English books

‘Edinburgh - Picturesque Notes’ is a love letter to home in many ways. In a collection of essays renowned author, Robert Louis Stevenson, recounts historic areas of the city, and the contrasts it contains, split between the rich and poor, the city and the countryside.He lovingly delves in to the beauty of the city, nostalgic for its past, but does not shy away from the gruesome history of his city either, recounting the tales of many sinister events such as ‘Deacon Brodie’ and ‘Major Weir’. The essays are humorous, with quick jabs at the residents of the city and even the weather, the most common jibe of all for those familiar with Scotland.To Stevenson, he was sharing this nostalgia with all the Edinburgh emigrants, in the hopes that they would find comfort in seeing a place near and dear to them recounted in his book. Perfect for those fascinated with Scotland’s ancient city, or just really big fans of ‘Trainspotting’.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.

Widely considered to be among his best works, ‘War Stories’ is a collection of poems detailing Nemerov’s observations and personal experiences of the Second World War. From the grand, sweeping reflections of ‘The War in the Heavens’ to the haunting verses of ‘The War in the Streets,’ this anthology is as pertinent now as it was when it was first published. A superb book for those with an interest in World War II, or those who want to see a different side to this usually-satirical poet.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.

‘Sultana’s Dream’ is an extraordinarily prescient story set in fictional Ladyland. The narrator, Sultana, falls asleep and is greeted by Sister Sara, who introduces her to the futuristic society she has apparently awakened in.In this alternate reality, men are shy and timid creatures, while women pioneer scientific breakthroughs, such as solar power and weather control.A fascinating and thought-provoking tale that leaves the reader to decide whether this is, in fact, a dream or a visit from an unseen future.Born in Rangpur, Begum Rokeya (1880 – 1932) was an author, political activist, and pioneer of women’s rights in South Asia. While her parents were wealthy, their religious beliefs meant that Rokeya and her sister were deprived of education. However, her brothers, who were both attending school, educated them by night.Rokeya’s literary career began when she was 22, with the publication of an essay, ‘Thirst’. This was followed up by two books, ‘Matichur’ and ‘Sultana’s Dream’. The latter took the bold step of reversing the roles of the sexes, in order to demonstrate what women are capable of contributing, given the chance. Her other works follow a similar thread, and Rokeya reinforced her beliefs by setting up the first school for Muslim girls.During her lifetime, she wrote 16 novels, including ‘The Fruit of Emancipation’ and ‘Education Ideals for the Modern Indian Girl’.

Shot through with his trademark humour, ‘Trying Conclusions’ is the fourteenth collection of poems from the lauded writer. Containing twenty-three poems, the topics vary wildly, from short verses on waiting rooms and fast cars to longer musings on his family, war, and the US Congress. Nemerov’s sense of the satirical is best seen in shorter offerings, where he takes a literary look at life from the other end of the telescope. A superb introduction to the works of one of the 20th Century’s most subversive scribes.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.

Everyone knows the story of Cinderella and her evil stepmother and sisters. Poor Elsie unfortunately finds herself in a similar situation. Only time will tell if she manages to survive?Elsie is an eight year old girl who lives with her father, and mourns the absence of her unknown mother. Elsie's stepmother and her own children look down on her and treat her badly. Poor Elsie is having a really hard time and her father does not seem to know how to help her. Something suddenly changes and he turns to God for guidance and spiritual escape.An amazing book that above all teaches morals and standards in children, showing them how to believe in themselves and be better human beings.Martha Finley (1828-1909) was an American teacher and author. Quite prolific, she wrote many books for children, teeming with sentimental and strictly religious beliefs. Her most noted created is the 28-volume 'Elsie Dinsmore' series (1867-1905). She also wrote under the pen name Martha Farquharson.Many of her early works were short stories contributed to the children's sections of Sunday-school papers.

‘Life Harvest’ is a collection of thoughts and reflections from the pen of Ann Henning Jocelyn. Containing both poetry and prose, ‘Life Harvest’ offers the reader a gentle and benevolent exploration of the various stages of life. Henning’s observations are funny, poignant, inspiring, and rooted in love. This book would make a superb gift for anyone who needs a little literary sunshine in their life.Ann Henning Jocelyn (born 1948) is a Swedish poet and playwright. Born in Gothenburg, she wrote her first story at the age of five and has been writing ever since. After the death of her grandparents, Henning’s mother relocated the family to Molndal. Henning found school life difficult there and was subject to bullying, as the result of her love of literature. However, she managed to write plays that entertained her classmates and the bullying subsided. After studying at Gothenburg University, Henning moved to London to work at the Open Space Theatre. In 1983, she moved again, this time to Ireland, which is where she now lives.

Set during the First World War, ‘A Day with von Tirpitz’ sees Billy Best and Tam returning from a bombing raid, where the German naval commander is staying.When engine trouble and fog bring their aeroplane down, they need to work out whether they are behind enemy lines. However, their investigations lead them to an unexpected encounter.A taut short story, ‘A Day with von Tirpitz’ is shot through with humour and offers a fascinating insight into life in the British army, during the early 20th Century.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.’

Father Damien was a Belgian, Roman Catholic Missionary who devoted his life to helping at a leper sanctuary in Hawaii. Eventually Father Damien would die of the illness more than twenty years after arriving at the sanctuary. This letter by Stevenson is in fact a response to the Reverend of Hawaii, who following Damien’s death began attacking his character, something Stevenson took huge problem with.This letter is a beautiful example of the kind of soul Stevenson was, in this letter he refutes the reverend’s gross statements point by point. Stevenson targets the hypocrisy of the reverend, his lack of moral character and his failure in his spiritual duties. This letter is a potent moral statement stemming from a desire to be good and to do better.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.

‘New Poems, and Variant Readings’ represents the adoration for which Stevenson’s fans have for his work. This collection of dozens of poems has been painstakingly gathered piece by piece by his fans from individual collectors the world over to create this book.They are incredibly personal, insightful and intimate looks in to the life of this legendary author, with the love poems in particular being a stand out attraction. These pieces were created over many years, and kept safe by Stevenson across his many globe-trotting travels, yet never published in his lifetime.For fans of Stevenson this collection gives an incredible insight in to the mind of one of history’s best writers while allowing you the chance to revel in one of literatures best kept secrets.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.

The third novel in the ‘Parade’s End’ series, ‘A Man Could Stand Up’ follows the further trials of Christopher Tietjens. Set on Armistice Day 1918, the story sees Tietjens back in London, mulling over the events of World War I.So too, is his beloved Valentine, although gossip has spread about their illicit, romantic entanglements. As each debates their place in a post-war world, the main burning question is whether or not they can find happiness together.A beautifully-written and touching story from one of the best war novelists of the 20th Century, 'A Man Could Stand Up' will delight any person who is interested in World War I literature.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 called ‘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.

Can a lowly shoeshine boy called Dick make his way up the ladder to bigger and better things or is he destined to be poor for his whole life?This classic rags-to-riches story follows young Dick Hunter’s life in New York City from his position as a lowly shoeshine boy to his rise through society. Wildly popular long after it was first published, 'Ragged Dick' is the first story in Horatio Alger Jr. famous series. Dick's confidence, determination, and great sense of humour help him a lot in life, especially with his encounters with people good and bad alike.Horatio Alger Jr. (1832-1899) was an American writer who worked predominantly in the young adult genre. His protagonists are often boys who undergo tremendous transformations and whose humble origins at the beginning are contrasted with their successful careers at the end of their journeys.Among his many novels, the most important ones are 'Ragged Dick', 'Fame and Fortune', 'Rough and Ready', and 'Adrift in New York'. A 1982 musical, Shine!, was based on Alger's work, particularly Ragged Dick and Silas Snobden's Office Boy.

The aristocratic Phil Meredith chooses to marry Violet, a working-class girl from London, which raises more than a few eyebrows. However, when Violet decides to throw a party for her friends at her new country residence, she is murdered, leaving the guests in a state of shock.The arrival of two detectives, Merrington and Caldew, sets the investigation in motion. This is swiftly followed by the arrival of America’s greatest private eye, Grant Colwyn. Will he be able to work with the two policemen, or will he rely on his own methods to solve the case?‘The Hand in the Dark’ is packed with red herrings, twists, and turns, and is sure to have even the most dedicated armchair detective guessing until the last page.Born in Melbourne, Arthur J. Rees (1872 – 1942) was an Australian author and journalist. After a brief spell working for the ‘Melbourne Age’ newspaper, he acted as a reporter for the ‘New Zealand Herald,’ before becoming the editor of the ‘New Zealand Truth.’During his twenties, Rees left for England, where he worked as a journalist for the ‘London Times.’ It was during this period that he began his literary career, with the publication of ‘The Merry Marauders.’ Rees made his mark as a writer of crime and mystery novels and was most notably praised by the English crime writer, Dorothy L. Sayers.

If you’re thinking of reconnecting with old friends, this suspenseful tale may make you reconsider.Frank and Northmour haven’t seen each other in years. Mainly due to Northmour being a bad-tempered recluse. So when Frank turns up unannounced at Northmour’s house, he can’t quite believe his eyes. His old college buddy is entertaining guests! And not only that, he’s due to be married to one of them.But there are some ugly secrets lurking behind Northmour’s transformation. And as Frank digs into the mystery, he’s pulled into a thriller of Italian crime families, fraudulent bankers and forbidden love.Hailed by Arthur Conan Doyle as Stevenson’s "high water-mark", "Pavilion on the Links" recalls the thrillers of Agatha Christie or Wilkie Collins.Robert Louis Stevenson (1850–1894) was a Scottish novelist, poet and travel writer. Born in Edinburgh, he suffered from severe health issues for most of his life. Despite this, he still managed to produce some of the century’s most famous stories. These include the classic adventure "Treasure Island" and the horror novella "The Strange Case of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde".Stevenson’s last years were spent on the Samoan island of Upolo, where he became an advocate for Samoan rights. He died in his home of a brain haemorrhage and was buried on the island’s Mount Vaea.

‘A Summer Evening's Dream’ (1898), a romantic, sentimental tale about second chances and first love, is a classic short story by the American author, Edward Bellamy, most famous for his socialist and utopian novel ‘Looking Backward: 2000-1887’ (1888).Elderly Mary Rood and Robert Morgan were once childhood sweethearts, and both of them now live alone on the same street in the village of Plainfield. However, when Mr Morgan pays Mary a visit during a full moon, long-forgotten memories are rekindled.Sweet and heartwarming, this quick read will delight fans of Bellamy´s other works, such as ´Hooking Watermelons´ and ´Deserted´.Edward Bellamy (1850 - 1898) was an American author, journalist and political activist. His novel ‘Looking Backward: 2000-1887’ (1888) was one of the most successful books published in the United States in the 19th century and influenced a generation of intellectuals. Referenced in many Marxist publications of the time, the book inspired the formation of Nationalist Clubs dedicated to spreading his political ideas.Bellamy’s other works include the novels ‘Six to One’ (1878), ‘Dr. Heidenhoff's Process’ (1880), ‘Miss Ludington's Sister’ (1885), ‘Equality’ (1897), and ‘The Duke of Stockbridge; a Romance of Shays' Rebellion (1900)’.

The second of Douglass’ three autobiographies, ‘My Bondage and My Freedom’ details his transition from youth to adulthood, while under the bonds of slavery.Even when he manages to escape, he discovers that his struggles to be treated and seen as an equal aren’t over, even when he reaches the apparently-libertarian Northern states.Unflinching in his recollections of brutality and psychological torment, Douglass paints a picture composed of sadness, anger, and compassion.A stunning and important work. 'My Bondage and My Freedom' should be read by anyone and everyone.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."

One of Anatole France’s most mysterious and overlooked works, ‘Clio’ (1900) is a fascinating collection of historical tales that represents a huge digression from the author's better-known stories.In ‘Clio’, France delivers five tales from European history, spanning from the distant myths of Ancient Greece to Napoleon Bonaparte and the Revolutionary Wars.Throughout this collection, France delights readers with the breadth of his literary ability, using plays, poetic language, and prose to carve his pen through history.Fans of historical tales and Anatole France’s previous works will be delighted with this unique collection of stories.François-Anatole Thibault (1844 – 1924), better known as Anatole France, was a French journalist, poet, novelist, and Nobel laureate for literature. Spending much of his early life in his father’s bookshop, France quickly rose to prominence as a respected author of over 25 works.A French Classicist writer with a style reminiscent of Voltaire and Fénélon, France’s work has a strong preoccupation with scepticism and hedonism. He is best remembered for his classic French novels ‘La Rôtisserie de la Reine Pédauque’ (1893) and ‘Le Crime de Sylvestre Bonnard’ (1881). France’s works have had a historic legacy, and he is recognised today as one of France’s most prominent authors.

The second book in the ‘Parade’s End’ series, ‘No More Parades’ follows the story of Christopher Tietjens. An Edwardian Englishman through and through, Tietjens is forced to leave his ordered life behind him and join the bedlam of the First World War.Drawing on his own experiences, it’s against this backdrop that Ford describes the domestic battles between Tietjens and his unfaithful wife.Tragic and sometimes harrowing, this book deftly contrasts the chaos of private and personal conflicts against a war that would change the world, forever.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.

'The New-England Primer Improved' is an educational work by the Westminster Assembly that showcases how children were taught reading, religion and morals in the 17th Century.'The New England Primer' was the very first reading primer for the American Colonies, and it remained extremely popular until the end of the 18th century. A humble little book that provides a strong example of the way the Founding Fathers taught lessons of morality, upbringings, and religion, and how they also passed their values to the next generations.It's very interesting to see that the methods from centuries ago are not all that different from the ones we still use today.The Westminster Assembly was an English council of theologians and other educational ministers that gathered in order to restructure the Church of England. Among their many contributions were the publication of instructional and educational materials that dealt with religion, children's upbringing, and the English language.

Sylvestre Bonnard, an esteemed ageing scholar of history and philology, finds himself on a trans-European adventure to track down an important manuscript. Whilst on his travels he meets the granddaughter of his lost love, a young woman named Jeanne. Impassioned to rescue her from the abusive life she is stuck in, Bonnard is forced to commit a crime of love to protect Jeanne.France’s tender exploration of the relationship between male rescuers and damsels-in-distress is interesting, and acts as a precursor to some of the more explosive films to explore this theme such as Martin Scorcese’s ‘Taxi Driver’ and Lynne Ramsay’s ‘You Were Never Really Here’.A profound, moving, and award-winning tale, ‘The Crime of Sylvestre Bonnard’ is a must-read for fans of France who wish to connect with the author’s origins or anyone who wishes to take their first foray into his compelling body of work.François-Anatole Thibault (1844 – 1924), better known as Anatole France, was a French journalist, poet, novelist, and Nobel laureate for literature. Spending much of his early life in his father’s bookshop, France quickly rose to prominence as a respected author of over 25 works.A French Classicist writer with a style reminiscent of Voltaire and Fénélon, France’s work has a strong preoccupation with scepticism and hedonism. He is best remembered for his classic French novels ‘La Rôtisserie de la Reine Pédauque’ (1893) and ‘Le Crime de Sylvestre Bonnard’ (1881). France’s works have had a historic legacy, and he is recognised today as one of France’s most prominent authors.

It’s the smoggy, gas-lit London of the 1880s. And three young men—Desborough, Challoner and Somerset—are bored stiff. So this trio make a pact. They’ll alleviate their listlessness by seeking out adventures wherever they can.These adventures form "The Dynamiter", a collection of loosely inter-connected stories, which features everything from violent Mormons to ghostly mansions. Veering from suspense to comedy, it’s a fun and light read. And for Stevenson fans, an interesting curio because it’s his only book written in collaboration with his wife, Fanny van de Grift Stevenson.Robert Louis Stevenson (1850–1894) was a Scottish novelist, poet and travel writer. Born in Edinburgh, he suffered from severe health issues for most of his life. Despite this, he still managed to produce some of the century’s most famous stories. These include the classic adventure "Treasure Island" and the horror novella "The Strange Case of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde".Stevenson’s last years were spent on the Samoan island of Upolo, where he became an advocate for Samoan rights. He died in his home of a brain haemorrhage and was buried on the island’s Mount Vaea.

"It was my good fortune, that the prisons in Germany were still controlled by the Ministry of Justice and not by Heinrich Himmler's Gestapo! It was also a stroke of luck that the staff I came across in the prisons had been there from the time before Hitler came to power. They may have been members og his party, but that was only because it had become a condition of their employment after Hitler had taken over. These weren't the kinds of things I could have known before I arrived. At the sight of a swastika, a raised right hand and a chorus of 'Heil Hitler', I thought I was confronted by a fanatic Nazi. I met the fanatics now and again, but the trick was to find the non-fanatics in each of the prisons."In this autobiography, Boas tells the reader about his experience as a young priest in the Danish church in Hamburg during the Second World War. He was the only Dane allowed to meet the resistance fighters captured and imprisoned in Germany. With a suitcase full of contraband, he was invited into the prisons and gave support and encouragement to the brave Danes that had been imprisoned during their fight for a free Denmark.People who enjoyed 'Babylon Berlin' and the constant tightrope walk Gereon Rath (played by Volker Bruch) and Charlotte Ritter (played by Liv Lisa Fries) have to tread between different factions in German society, should read 'Sophus Boas - A Danish Priest in the Third Reich'.Sophus Boas (1914-1994) was a Danish priest and author. During his life as a priest, Boas travelled around the world bringing the gospel and his help to people in need. During the Second World War, he met with the imprisoned Danish resistance in Germany. After the war, his calling took him to Korea, Spain and Argentina.

Written to honour the life of the eponymous abolitionist and activist, ‘John Brown’ is the transcript of a speech delivered by Douglass in 1860.While some saw Brown as a radical and a criminal, Douglass saw his friend as a man prepared to sacrifice his life so that others might be free.Passionate and powerful, the speech not only extolls Brown’s virtues, but also highlights the political and social issues faced by African Americans at the time.´John Brown´ is an important read for anyone with an interest in social justice and injustice.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."

‘Across the Plains’ is a vibrant collection of travel and exploration pieces from Stevenson’s life. ‘Across the Plains’ itself recounts Stevenson’s journey from Glasgow to New York before his long train ride to California. It offers a fascinating insight in to how our world used to be, from the weeks of travel to the vastly different food, and unfortunately the vast prevalence of xenophobia.Other tales such as ‘Fontainebleau’ are love letters to the beauty of a small French town populated by artists where life is slow and procrastination is the order of the day. Or for the history buffs among you ‘The Old Pacific Capital’ gives a fascinating account of California’s old capital of Monterey. It is a collection perfect for those fascinated with the Victorian age, or those of you obsessed with ‘Carnival Row’, there’s just no elves unfortunately.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.

‘Songs of Travel, and Other Verses’ is a collection of forty-four poems written in the last years of the life of renowned author Robert L. Stevenson. It is a wonderful collection with a wide range from love ballads to more pensive deliberations on time, being and mortality. Many poems are nostalgic retrospectives on his native Scotland, while others are set in his new home of Samoa. The word ‘Travel’ encompasses not just the physical movement of oneself, but also the internal journey we all take in our own lives. It is a beautiful collection of poetry, perfect for fans of Rupi Kaur’s ‘Milk and Honey’.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 Lost Lady’ is Willa Cather’s brilliant depiction of the decline of the American pioneer spirit and the bleakness of frontier life. In it, socialite Marrian Forrester lives with her husband, the ageing industrial magnate Captain Forrester, in the small town of Sweet Water.To the young, adoring narrator Niel Herbert, she is both bewitching and beautiful. The very definition of a lady. But Marrian Forrester is not what she seems and sparked by the death of her husband; her social decline lays bare her contradictions to the town.Published in 1923, Cather’s revered novel is an elegy to the pioneer west. The writer F. Scott Fitzgerald acknowledged its influence on his famous work ‘The Great Gatsby’ and the character of Daisy Buchanan in particular.Willa Cather (1873-1947) was an American writer who won acclaim for her novels that captured the American pioneer experience. Her books include ‘O Pioneers!’ (1913), ‘The Song of the Lark’ (1915), ‘My Ántonia’ (1918) and Death Comes for the Archbishop (1927) which was an instant critical success.In 1923, Cather gained widespread international recognition when she was awarded the Pulitzer Prize for ‘One of Ours’, a novel set during World War I.Willa Cather was granted honorary degrees by Princeton, Berkeley and Yale and in 1931 she graced the cover of Time Magazine. The American Academy of Arts and Letters awarded her a gold medal for fiction in 1944.

A young women is kidnapped and made Empress of The Blazing World. Taking root in this new community, she adapts to the culture and ways of the alien population, exploring the vast universe with their help.But when an invasion looms, she undertakes the role of a military leader. Will our protagonist follow in the footsteps of Earth’s Alexander the Great and Julius Caesar? And more importantly, can she conquer the land she once called home?Serving as the only known female work of utopian fiction in the 17th century, Margaret Cavendish’s quick witted and insightful novella weaves adventure, romance and autobiography in one impressive epic.Ideal for fans of Apple TV’s hit adaption of Isaac Asimov’s ‘Foundation’ series. Scare seekers will also admire 2021’s fantasy horror-thriller ‘The Blazing World’, inspired by Cavendish’s text. ‘The Blazing World’ is a must read for utopian fanatics who dare to question it all.Margaret Cavendish, Duchess of Newcastle-upon-Tyne, (1623-1673) was an English philosopher, poet, scientist, fiction writer and playwright. Spending most of the English Civil War in France, she wrote in her own name during a period when most female writers remained anonymous.Celebrated today as the first female writer of utopian and science fiction, her work spans topics of gender, power, scientific methods and philosophy. ‘The Blazing World’ remains as one of the earliest works of science fiction today.Challenging the contemporary belief that women were inferior to men, Cavendish advocated for women’s education and became the first woman to attend a meeting at the Royal Society of London.

How many letters can be claimed to have been as influential as this?Leo Tolstoy's 'Letter to a Hindu' was originally sent to the Indian revolutionary and scholar Tarak Nath Das.Its circulation saw it spotted by a young Mahatma Gandhi, who was living in South Africa and printed it in his newspaper, Indian Opinion.In the letter, Tolstoy argues that only love would enable the Indian people to gain independence from Britain.It helped Gandhi form his revolutionary ideas around non-violence, which eventually saw India freed from colonial rule.'A Letter to a Hindu' actually includes a foreword from Gandhi, who became firm friends with the Russian author.Leo Tolstoy (1828-1910) was a Russian author, a master of realistic fiction and one of the world’s greatest novelists. Tolstoy’s major works include 'War and Peace' (1865–69) and 'Anna Karenina' (1875–77), two of the greatest novels of all time and pinnacles of realist fiction. Beyond novels, he wrote many short stories and later in life also essays and plays.In the years following the publication of 'War and Peace' Tolstoy - who was born to a Russian aristocratic family - had a spiritual awakening that made him a committed Christian anarchist and pacifist. His philosophy inspired Mahatma Gandhi and Martin Luther King Jr.

"We must hit Capitalism, and hit it hard, for the plain and definite reason that it is growing stronger." Chesterton’s essays on the pitfalls of capitalism, written in the early 1900s, still strike true in the modern-day.One of England’s greatest essayists, Chesterton analyses the claims of capitalism without preaching or favouring Marxist and socialist thinkers.Instead, Chesterton’s anti-capitalist arguments are drawn from his own Christian ideals and philosophical reasoning, giving a unique perspective that is invaluable for historians and students of philosophy alike.Readers of Rebecca Henderson or Thomas Piketty should not miss this extraordinary glimpse into the ideologies of the past.Gilbert Keith Chesterton (1874 – 1936) was an English writer, journalist, philosopher, and literary critic. An unparalleled essayist, he produced over four thousand essays during his lifetime, alongside eighty novels and two hundred short stories.Tackling topics of politics, history, philosophy, and theology with tenacious wit and humour, G. K. Chesterton was often considered a master of the paradox. Himself both a modernist and devout Catholic, he is remembered best for his priest-detective short stories ‘Father Brown’, and his metaphysical thriller ‘The Man Who Was Thursday’.In his lifetime, Chesterton befriended and debated some of the greatest thinkers of the age, such as George Bernard Shore, H. G. Wells, and Bertrand Russell, while his works went on to inspire figures including T. S. Eliot, Michael Collins, and Mahatma Gandhi.

‘The Aran Islands’ (1907) is a four-part collection of J.M. Synge’s journals that explore the inhabitants and geography of the titular islands.Throughout the book, Synge reveals the problematic lives of the islanders as they survive against harsh weather and seclusion from the mainland. Oscillating between their daily rituals and the backdrop they live against; Synge paints a vivid picture of life on the Aran Islands at the turn of the 20th century.For fans of adventure or travel books, J.M Synge’s ‘The Aran Islands’ is a must-read. A prototypical David Attenborough or Bear Grylls, Synge offers an incredible exploration of these islands at a time that would be otherwise lost to history.Edmund John Millington Synge (1871 – 1909) was an Irish poet, playwright, and a defining figure of the Irish Literary Revival. Born in County Dublin to upper-middle-class Protestants, Synge suffered from Hodgkin’s disease which led to his home-schooling.Soon after graduating from Trinity College Dublin, Synge became a renowned poet and playwright, but his success was short-lived as he passed away from cancer at 37. He is best remembered for his play ‘The Playboy of the Western World’, an incredibly controversial work at the time of its publication and performance.Regarded by Yeats as ‘the greatest dramatic genius of Ireland’, Synge has held a lasting legacy, being a key influence for acclaimed Irish playwright Samuel Beckett and the subject of Joseph O’Connor’s novel ‘Ghost Light’ (2010).

Imagine if your entire village's survival depended on what the dead told the landowner at a seance.That is the crazy scenario in Leo Tolstoy's satirical play 'Fruits of Culture'.Written at a time when Russia's aristocracy was in decline and widespread famine was sowing the seeds of the coming Russian Revolution, it was a clear - and courageous - attack on the injustice meted out by the ruling classes.The peasants are in grave peril when the landowner refuses their request to buy land for farming.But an insider is on the case. Can the maid Tanya pull off a plan to get them their land - and to marry the man she loves, a fellow servant?Other books and plays that focus on the occult and spiritualism include Noel Coward's 'Blithe Spirit', 'The Pale Horse' by Agatha Christie and Arthur Conan Doyle's 'The Land of Mist'.Leo Tolstoy (1828-1910) was a Russian author, a master of realistic fiction and one of the world’s greatest novelists. Tolstoy’s major works include 'War and Peace' (1865–69) and 'Anna Karenina' (1875–77), two of the greatest novels of all time and pinnacles of realist fiction. Beyond novels, he wrote many short stories and later in life also essays and plays.In the years following the publication of 'War and Peace' Tolstoy - who was born to a Russian aristocratic family - had a spiritual awakening that made him a committed Christian anarchist and pacifist. His philosophy inspired Mahatma Gandhi and Martin Luther King Jr.