and publishers in Edinburgh. At age 16 he travelled to Canada where he served with the Hudson's Bay Company for six years. He returned to Scotland in 1847 and published his first book the next year, 'Hudson's Bay: or Life in the Wilds of North America'. For several years he was employed by the publishing house Messrs Constable. But in 1856 he decided to leave the literature business. Instead he began writing a series of adventure stories for young readers.

‘The Winds of Chance’ by Rex Beach is an adventure novel which tells a fictionalised story of the Gold Rush. Adapted into a silent film of the same name in 1925, the story follows the penniless Pierce Phillips who cannot go seeking gold so instead works packing supplies for the other adventurers. Phillips soon falls in love with Countess Courteau but when he proposes to her he discovers that she already has a husband.Pierce Phillips then joins a travelling show where one member, Laure, falls in love with him. When Phillips pays more attention to Rouletta, a daughter of a gambler, Laure becomes jealous and conspires with Count Courteau, who believes that Phillips is his wife’s lover.Set in Alaska during the Klondike Gold Rush, this novel will be enjoyed by fans of ‘Goldrush: A Real Life Alaskan Adventure’, and ‘The Klondike Gold Rush’.Rex Beach, was an American novelist, playwright, and Olympic water polo player. His novels, most of which were adventure novels, were influenced by Jack London – author of ‘White Fang’ – and they were very popular during the early 1900s. His second novel, ‘The Spoilers’ which was based on a true experience he witnessed while in Alaska of corrupt government officials stealing gold mines from prospectors, became one of the best-selling novels of 1906.

"There are two kinds of clocks. There is the clock that is always wrong, and that knows it is wrong, and glories in it; and there is the clock that is always right—except when you rely upon it, and then it is more wrong than you would think a clock could be in a civilized country." – Jerome K. Jerome, ‘Clocks’.In Jerome K. Jerome’s short, humorous essay, ‘Clocks’, the writer uses observational comedy – that will be enjoyed by fans of stand-up comedians or shows like ‘Friday Night Dinner’ – to explore the role of clocks in his life as a writer.The essay ‘Clocks’ will delight anyone looking for a short, fun, and thought-provoking read.Jerome K. Jerome (1859 –1927) was an English novelist, humourist, and playwright, best known for his hugely successful comic masterpiece ‘Three Men in a Boat’ (1889), which was inspired by his honeymoon on the river Thames.It has since been adapted on numerous occasions, including the BBC TV series starring Tim Curry and Michael Palin.His works include the essay collections ‘Idle Thoughts of an Idle Fellow’ (1886) and ‘Second Thoughts of an Idle Fellow’. The novel ‘Three Men on the Bummel’, a sequel to ´Three Men in a Boat´, and the play ‘The Passing of the Third Floor Back’ (1908).

First published in 1891, ‘The Coxswain’s Bride’ by prolific author R.M. Ballantyne tells the story of Sturdy Bob – otherwise known as 'Handsome Bob' by the ladies of his local seaside village of Greyton. On the eve of his wedding to young Nellie Carr a powerful storm hits, and Bob, along with his men, must set to work to find and rescue survivors of a stricken vessel. A gripping nautical tale from the popular children’s author.R.M. Ballantyne (1825-1894) was a Scottish artist and prolific author of mostly children’s fiction. Born in Edinburgh, Ballantyne was the ninth of ten children. At the age of 16 Ballantyne moved to Canada, where he worked for the Hudson’s Bay Company, travelling all over the country to trade for fur. He returned to Scotland in 1847 following the death of his father, and it was then that he began his literary career in earnest, writing over 100 children’s adventure books over the course of his life. Stories such as ‘The Coral Island’ and ‘The Young Fur Traders’ were hugely popular, and many of them drew on his own experiences of travelling throughout Canada. A stickler for detail, Ballantyne continued to travel widely to research the backgrounds and settings for his exciting stories. His tales became an inspiration for authors of the future, including ‘Treasure Island’ novelist Robert Louis Stevenson. Ballantyne spent the latter period of his life living in London and Italy for the sake of his health. He died in Rome in 1894 at the age of 68.

Set in a drawing-room in London’s Russell Square in 1911, ‘The Master of Mrs. Chilvers: An Improbable Comedy’ is a fictional stage play full of wit and warmth, which addresses the issue of women’s rights in Edwardian England. As the play progresses, and Mrs. Chilvers joins the timely cause of women's suffrage, her seemingly sudden commitment to suffragette radicalism shocks her husband and has a large effect on the rest of her upper class family. The four act play by author and playwright Jerome K Jerome, whose other works include 'Three Men in a Boat' and ‘The Observations of Henry’, begins with a detailed introduction to the play with insightfully personal character descriptions. With whiffs of classic Oscar Wilde and a clear preamble for the 2015 film ‘Suffragette’, starring Carey Mulligan and Meryl Streep, Jerome takes on the genre of family drama and class meets equality, feminism and women’s liberation in a touching, humorous and forward-thinking way. It was first performed at The Royalty Theatre, London, on April 26th, 1911, starring actors Mary Rorke as Lady Mogton and Lena Ashwell as Annys Chilvers.Jerome Klapka Jerome (1859-1927) was born in Walsall, in northern Great Britain, on 2nd May 1859. Orphaned as a teenager, he was forced to leave education at just 14 years old to start working. After jobs as an actor, clerk and a teacher, Jerome published his first book in 1885 based upon is own experiences - ‘On the Stage and Off: The Brief Career of a Would-Be Actor’. Stage plays, books and journalism articles followed suit, including his most successful book – an autobiographical story entitled 'Three Men in a Boat'. Other works include ‘Idle Thoughts of an Idle Fellow’, ‘Second Thoughts of an Idle Fellow’, 'The Observations of Henry' and ‘Three Men on the Bummel’. Jerome founded the weekly magazine ‘To-Day’ in 1893 and edited another magazine named ‘The Idler’ until 1898, whilst also working as a lecturer and writer in England. During World War 1, he wasn’t accepted for active service in the UK’s army so instead enlisted as an ambulance driver in the French army. He died on 14th June 1927 after suffering a stroke.

In Rex Beach's ‘The Ne'er-Do-Well’ Kirk Anthony is a rich, playboy who enjoys the lavish lifestyle of expensive dinners, fancy cars, and the New York Night Life, despite his father’s pleas for him to settle down and do some real work. Kirk won’t stop having a good time with his father’s money until one of his drunken friends is persuaded, by a man trying to escape the law, to play a fun ‘trick’ on Kirk. Kirk is kidnapped by his own friends and put on a ship to Panama with no money and the wanted man’s identity. Working to earn his passage home, Kirk is shocked to find that his father is tired of his irresponsible lifestyle and refuses to help him out of this situation. The perfect novel for fans of ‘Windfall’ starring Jason Segal and Jesse Plemons, or ‘All the Money in the World’.Rex Beach, was an American novelist, playwright, and Olympic water polo player. His novels, most of which were adventure novels, were influenced by Jack London – author of ‘White Fang’ – and they were very popular during the early 1900s. His second novel, ‘The Spoilers’ which was based on a true experience he witnessed while in Alaska of corrupt government officials stealing gold mines from prospectors, became one of the best-selling novels of 1906.

‘Rainbow's End’ by Rex Beach is a western, action-adventure novel set to the backdrop of the Spanish-American war that will be enjoyed by fans of ‘Rough Riders’ by Theodore Roosevelt or the film ‘Citizen Kane’. The story tells the tale of a time when young men in the West who were old enough to ride would head to East Texas to join Theodore Roosevelt’s Rough Riders, and assist with the invasion of Cuba. They would ride to glory and return as heroes, but there were very few who would return home to their families.Rex Beach, was an American novelist, playwright, and Olympic water polo player. His novels, most of which were adventure novels, were influenced by Jack London – author of ‘White Fang’ – and they were very popular during the early 1900s. His second novel, ‘The Spoilers’ which was based on a true experience he witnessed while in Alaska of corrupt government officials stealing gold mines from prospectors, became one of the best-selling novels of 1906.