English

Short, witty and exciting collection of short stories, “Tales of the Jazz Age” is by Francis Scott Fitzgerald, the author of 'The Great Gatsby'. Divided into three parts, the tales are grouped into serious stories, non-sensical narratives, and fantasies. Among the most famous stories are the greedy and sinister 'The Diamond as Big as the Ritz', the utterly amusing and ridiculous 'The Camel’s Back', and the intriguing 'The Curious Case of Benjamin Button', which has since been adapted into an award-winning film starring Brad Pitt and Cate Blanchett. It is a great read for anyone having an interest in the Jazz Age, 1920's stories or Fitzgerald’s fiction; and perfect for those who need something short and snappy to read on the go.F. Scott Fitzgerald (1896-1940) is one of the greatest American novelists of the 20th century and author of the classics ‘Tender is the Night’, ‘The Great Gatsby’ and 'The Curious Case of Benjamin Button', all of which have been adapted in to successful film adaptations. His writing helped popularise the 1920s Jazz Age that he and wife Zelda Fitzgerald were in the centre of.

Instrumental in revisioning the potential of the short story form, Katherine Mansfield’s ‘Bliss and Other Stories’ captures the accuracy of raw emotion and social experience. Inviting readers to reflect upon our most vulnerable of states, this collection constitutes a deep dive into what it means to be human. Featuring a selection of new poetry and short story by acclaimed New Zealand author Paul Morris, as inspired by Mansfield herself.‘Bliss and Other Stories’ is the ideal companion for fans of Ryan Gosling and Rachel McAdams fans of ‘The Notebook’.Katherine Mansfield (1888-1923) was a short story writer and poet from New Zealand who was widely considered one of the most influential and important authors of the modernist movement. Having settled in England at the age of 19, Virginia Woolf and D.H. Lawrence were among her literary friends and admirers. She died of tuberculosis at the age of 34. Her life and best-know short stories were adapted into the 1973 TV series 'A Picture of Katherine Mansfield'.

Young Jolyon Forsyte develops a friendship with his cousin Soames' estranged wife Irene. As the friendship blooms into something more, Irene’s divorce is not going as smoothly as hoped. Instead of divorcing his wife Soames embarks on a far more destructive course of action.'In Chancery' (1920) was written by English author and playwright John Galsworthy and is the second novel in his masterpiece, 'The Forsyte Saga'. The Forsyte Saga (1922) is a series of three novels and two interludes published between 1906 and 1921, all of which have been adapted for television.John Galsworthy (1867-1933) was an English novelist and playwright, best known for his masterpiece 'The Forsyte Saga', which won him the Nobel Prize in Literature in 1932. The trilogy depicts an upper-class English family in the years 1886-1926. It was adapted for TV in 2002 for the ITV network starring Damian Lewis, Rupert Graves and Gina McKee.In his stories, Galsworthy addresses social issues, family life, and the upper-middle class, in which he strongly criticised the morals and ideals of Victorian England. Among his other prominent works are 'From the Four Winds', 'The Silver Box', 'The Country House', and 'The Skin Game'.

The story of a young girl raised in isolation in preparation to marry the King of Ulster sounds at first a little outdated.That is until you call it what it is - an arranged marriage and child abuse.These are themes that continue to exist and they give 'Deirdre' a resonance in the 21st century.The girl at the heart of the story eventually falls in love with a young man and they run away to Scotland - cue much relief.There is a nasty twist in the tale, however, when she is lured back to Ireland many years later.The story, which is based on Irish myth and legend, has echoes of the 1993 movie 'The Piano', starring Holly Hunter and Harvey Keitel, in which a mute Scottish woman was sold into marriage by her father to a frontiersman in New Zealand.James Stephens (1880-1950) was an Irish novelist and poet who based many of his works of myth and legend from Ireland's past.Life imitated art when he created his own myth - claiming to have been born on the same day as literary legend James Joyce ('Ulysses', 'Finnegans Wake').His father died when he was two and his mother remarried, leading to his being committed to a boys' school when caught begging on the streets.During time as a solicitor and a registrar at the National Gallery of Ireland, Stephens took up writing.He is best known for 'Irish Fairy Tales' and 'The Crock of Gold', while he also wrote an influential account of the 1916 Easter Rising, describing the death of his friend Thomas MacDonagh.

What really happens when you meet your doppelganger?Well, if you are "dangerously antisocial" and your double is charming, well-liked and has the social skills that you lack, then they take over your life by pretending to be you!Dostoevsky’s novella 'The Double' follows the life of Golyadkin, a low-level official who is a dangerous sociopath. After a misadventure at a birthday party, Golyadkin has a chance meeting with Golyadkin Junior – his double who looks just like him.The theme of the doppelgänger runs potent in the story, together with universal ones like depression, sorrow, alienation, and social injustice. The only solution for the protagonist is the asylum, where his mind can finally be at piece.A sardonic, Gogolian tale of absurdity and social criticism that is proven to be a great read.Fyodor Dostoevsky (1821-1881) was a famous Russian writer of novels, short stories, and essays. A connoisseur of the troubled human psyche and the relationships between the individuals, Dostoevsky’s oeuvre covers a large area of subjects: politics, religion, social issues, philosophy, and the uncharted realms of the psychological.There have been at least 30 film and TV adaptations of Fyodor Dostoyevsky’s 1866 novel “Crime and Punishment” with probably the most popular being the British BBC TV series starring John Simm as Raskolnikov and Ian McDiarmid as Porfiry Petrovich.“The Idiot” has also been adapted for films and TV, as has “Demons” and “The Brothers Karamazov".

An alcoholic will always put their need for drink before their family and, sadly, this story is no different.'Netochka Nezvanova' is an unfinished novel by Dostoevsky that the author started writing before his arrest and exile to Siberia. Telling the story of Netochka, born in the family of a drunken father who drives them to poverty, the novel shifts its focus on the heroine’s psychological state and the resulting trauma from her “rescue” by an aristocratic family.A tale of tormented artists, family abuse, and melodramatic responses, 'Netochka Nezvanova' is a very eye-opening read.Fyodor Dostoevsky (1821-1881) was a famous Russian writer of novels, short stories, and essays. A connoisseur of the troubled human psyche and the relationships between the individuals, Dostoevsky’s oeuvre covers a large area of subjects: politics, religion, social issues, philosophy, and the uncharted realms of the psychological.There have been at least 30 film and TV adaptations of Fyodor Dostoyevsky’s 1866 novel 'Crime and Punishment' with probably the most popular being the British BBC TV series starring John Simm as Raskolnikov and Ian McDiarmid as Porfiry Petrovich.'The Idiot' has also been adapted for films and TV, as has 'Demons' and 'The Brothers Karamazov'.

Jolyon Forsyte may be an old man and the new owner of the Soames house, but he has struck up an unlikely friendship with young Irene. Over a long summer, he slowly falls in love with her and makes decisions that will send shockwaves through his family.'Indian Summer' (1918) was written by English author and playwright John Galsworthy, and is the first interlude in his masterpiece 'The Forsyte Saga'.The Forsyte Saga (1922) is a series of three novels and two interludes published between 1906 and 1921, all of which have been adapted for television.John Galsworthy (1867-1933) was an English novelist and playwright, best known for his masterpiece 'The Forsyte Saga', which won him the Nobel Prize in Literature in 1932. The trilogy depicts an upper-class English family in the years 1886-1926. It was adapted for TV in 2002 for the ITV network starring Damian Lewis, Rupert Graves and Gina McKee.In his stories, Galsworthy addresses social issues, family life, and the upper-middle class, in which he strongly criticised the morals and ideals of Victorian England. Among his other prominent works are 'From the Four Winds', 'The Silver Box', 'The Country House', and 'The Skin Game'.

Penny-pinching bookseller Henry Earlforward harbours a desperate love for his neighbour and customer Violet. After he succeeds in wooing and marrying her, their marriage begins to fall into ruins as Violet’s spending clashes with Henry’s miserly nature. As Henry’s health begins to decline, their loyal maid Elsie attempts to keep the household afloat, secretly waiting for her shellshocked love, Joe, to return for her. Set in Clerkenwell, London, Arnold Bennett’s ‘Riceyman Steps’ (1923) is a bittersweet tale that marked a significant departure from his other works. Fans of heart wrenching love stories will enjoy this early 20th century classic that reads like a cross between Charles Dickens’ ‘A Christmas Carol’ and Jojo Moyes’ ‘Me Before You’.Enoch Arnold Bennett (1867 – 1931), better known as Arnold Bennett, was an English writer of novels, short stories and plays. The eldest of six children, Bennett grew up in Staffordshire as part of a cultured artistic family. His first novel, ‘A Man From The North’, was published in 1898 to critical acclaim but little commercial success. However, his prolific output soon made him a successful author, and by the time of his death at 63 he was a household name with many published classics. Bennett is best remembered for his novels ‘Anna of the Five Towns’ (1902), ‘The Old Wives’ Tale’ (1908), ‘Clayhanger’ (1910) and ‘Riceyman Steps’ (1923). His work frequently dealt with real-life issues and have been loved for their relatability and the keen insight they offer into the everyday. Posthumously recognised as a literary genius, Bennett’s works have had frequent comparisons to those of his contemporaries such as H.G. Wells and John Galsworthy.

Family Christmas gatherings are always very... interesting.A wedding, sports on ice, Sexton stealing Goblins, merry voices carolling and jolly faces. The Pickwickians' Christmas trip to the Manor Farm in Dingley Dell is full of good-humoured adventures!Characterised by mischief and fun, this lovely little story is not your average Dickens Christmas tale.Charles Dickens (1812-1870) was a widely popular English author and social critic. Among his most famous novels are ‘Oliver Twist’, ‘A Christmas Carol’, and ‘Great Expectations’. Dickens is best known for his depictions of poor Victorian living conditions and his unforgettable characters, some compassionate and others grotesquely malicious.Dickens’ timeless tales are still as celebrated today as when they were written, and his literary style is so influential that the term Dickensian was coined to describe the literature he inspired.Many of Dickens’ novels have been adapted for movies and television, including the Academy Award-winning musical ‘Oliver’. 'A Christmas Carol' is well known worldwide and is a huge favourite movie for families to watch together at Christmas time. The most famous movie was from Disney in 2009 starring Jim Carrey, Gary Oldman and Colin Firth.

Hester appears to have it all - marriage, a nice home, three children and a stimulating job.But it is not enough. For no matter how much she and her husband earn, she spends more.Driven by a desire to be loved by his mother, young Paul starts betting on the horses with the family's gardener.He wins, wins and just keeps winning. But, as quickly as he hands her the money, Hester has splurged it away.Then, as Derby day approaches, the spooky secret of Paul's endless run of luck is revealed.As tragedy beckons, will Paul win his mother's love?This book is perfect for fans of Edgar Allan Poe and Ernest Hemingway.It was made into the 1949 fantasy film 'The Rocking Horse Winner', starring John Howard Davies, Valerie Hobson and John Mills.DH Lawrence (1885-1930) was an English writer and poet.He was at the centre of a great deal of controversy during and after his life, with the explicit nature of some of his novels leading to censorship and protests.Many critics admired his imaginative and deeply descriptive style, though.Among his best-known novels are 'Sons and Lovers', 'Lady Chatterley's Lover', 'The Rainbow' and 'Women in Love'.

‘The Gods Are Athirst’ (1912) is Nobel laureate Anatole France’s captivating fictional reimagining of the bloody events of the French Revolution. Gamelin, a young idealistic painter who works with his local government in Pont-Neuf finds himself at the epicentre of the Terror when he is appointed as a juror on the Revolutionary Tribunal. Swept through a procession of unjust trials, Gamelin must reckon with his actions as he determines the fates of those closest to him. As he turns drunk with power and vengeance, Gamelin’s actions set forth a violent and horrific chain of events that end only with blood.‘The Gods Are Athirst’ is a brilliant but horrifying depiction of how fear and a warped sense of justice only serve to bring chaos. A masterpiece in its own right, ‘The Gods Are Athirst’ is an essential read for anyone interested in French history or looking for a gripping tale of the fall of the man and the cost of vengeance.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 an historic legacy, and he is recognised today as one of France’s most prominent authors.

‘This is the story, among others, of Henry the waiter—or, as he now prefers to call himself, Henri—told to me in the long dining-room of the Riffel Alp Hotel, where I once stayed for a melancholy week "between seasons".’ The collection of short stories in The Observations of Henry are a witty and wondrous insight into the life and times of 19th century England, as told by an enigmatic waiter, Henry (Henri). An observer of life, and offering counsel to his various customers’ romantic entanglements, dramas and career carry-ons, the charming tales from a unique hotelier’s perspective is an uplifting, funny and occasionally shocking set of tit-bits from some of the more memorable characters which Henry has met in his work. Aided by comic assailants, Kipper and Carrot, Jerome K. Jerome sets the perfect scene for scandal, humour and charismatic capers. Originally published in 1901, the warm and witty mini sagas will appeal to any reader who is a fan of Roald Dahl, Oscar Wilde and Mark Twain. Sometimes dark, often light and occasionally highly unexpected, The Observations of Henry is charming, insightful and extremely funny - people watching at its very best.Jerome Klapka Jerome (1859-1927) was born in Walsall, in northern Great Britain, on 2nd May 1859. Orphaned as a teenager, he was forced to leave education at just 14 years old to start working. After various jobs as an actor, clerk and a school teacher, Jerome published his first book in 1885 based upon is own experiences - ‘On the Stage and Off: The Brief Career of a Would-Be Actor’. Stage plays, books and journalism articles followed suit, including his most successful book – a warm and witty autobiographical story entitled 'Three Men in a Boat'. Other works include ‘Idle Thoughts of an Idle Fellow’, ‘Second Thoughts of an Idle Fellow’, and ‘Three Men on the Bummel’. Jerome founded the weekly magazine ‘To-Day’ in 1893 and edited another magazine named ‘The Idler’ until 1898, whilst also working as a lecturer and writer in England. During World War I, he wasn’t accepted for active service in the UK’s army so instead enlisted as an ambulance driver in the French army. He died on 14th June 1927 after suffering a stroke.

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

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

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

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

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

A romantic Valentine’s evening at The Bluebird turns into a murder mystery when a dead body plummets to the bottom of the village well.There are no witnesses, but surely in a community where everyone knows each other’s business, the murderer can’t stay hidden for long?Sophie doesn’t think so, and she’s on the case, determined to restore peace to the idyllic Cotswold village once more.The latest cosy mystery from bestselling author Debbie Young is ideal for fans of Richard Osman, Katie Gayle, and Catherine Coles.Debbie Young is the much-loved author of the "Sophie Sayers" and St Brides cosy crime mysteries. She lives in a Cotswold village, where she runs the local literary festival, and has worked at Westonbirt School, both of which provide inspiration for her writing.

'The Day of His Youth' is the story of Francis Hume who battles between his own personal guilt and his desire to seize the day, after his mother died during childbirth.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.

Homecoming hero Jeffrey Blake returns after a stint in prison and tries to embed himself back into his former life. Blake hopes to reconcile with his wife and find his place back in his family alongside his aging father but is met with obstacles and judgement, as well as trying to solve the mystery of a stolen necklace in the family with his wife as the prime suspect.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 stories with local colour. 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.

The fictional town of Tiverton is the centre of these short stories by Alice Brown. Tiverton is based in New England, like many of Brown's other works, and is home to traditional, American families in the late 19th century. The various tales explore domestic life at this time and the gender balance between men and women.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.

"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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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

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

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

When Rancher Ben Ide moves his family to Arizona, it initially seems to be only because of his sick mother. But the need for finding his old riding partner Nevada is too great.Ide buys a beautiful ranch for himself and his family but there is danger luring in their new area. The surrounding territory is known for cattle rustling, and Ide struggles to keep his cattle and horses from the rustlers' claws.Who can Ben Ide trust, and who is out to get him?At the same time, Nevada resumes his life as an outlaw and gets involved in the dangerous world of rustling. Nevada once again sacrifices his own reputation, and safety, in order to protect Ben Ide, in this sequel to 'Forlorn River'.With action, violence, honor and cowboys, this is the perfect novel for Western fans.Grey's novels and stories were adapted to more than 100 movie and television productions with the most well-known being the movie Riders of the Purple Sage (1996) starring Ed Harris, Amy Madigan and Henry Thomas.Zane Grey (1872-1939) was a popular American author, best known for his adventure novels and short stories. The topics of the American West and the Frontier were central to his writings, and Grey became engrossed within the Western genre.Many of his novels were written from the perspective and experience gained from his hunting and travelling trips all around the West. Some of Grey’s most famous novels include 'Riders of the Purple Sage', 'The Last Trail' and 'Valley of Wild Horses'.