English books

Doctor Nikola sets out on another adventure, which this time leads him to Venice. There he meets the old acquaintance – Richard Hatteras – whose fiancée Nikola had kidnapped, and time hasn’t resolved their conflict. Will Richard want to seek revenge? Find out in "Farewell, Nikola", a short story which is a part of the "Doctor Nikola" series by Guy Boothby.Guy Boothby was an Australian author who lived in the period 1867-1905. His earlier works described life in Australia, but he gained wide popularity with his later fiction, which offered a vivid combination of crime, science fiction and horror stories.Boothby is well known for his Doctor Nikola series, a collection of novels telling the story of an occultist who seeks immortality and world domination.Other popular stories by him are "A Prince of Swindlers", which tells the story of a thief, and "Uncle Joe's Legacy and Other Stories", which is a collection of ghost stories. All in all, Guy Boothby left the world a colourful and rich literary legacy.

The wealthy Zeus drops a handkerchief in the street, and whoever picks it up must give him the name and address of one other person.That person is then rewarded with untold riches, while the finder of the handkerchief receives a punch in the face.This novella, a work of refined intellectual imagination, is a satirical discussion of man’s search for individual values.‘Prometheus Illbound’ will delight fans of Gide's other notable works, such as ´The Fruits of the Earth´ (1897) and ‘The Counterfeiters’ (1926).André Paul Guillaume Gide (1869 – 1951) was a renowned French author who won the 1947 Nobel Prize in Literature.Described as "France's greatest contemporary man of letters", Gide was known for his fiction and autobiographical works. He published over fifty books, including ´The Fruits of the Earth´ (1897), ‘Lafcadio’s Adventures’ (1914), ‘Strait is the Gate’ (1909), and the experimental ‘The Counterfeiters’ (1926).However, the Frenchman claimed ‘Corydon’ (1911), was his most important work. In it, he used evidence from naturalists, historians, poets, and philosophers to back up his belief that homosexuality was not ‘unnatural’, arguing it was more natural than exclusive heterosexuality, which he believed to be a union created by society.

Lois Cayley is an intelligent, young, attractive and independent woman who is forced to face the world on her own after the death of her stepfather. Since there is nothing left to stop her, she decides to set off in search of adventures. She visits different places, cities and countries. She meets colorful people and falls in love with one of them. Unfortunately, Harold Tillington is in prison. Can Cayley’s save and free her true love? Will she be able to solve his case on her own? Find out in Grant Allen’s "Miss Cayley's Adventures".Grant Allen was a Canadian writer who lived in the period 1848 – 1899. His writing career began around 1876 when he published a series of essays on science. His first books, "Physiological Aesthetics" and "Flowers and Their Pedigrees" took up this subject as well. Grant Allen was also a pioneer in science fiction. He wrote about thirty science fiction novels in the period 1884-1899. In his later works, Allen also took up some revolutionary theories for the time regarding marriage. "The Woman Who Did" which depicts the life of an independent woman who takes care of her child on her own became a bestseller.

Originally written for the author’s children, the book explores the history of civilization beginning with early man and taking the reader through the creation of art, writing, religion, and more. All in short, simple to understand chapters.To qualify for inclusion in the book, Van Loon asked a simple question: ‘Did the person or event in question perform an act without which the entire history of civilization would have been different?’‘The Story of Mankind’ (1921) was awarded the Newbery Medal for its outstanding contribution to children's literature.The result is an informative, insightful, and entertaining story of mankind that is suitable for readers of all ages.Hendrik Willem van Loon (1882 – 1944) was a Dutch-American historian, journalist, and author, best known for his young adult novels that famously brought historical events vividly to life.Some of his other notable works include: ‘The Fall of the Dutch Republic’, ‘The Rise of the Dutch Kingdom’, ‘The Golden Book of the Dutch Navigators’ and his 1947 autobiography, ‘Report to Saint Peter’.Loon also famously illustrated his own work and was knighted by Queen Wilhelmina of the Netherlands in 1942.

"Twelve Tales" is a unique collection of short stories selected by Grant Allen himself. The stories are a vivid combination of horror, science fiction and detective tales. The introduction offers a window into why Grant Allen decided to become a writer of fiction and what the origin and the inception of some of his works was.Grant Allen was a Canadian writer who lived in the period 1848 – 1899. His writing career began around 1876 when he published a series of essays on science. His first books, "Physiological Aesthetics" and "Flowers and Their Pedigrees" took up this subject as well. Grant Allen was also a pioneer in science fiction. He wrote about thirty science fiction novels in the period 1884-1899. In his later works, Allen also took up some revolutionary theories for the time regarding marriage. "The Woman Who Did" which depicts the life of an independent woman who takes care of her child on her own became a bestseller.

"Green Tea" tells the haunting story of a man plagued by a demonic monkey. The unnamed narrator, a trained surgeon who can’t practice because of the loss of two of his fingers, is organising the papers of his deceased mentor, the famous German physician Dr. Martin Hesselius. In doing so, he stumbles upon a strange case, dating back sixty-four years.Joseph Sheridan Le Fanu (1814-1873) was an Irish writer, known for his ghost and paranormal stories. He studied law at Trinity College in Dublin. His first ghost short story, "The Ghost and the Bone-Setter," was published in the Dublin University Magazine in 1838. After the death of his beloved wife in 1858, Le Fanu closed himself off from the world but continued to write. He is mostly remembered today for his "Uncles Silas" (1864) and "Carmilla" which played an important role in the portrayal of vampires in fiction.

Most books of literary criticism are written long after their age has passed, but a rare few are written during their time - and G. K. Chesterton’s ‘The Victorian Age in Literature’ is one of them.Born during the Victorian era, Chesterton gives an incredible insight into Victorian literature as it was perceived at the end of the 19th century. His witty accounts shine a light on the classic works of Dickens, Austen, and the Brontës, as well as leading poets of the period, from Tennyson to Browning.His discussion ranges from the politics of the day to the birth of radical philosophies and revelations within the sciences. Chesterton’s work is a refreshingly personal look into the Victorian mind and an invaluable resource for any student of literary history.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.

Step into an English realm of knights, elves, and priestly sermons. ‘The Wild Knight and Other Poems’, by G. K. Chesterton, is a masterful collection of poems that trace themes of morality, fairy tales, and religion.An early work by one of the 20th century’s most influential writers, this book of poems comes alive with pagan and Christian imagery intertwined. A profoundly thoughtful work that bears multiple readings and gives an earnest glimpse into the mind of Chesterton.Featuring works such as ‘Chord of Colour’, ‘The Donkey’, and ‘The Ballad of the Battle of Gibeon’, ‘The Wild Knight and Other Poems’ will inspire philosophers and artists alike.A perfect collection for readers of Philip Pullman’s ‘The Good Man Jesus and The Scoundrel Christ’ or Simon Armitage’s ‘The Owl and the Nightingale’.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.

'Meadow Grass' is a series of 13 short tales set in the fictional town of Tiverton in New England, America. The stories cover social life and customs according to Brown and reflect upon her memories of her upbringing in nearby New Hampshire.Alice Brown is an American novelist and short-story writer. She is best known for her tales about New England and as a writer of local colour stories. Born in New Hampshire in 1857, Brown's stories often portray a female protagonist in a domestic setting. Her first novel, 'Stratford-by-the-Sea', was published in 1884. It cemented Brown as part of the Boston literary scene, but by the time she died in 1948 (aged 91), many of her stories had been forgotten about and were no longer being published.

A light-hearted collection of poems featuring G. K. Chesterton’s classic wit and cheer, ‘Wine, Water, and Song’ celebrates drink in all its forms, lampooning ideas of prohibition that were on the rise in 20th century London.Chesterton makes a merry satire of local politics and English traditions, with poems including ‘Wine and Water’, where he imagines a wine cellar aboard Noah’s Ark, and ‘The Logical Vegetarian’, where he sings the virtues of a liquid diet.For fans of Chesterton and poetry that provokes, this book is a perfect collection of clever rhymes and outspoken English humour.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.

‘Riders to the Sea’ (1904), is a classic one-act tragedy by famed Irish playwright J.M. Synge. Maurya, a widower of the Aran Islands who has lost her husband and five sons to the sea, is alarmed when she learns that her brother’s body has also washed up on the beaches of Donegal.Convinced that tragedy will befall her still, Maurya pleads with her only living son, Bartley, to not brave the tempestuous waters to journey to County Galway for business. When he does not listen, Maurya must only wait to see if her predictions will come true: that by night’s fall she will have no sons left...A heart-breaking drama that captures the beautiful lyricism of the Irish, ‘Riders to the Sea’ conveys colossal emotion in such a minute play. With riveting dialogue throughout, Synge explores the hopelessness of humanity in the face of nature.The futility of human life in ‘Riders to the Sea’ is echoed in other classic Irish plays like Samuel Beckett’s ‘Waiting for Godot’ (1953). With the timeless universality of its message, ‘Riders of the Sea’ is sure to find a home with modern audiences looking to experience one of the most profound tragedies of the 20th century.Edmund John Millington Synge (1871 – 1909) was an Irish poet, playwright, and 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).

A feminist reflection on female conduct, ‘Thoughts on the Education of Daughters’ offers advice on moral and intellect for young women and girls.First published by the British feminist Mary Wollstonecraft in 1787, the self-help title invites readers today to peek behind the curtain at respectable – and what was considered then to be progressive – female behaviour.From child-rearing instructions to analytical thinking, Wollstonecraft adapted old genres to appeal to a new middle-class ethos, arguing that social and political life would greatly improve if women acquired valuable skills.Considered today the founding thoughts for Wollstonecraft’s later work 'A Vindication of the Rights of Women,’ ‘Thoughts’ is a must-read for fans of Helena Bonham Carter and Carey Mulligan in Netflix’s acclaimed ‘Suffragette’ film.The founding feminist philosopher, Mary Wollstonecraft (1759-1797) was an English writer, philosopher, and advocate of women’s rights. Whilst her unconventional relationships attracted more attention than her writing at the time, Wollstonecraft is best known for ‘A Vindication of the Rights of Women’; a ground-breaking work arguing that women are not naturally inferior to men.Despite her posthumously published ‘Memoir’ overshadowing her writing career, Wollstonecraft remains today an influential figure in the advocacy for women’s rights following the feminist movement at the turn of the 20th century. She died giving birth to her second daughter, Mary Shelley, the accomplished author of ‘Frankenstein’.

‘At Pinney's Ranch’ (1898) is a short story by the American author, Edward Bellamy, most famous for his socialist and utopian novel ‘Looking Backward: 2000-1887’ (1888).It was love at first sight when John Lansing and Mary Hollister first met at Pinney’s ranch, and four years later they are happily married. But when Austin Flint is found murdered, suspicion falls on an innocent Lansing, forcing him to flee town and leave behind everything he loves in order to prove his innocence.This tense and gripping tale will delight admirers 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)’.

Laying the foundations for Clint Eastwood’s nameless character in ‘The Good, The Bad, and The Ugly,’ ‘The Virginian’ is a landmark novel of the western genre.The eponymous hero is the strong, tall, silent type, acting as an armed escort to Tenderfoot on their journey to Judge Henry’s ranch in Sunk Creek.This action-packed story details their adventures and encounters along the way and includes, just as in any good western, a little romance.If you like your books full of hot bullets and cold killers, then this is the perfect place to start!Credited with setting the template for the classic western novel and the archetypal cowboy hero, Owen Wister (1860 – 1938) was born in Philadelphia. The son of an actress and a doctor, Wister spent his formative years travelling Europe, before returning to America at his father’s behest.After graduating from Harvard Law School, and suffering from poor mental health, he took the first of 15 trips to Wyoming. It was here that he was inspired to write notes and journals about the characters living in the beautiful wilderness. These notes were to serve as the basis for many of his books.His most famous work, ‘The Virginian’, would later become a TV series starring Doug McClure, and filmed for the silver screen, most recently in an adaptation starring Ron Perlman. Wister died in Rhode Island, at the age of 78.

In this tale of adventure, romance, treachery, intrigue, and vengeance, a young woman named Wanda is out riding her horse when she stumbles upon the dead body of Arthur Shandon.The mystery deepens further when her dog sprints into the tall grass, and what Wanda discovers brings up even more questions and concerns.‘The Short Cut’ by Jackson Gregory is a Western filled with mystery, that will be enjoyed by fans of ‘High Noon’ or ‘No Country for Old Men’.Jackson Gregory was an American teacher, journalist, and writer who began his career as a newspaper reporter in San Francisco, and later served as a principal at a high school, which is where he met his wife.When Gregory’s first son was born in 1912, the family moved to California and this is where Gregory began his career as a prolific writer. He penned many Western and detective stories authoring many short stories and more than 40 fiction novels, many of which were used as the basis of films including ‘The Man from Painted Post’.In 1943, Jackson Gregory sadly passed away while working on a new novel titled ‘The Hermit of Thunder King’.

It is sometimes difficult to know who most deserves our judgement.Do we look down more upon a shop owner for inventing a royal backstory for one of his items - or is the customer who believes the story even worse?Set in 19th century Paris, Honoré de Balzac's short story sees an English woman looking to buy a shawl in a shop.The owner sees a chance to con a foreigner by claiming the shawl was once owned by Empress Josephine, once the wife of Napoleon Bonaparte.Will she buy the story - and the shawl?Named after Felix Gaudissart, a travelling salesman who appears in other Balzac tales, ´Gaudissart II´ demonstrates Blazac's skills as he portrays greed, dishonesty, and gullibility to perfection.´Gaudissart II´ will delight any reader familiar with Balzac's body of work.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'.

In this collection of essays, G. K. Chesterton matches his wits against some of the greatest issues of the 20th century.Imperialism, politics, education, and feminism are put to debate as Chesterton criticises the government of the day, while also speaking to a modern era.A testament to one of the most prolific writers of the 20th century, 'What's Wrong with the World' proves Chesterton as a master essayist whose work bears the scrutiny of historians and philosophers.Essential reading for students of British history, Chesterton bears the soul of the English spirit and puts its politicians to shame.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.

‘Christina Alberta’s Father’ is a multi-layered read. Part comedy, part tragedy, and part satire of 1920s society, it tells the story of Albert Edward Preemby. Following his wife’s death, Preemby becomes convinced that he is the incarnation of the ruler of the lost city of Atlantis, Sargon and, as such, must restore order to the world. A fascinating and humorous read, Wells suggests that there is a Sargon in all of us; a part of our character that seeks to create something divine in the face of chaos.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.’

"Consequences" (1919) follows the life of Alexandra Clare, an upper class Catholic girl from London, after she turns down her only suitor. Alex is a misfit and having failed to meet her family’s expectations, she joins a convent. Partly autobiographical, Delafield writes this story in a deeply ironic tone, turning Alex’s plight into a condemnation of the suffocating expectations Victorian society had for women.E. M. Delafield was the pen name of Edmée Elizabeth Monica Dashwood, née de la Pasture (1890-1943). She was a British author from Sussex and the daughter of a count and a novelist. Delafield was raised following Late Victorian upper class morals, and when at age 21 she found herself still single, she joined a French covenant in Belgium. But she soon tired of being a nun and left monastery life behind. During WWI, she volunteered as a nurse in Exeter. In 1919, she married civil engineer turned land agent Paul Dashwood, with whom she spent three years in Malaysia. She remains most famous today for her semi-autobiographical "Diary of a Provincial Lady," which had started as a column in the weekly woman’s magazine "Time and Tide."

A study of American poet and essayist Louise Imogen Guiney, written by her colleague and friend Alice Brown. The pair traveled together to the English countryside in 1885 and become close. They were rumoured to have had a lesbian relationship together. Their friendship lasted until Guiney's death in 1920, and this biographical book was published by Brown in tribute to her friend in 1921.Alice Brown is an American novelist and short-story writer. She is best known for her tales about New England and as a writer that brings out the local colour in a place. Born in New Hampshire in 1857, Brown's stories often portray a female protagonist in a domestic setting. Her first novel, 'Stratford-by-the-Sea', was published in 1884. It cemented Brown as part of the Boston literary scene, but by the time she died in 1948 (aged 91), many of her stories had been forgotten about and were no longer in print.

A beautiful collection of travel stories from some of his favourite places, ‘In Wicklow and West Kerry’ (1912) is a personal and memorable account of J.M. Synge’s journeys around Ireland.Throughout this wonderful book, Synge’s love for the Irish people and geography shines through as he regales the reader with delightful vignettes.Fans of modern travel writers like Robert Macfarlane and Bill Bryson will absolutely adore Synge's ‘In Wicklow and West Kerry’.Edmund John Millington Synge (1871 – 1909) was an Irish poet, playwright, and 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).

Henri is a shameless and spoiled heir. When he falls in love with the beautiful Paquita, he simply must seduce her. But Paquita already has a lover. Brimming with anger and revenge upon this realisation, his disillusioned heart sets out to murder. Who will meet their end? And more importantly, what secrets will the entangled web of love uncover? Crafted with spellbinding extravagance, ‘The Girl with the Golden Eyes’ captures the underside of Parisian society. Bursting with passionate emotion and uncontrollable wrath, the intoxicating tale is perfect for fans of Netflix’s ‘Bridgerton’Honoré de Balzac (1799-1850) was a French novelist and playwright, most famous for his collection of novels and plays named ‘The Human Comedy’. Celebrated today as one of the greatest French writers and founders of realism, his works captures detailed observations of humanity and post-Napoleonic French society. A master-creator of realistic characters which navigate complex webs of moral and social dilemmas, Balzac’s work has inspired BBC series starring Helen Mirren and Margaret Tyzack.

From satires of Sherlock Holmes to lectures in defence of fairy tales, this collection of essays brings to life the smallest of trifles and turns them into debates on the meaning of life itself.G. K. Chesterton was one of the most prolific writers of the 20th century and produced a treasure trove of over four thousand essays. Of these, ‘Tremendous Trifles’ selects thirty-nine gems of good advice, fantastical storytelling, and philosophical ponderings to delight the reader.Including ‘The Dragon’s Grandmother’, ‘A Tragedy of Twopence’, and ‘The Shop of Ghosts’, this work brings together the best of classic Chesterton that will continue to amuse and outwit readers right up to the modern-day.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.

'Rose Macleod' follows the relationship between grandmother and granddaughter Madam Fulton and Electra. Madam Fulton, a writer, receives acclaim for her writing but won't pursue it further much to her granddaughter's annoyance. While granny chooses not to pursue a writing career, Electra navigates relationships and begins to work apart from her beloved grandmother.Alice Brown is an American novelist and short-story writer. She is best known for her tales about New England and as a writer of local colour stories. Born in New Hampshire in 1857, Brown's stories often portray a female protagonist in a domestic setting. Her first novel, 'Stratford-by-the-Sea', was published in 1884. It cemented Brown as part of the Boston literary scene, but by the time she died in 1948 (aged 91), many of her stories had been forgotten about and were no longer being published.

J. Arbuthnot Wilson is about to spend a memorable New Year’s Eve. He and the group he is travelling with were going to visit the sealed pyramid of Abu Yilla on the next day but Wilson is so impatient that he decide to rush and climb the Egyptian pyramid all by himself. He finds a secret entrance and he enters a magical world full terrors and astonishments. What he sees there is far from what he expected. The mysteries he discovers are unexplainable. How will he ever get himself out of there? Find out in Grant Allen’s "My New Year's Eve Among the Mummies".Grant Allen was a Canadian writer who lived in the period 1848 – 1899. His writing career began around 1876 when he published a series of essays on science. His first books, "Physiological Aesthetics" and "Flowers and Their Pedigrees" took up this subject as well. Grant Allen was also a pioneer in science fiction. He wrote about thirty science fiction novels in the period 1884-1899. In his later works, Allen also took up some revolutionary theories for the time regarding marriage. "The Woman Who Did" which depicts the life of an independent woman who takes care of her child on her own became a bestseller.

Set just before the first world war as the onset of conflict looms, ‘Christopher and Columbus’ tells the story of seventeen-year-old twin orphans, Anna-Rose and Anna-Felicitas as they are thrust upon their relatives by their Uncle Arthur.Arthur, a patriot, is suspicious of their half-German heritage and worries that they may be spying. He ships the twins off to America, and on their voyage, they befriend Mr Twist.However, Twist has not considered the pitfalls of taking the young women under his wings, especially since they cannot behave with tact and will need continued protection long after the ship docks.In this witty and comic novel, the twins arrive in America and take on the nicknames of Christopher and Columbus, as the reader follows their adventures in a country poised for war.A fun and uplifting novel, ‘Christopher and Columbus’ will be enjoyed by fans of ‘A Series of Unfortunate Events’.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.

Born into the squalor and humiliation of slavery, Frederick Douglass seemed destined for a lifetime of misery. So how did he break the shackles and become a world-famous abolitionist, author and statesman?In 'Frederick Douglass: A Biography', Charles W. Chesnutt recounts the remarkable life story of a man who left a permanent mark on the ongoing struggle for freedom and civil rights.Writing in a pacy style that does justice to the near-unbelievable events, Chesnutt tells of Douglass's escape from slavery in Maryland and his perilous and fearless journey to become the leader of the abolitionist movement.His brilliant oratory and leadership skills were a resounding counter-punch to slaveholders' and many others' arguments that enslaved people did not have the intellect to become American citizens.Chesnutt goes on to tell how Douglass courted controversy by engaging with slave owners, saying: "I would unite with anybody to do right and with nobody to do wrong."'Frederick Douglass: A Biography' will delight readers of 'The Underground Railroad' by Colson Whitehead and 'The Interesting Narrative' by Olaudah Equiano.Charles Waddell Chesnutt (1858-1932) was an African-American writer, political essayist and lawyer. He was best known for novels and short stories that confronted and explored post-Civil War racial and social identity issues.His best-known works include 'Frederick Douglass – A Biography', 'The House Behind the Cedars' and 'The Colonel’s Dream'.He gained new fame during the US civil rights movement in the 20th century, with many of his books being republished.In 2008, he was the subject of a commemorative stamp.

G. K. Chesterton’s ‘The Uses of Diversity' is a collection of essays from the "Prince of Paradox". Written by the English writer and philosopher, Chesterton’s essays are full of exciting points, intelligent jokes, and intriguing insights, and beautifully showcase Chesterton’s thoughts and beliefs.Some of the essays featured in the collection include: ‘On Seriousness’, ‘Tennyson’, ‘The Japanese’, ‘Christian Science’, ‘The Evolution of Emma’, ‘Questions of Divorce’, ‘Mormonism’, ‘Dickens Again’, ‘George Wyndham’, and ‘On Monsters’.A superb collection for readers of Chesterton, which covers a wide array of topics on everything from religion and nationalities to poltics and different influential novelists.Known as the ‘Prince of Paradox,’ Gilbert Keith Chesterton (1874 – 1936) was an English author, philosopher, and literary critic. An unparalleled essayist, he produced over four thousand essays during his lifetime, alongside eighty novels and two hundred short stories.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.According to his autobiography, Chesterton and Shaw also played cowboys in a silent movie that was never released.

You are invited on a voyage to the high seas in the most amazing, spectacular and wondrous adventure yet! Hold tight, and look out for your furry friends – and fishy foes, for animals and humans alike are welcome in Lofting's second instalment to the Doctor Dolittle series. Winner of the 1923 Newbery Medal, ‘The Voyages of Doctor Dolittle’ is a must read for animal fans with a big heart.Returning from his latest voyage, it isn’t too long before Doctor Dolittle sets sail on his next. Young Tommy Stubbins needs his help, and is about to discover Doctor Dolittle’s incredible gift in the process. But with stormy weather on the horizon, the crew rock up on a mysterious Spidermonkey Island. Happening upon the Great Glass Sea Snail, further secrets lie ahead. Doctor Dolittle’s magic will be enlisted to crack the case and bring the animals to safety. But with all this monkeying around, will the shipshape gang make it back in time for tea? Ideal for wonder-seeking fans of Robert Downing Jr.’s 2020 ‘Dolittle’ film."Doctor Dolittle" is a children’s fantasy series set in Victorian England, featuring the famous English physician who can speak to animals. His adventures are compelling, humorous, and quite extraordinary, turning the series into a children’s classic. Adapted into numerous animations and movies, the most recent one being the 2020’s version starring Robert Downey Jr. and Antonio Banderas.Hugh Lofting (1886-1947) was an English civil engineer turned author. Creator of the classic children’s character ‘Doctor Dolittle’, he is celebrated today as an important pioneer of the children’s and YA fiction genres. His other fantasy works include ‘The Story of Mrs Tubbs’, ‘Noisy Nora’ and ‘The Twilight of Magic’. Winner of the 1923 Newbery Medal, Lofting remains an influential cultural figure, with Robert Downing Jr.’s 2020 ‘Dolittle’ film enchanting children and adults alike.

The first book in the ´Sanders of the River´ series and set in the Edwardian era, ‘Sanders of the River’ focuses on the eponymous Governor of Nigeria.Commissioner Sanders struggles to balance the requests of The Crown against the needs of the natives.As he strives to juggle the demands from both parties, Sanders finds himself facing political turmoil that might push his colony to the brink of war.As a story, the reader is introduced to the struggles faced by an invading force. As a historical piece of fiction, this is an important document of the impact British colonialism had on West Africa.An excellent introduction to one of the most opinionated minds of the 20th Century.‘Sanders of the River’ is ideal for those interested in literature with a British Colonial setting.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’.