English books

Orphan Anna’s life is changed for the better when she inherits an estate from her maternal uncle.Kind and intelligent, Anna decides to pass on some of her wealth by setting up a home for twelve women who have been mistreated throughout their life. These twelve women will be freed from financial worries, and will therefore not need to marry.Instead, they will be able to live in a place of natural beauty, forming a group of friends. Her goal is to make the women happy but achieving that may be harder than imagined...‘The Benefactress’ by Elizabeth von Arnim is a humorous historical fiction classic that will be enjoyed by fans of ‘Great Expectations’.Elizabeth von Arnim was an English novelist – a cousin of the New Zealand-born writer Katherine Mansfield – born as Mary Annette Beauchamp in Australia in 1866. She married a German aristocrat and her earliest written works are set in Germany.Von Arnim launched her career as a writer with her satirical and semi-autobiographical work ‘Elizabeth and Her German Garden’, published anonymously in 1898. Although she was known by the name May in her early life, when she began writing, her success as ‘Elizabeth’ meant that her writings were ascribed to the name Elizabeth von Arnim.

Between 1904 and 1918, Wallace collected tales about life in the British Army and the escapades and adventures of the troops. These led him to create the eponymous character, ‘Smithy.’The third book in the series, ‘Smithy and the Hun’ sees the eponymous soldier and his two mates, Nobby Clark, and Spud Murphy, sent to fight in the First World War.However, rather than blood and bullets, this story focuses on our hapless heroes’ hilarious antics.Light-hearted and fun for Wallace fans of all ages.Initially published in the Daily Mail, the ´Smithy´ series features a bunch of short stories about the everyday life of the soldiers in the British military.Born in London, Edgar Wallace (1875 – 1932) was an English writer so prolific, that his publisher claimed that he was responsible for a quarter of all books sold in England.Leaving school at the age of 12, Wallace made his first steps into the literary world by selling newspapers on the corner of Fleet Street.He worked as a war correspondent after joining the army at age 21, which honed his writing abilities. This led to the creation of his first book, ‘The Four Just Men.’Wallace is best remembered as the co-creator of ‘King Kong,’ which has been adapted for film 12 times (most notably directed by ‘Lord of the Rings’ director, Peter Jackson, and starring Jack Black and Naomi Watts).However, he leaves behind an extensive body of work, including stories such as ‘The Crimson Circle’ and ‘The Flying Squad.’

Between 1904 and 1918, Wallace collected tales about life in the British Army and the escapades and adventures of the troops. These led him to create the eponymous character, ‘Smithy.’The first in the ´Smithy´ series, this book is a collection of 23 short stories and vignettes featuring the eponymous soldier and his two mates, Nobby Clark and Spud Murphy.Easy to dip in and out of and with Wallace’s crackling use of dialogue, ‘Smithy’ is a perfect gift for any fans of one of the most prolific authors of the 20th century.Initially published in the Daily Mail, the ´Smithy´ series features a bunch of short stories about the everyday life of the soldiers in the British military.Born in London, Edgar Wallace (1875 – 1932) was an English writer so prolific, that his publisher claimed that he was responsible for a quarter of all books sold in England.Leaving school at the age of 12, Wallace made his first steps into the literary world by selling newspapers on the corner of Fleet Street.He worked as a war correspondent after joining the army at age 21, which honed his writing abilities. This led to the creation of his first book, ‘The Four Just Men.’Wallace is best remembered as the co-creator of ‘King Kong,’ which has been adapted for film 12 times (most notably directed by ‘Lord of the Rings’ director, Peter Jackson, and starring Jack Black and Naomi Watts).However, he leaves behind an extensive body of work, including stories such as ‘The Crimson Circle’ and ‘The Flying Squad.’

Mr Chell is a very wealthy man. However, even his money cannot buy him a sense of humour.When he receives a letter demanding thousands of pounds to prevent his imminent kidnap, he must decide whether this is a joke or something more serious.A wry, sly tale, packed with twists and turns and an unexpected ending, ‘Gospel-Truth Mortimer’ is a rollicking read for fans of Agatha Christie.Born in London, Edgar Wallace (1875 – 1932) was an English writer so prolific that his publisher claimed that he was responsible for a quarter of all books sold in England.Leaving school at the age of 12, Wallace made his first steps into the literary world by selling newspapers on the corner of Fleet Street.He worked as a war correspondent after joining the army at age 21, which honed his writing abilities. This led to the creation of his first book ‘The Four Just Men.’Wallace is best remembered as the co-creator of ‘King Kong,’ which has been adapted for film 12 times (most notably directed by ‘Lord of the Rings’ director, Peter Jackson, and starring Jack Black and Naomi Watts).However, he leaves behind an extensive body of work, including stories such as ‘The Crimson Circle’ and ‘The Flying Squad’.

Major Herbert Rowse Armstrong has the dubious honour of being the only UK solicitor to be executed for murder.‘Herbert Armstrong – Poisoner’ details the courtroom proceedings following his arrest, documented by then-reporter, Edgar Wallace.A grim, true-crime story, it follows two sets of poisonings, one of which proved to be fatal.A gripping account of a trial and the British criminal justice system at the time, this is a superb read for true-crime enthusiasts and fans of ´The Salisbury Poisonings´ on Netflix.Born in London, Edgar Wallace (1875 – 1932) was an English writer so prolific that his publisher claimed that he was responsible for a quarter of all books sold in England.Leaving school at the age of 12, Wallace made his first steps into the literary world by selling newspapers on the corner of Fleet Street.He worked as a war correspondent after joining the army at age 21, which honed his writing abilities. This led to the creation of his first book ‘The Four Just Men.’Wallace is best remembered as the co-creator of ‘King Kong,’ which has been adapted for film 12 times (most notably directed by ‘Lord of the Rings’ director, Peter Jackson, and starring Jack Black and Naomi Watts).However, he leaves behind an extensive body of work, including stories such as ‘The Crimson Circle’ and ‘The Flying Squad’.

The ninth instalment in the ‘Sanders of the River’ series, ´Sandi the King-Maker´ provides a fitting end for our eponymous hero.When a missionary and his daughter go missing in Africa, Commissioner Sanders is sent there to find out what happened.However, what he uncovers will challenge even his pragmatic and idealistic approach.Set in the days of British Colonialism, ‘Sandi the King-Maker’ offers a fascinating look at life under the British Empire while packing in plenty of adventure.´Sandi the King-Maker´ is the ideal read for Wallace fans and those with an interest in colonial history.Prior to the success of ´King Kong´, which he co-created, Edgar Wallace published a selection of tales about Commissioner Sanders and his adventures in Africa under British rule.Born in London, Edgar Wallace (1875 – 1932) was an English writer so prolific that his publisher claimed that he was responsible for a quarter of all books sold in England.Leaving school at the age of 12, Wallace made his first steps into the literary world by selling newspapers on the corner of Fleet Street.He worked as a war correspondent after joining the army at age 21, which honed his writing abilities. This led to the creation of his first book ‘The Four Just Men.’Wallace is best remembered as the co-creator of ‘King Kong,’ which has been adapted for film 12 times (most notably directed by ‘Lord of the Rings’ director, Peter Jackson, and starring Jack Black and Naomi Watts).However, he leaves behind an extensive body of work, including stories such as ‘The Crimson Circle’ and ‘The Flying Squad’.

"Last night after dinner, when we were in the garden, I said, "I want to be alone for a whole summer, and get to the very dregs of life. I want to be as idle as I can, so that my soul may have time to grow."This witty tale of a rejuvenating summer is a semi-autobiographical tale told in the form of diary entries from a nameless narrator.In it, a woman spends her summer in her garden, away from the social world that she was trained to reside in with all its rules and conventions.Despite the name of the book, the nameless female narrator does not spend her entire summer alone but is instead joined by her daughters and husband – the latter of which she has nicknamed ‘The Man of Wrath’.A sequel to her famous début ‘Elizabeth and Her German Garden’, ‘The Solitary Summer’ will delight fans of ‘Downton Abbey’ and ´Bridgerton', whose narratives feature the same social world our heroine is trying to escape.Elizabeth von Arnim was an English novelist – a cousin of the New Zealand-born writer Katherine Mansfield – born as Mary Annette Beauchamp in Australia in 1866. She married a German aristocrat and her earliest written works are set in Germany.Von Arnim launched her career as a writer with her satirical and semi-autobiographical work ‘Elizabeth and Her German Garden’, published anonymously in 1898. Although she was known by the name May in her early life, when she began writing, her success as ‘Elizabeth’ meant that her writings were ascribed to the name Elizabeth von Arnim.

If you can imagine Rowan Atkinson’s ‘Mr Bean’ as a lieutenant serving in Africa during the days of the British Empire, then you’ve got a good idea of ‘Lieutenant Bones.’When Commissioner Sanders goes on leave, the African territories are left under the watchful eye of Lieutenant ‘Bones’ Hamilton.However, it soon becomes painfully obvious that our hapless hero is definitely not up to the job – particularly when trying to negotiate peace talks with a local chief.A light-hearted look at a soldier completely out of his depth, ‘Lieutenant Bones’ is the ideal read for those interested in humourous adventure stories.Prior to the success of ´King Kong´, which he co-created, Edgar Wallace published a selection of tales about Commissioner Sanders and his adventures in Africa under British rule.Born in London, Edgar Wallace (1875 – 1932) was an English writer so prolific that his publisher claimed that he was responsible for a quarter of all books sold in England.Leaving school at the age of 12, Wallace made his first steps into the literary world by selling newspapers on the corner of Fleet Street.He worked as a war correspondent after joining the army at age 21, which honed his writing abilities. This led to the creation of his first book ‘The Four Just Men.’Wallace is best remembered as the co-creator of ‘King Kong,’ which has been adapted for film 12 times (most notably directed by ‘Lord of the Rings’ director, Peter Jackson, and starring Jack Black and Naomi Watts).However, he leaves behind an extensive body of work, including stories such as ‘The Crimson Circle’ and ‘The Flying Squad’.

Set during the First World War, ‘My Adventures, A German Spy in Britain’ is a collection of short stories narrated by secret agent, Heine.While he might have been sent to London by German Intelligence, intelligence is not his strong point. Armed with a Chilean passport and posing as a reporter for the Chinese New Bureau, the hapless Heine sets about uncovering any secrets he can.However, his natural cowardice and penchant for missing the obvious make his task much harder than necessary.A light-hearted and fun read for fans of the ‘Smithy’ series.Born in London, Edgar Wallace (1875 – 1932) was an English writer so prolific that his publisher claimed that he was responsible for a quarter of all books sold in England.Leaving school at the age of 12, Wallace made his first steps into the literary world by selling newspapers on the corner of Fleet Street.He worked as a war correspondent after joining the army at age 21, which honed his writing abilities. This led to the creation of his first book ‘The Four Just Men.’Wallace is best remembered as the co-creator of ‘King Kong,’ which has been adapted for film 12 times (most notably directed by ‘Lord of the Rings’ director, Peter Jackson, and starring Jack Black and Naomi Watts).However, he leaves behind an extensive body of work, including stories such as ‘The Crimson Circle’ and ‘The Flying Squad’.

Told through various eyewitness accounts, ‘Eve’s Island’ follows the adventures of Captain Tatham.On discovering a deserted island, he claims it as his own. However, he also discovers a quantity of gold and a racehorse that seems to be in good shape.Inspired to win the love of socialite Eve Smith, he decides to return to Britain and enter his new horse into the racing circuit. While he’s away, others have their eyes on ‘Eve’s Island.’A rollicking adventure story packed with action, pirates, and adventure, this is a wonderful read for those who like their books taut, tense, and shot through with some old-school romance.Born in London, Edgar Wallace (1875 – 1932) was an English writer so prolific that his publisher claimed that he was responsible for a quarter of all books sold in England.Leaving school at the age of 12, Wallace made his first steps into the literary world by selling newspapers on the corner of Fleet Street.He worked as a war correspondent after joining the army at age 21, which honed his writing abilities. This led to the creation of his first book ‘The Four Just Men.’Wallace is best remembered as the co-creator of ‘King Kong,’ which has been adapted for film 12 times (most notably directed by ‘Lord of the Rings’ director, Peter Jackson, and starring Jack Black and Naomi Watts).However, he leaves behind an extensive body of work, including stories such as ‘The Crimson Circle’ and ‘The Flying Squad’.

The game of cat and mouse begins...Following an eight month suspension for gross misconduct, Detective Inspector Andy Horton returns to his job after the charges are dropped, but the stain on his career and personal life persists.When Horton stumbles across a naked corpse, brutally bludgeoned, he sets out to find the killer. And while his colleagues want him off the case, fate has other plans.As a second body surfaces, chilling similarities send shivers down Horton's spine - is he the killer's next target?A gripping detective mystery perfect for fans of Ann Cleeves, Joy Ellis, and Rachel McLean.The Portsmouth Murders © 2023 Pauline RowsonTHE DETECTIVEAbandoned as a child, DI Andy Horton grew up in a children’s home. Now he lives onboard his yacht in Southsea Marina. He rides a Harley-Davidson and never wears a suit or tie — unless it’s to go to court. He’s an instinctive copper and a man of contrasts, which often lands him in trouble with his bosses. He has a desperate need to belong, and yet is always just on the outside. Self-contained and afraid to show his feelings, but also a risk-taker that seeks justice.THE SETTINGPortsmouth boasts a vibrant waterfront, a diverse multicultural population, an international port, a historic dockyard, and is home of the Royal Navy. Portsmouth Harbour is one of the busiest in the world — and one of the best places to hide a body, it seems. Set against the backdrop of the sea, the Solent area of Portsmouth and the Isle of Wight is every detective’s worst nightmare. The sea is ever-changing and often the best clues get swept away by the tide.Pauline Rowson is the author of twenty-four gripping, fast-paced, atmospheric crime novels including the popular SOLENT MURDER MYSTERY series featuring the rugged and troubled DI Andy Horton. She is a member of the Crime Writers' Association and the Society of Authors.

‘Sanditon’ (1817) is written by the renowned English novelist Jane Austen. The story takes place in the fictional town of Sanditon on the Sussex coast, where Mr Parker, a local businessman, is determined to turn Sanditon into a fashionable tourist town.However, the arrival of his sisters and brother, a school party from the West Indies, and Sir Edward Denham soon have Sanditon buzzing with gossip, romance, and deceit.Full of all the memorable characters, humour, and tangled relationships we have come to expect from the author, this unfinished novel is a must for all Austen fans.‘Sanditon’ was made into a popular ITV series in 2019, starring Crystal Clarke, Rose Williams, and Kris Marshall.There are few authors as iconic as Jane Austen (1775-1817). Her body of work contains some of the most beloved books and characters of all time which have been in print for over two hundred years and sold millions of copies worldwide.Austen was a trailblazer, famed for her satire, her astute social commentary and her strong-willed, passionate heroines. Her ability to wield humour with realism has found her favour with critics and readers for generations.Her most famous works include Pride and Prejudice (1813), Emma (1816), Sense and Sensibility (1811) and Persuasion (1818), all of which have received success in adaptations for the screen, stage, and radio.

For fans of American history and the abolition of slavery, 'Clotel' follows two sisters who are the fictional slave daughters of Thomas Jefferson. After Thomas Jefferson's death, Clotel and her sister Althesa encounter many hardships, with the women making heroic decisions in order to keep themselves safe and preserve their families.A harrowing story of huge importance, 'Clotel' is the first novel published by an African American. With historic overtones, the story looks at how slavery destroyed African-American families and tore them apart, and the difficulties mixed-raced people faced living in the mid-1800s.Those who enjoyed Ellen Watkins Harper's 'Iola Leroy' should certainly explore this gripping historical novel!William Wells Brown was a prominent abolitionist lecturer, novelist, playwright, and historian in the United States. He was born into slavery in Montgomery County, Kentucky and escaped to Ohio in 1834 at the age of 19.He settled in Boston where he worked for abolitionist causes and became a prolific writer. His novel Clotel (1853), considered the first novel written by an African American, was published in London, where he resided at the time; it was later published in the United States.Brown was a pioneer in travel writing, fiction, and drama literary genres. In 1858 he became the first published African-American playwright and following the Civil War, in 1867 he published what is considered the first history of African Americans in the Revolutionary War. He was among the first writers inducted to the Kentucky Writers Hall of Fame, established in 2013.Brown was lecturing in England when the 1850 Fugitive Slave Law was passed in the US. As its provisions increased the risk of capture and re-enslavement, he stayed overseas for several years and traveled throughout Europe. After his freedom was purchased in 1854 by a British couple, he and his two daughters returned to the US.

In a land of fairy tales, the forest holds all kinds of dangers for curious little children.On the way to her grandmother's house, a little girl meets the big, bad wolf. Despite her mother's instruction not to talk to strangers, Little Red Riding Hood makes a very dangerous mistake and soon the forest becomes a dark and mysterious place, where even her grandmother's smile is sinister.Told in verse, Lydia Louisa Anna Very brings new life and wonder to the classic children's fairy tale. Fans of fairy tales and families alike will fall under the spell of this enchanting return to the world of Little Red Riding Hood.Lydia Louisa Anna Very (1823-1901) was an American writer, poet, teacher, and illustrator. She was a prolific poet and translator but is best remembered for writing the first shaped books in America: books printed in the shape of people or animals.Her work includes the children’s fairy tale ´Red Riding Hood´, and Daniel Defoe’s classic ´Robinson Crusoe´, written in verse.

The first novel in the ‘Parade’s End’ series, ‘Some Do Not’ is widely considered to be a landmark novel surrounding the events that led to World War I.We are introduced to mathematician Christopher Tietjens, who is locked in an unhappy marriage with his wife, Sylvia. However, his relationship with a young Suffragette, Valentine, is starting to become romantic, when he is called away to fight in World War I. Both his private and professional lives will conspire to change him, forever.'Some Do Not' is a stunning novel for all fans of romance and war fiction.Born in Wimbledon, Joseph Leopold Ford Hermann Madox Hueffer (1873 – 1939) was a prolific poet, novelist, and literary critic, who would become better known by his pen-name, Ford Madox Ford. The grandson of the artist, Ford Madox Brown, he was educated firstly in Kent, before being accepted at the University College School in London.At the age of 21, Ford eloped with his childhood sweetheart, Elsie Martindale. After living at several houses, they finally settled in Winchelsea. There, Ford befriended a number of authors living locally, including HG Wells and Henry James.However, it was Joseph Conrad with whom he decided to collaborate, writing a pirate novel titled ‘Romance’. After a nervous breakdown, Ford went to recover in Germany, which laid the foundations for ‘The Good Soldier´.On returning to England, he founded ‘The English Review’ magazine, before being sent to fight in World War I. When the war finished, Ford spent the rest of his life travelling and writing. He leaves behind him more than 80 books and numerous poems.

In this dazzling collection, Nemerov plays with other forms of poetry, including gnomic verse, sonnets, and lyrics. ‘Sentences’ reverberates with imaginative approaches to poetry, and the subject matters are equally varied. Poems, such as ‘A Christmas Storm,’ and ‘By Al Leibowitz’s Pool’ are both charming and fantastic examples of the author’s ability with words. Shot through with his trademark sense of the satirical, ‘Sentences’ is a must for Nemerov fans, and for those looking for an introduction to his work.Howard Nemerov (1920 – 1991) was an American novelist and poet, who won the Pulitzer Prize in 1978. His novels are characterised by the use of self-deprecating wit and an ongoing sense of irony. While his books tended to satirise 20th Century American life, his poems often focussed on the beauty and innocence of nature. In addition, Nemerov also worked as a scriptwriter, most notably on the film, ‘Tall Story,’ starring Anthony Perkins and Jane Fonda.

‘Main Street’ is the novel accredited with launching Sinclair's trailblazing career. Unlike his contemporaries Hemingway and Fitzgerald, Sinclair chooses to focus on middle America, the rural Midwest, rather than the upper crusts of New York and Paris.We follow a young, idealistic woman as she desperately tries to implement her grand plans to change her small town for the better. The novel teems with life, offering a view in to the very soul of America, the death of its healthy curiosity, and its desire to see the bigger picture.It is an entertaining and haunting novel that is built upon characters with incredible depth. There are no over-arching protagonists; they are all painfully, beautifully human. If you loved James Dean's ‘Rebel without a Cause’, you will love this classic.Harry Sinclair Lewis (1885-1951) was an American author and playwright. A Yale graduate, Lewis was the first American to win the Nobel Prize for Literature in 1930. He became renowned for his biting critiques and satire of American capitalism and materialism in the inter-war years.Additionally, he is remembered for his strong characterisations of modern working women in his novels. His most notable works include ´The Trail of the Hawk´, ´Main Street´, ´Free Air´, and ´Babbitt´.

‘A Footnote to History’ is an account of Colonial abuse in Samoa, the scramble by the US, Germany and Britain so swallow up land with little regard for the native Samoans. Stevenson became deeply ingrained in the local culture, siding squarely with the Samoans against the duplicitous colonials, so much so that he even fought alongside the Samoans to help keep their king in power.It is frontline journalism, Stevenson is in the midst of this conflict and gives incredible account of both the foreign and native discord. His account brings century old events to life and makes for incredible reading. Despite its age, the lessons in this book stand the test of time and deserve to be learned by all.Robert Louis Stevenson (1850-1894), was an author with a formidable legacy. You will be hard pressed to find anyone alive today who has not come across his work in one form or another. The brilliant mind behind ‘Treasure Island’ and the ‘Strange case of Dr Jekyll and Mr Hyde’, has had a profound impact on every aspect of entertainment to this day with his brilliant creations. Despite dealing with ill health all his life he was a prolific traveller, spending his later years in Samoa where he fought vigorously for the rights of the natives, earning their love and respect. R.L Stevenson was a character in his own right, passionate and adventurous, his spirit shines through in his work, from his novels to his travel guides. You simply owe it to yourself to experience his creations, he was a true titan of literature on whose shoulders we all stand.

John Sands desperately needs a bribe. Fast.When an escaped convict turns up on his sofa one morning, John thinks he has found his luck. But will one criminal mind to another be able to dig John out of his murky mess?And more importantly, in a world where women are not expected to be cunning, will this convict be able to hoodwink John’s enemies?Perfect for fans of Netflix’s ‘Peaky Blinders’, Edgar Wallace’s alluring ‘The Million Dollar Story’ weaves a rip-roaring tale of crime and cunningness.Edgar Wallace (1875-1932) was an English writer so prolific, that his publisher claimed that he was responsible for a quarter of all books sold in England.An author, journalist and poet, Wallace wrote countless novels, short stories, screenplays, and stage plays, along with historical non-fiction.His work has been adapted into more than 160 films. In 1932, Wallace died suddenly in Hollywood, during the initial drafting of his most famous work, ‘King Kong’.

All that Jim Steele remembers of the disappearance of Lady Mary Danton and her young daughter was the commotion surrounding their large fortune. Vanished without a trace, the two were never found and the mystery was left unsolved. But 20 years on, the Danton fortune is about to fall into the hands of Digby Groat. And this doesn’t sound quite right - not to Jim Steele. With all the courage he can muster, Jim is about to dig a little deeper, uncovering some uneasy secrets along the way. Perfect for thrill-seeking fans, Edgar Wallace’s ‘Blue Hand’ is the ideal suspenseful read, straight from the mind of the man behind Carl Denham’s blockbuster hit ‘King Kong’Edgar Wallace (1875-1932) was an English writer so prolific, that his publisher claimed that he was responsible for a quarter of all books sold in England. An author, journalist and poet, Wallace wrote countless novels, short stories, screenplays, and stage plays, along with historical non-fiction. His work has been adapted into more than 160 films. In 1932, Wallace died suddenly in Hollywood, during the initial drafting of his most famous work, ‘King Kong’.

Originally published as ‘La Belle et la Bête’, Gabrielle-Suzanne de Villeneuve's 'Beauty and the Beast' was published in 1740 and is the oldest known version of this fairytale."A tale as old as time", ‘Beauty and the Beast’ is the bewitching fantasy romance story of Belle – a young woman imprisoned in the magical castle of a monstrous yet princely beast, where she is forced to "be our guest".This is an epic story that has captured generations of readers and will be enjoyed by fans of both film adaptations, from the animated Disney classic to the live-action film starring Emma Watson.Gabrielle-Suzanne de Villeneuve was a French author who published fairy tales and novels but is best remembered for writing the original story ‘La Belle et la Bête’. It was published in 1740 and is the oldest known version of the fairy tale ‘Beauty and the Beast’, which has since been adapted twice for the big screen including the animated Disney classic and the live-action movie starring Emma Watson as Belle.After her death, Gabrielle-Suzanne de Villeneuve’s ‘Beauty and the Beast’ was abridged by another author, Leprince de Beaumont, who did not credit the tale’s original writer. Leprince de Beaumont is, therefore, often still wrongly credited as being the original author, and her shortened version is the one most commonly known today.

Everyone knows the rhyme about poor Humpty Dumpty but how many have heard the tale of his son?Humpty Dumpty’s son wants to be different form his father, harder and not so fragile. The son vows to become stronger than his father and more resilient to breaking. He goes to the black hen for advice, and his story begins.What a marvelous adventure awaits Humpty Dumpty's son!Humpty's many travels and escapades continue to please children all around the world.William Wallace Denslow (1856-1915) was an American illustrator and caricaturist. He is most famous for a number of one notable, classic nursery rhymes and stories.He also drew the illustrations for 'The Wonderful Wizard of Oz' (1900), which as everyone knows was written by L. Frank Baum and turned into many movies with most famous starring Judy Garland. Who can ever forget the adventures of Dorothy, Scarecrow, Tin Man and the Lion!

‘Emily of New Moon’ (1923) is the first in a series of classic children’s novels by Canadian author L. M. Montgomery, about an orphan girl growing up on Prince Edward Island in Canada. Montgomery is best known as the author of the best-selling ‘Anne of Green Gables’ series.When Emily's father dies, she is sent to live at New Moon with her strict Aunt Elizabeth. Won over by the beauty of her new surroundings, Emily soon makes friends with her eccentric cousin Jimmy, tomboy Ilse, artist Teddy, and Perry.This classic children’s story of family, friendship, and adventure is perfect for both girls and boys and fans of ‘Swallows and Amazons’ by Arthur Ransome. The two other novels in the series are ‘Emily Climbs’ (1925) and ‘Emily's Quest’ (1927).Lucy Maud Montgomery (1874-1942) was a Canadian author and poet, best known for her series of novels ‘Anne of Green Gables’ published in 1908. The books were a huge success and made her famous in her lifetime. They have been adapted for TV and film on many occasions, including the Netflix TV series ‘Anne with an E’.L.M. Montgomery published 20 novels as well as hundreds of short stories and poems. Among her most notable works are ‘Emily of New Moon’ (1923), ‘Emily Climbs’ (1925), and ‘Emily's Quest’ (1927).

‘A Christmas Sermon’ is an emotional and powerful piece. Written by Stevenson as he recuperated from another lung issue outside New York, he ponders the questions of life, death, morality and man’s place in it all. His prose is beautiful, his pondering interrupted by philosophy and a healthy dose of poetry. It is an emotional read, seeing such a great literary mind facing down the long journey, but *spoiler alert* it ends happily.Stevenson concludes that man’s purpose is "to be honest, to be kind, to earn a little and spend less, to make upon the whole a family happier for his presence". They are questions we all ask ourselves, questions that can make us feel hopelessly lost, but we aren’t, we’re just figuring things out.This little sermon packs a punch, it is incredibly cathartic pondering the questions of life with one of the greatest literary minds of all time, and as such is perfect reading for anyone.Robert Louis Stevenson (1850-1894), was an author with a formidable legacy. You will be hard pressed to find anyone alive today who has not come across his work in one form or another. The brilliant mind behind ‘Treasure Island’ and the ‘Strange case of Dr Jekyll and Mr Hyde’, has had a profound impact on every aspect of entertainment to this day with his brilliant creations. Despite dealing with ill health all his life he was a prolific traveller, spending his later years in Samoa where he fought vigorously for the rights of the natives, earning their love and respect. R.L Stevenson was a character in his own right, passionate and adventurous, his spirit shines through in his work, from his novels to his travel guides. You simply owe it to yourself to experience his creations, he was a true titan of literature on whose shoulders we all stand.

A wizard with words, Nemerov presents this collection of poems in his typical, sardonic style. However, the humour is used to slide more important themes under the radar, making this both a funny and reflective read. Poems such as ‘Fish Swimming Amid Falling Flowers,’ and ‘Graven Images’ see his haunting observations on nature, while others, such as ‘Acts of God,’ and ‘Striders’ deal with more epic ideas. A superb introduction to one of the greatest American poets of the 20th Century.Howard Nemerov (1920 – 1991) was an American novelist and poet, who won the Pulitzer Prize in 1978. His novels are characterised by the use of self-deprecating wit and an ongoing sense of irony. While his books tended to satirise 20th Century American life, his poems often focussed on the beauty and innocence of nature. In addition, Nemerov also worked as a scriptwriter, most notably on the film, ‘Tall Story,’ starring Anthony Perkins and Jane Fonda.

‘A day with Robert Louis Stevenson’ is no doubt every ‘Stevensonian’s’ dream, it is a rare look behind the curtain of one of the greatest literary talents mankind has ever seen. This book takes you to the sickly authors home where only the most "favoured" people were ever permitted. Consider yourself favoured, and step inside with this legendary author as you sit down to have all you burning questions answered.This book is perfect for fans of the great author as it gives an incredibly fascinating and vivid first hand insight in to his later life.Robert Louis Stevenson (1850-1894), was an author with a formidable legacy. You will be hard pressed to find anyone alive today who has not come across his work in one form or another. The brilliant mind behind ‘Treasure Island’ and the ‘Strange case of Dr Jekyll and Mr Hyde’, has had a profound impact on every aspect of entertainment to this day with his brilliant creations. Despite dealing with ill health all his life he was a prolific traveller, spending his later years in Samoa where he fought vigorously for the rights of the natives, earning their love and respect. R.L Stevenson was a character in his own right, passionate and adventurous, his spirit shines through in his work, from his novels to his travel guides. You simply owe it to yourself to experience his creations, he was a true titan of literature on whose shoulders we all stand.

A famine in Rome among the common people is causing problems for the aristocrats too, including the arrogant Caius Martius, who is particularly despised by people and makes no secret of his own hatred in return.After earning the honourable title of "Coriolanus", however, Martius decides to seek office, but he soon realises that he will need the support of the people who hate him the most.One of William Shakespeare’s darker, bloodier, and more disturbing plays, ´Coriolanus´ has been performed by a plethora of wonderful contemporary actors including; Sir Ian McKellan, Morgan Freeman, and Tom Hiddleston.William Shakespeare (1564-1616) was an English playwright, poet, and actor. Known as ‘The Bard’, he is still regarded as the greatest playwright in the world and the greatest English language writer.He wrote poems and sonnets, but is probably best known for his comedic, tragic and historical plays such as ‘Hamlet’, ‘Othello’, ‘King Lear’, ‘A Midsummer Night's Dream’, ‘Romeo and Juliet’, and ‘Macbeth’.Incredibly influential and popular, his works are still performed at the renowned 'Globe Theatre' and the 'Royal Shakespeare Company' in Stratford-upon-Avon, where Shakespeare was born and lived much of his life.

This collection of three plays written by two equally creative minds takes the reader on a wild journey. In ‘Deacon Brodie’ we follow the double life of the character of the same name, a politician by day and a thrill seeking thief by night - will his double life catch up with him?We are then thrown in to a vicious boiling pot of romance and violence in ‘Beau Austin’ where a womanising bachelor will have to move carefully if he hopes to survive. Spurned lovers, duels to the death and huge sums of money on the line, what more could you ask from a dramatic play?Finally we take to the seas, where some iconic characters from ‘Treasure Island’ will reprise their roles in a tale of love, hope of course lost treasure. It is an adventurous caper with wonderful characters, perfect for any lovers of ‘Pirates of the Caribbean’.Robert Louis Stevenson (1850-1894), was an author with a formidable legacy. You will be hard pressed to find anyone alive today who has not come across his work in one form or another. The brilliant mind behind ‘Treasure Island’ and the ‘Strange case of Dr Jekyll and Mr Hyde’, has had a profound impact on every aspect of entertainment to this day with his brilliant creations. Despite dealing with ill health all his life he was a prolific traveller, spending his later years in Samoa where he fought vigorously for the rights of the natives, earning their love and respect. R.L Stevenson was a character in his own right, passionate and adventurous, his spirit shines through in his work, from his novels to his travel guides. You simply owe it to yourself to experience his creations, he was a true titan of literature on whose shoulders we all stand.

‘Essays of Travel’ represents years of travel writing unpublished by Stevenson in is lifetime, and offer and incredible insight in to his globe-trotting adventures. From sultry walks in Suffolk to the rolling snows of Carrick to the tall mountain towns of France it is an all-encompassing collection. The collection includes wonderful anecdotes from Stevenson’s life, including the training in his youth to be a lighthouse engineer, and the inhospitable griminess that comes with it. This collection is perfect for lovers of classic travel writing, or people keen to know just how hard it was to be a Victorian lighthouse engineer.Robert Louis Stevenson (1850-1894), was an author with a formidable legacy. You will be hard pressed to find anyone alive today who has not come across his work in one form or another. The brilliant mind behind ‘Treasure Island’ and the ‘Strange case of Dr Jekyll and Mr Hyde’, has had a profound impact on every aspect of entertainment to this day with his brilliant creations. Despite dealing with ill health all his life he was a prolific traveller, spending his later years in Samoa where he fought vigorously for the rights of the natives, earning their love and respect. R.L Stevenson was a character in his own right, passionate and adventurous, his spirit shines through in his work, from his novels to his travel guides. You simply owe it to yourself to experience his creations, he was a true titan of literature on whose shoulders we all stand.

‘Abolition Fanaticism in New York’ is a speech written by Douglass and delivered in 1847.Proving that the pen can be mightier than the sword, Douglass deftly used his linguistic abilities to create a rousing appeal to the English to shame America into abolishing slavery.Witty, moving, and always intelligent, this is a superb read for anyone with an interest in one of America’s most unsung heroes.Frederick Douglass (1818-1995) was an American abolitionist and author. Born into slavery in Maryland, he was of African, European, and Native American descent. He was separated from his mother at a young age and lived with his grandmother until he was moved to another plantation.Frederick was taught his alphabet by the wife of one of his owners, a knowledge he passed on to other slaves. In 1838, he successfully escaped slavery by jumping on a north-bound train. After less than 24 hours, he was in New York and free.The same year, he married the woman that had inspired his run for freedom and started working actively as a social reformer, orator, statesman, and women’s rights defender.He remains most known today for his 1845 autobiography "Narrative of the Life of Frederick Douglass, an American Slave".