English books

The second book in the ‘Sanders of the River’ series, ‘The People of the River’ gives us a little more insight into the working of the eponymous Commissioner’s mind.Wonderfully witty, decidedly facetious, and always irreverent, this is a collection of encounters between Commissioner Sanders and the Nigerian natives under colonial rule.In addition to the vignettes Wallace paints, this serves as a fascinating record of the cultural clash experienced by both the invaders and the oppressed.A superb read for Wallace fans and those with an interest in history, where the lines between fact and fiction are brilliantly blurred.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’.

On July 15th, 1912, the body of Dora Grey was found on Yarmouth Beach. Apparently strangled, this became known as ‘The Bootlace Murder,’ believed by investigators to be the work of a serial killer.‘The Murder in Yarmouth’ is a collection of Wallace’s writings as a journalist at the time of the murder. Chasing the clues and the suspects, he gives us insight into the forensic and psychological procedures of the time. However, was the wrong man punished?A superb read for fans of true crime and those with an interest in the police protocols of yesteryear.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’.

‘Deserted’ (1898), a humorous, sentimental tale of young love amidst the Nevada desert, is a short story by the American author, Edward Bellamy, most famous for his socialist and utopian novel ‘Looking Backward: 2000-1887’ (1888).When young Mr. Lombard hears that Miss Dwyer and her sister Mrs. Eustis, are taking the train back to New York from San Francisco, he makes up an excuse to travel with them. Desperately in love with Miss Dwyer, he hopes to find the right moment to ask her to marry him, but the trip does not go according to plan.This fun and heartwarming tale will delight fans of Bellamy's other works, such as ´Hooking Watermelons´ and ´A Love Story Reversed´.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)’.

Honoré de Balzac's short story ´The illustrious Gaudissaart´ reveals the arrogance and prejudice on both sides of the city-country divide.When a slick salesman from the big city visits the provincial town of Vouvray, he is confident that the locals will buy anything.But Gaudissart's apparent belief in the doctrine of Saint-Simonianism, which teaches that industrialisation will empty the countryside and create a Utopian society of workers, riles a local man named Vernier.He tricks him into selling items to his unstable neighbour Margaritis, who convinces the salesman to buy two non-existent wine barrels.This vindictive practical joke then escalates into legal action and a dramatic duel ensues.For more insights into life in 1830s Europe, try Elizabeth Gaskell's 'Ruth' and 'North and South'.Honoré de Balzac (1799-1850) was a French novelist and playwright, most famous for a sequence of novels, collectively called 'The Human Comedy'. His signature style was a warts-and-all representation of post-Napoleonic French life, rich in detail and featuring complex, unfiltered characters.The style means Balzac is regarded as one of the pioneers of European literary realism. He is named as an influence on writers including Emile Zola, Henry James, Charles Dickens, and Gustave Flaubert.The first novel he published under his own name was 'Les Chouans' in 1829. In 1834 he hit upon the idea of grouping his novels together to record all of society. The result, over a period of years, was 'The Human Comedy', which comprised three categories: 'Analytic Studies'; 'Philosophical Studies'; and 'Studies of Manners'.

‘Hooking Watermelons’ (1898) is a short story by the American author, Edward Bellamy, most famous for his socialist and utopian novel ‘Looking Backward: 2000-1887’ (1888).New York lawyer, Arthur Steele, returns to Fairfield to visit his parents, but when he catches young Lina Maynard stealing watermelons from the backyard, his trip home takes a surprising turn.This endearing short story will delight admirers of Bellamy's other works, such as ‘Lost’ and ‘A Love Story Reversed’.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)’.

And here comes the winning ticket! The numbers are... When Ivan Dmitritch reads the newspapes, he sees that the winning numbers from the lottery are very much the same as his wife’s ticket. They immediately start to daydream about all the things they can buy now and the life they are going to have from now on. And it is exactly because of this that they fail to notice the obvious problem. Enjoyable and amusing, "The Lottery Ticket" is one of those stories of Chekhov that can be grouped under the general "stories with a twist". A recommended read, by all means.A prolific writer of seven plays, a novel and hundreds of short stories, Anton Chekhov (1860-1904) is considered one of the best practitioners of the short story genre in literature. True to life and painfully morbid with his miserable and realistic depictions of Russian everyday life, Chekhov’s characters drift between humour, melancholy, artistic ambition, and death. Some of his best-known works include the plays "Uncle Vanya", "The Seagull", and "The Cherry Orchard", where Chekhov dramatizes and portrays social and existential problems. His short stories unearth the mysterious beneath the ordinary situations, the failure and horror present in everyday life.

Sherwood Anderson built his literary reputation on his to-the-point novels about American life.When he turned his hand to poetry, he stayed on-message - producing a powerful collection of verse that sometimes punches hard enough to wind you.'A New Testament' pulls together at-times visceral poems describing the people and places around him and themes including death, hunger and a visit from God.Strap yourself in for a rugged ride!The work of Sherwood Anderson is ideal for fans of authors he influenced, including Ernest Hemingway and John Steinbeck.Sherwood Anderson (1876-1941) was an American novelist and short story writer.He became a copywriter and business owner in Ohio, but quit his business and his family after a nervous breakdown in 1912.A move to Chicago saw Anderson focus more on his writing as he mixed with well-known authors. His career was launched in 1919 by the short-story sequence 'Winesburg, Ohio', but he had by then published other titles, including the novels 'Windy McPherson's Son' and 'Marching Men' and a collection of prose poems, 'Mid-American Chants' (1918).His other bestseller, 'Dark Laughter', was published in 1925.

James Bond meets Sherlock Holmes in this classic, high-octane, spy thriller.When the police can’t find the evidence to put away master criminal Caesar Valentine, there’s only one man for the job.Number Six, a secret undercover agent that operates outside the law.The only problem is, nobody knows who Number Six is, not even Scotland Yard...This action-packed page-turner will keep you hooked until the end. A must-read for fans of James Bond, Alfred Hitchcock, and John Buchan.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.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.’

A gripping diamond heist page-turner from the father of the modern thriller.When a valuable diamond is stolen, a private investigator is sent to track him down. However, the trail turns cold when the perpetrator turns up dead. Where is the diamond, and who murdered him?This action-packed thriller will keep you hooked until the very end. A must-read for fans of James Bond, Alfred Hitchcock, and John Buchan.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.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 Lad and the Lion" is the first story by Burroughs that was adapted into a movie. It follows the assassination of a king, the quick escape of the heir Michael, and the subsequent fates of both the prince and his rightful country. Through a series of wild and dangerous escapades, Michael finds himself on the shores of Africa, and becomes friends with a big lion. But his enemies are right behind him. The chapters alternate from what is happening with Michael in Africa and the situation in his home country. Tarzan-like and fast-paced, the novel is definitely a must for fans of adventure fiction in general.Edgar Rice Burroughs (1875-1950) was an American author, best known for his novel ‘Tarzan of the Apes’ (1914) and its sequels as well as the Barsoom series. During World War II, he was one of the oldest U.S war correspondents.

This adventure novel is the ninth in the series and picks up where the action left off in 'Tarzan the Terrible'.Tarzan, Jane and their son Korak find an orphaned lion club, which Tarzan decides to take home and train.However when news gets out of Tarzan's discovery of the treasure chamber in the lost city, plots are concocted to try and steal his fortune.After he is captured and held captive by thieves, the race is on for him to try and save the gold and the diamonds.Popularized by Disney's animated adventure film from 1999, ´Tarzan´ is Edgar Rice Burroughs’ much-beloved series of a child who is brought up by apes in the lush African jungle. Burroughs´ novels about the feral ape-man in the loincloth cover his adventures in the jungle, his confrontations with civilization, and his kinship with both apes and humans.Edgar Rice Burroughs (1875-1950) was an American author, best known for his novel ‘Tarzan of the Apes’ (1914) and its sequels as well as the Barsoom series. During World War II, he was one of the oldest U.S war correspondents.

Roald Dahl's 'BFG' caught dreams with a net and trapped them in bottles.Lucky him: the rest of us make do with remembering snippets and trying to make sense of them.J. W. Dunne tried to close the gap in our understanding with the groundbreaking 'An Experiment with Time'.First, he described his own precognitive dreams and concluded that they foresaw our individual experiences to come.Then he puts together an extraordinary theory about how we are all able to see into the future.Throw in deja vu and life after death and you have a real headspin of a book that is perfect for fans of Stephen Hawking's 'A Brief History of Time'.John William Dunne (1875-1949) was a British philosopher, author, aeronautical engineer and soldier.After fighting in the Boer War, he became an aircraft designer, pioneering the first certified stable plane.He also invented a new way to practise dry fly fishing before developing an interest in speculative philosophy.He came up with the theory of Serialism, which he expounded in a series of five books, beginning with 'An Experiment with Time'.

Born into the Wild West, Smoky knows nothing but the breath of freedom whipping through his mane as he rides into the wind. And when a cowboy named Clint takes him in as his trusty steed, his deep intelligence and strong spirit renders him the best cow horse in all the land. Everybody wants Smoky. But not just anybody can have him.Stolen by a horse thief on a dark summer’s night, Smoky’s loyalty to Clint remains unwavering. But what happens when a cow horse refuses to be ridden by a cruel thief? And more importantly, what becomes of a free spirit tossed around from owner to owner? Winner of the 1927 Newberry Medal, and adapted into three films, Will James’ ‘Smoky the Cowhorse’ is ideal for fans of the beloved adventure-animated hit, ‘Spirit: Stallion of the Cimarron’.William James (1892-1942) was a Canadian-American artist and writer of the American West. Whilst his artwork featured cowboy and rodeo scenes, his short stories and books equally weaved fascinating depictions of the Wild West, including winner of the 1927 Newberry Medal, ‘Smoky the Cowhorse’. Inducted into the Hall of Great Westerners and the National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum in 1992, his work remains ideal for Western fans, adults and children alike.

‘Cursory Rhymes’ is a collection of poems written for children, by one of the most popular poets of the early 20th Century. Packed with intelligent humour, these verses invite youngsters to experience the joys of wordplay and wit. With titles, such as ‘Poems Against Doctors,’ ‘The Zoo,’ and ‘Seaside,’ Wolfe reveals his anarchic side, tempered with simple rhyme schemes and topics that children will find easy to relate to. A superb introduction to poetry for youngsters, or for those who want to dip into the rhymes of the time.Born in Milan, Humbert Wolfe (1885 – 1940) emigrated to the UK with his family, when he was six years old. Raised in Bradford, he went on to gain a first at Oxford University. After leaving, he pursued a career in the Civil Service, rising from a junior position in the Board of Trade to become Deputy Secretary to the Ministry of Labour.Published in the 1920s, ‘Lampoons’ and ‘Requiem’ established him as one of the UK’s favourite poets of the time. Many of his works were set to music by composers, such as Gustav Holst. Wolfe died on his 55th birthday.

Three suspects. Three motives. One dead body.Emil Louba is a wealthy club-owning criminal with more enemies than friends. One night, three men with three different grudges decide to pay him a visit, only to find him already dead and the police on their way.Who did it and how can they prove their innocence?This action-packed, page-turner will keep you hooked until the very end. A must-read for fans of James Bond, Alfred Hitchcock, and John Buchan.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.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 beautiful and ambitious Ivy got exactly what she wanted when she married Jervis Lexton for his money.At least, she thought she had.In fact, she got a whole lot less than she bargained for when he and his father gamble away much of their fortune.As Ivy's frustration grows, Jervis dies from a mysterious illness that investigators think may have been a poisoning.Amid accusations and fear, suspicion builds that Ivy may have been behind it.This is perfect for fans of Agatha Christie's 'Miss Marple' books and the crime novels of Raymond Chandler.Marie Belloc Lowndes (1868-1947) was an English novelist and the sister of author Hilaire Belloc.Her first published work was the 1898 biography 'HRH The Prince of Wales: An Account of His Career'. She went on to produce more than 40 novels - mainly mysteries and sometimes based on true crime.Her writing was popular for many decades and had a following among authors, including Ernest Hemingway, who admired her understanding of female psychology.

When Jean-Baptiste Lamy and Joseph Projectus Machebeuf accept a commission to establish a Catholic diocese in New Mexico, they know they are in for a few trials.'Death Comes for the Archbishop' is an enchanting story that is part travelogue and part adventure, with flashes of the Wild West thrown in, as the territory the main characters get to explore is pretty wild, rugged, and challenging.This evocative novel sweeps across New Mexico, dealing with religion, the ill-treatment of native people, death and hypocrisy.This book is ideal for fans of Graham Greene's 'The Power and the Glory' and of Cormac McCarthy.Willa Cather (1873-1947) was an American writer best known for her novels of life on the Great Plains of the United States. After time as a magazine writer and editor, then as an English teacher, Cather began to publish collections of her poetry and short stories.Her first novel, 'Alexander's Bridge', was published in 1912, followed by her 'Prairie Trilogy' - 'O Pioneers!', 'The Song of the Lark' and 'My Antonia'. Numerous other novels followed as Cather became on of the US's most celebrated authors.In 1923 she won the Pulitzer Prize for her First World War-based novel, 'One of Ours'.

Elmer Gantry (1927) is a satirical indictment of fundamentalist and evangelistic religion that caused a great scandal when it was first published. It was written by Nobel Prize winning American author and playwright Henry Sinclair Lewis.Regarded as a landmark in American literature, ‘Elmer Gantry’ is a piercing portrait of a smooth-talking evangelist who rises to power within his church. But Elmer Gantry is a hypocrite and a philanderer, and his self-indulgent ways threaten to destroy everything.The book was adapted into a 1960 film starring Burt Lancaster and Jean Simmons.Harry Sinclair Lewis (1885 – 1951) was an American writer, playwright and social critic, who revolutionised writing in the U.S. In 1930, he became the first writer from the United States to receive the Nobel Prize in Literature.Lewis is best known for his novels Main Street (1920), Babbitt (1922), Arrowsmith (1925), Elmer Gantry (1927), Dodsworth (1929), and It Can't Happen Here (1935). Several of his works have been adapted for cinema, most famously the film ‘Elmer Gantry’ (1960) starring Burt Lancaster and Jean Simmons.Lewis’s novels are known for their critical views of American capitalism and materialism and their strong characterizations of modern working women.

Paris in the late 18th century was a place where it was wise to keep your head - or risk losing it.Countless people "sneezed into the basket" that stood beneath the blade of the feared guillotine that was the cutting edge of the Revolution.Meanwhile, one courageous Frenchman works behind the scenes - at immense risk to his life - to save condemned prisoners from the blade.All the time, his work is carried out in the shadow of the relentless prosecutor Chauviniere.With so many lives on the line, who will triumph in this dramatic showdown?'The Nuptials of Corbal' is ideal for fans of Victor Hugo's 'Les Miserables' and 'A Tale of Two Cities' by Charles Dickens.Rafael Sabatini (1875-1950) was an Italian-English writer, known for his romance and adventure novels.He wrote 34 novels, eight short story collections, six non-fiction books and several plays.His most famous works were the novels 'The Sea Hawk', 'Scaramouche', 'Captain Blood' and 'Bellarion the Fortunate'.Sabatini spoke six languages, but chose to write in English because "all the best stories are written in English".

It takes a great mind to study a great mind.The literary critic John Livingston Lowes puts his reputation on the line by chosing to analyse the sources, thoughts and imagination of the poet Samuel Taylor Coleridge.The result, 'The Road to Xanadu', is a remarkable and insightful examination of the creative processes and reading material that inspired 'The Rime of the Ancient Mariner' and 'Kubla Khan'.Lowes brilliantly uses his study of Coleridge as a springboard to a more wide-ranging analysis of the imagination.If you like Coleridge's work, you will be fascinated by this look into the mind of a literary giant.John Livingston Lowes (1867-1945) was an American scholar and critic of English literature. His best-known subjects were Samuel Taylor Coleridge and Geoffrey Chaucer, author of 'The Canterbury Tales'.His most famous work is 'The Road to Xanadu: A Study in the Ways of the Imagination', which examines the sources of Coleridge's 'The Rime of the Ancient Mariner' and 'Kubla Khan'.

The final novel in H. Rider Haggard’s much-anticipated trilogy, ‘Allan and the Ice Gods’, sees the return of Allan Quatermain and features Lady Luna Ragnall and the taduki drug yet again.This time, however, Allan is refusing to see Lady Luna Ragnall. The awkwardness of the last three drug-induced visions, revealing their marriage, left him squirming. But she is about to let spill that their ancient counterparts were right. And they were indeed married.As Allan is yet again transported to the barbaric Ice Age, can he restore order in the tribe? And more importantly, can he weave in new technology and intelligence without unbalancing history? ‘Allan and the Ice Gods’ is the ideal rip-roaring tale, perfect for adventure-fantasy fans of Jack Black’s ‘Gulliver’s Travels’.H. Rider Haggard KBE (1856-1925) was an English writer of adventure fiction romances and a pioneer of the lost world genre. His rip-roaring tales include ‘King Solomon’s Mines’, ‘Allan Quatermain’, ‘Nada the Lilly’ and the epic Viking romance ‘Eric Brighteyes’.Portraying the stereotypes of colonialism, his work also focused on agricultural and social reform. It’s no surprise that Haggard is remembered today as an influential figure in land reform throughout the British Empire.

A cross between the 'Three Musketeers' and 'Zorro', this swashbuckling adventure is full of sword fights and secret missions.Set during the French Revolution, it tells the story of Sir Percy Blakeney, a wealthy English aristocrat with a secret identity. He is the mysterious Scarlet Pimpernel. A man who bravely saves French aristocrats from the guillotine and smuggles them back to England.But when his arch enemy asks for his help, will Sir Percy come to his rescue?This classic action-packed adventure story is the ninth book in the ‘Scarlet Pimpernel’ series and is perfect for fans of historical adventure fiction and the author Alexandre Dumas.Baroness Emmuska Orczy, (1865— 1947) was a Hungarian-born British author and artist, best known for the swashbuckling adventure novel, ‘The Scarlet Pimpernel’ (1905).A huge success in its day, it prompted several sequels, such as ‘The Elusive Pimpernel’ (1908) and ‘The Way of the Scarlet Pimpernel’ (1933) and has been adapted for stage and screen many times, most notably the eponymous TV series starring Elizabeth McGovern and Richard E. Grant.Baroness Orczy also wrote several detective novels, including ‘Lady Molly of Scotland Yard’ (1910) and ‘Unravelled Knots’ (1925).

War is looming as England is riven by a power struggle between King Henry III and Simon de Montfort. Into the chaos comes a fearsome figure, Norman of Torn, a warrior with a thirst for English blood.With a bounty on his head, he gathers a huge band of thieves and they run riot across the country. Norman even infiltrates de Montfort's army and seduces his daughter Bertrade. Then, as he faces near-certain death in a battle, a remarkable secret is revealed - one that could shake England and the Royal family to the core.This is perfect reading for fans of 'Ivanhoe' by Sir Walter Scott and 'The Merry Adventures of Robin Hood' by Howard Pyle.Edgar Rice Burroughs (1875-1950) was an American author who created the character Tarzan. He wrote scores of adventure, science fiction and fantasy novels, including the 'Pellucidar' series, the 'Amtor' series and the 'Caspak' trilogy.He took to writing after a failed mining venture with his brothers and seven years as a pencil sharpener wholesaler. His novel 'Tarzan of the Apes' was the springboard to fame and fortune, spawning countless movies, a cartoon strip and merchandise.

Someone is losing money. Fast. And when forged notes start to appear, Peter Clifton’s hefty riches are called into question. Even his new wife, Jane Leith, can’t help but doubt the man’s bottomless wealth. But when two inspectors clandestinely enter her room one night searching for clues, there’s no telling how a quick witted, clever and tactful woman might react.Packed with suspense and thrills, Edgar Wallace’s ‘The Forger’ is ideal for fans of ‘Inside Man’ and ‘Now You See Me’.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, screen plays, 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’.

As an aristocrat by birth, Violet Jacob's decision to write poetry in Scots dialect risked ridicule from her peers, who considered it vulgar. Most others would struggle to take her efforts seriously - until they read it.'Northern Lights and Other Poems' shows her consummate knowledge and use of the vernacular.The verses are packed with rich detail about people and places - exploring emotions, the natural world, sexuality and a love for Scotland.This collection is perfect for fans of the poetry of Marion Angus and William Dunbar.Violet Jacob (1863-1946) was a Scottish novelist and poet. She is best known for her historical novel of the Jacobite Rising 'Flemington' and for her poetry, written primarily in Scots.She was born into the House of Dun, an aristocratic family, and was of Royal heritage, as the great-granddaughter of King William IV - though his child, her grandmother, was illegitimate.The essayist, journalist and political figure Hugh McDiarmid described Jacob as "by far the most considerable of contemporary vernacular poets".

When a man is found dead one early morning with his throat cut, detective J.G. Reeder knows he is about to have his work cut out for him. It can but only be the work of John Flack, Crazy John Flack. An evil genius madman, he’s escaped from Broadmoor Criminal Asylum and is on move. But detective Reeder is perhaps the only match for Crazy John, and he’s not giving up easily.A thrilling murder mystery tale of two sharp witted men trying to out-do one and another, Edgar Wallace’s ‘Terror Keep’ is ideal for fans of the blockbbuster hit "Knives Out" starring Daniel Craig.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, screen plays, 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’.

‘No Other Tiger’ (1927) was written by British author A.E.W. Mason, famous for his best-selling novel ‘The Four Feathers’ (1902).While in Burma, Colonel John Strickland encounters a mysterious man who brings shocking news of a woman in England. Setting out on an adventure that will take him to England and the South of France, Strickland must solve the mystery if he is to save the woman he loves.A must for readers of Mason’s Inspector Hanaud novels, this mystery thriller is perfect for fans of Sherlock Holmes and Agatha Christie’s Hercule Poirot.Alfred Edward Wooley Mason (1865-1948) was a British writer, actor and politician. He is best remembered for his 1902 novel ‘The Four Feathers’ which has been adapted for screen on multiple occasions, including the 2002 film starring Heath Ledger and Kate Hudson.His first novel, ‘A Romance of Wastdale’, was published in 1895. Mason went on to write more than 20 books, including ‘At The Villa Rose’ (1910) which introduced his popular French detective, Inspector Hanaud, a Gallic counterpart to Sherlock Holmes. Other works include, ‘The House of the Arrow’ (1924), ‘No Other Tiger’ (1927), ‘The Prisoner in the Opal’ (1929) and ‘Fire Over England’ (1937).

It’s the ultimate plot to steal the Crown Jewels from the Tower of London. But when a criminal mastermind finds Scotland Yard detectives sniffing around his tracks, things become far from easy. And when a beautiful girl arrives on the scene, distractions are all the more inevitable.Packed with suspense, tension and thrills, Edgar Wallace’s rip-roaring crime novel ‘The Traitor’s Gate’ is perfect for fans of BBC’s hit series ‘Sherlock’ starring Benedict Cumberbatch.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, screen plays, 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’.

A sombre, grieving monk, ferries a man across the river to visit his local church for the Easter holiday festivities. As they journey towards the celebrations and excitement on the opposite bank, the ferryman recounts the death of his best friend Nikolai.Written by the famous Russian author and playwright, Anton Chekhov, ‘Easter Eve’ (1886) is an atmospheric tale of friendship and grief. Regarded as one of the greatest writers in the world, Chekhov is famous for his plays, including ‘Uncle Vanya’, ‘The Seagull’, ‘Three Sisters’ and ‘The Cherry Orchard’, and for his influence in the development of the modern short story.Anton Chekhov (1860-1904) was a prolific Russian playwright and short-story writer and is widely regarded as one of the greatest writers in the world. He wrote several famous plays including ‘Uncle Vanya’, ‘The Seagull’, ‘Three Sisters’ and ‘The Cherry Orchard’. They are still performed all over the world and are considered to be masterpieces.Chekhov wrote over one hundred short stories including ‘The Lady with a Dog’, ‘Rothschild’s Violin’, ‘About Love’ and ‘The Bishop’. Credited with being the single most important influence on the development of the modern short story, as well as the father of modern drama, his popularity continues to grow. The Russian’s work has influenced many important writers, including James Joyce, Ernest Hemingway and Tennessee Williams and continues to influence writers and audiences to this day.

H.G. Wells's short story, 'A Catastrophe' was published alongside many of his other works in 'The Plattner Story and Others'. This novella is a poignant tale of a cloth merchant, named Winslow, whose business is on the brink of bankrupcy; his competitor Bandersnatch undercuts his prices and he still owes his investors – Helter, Skelter and Grab – money. His fortunes change, however, when the titular catastrophe strikes the family just in time to stop complete financial ruin.H.G. Wells (1866 – 1946) was a prolific writer and the author of more than 50 novels. Additionally, he wrote more than 60 short stories, alongside various scientific papers. Many of his most famous works have been adapted for film and television, including ‘The Time Machine,’ starring Guy Pearce, ‘War of the Worlds,’ starring Tom Cruise, and ‘The Invisible Man,’ starring Elizabeth Moss. Because of his various works exploring futuristic themes, Wells is regarded as one of the ‘Fathers of Science Fiction.’