English

'The Red Thumb Mark' is the first in the absorbing and original Dr. Thorndyke series. Thorndyke is a Sherlock Holmes inspired forensic detective employed as a proactive expert witness. He uses the available science and technology of his era to determine and demonstrate how and when certain crimes were perpetrated.Thorndyke is called to the scene when the nephew of a jeweller is accused of stealing diamonds from his uncle's safe. His bloody thumbprint was found on a slip of paper inside the empty safe. But Thorndyke is convinced of the man's innocence. He resolves to compile a case for the defense based on his scientific investigation. But Thorndyke may have waded into unexpectedly deep waters when attempts are made on his life.A compelling and fascinating detective novel with a decidedly steampunk atmosphere for the present-day reader. Highly recommended for enthusiasts of Conan Doyle's 'Sherlock Holmes' novels as well as the popular 2010 TV series 'Sherlock' starring Benedict Cumberbatch and Martin Freeman. Fans of the 'CSI: Crime Scene Investigation' series will also be intrigued by the life and ways of literature's first forensic detective.R Austin Freeman (1862-1943) was an English doctor. He created the first and best-known forensic scientist, Dr John Thorndyke. Freeman was born in London, the son of a tailor. He took a medical degree from Middlesex Hospital Medical College. He married Annie Elizabeth Edwards in 1887 and had two sons. He travelled to the Gold Coast of Africa for work, but after seven years was invalided out. He returned to England unable to work in medicine and began writing fiction in 1902. There followed a long series of Dr Thorndyke mysteries, including some of the first 'inverted' mystery stories, where the identity of the criminal is revealed at the outset and the interest of the story lies in seeing how the detection is done.

‘New Worlds for Old’ is a highly celebrated non-fiction book about socialism by H.G. Wells. The book was written by Wells due to the success and praise of his earlier political writings and it is the most insightful and comprehensive portrayal of the author’s socialist views. With a unique and balanced approach, Wells argues for a just and equitable society built on collectivism instead of individualism. However, the book is not simply reiterating Marx as Wells criticises armed revolution and praises constructive socialism. ‘New Worlds for Old’ was incredibly successful at the time of its release and was praised by authors and activists such as Joseph Conrad and Helen Keller. This book remains highly influential and relevant and should be read by anyone interested in politics and especially socialism.H. G. Wells (1866-1946) was a celebrated English writer, remembered mostly for his science fiction works. Often described as a futurist, H. G. Wells’ influence cannot be overstated for his works foresaw many technological innovations such as space travel, the atomic bomb, and the Internet. A four-time Nobel Prize in Literature nominee, Wells explored a wide array of themes in his works, from religion to social criticism and beyond. Some of his best works include the time-travel novel ‘The Time Machine’, the sci-fi adventure novel ‘The Island of Dr. Moreau’, and the mankind-versus-aliens novel ‘The War of the Worlds’. Wells occupies one of the central seats in the canon of science-fiction literature and his writing inspired other celebrated authors such as Ray Bradbury and Philip K. Dick. Wells’ stories are still widely read to this day and have had numerous cinematic adaptations including ‘The Invisible Man’ starring Elisabeth Moss.

A crooked merchant banker. The tantalising wealth of a distant relative. A bribe promising to wipe the slate clean.Stephen Narth needs pound50,000 to keep out of prison. When his uncle unexpectedly offers a solution, an exciting and dangerous journey to China begins. But Narth must pull the strings of fate to secure his future. And time waits for no one when seedy businessmen and corrupt assassins are at hand.Who will keep their side of the bargain? And more importantly, will Narth come out on top?Outlandishly fun and outrageously daring, Edgar Wallace’s thriller ‘The Yellow Snake’ is perfect for fans of ‘Peaky Blinders’.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 classic mystery novel and a cheeky sense of humour are often associated with the works of Conan Doyle, but Edgar Wallace's 'The Terrible People' is just as gripping and inventive as Sherlock Holmes. A gang of criminals return from the dead to haunt an heiress, as they seek to find redemption for crimes they didn't commit.It is a novel which never ages and has remnants of a Gothic horror, as the protagonist attempts to exert revenge on those who have wronged him - his executors.Edgar Wallace (1875-1932) was an English writer so prolific, that one of his publishers claimed that he was behind a quarter of all books sold in England. An author, journalist and poet, he wrote countless novels, short stories, screen plays, stage plays, historical non-fiction, etc. Today, more than 160 films have been made from his work. He died suddenly in Hollywood in 1932, during the initial drafting of his most famous work, "King Kong".

Tucked away in a museum, lies the original notebooks of a teenage Jane Austen. Within the pages can be found the early writings of a girl who would go on to shape the literary landscape for years to come. From movies such as "Clueless" to "Emma", Jane Austen has been inspiring storytellers for over 200 years.'Love and Friendship' is a collection of short stories from her journals that show the beginnings of some of her best-known stories. Her bold attitude and love of independence shine bright in these early writings.Comprising 'Love and Friendship', 'Lesley Castle', 'The History of England', 'Collection of Letters', and 'Scraps', Austen’s juvenilia offers an entertaining and interesting glimpse into the author’s life.Jane Austen (1775-1817) is one of the most beloved British writers of all time. During her short life she published six novels: ´Sense and Sensibility´, ´Pride and Prejudice´, ´Mansfield Park´, ´Emma´, ´Northanger Abbey´ and ´Persuasion´, that are all considered as literary classics today.Her writing is full of sharp observations on the society in which she evolved, as well as ripe with timeless irony, and a solid dose of humour. She has created immortal characters that have inspired countless authors, novels, and movies such as 'Bridget Jones' and 'Clueless'.The most notable film adapted from a Jane Austen novel is 'Pride and Prejudice' from 2005 starring Keira Knightley ('Pirates of the Caribbean') and Matthew Macfadyen.

‘Certain Personal Matters’ is an intriguing and entertaining collection of essays by H.G. Wells that range from satirical political sketches to scientific speculations. Wells’ shorts shed unparalleled light on the author’s life such as a harrowing and intimate recollection of his battle with tuberculosis. Many essays discuss topics that remain relevant like social inequalities although Wells uses his humour and wit to ensure these articles remain engaging. Some of the essays contain science fiction material, providing an incredible insight into the author’s later ventures into the genre. Among the most interesting essays are ‘The Book of Curses’ about a man doomed to be unpopular as he collects swear words from people he encounters and ‘The Amateur Nature-Lover’ that comically ponders where abandoned boots come from. ‘Certain Personal Matters’ will satisfy Wells readers with its scientific discussions while also providing a different perspective on the celebrated author by portraying his humour. This collection is a must-read for fans of Wells and ‘The Twilight Zone’.H. G. Wells (1866-1946) was a celebrated English writer, remembered mostly for his science fiction works. Often described as a futurist, H. G. Wells’ influence cannot be overstated for his works foresaw many technological innovations such as space travel, the atomic bomb, and the Internet. A four-time Nobel Prize in Literature nominee, Wells explored a wide array of themes in his works, from religion to social criticism and beyond. Some of his best works include the time-travel novel ‘The Time Machine’, the sci-fi adventure novel ‘The Island of Dr. Moreau’, and the mankind-versus-aliens novel ‘The War of the Worlds’. Wells occupies one of the central seats in the canon of science-fiction literature and his writing inspired other celebrated authors such as Ray Bradbury and Philip K. Dick. Wells’ stories are still widely read to this day and have had numerous cinematic adaptations including ‘The Invisible Man’ starring Elisabeth Moss.

Fans of Cathy Bramley, Debbie Johnson and Jenny Colgan will fall in love with the Cosy Kettle Café, where slices of lemon meringue pie are served in the sun-dappled garden – and where Callie’s new beginning collides with an old flame...After yet another failed romance, twenty-six-year-old Callie Fulbright is giving up on love. She’s determined to throw all her efforts into her very own, brand-new café: the Cosy Kettle. Serving hot tea, cherry tarts and a welcoming smile to the friendly locals proves to be the perfect distraction, and Callie feels a flush of pride at the fledgling business she’s built.But her new-found confidence is soon put to the test when her gorgeous ex reappears in the quaint little village. She’ll never forget the heartache Noah caused her years ago, but when they bump into each other on the cobbled streets of Honeyford she can’t help but feel a flutter in her chest...As Callie and Noah share laughter and memories, she starts to wonder if this could be her second chance at happiness. But when Callie discovers that someone is mysteriously trying to ruin the café’s reputation... she has an awful suspicion that Noah knows who’s involved.Was she wrong to ever trust him again? And can she find out who’s behind the lies and rumours, before it’s too late for the Cosy Kettle?Readers are falling in love with Callie’s story:‘So many funny parts that I found myself laughing all the way through! It is a definite page turner and I literally could not put it down once I started it!... a delight to read... Fabulous!! Highly recommended!’ Stardust Book Reviews, 5 stars‘What an absolutely brilliant book, it has everything you could possibly want... I fell in love with this book from the very beginning. It is the perfect book to brighten your day... heart-warming and totally laugh-out-loud funny... you can’t help smiling when you’re reading it.’ MrsCsHonestBookReviews, 5 stars‘It is such a charming story!! It brings warm fuzzy feelings and tugs at your heart strings with stories of love and family... It also makes you chuckle a lot... hilarious... a fantastic read and I would definitely recommend it!’ Goodreads reviewer.Author's previous series sold over 20,000 copiesFor fans of Cathy Bramley, Debbie Johnson and Jenny ColganLiz began her writing career as a journalist for newspapers and magazines before moving into the health sector as a communications manager and press officer. The low point of her career was abandoning an interview with Cliff Richard after two questions because she was about to faint – her excuse is that she was newly pregnant at the time. Liz lives by the sea in West Sussex with her husband and grown-up daughter. She spends a lot of time meaning to meditate, avoiding exercise, and missing her son who lives in London.

The sky is cornflower blue, the air is scented with the smell of fresh apple blossom and Lizzie Lovell can’t wait to start her new life in the mill on Magnolia Lane. But is she just about to fall in love with someone she shouldn’t?When Lizzie loses her larger-than-life dad she doesn’t know how to move forward. Encouraged by a childhood dream she shared with her beloved father, she is determined to continue his legacy and moves to the old Mill on Magnolia Lane, a place he had always longed to own.Restoring the old windmill is a much bigger job than Lizzie bargained for, especially when she is distracted by her new next-door neighbour Jude, who has temptingly twinkly eyes and a body to die for. But when Jude’s ex-girlfriend Harriet arrives back on the scene, Lizzie begins to wonder if life wasn’t far simpler before she moved to the mill. Especially when it emerges that Harriet knows something about Jude’s past, something that could shatter her new start and her heart into smithereens ...If your heart is warmed by Jenny Colgan, Lucy Diamond and Josie Silver’s "One Day in December", you’ll fall in love with this beautiful feel-good story about finding love when you least expect it.What readers are saying about The Mill on Magnolia Lane:‘Another absolute gem from Tilly Tennant, that was hard to put down. A gorgeous comfort read, with characters to fall in love with from the start.’ Goodreads Reviewer, 5 stars‘A heartwarming and emotional novel to be sure, but it was still lovely and had a beautiful ending. It's a lovely story about love, relationships and about losing a loved one. Emotional, sometimes I had tears in my eyes whilst reading this! But at other points I had a smile on my face.’ The Cosiest Corner‘Fascinating and entertaining, the perfect feel good book for a cosy afternoon. I love the plot that kept me hooked till the last page and the cast of characters. The setting was lovely and it made me wish I was there. Highly recommended!’ Scrapping and Playing, 5 stars.Top 20 Amazon CA and top 30 Amazon UK author. Tilly has sold over 280,000 copiesFor fans of Jenny Colgan, Lucy Diamond and Josie SilverFrom a young age, Tilly Tennant was convinced that she was destined for the stage. Once she realised she wasn’t actually very good at anything that would put her on the stage, she started to write stories instead. There were lots of terrible ones, like The Pet Rescue Gang (aged eight), which definitely should not see the light of day ever again. Thankfully, her debut novel, Hopelessly Devoted to Holden Finn was not one of those, and since it hit the Amazon best seller lists she hasn’t looked back. Born in Dorset, she currently lives in Staffordshire.

After running away from an arranged marriage, dressed as a little old lady, red-haired beauty Jabina finds herself being inadvertently rescued by Drue, the Duke of Warminster. When their carriage overturns on their journey, the pair are taken in by aristocratic friends of Jabina's father leading to the lie that they are married. The Duke is appalled to be stuck with the unruly and impetuous Jabina and she is less than impressed too.As Napoleon declares war on England, the couple make the perilous journey to France in an attempt to escape, but will they ever be able to live without looking over their shoulders?Brimming with drama, 'The Impetuous Duchess' is an action-packed, enemies-to-lovers tale, packed with romance, intrigue and adventure.Perfect for fans of Daphne Du Maurier, Nita Abram, and Scarlett Scott.In her lifetime, British author Barbara Cartland wrote over 700 novels and was most famous for her contemporary and historical romances.A prominent figure in London society, the young Cartland began her writing career as a gossip columnist for the Daily Express. It was partying in 1920's London that gave her inspiration for her first book, "Jigsaw", a racy society thriller.After marrying into the McCorquodale family, she began writing romance and holds a Guinness World Record for the most number of books published in one year: 191. Her books have been translated into many different languages, as well as adapted for stage and screen. She is beloved the world over and even counts the young Princess Diana as one of her many fans.

"The night is far spent; the day is at hand." "They shall see the son of man coming in a cloud, with power and great glory."This is a short booklet by Harriet Beecher Stowe about the Coming of Jesus Christ that even the humblest reader will be captured by. Stowe, herself, was very religious from early childhood and throughout her life. She has written many books with religious stories, studies and poems, though her most well known work is Uncle Tom's Cabin.A thorn in the angry eyes of American slave owners, Harriet Beecher Stowe (1811-1896) was an American author and ardent abolitionist. Her novel Uncle Tom’s Cabin (1852) became one of the most famous literary attacks on slavery at the time. The novel was also turned into a play and adapted to the movie screen more than once.The latest version from 1987 features Samuel L. Jackson, one of the most popular actors of his generation. Stowe also wrote numerous travel memoirs, letters, articles, and short stories – all crucial to the depiction of the injustice of African Americans we still hear about today.

Are you a Harry Potter fan? Do you enjoy losing yourself in exciting fantasy worlds? If mystical creatures, princes, fairies, and other weird and wonderful beings are your thing, you will love these "Nine Unlikely Tales" by Edith Nesbit.It’s hard to pick a favourite. Will you prefer 'The Prince, Two Mice and Some Kitchen-Maids' or maybe 'The Sums That Came Right'? One thing is for sure, no matter if you are young or old you be delighted by all of them.Edith Nesbit, is also the author of such works as 'The Railway Children' and 'Five Children and It', both of which were turned into a children's TV series.Edith Nesbit Bland (1858-1924) was a British author, activist and poet who published an extensive amount of children’s books under the pen name "E. Nesbit", which are still widely read today. Amongst her most famous novels are 'The Railway Children', 'The Story of the Treasure Seekers', and 'Five Children and It', all of which were made into TV series'.She is also the author of the book and animation 'The Greatest Adventure: The Book of Dragons', which fans of the film 'How to Train Your Dragon' will love.

Famous Impostors is a non-fiction work written by Bram Stoker, who is best known as the author of the horror classic 'Dracula' which was adapted into the legendary eponymous 1931 film starring Bela Lugosi.It is a witty tongue-in-cheek tribute to dozens of impostors and hoaxes throughout history. These notorious charlatans include eminent characters such as royal pretenders (take for instance Perkin Warbeck, who faked his way to King Henry VII's throne). Other characters include magicians, self-professed witches and clairvoyants, women masquerading as men and the like - the very stuff needed to set your mind whirling far and wide.This is a must-read for fans of the fantastic yet hilarious tales penned by Terry Pratchett, co-author of 'Good Omens', the TV adaptation of which stars Michael Sheen and David Tennant.Also a perfect pick for those captured by historical enigmas such as Harry Houdini, about whom the debate whether he is fact or fraud still rages on.Abraham "Bram" Stoker was born in Dublin in 1847. Turning to fiction in his later years, Stoker published his first short story 'The Crystal Cup' (1872) in London Society magazine. In the 1880s and 1890s, he published 'Under the Sunset' (1882) and an adventure novel titled 'The Snake’s Pass' (1890).It was the publication of 'Dracula' in 1897 which launched Stoker into literary stardom.

Archibald Hunter arrives at Cruden Bay for his yearly seaside vacation, looking for nothing more than peace and quiet. Then all of a sudden his life becomes plagued by intimidating visions and omens of impending disaster. What are these creepy ghosts trying to tell him? And what is the mystery behind the strange cipher that has inexplicably fallen into his lap?A mystery novel at first but transforms into an exciting adventure full of intrigue, romance and treasure hunting. 'The Mystery of The Sea’ is a stark but refreshing contrast to Bram Stoker’s well-known horror classic 'Dracula', famously portrayed by film star Bela Lugosi.Highly recommended for avid fans of H.P. Lovecraft's supernatural stories, and its HBO adaptation 'Lovecraft Country'. Also a perfect fit for 'Robinson Crusoe' fans seeking a sinister adventure story about a lone man taking on the malignant forces of nature.Abraham "Bram" Stoker was born in Dublin in 1847. Turning to fiction in his later years, Stoker published his first short story 'The Crystal Cup' (1872) in London Society magazine. In the 1880s and 1890s, he published 'Under the Sunset' (1882) and an adventure novel titled 'The Snake’s Pass' (1890).It was the publication of 'Dracula' in 1897 which launched Stoker into literary stardom.

Telepathic birds, cavemen and prehistoric monsters. Not exactly what you would expect to find at the centre of the Earth!'At the Earth’s Core' is the first novel in Burroughs’ fantasy series about the fictional Hollow Earth land of Pellucidar. The narrator finds a strange machine and its engineer in the Sahara desert, from whom he learns about the machine’s objective. Popularizing the concept of the "Hollow Earth" in fiction, Burroughs depicts a haunting subterranean world of endless oceans, vast jungles, and bizarre weather conditions. The author expresses the ludicrous and ridiculous beliefs of the seventeenth and eighteenth-century scientists that the earth was hollow, explaining some of its anomalies."At the Earth's Core" was made into a movie in 1976 starring Doug McClure and Caroline Munro. The vivid natural descriptions, terrific adventures, and fascinating characters make this novel a must for fans of Burroughs and the fantasy genre.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.Tarzan and his adventures are loved by both young and old, and are evergreen classics. Many have watched at least one Tarzan TV series or movie with the most popular probably being the Walt Disney animation film from 1999 and "The Legend of Tarzan" from 2016 starring Alexander Skarsgård and Samuel L. Jackson.

Mysterious creatures, somber landscapes, wanderings in the afterlife, and macabre suspense. If you think this sounds dark and straight out of a horror movie then you would be right!'Under the Sunset' is a short story collection by Bram Stoker, whose atmosphere and characters anticipate his more mature works. The sentimental and melodramatic theme of Christian values and compassion run strong, turning the majority of stories into tales of morality. It is a compilation of sad, amazing, and compelling fantasy stories that fans of the author and short fiction will definitely adore.Bram Stoker (1847-1912) was an Irish writer, best known for his Gothic horror 'Dracula', whose eponymous character became one of the most well known vampires in popular culture. 'Dracula' has been adapted for the big screen many times with the most famous being from 1992 staring Anthony Hopkins, Keanu Reeves, Winona Ryder and Gary Oldman.Stoker's interest in the theatre bought him into the inner circle of London’s high society, where he met and became a close acquaintance of Sir Arthur Conan Doyle and Joseph Sheridan Le Fanu. Among his other novels are 'The Mystery of the Sea' and 'The Jewel of the Seven Stars', as well as three short story collections and various non-fiction pieces and articles.

In this historical romance adventure the wealthy Miss Betty with a heart of gold falls in love with the dashing Rafe. After saving Betty's life in a boat trip gone wrong, Rafe's unscrupulous family members try to piece together who is in fact responsible for the accident and who must seek absolution for it. This throws Betty into the deepest sort of moral confusion...but not without a silver lining.Despite being a master of the horror genre due to the worldwide acclaim of 'Dracula' and its adapted screenplay starring Bela Lugosi, Stoker has brought something different with this piece. A short, but brilliant read that reflects Stoker's love of the romance genre.'Miss Betty' is highly recommended for Bram Stoker aficionados as well as fans of H.P.Lovecraft, H.G.Wells and Edgar Allan Poe.Abraham "Bram" Stoker was born in Dublin in 1847. Turning to fiction in his later years, Stoker published his first short story 'The Crystal Cup' (1872) in London Society magazine. In the 1880s and 1890s, he published 'Under the Sunset' (1882) and an adventure novel titled 'The Snake’s Pass' (1890).It was the publication of 'Dracula' in 1897 which launched Stoker into literary stardom.

This police thriller opens with Scotland Yard Detective Surefoot Smith as he is called to a strange murder scene. Tom Tickler, a well-known petty thief has been brutally murdered, his corpse left in an abandoned taxi with a huge sum of money in his pockets. This sets Surefoot on a path that will take his investigation to the very top of British society and he will have to risk everything to get his man. The bodies continue to pile up in this mystifying thriller with an ever growing list of suspects. The plot is masterfully weaved to betray the reader at every turn creating an exhilarating and heartily enjoyable read for anyone who loves ‘Bosch’ or ‘Sherlock’.Edgar Wallace (1875-1932) was an English writer, poet and journalist. He was such a prolific writer that his publisher claimed his work could account for a quarter of all books sold in England. He wrote countless books, screenplays, poems and historical non-fiction, spawning over one hundred and sixty films based on his work. He unfortunately passed away suddenly before he could see his most famous creation ‘King Kong’ come to life. It has been adapted several times over the years, notably by Peter Jackson of Lord of the Rings fame, and more recently in ‘Godzilla vs Kong’ starring Millie Bobby Brown.

In ‘The Night of Christmas Eve’ the Devil roams free and decides to steal the moon to punish Vakula, a local blacksmith for his religious paintings, leaving the town of Dikanka in darkness. In this supernatural gothic, Vakula will have to face the Prince of Darkness himself if he hopes to save his village and the love of his life. It is a nail biting piece interjected with bouts of satire and humour creating a story perfect for anyone who loves dark adventures or Johnny Depp’s ‘The Ninth Gate’.Nikolai Vasilievich Gogol was one of the first writers to adopt surrealism and the grotesque in his work as well as being one of Russia’s most acclaimed authors. He is acknowledged as one of the founders of the short story genre alongside Nathaniel Hawthorne and E.T.A Hoffman. His early writing was largely inspired by his time spent growing up in Ukraine, it’s culture and it’s folklore, while his later writing targeted and satirised the political corruption of the Russian Empire. His unique and strange form of writing similar to the ‘ostranenie’ technique, allowed his audience to see familiar topics and stories from a completely new perspective. Acknowledged for his brilliance by many acclaimed authors such as Fedor Dostoevsky his best works include ‘Dead Souls’, ‘Taras Bulba’ and ‘Evenings on a Farm Near Dikanka’.

'The Man' is a gothic novel combining elements of horror and romance written by Bram Stoker, the author of the acclaimed 'Dracula' made famous by the 1931 movie adaption starring Bela Lugosi. Other masters of gothic fiction include Edgar Allan Poe and H.G. Wells.'The Man' follows the story of Stephen, a lovely young woman and Harold, who is slowly approaching manhood. This story focuses on the immense social and physical proprieties required of the pre-industrial era in England and the struggles facing Stephen and Harold in overcoming them. Stephen is a remarkable character, that has an enlightened feminist perspective ahead of her time, liberating her from the confined conventions regarding a women's role in society. Stoker's descriptive powers seen in the renowned 'Dracula' are also vividly demonstrated in 'The Man' .A sheer pleasure to read, brimming with beautiful prose and an enchanting storyline. 'The Man' is highly recommended for readers who also enjoy classic english literature focusing on the strength of women in the face of adversity as vibrantly depicted in the works of Jane Austen and George Eliot.Abraham "Bram" Stoker was born in Dublin in 1847. Turning to fiction in his later years, Stoker published his first short story 'The Crystal Cup' (1872) in London Society magazine. In the 1880s and 1890s, he published 'Under the Sunset' (1882) and an adventure novel titled 'The Snake’s Pass' (1890).It was the publication of 'Dracula' in 1897 which launched Stoker into literary stardom.

'Snow Bound: The Record of a Theatrical Touring Party' is a collection of short stories by Bram Stoker, the acclaimed author of 'Dracula' which is best known for its 1931 silver screen rendition of the same name, starring Bela Lugosi.A train traveling across Scotland in the thick of winter is brought to a sudden halt by an intense snowstorm. All the passengers are members of a travelling theatrical entourage, they decide to light a fire in one of the carriages and huddle around it to stave off the extreme cold. With nothing to do but wait to be rescued, they pass the time by sharing stories, some are full of sorrow while others are brimming with mirth and cheer.A highly intriguing piece among Bram Stoker's body of work, this collection is a testament to his long-standing friendship with renowned Irish actor Sir Henry Irving, who proved a significant influence on Stoker.Highly recommended for readers who fancy a spin on 'The Orient Express'. This offers special insight into the minds and hearts of actors and performers from well before Agatha Christie's time, by none other than one of the all-time masters of the horror genre.Abraham "Bram" Stoker was born in Dublin in 1847. Turning to fiction in his later years, Stoker published his first short story 'The Crystal Cup' (1872) in London Society magazine. In the 1880s and 1890s, he published 'Under the Sunset' (1882) and an adventure novel titled 'The Snake’s Pass' (1890).It was the publication of 'Dracula' in 1897 which launched Stoker into literary stardom.

Deep in the Wild West, young Mark Twain adventures through America. He's on a journey to a faraway land. With his brother by his side, Twain treks from town to town, undertaking a variety of jobs along the way. A prequel to his first novel, ‘The Innocents Abroad’, ‘Roughing It’ is a wanderlust-filled tale of personal growth and travel. Crafted with wit and humour, the memoir transports readers on a journey back to Twain’s humble beginnings as a writer. Painting a captivating picture of 19th century America, the classic is perfect for Western lovers of Denzel Washington and Chris Pratt’s ‘The Magnificent Seven’.Mark Twain, pseudonym of Samuel Langhorne Clemens (1835-1910) was an American humorist, lecturer, journalist and novelist. Celebrated today as the father of American literature, his work spans epic stories of boyhood such as ‘The Adventures of Tom Sawyer’ and ‘The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn’, as well as travel narratives, such as ‘The Innocents Abroad’, ‘Roughing It’, and ‘Life on the Mississippi’. A friend to presidents, artists and royalty, he is remembered today as a popular public figure. Continuing his influence, Twain inspires Disney attractions, singer Tom Petty’s ‘Down South’ and was portrayed by Nathan Osgood in the 2018 comedy ‘Holmes and Watson’.

‘A bloody nation, barbarous and rude’ is how Daniel Defoe describes England in his hilarious poem ‘The True-Born Englishman’. The poem is a satire about the stupidity of xenophobia. Defoe mocks the idea of a natural Englishman as they are a blend of Saxon, Danish and Roman. The poem ‘lampoons the nation’ and was celebrated at the time for Defoe’s use of wit and irony. This piece remains relevant in today’s highly fractured society and serves as an important and entertaining reminder that kindness is favourable to hate.Daniel Defoe (1660 – 1731) is one of the most important authors in the English language. Defoe was one of the original English novelists and greatly helped to popularise the form. Defoe was highly prolific and is believed to have written over 300 works ranging from novels to political pamphlets. He was highly celebrated but also controversial as his writings influenced politicians but also led to Defoe being imprisoned. Defoe’s novels have been translated into many languages and are still read across the globe to this day. Some of his most famous books include ‘Moll Flanders’ and ‘Robinson Crusoe’ which was adapted into a movie starring Pierce Brosnan and Damian Lewis in 1997. Defoe’s influence on English novels cannot be understated and his legacy lives on to this day.

Bram Stoker is primarily known for his infamous horror novel 'Dracula', and its 1931 film adaptation starring Bela Lugosi. But Stoker has also penned shorter works intertwined with peculiar and morbid themes which echo the writings of the American master of the macabre, Edgar Allan Poe.This consists of sinister stories published by Stoker’s widow following his death. For instance 'The Secret of The Growing Gold', a ghost story about revenge that will send shivers down your spine. Accompanied by the humorous albeit chilling 'The Coming of Abel Behenna' among others. This collection encapsulates the full scope of Stoker’s horror fiction at its finest.A must-read of the horror genre, with a touch of nostalgia.Abraham "Bram" Stoker was born in Dublin in 1847. Turning to fiction in his later years, Stoker published his first short story 'The Crystal Cup' (1872) in London Society magazine. In the 1880s and 1890s, he published 'Under the Sunset' (1882) and an adventure novel titled 'The Snake’s Pass' (1890).It was the publication of 'Dracula' in 1897 which launched Stoker into literary stardom.

This collection contains 100 of the most celebrated quotes by the French poet, translator and art and literary critic Charles Baudelaire (1821 - 1867), best known for his controversial collection of poems 'Les Fleurs du Mal' ('The Flowers of Evil') and the quote, "The devil's finest trick is to persuade you that he does not exist."Charles-Pierre Baudelaire (1821 - 1867) was a French poet, translator and literary and art critic who is best known for his controversial collection of poems 'Les Fleurs du Mal' (1857; 'The Flowers of Evil').His poems exhibit a mastery of rhythm and rhyme that were based on the Frenchman’s observations of real life. ‘La Chevelure’ (‘The Head of Hair’), ‘Le Voyage’ (‘The Trip’) and ‘Le Cygne’ (‘The Swan’) are widely acknowledged as poetic masterpieces.Themes of sex, death, lesbianism, metamorphosis, industrialisation, lost innocence and alcohol, caused controversy at the time but also garnered Baudelaire many fans, and his original style has influenced a generation of poets including Arthur Rimbaud and Stéphane Mallarmé.Baudelaire is also responsible for many famous quotes such as, ‘The devil's finest trick is to persuade you that he does not exist’, ‘Be always drunken. Nothing else matters...’ and ‘Strangeness is a necessary ingredient in beauty.’

French novelist, journalist and poet, Anatole France (1844-1924), was elected to the Académie Française and won the 1921 Nobel Prize for Literature. Best known for the novels ‘Le Crime de Sylvestre Bonnard’ (1881) and ‘La Rôtisserie de la Reine Pédauque’ (1893), he was a prolific writer responsible for many famous sayings, including "If a million people say a foolish thing, it is still a foolish thing," and "Nine tenths of education is encouragement."This is collection is a compilation of Anatole France’s most celebrated quotes.Anatole France, a pseudonym for Jacques Anatole Thibault (1844-1924), was a French novelist, journalist and poet. He was elected to the Académie française and won the 1921 Nobel Prize for Literature in recognition of his "brilliant literary achievements." France achieved his first commercial success with the novel ‘Le Crime de Sylvestre Bonnard’ (1881) and published his most celebrated work, ‘La Rôtisserie de la Reine Pédauque’ ('At the Sign of the Reine Pédauque') in 1893. His many other works include, 'Le Puits de Sainte Claire’ (1895) ('The Well of Saint Claire') ‘Le Lys rouge’ (1894) ('The Red Lily'), ‘La Révolte des Anges’ (1914) ('The Revolt of the Angels') and a biography of Joan of Arc (1908).

Frenchman André Paul Guillaume Gide (1869 – 1951), was an author and winner of the 1947 Nobel Prize in Literature. He published over fifty books, including 'Les Nourritures terrestres' (1897) ('Fruits of the Earth'), ‘Les Caves du Vatican’ (1914) ('Lafcadio’s Adventures'), ‘La Porte étroite’ (1909) ('Strait is the Gate'), 'La Symphonie pastorale' (1919), and the experimental ‘Les Faux Monnayeurs’ (1926). However, he is best known for ‘Corydon’ (1911), which he believed to be his most important work.This collection contains 100 of André Gide’s most celebrated quotes.André Paul Guillaume Gide (1869–1951) was a French author and winner of 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 'Les Nourritures terrestres' (1897) ('Fruits of the Earth'), ‘Les Caves du Vatican’ (1914) ('Lafcadio’s Adventures'), ‘La Porte étroite’ (1909) ('Strait is the Gate'), 'La Symphonie pastorale' (1919), and the experimental ‘Les Faux Monnayeurs’ (1926) ('The Counterfeiters'). 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.

Child prodigy, Blaise Pascal (1623-1662) was a French mathematician, physicist, inventor, philosopher and writer, whose work and wisdom still resonates to this day.This is a collection of 100 of the Frenchman's most celebrated quotes.Blaise Pascal (1623-1662) was a French mathematician, physicist, inventor, philosopher, and writer. A child prodigy, he laid the foundation work for today’s modern theory of probabilities and formulated what came to be known as Pascal’s principle of pressure.The Frenchman also corresponded with Pierre de Fermat on probability theory, strongly influencing the development of modern economics. He is also one of the first two inventors of the mechanical calculator, having started pioneering work on calculating machines called Pascal's calculators or Pascalines.

‘100 Quotations by Karl Marx’ is a collection of thoughts and theories by one of the most progressive thinkers of the 19th Century. Often witty, sometimes wry, but always thoughtful, you’ll find quotable lines on everything from politics to philosophy. A superb read for anyone with an interest in the founder of communism or those who want an introduction to one of the most complex minds in history.A philosopher, political activist, and revolutionary thinker, Karl Marx (1818 – 1883) was born in Germany. He was educated by his father until the age of 12 when he attended Trier High School. From there, he enrolled at the University of Bonn. While he wanted to study philosophy and literature, his father insisted that he study law.After moving to Berlin in 1836, Marx became enamoured of the teachings of George Wilhelm Friedrich Hegel, a renowned German philosopher. After achieving a PhD from the University of Jenna, he moved to Cologne and worked as a journalist for the left-wing ‘Rheinische Zeitung’ newspaper, which allowed him to hone his socialist beliefs.Considered to be one of the founders of communism, and the eponymous progenitor of Marxism, Marx completed a number of important works in his lifetime, including ‘The Poverty of Philosophy,’ and ‘Value, Price, and Profit.’

Antoine de Saint-Exupéry (1900-1944) was a French writer, aviator, adventurer, poet and author, whose love of flying influenced many of his works. He is best known for his story ‘Le Petit Prince’ ('The Little Prince') published in 1943, ‘Wind, Sand and Stars’ (1939), ‘Southern Mail’ (1929), ‘Flight to Arras’ (1942), ‘Letter to a Hostage’ (1942), and ‘Night Flight’ (1931).This collection contains 100 of Antoine de Saint-Exupéry’s most celebrated quotes.Antoine de Saint-Exupéry (1900-1944) was a French writer, aviator, adventurer, poet and author, best known for his story ‘Le Petit Prince’ ('The Little Prince') published in 1943, which became a modern classic. His novel ‘Wind, Sand and Stars’ (1939), was also a huge success, winning the Académie Française's Grand Prix du Roman (Grand Prize for Novel Writing) and the United States National Book Award. His other works include a memoir called ‘Southern Mail’ (1929), ‘Flight to Arras’ (1942), ‘Letter to a Hostage’ (1942), and ‘Night Flight’ (1931) which won the prestigious Prix Femina.

‘100 Quotes by Jean de la Bruyère’ is a collection of thoughts from the French philosopher, moralist, and author of ‘Caractères’.Known particularly for his satirical take on philosophy and ethics, Bruyère once wrote "Life is a tragedy for those who feel, and a comedy for those who think."‘100 Quotes by Jean de la Bruyère’ is the ideal read for those wanting an extra bit of motivation throughout their day.Jean de la Bruyère (1645-1696) was a French philosopher born in Paris. In 1684 he was introduced to the household of Louis, Prince of Condé, and became a tutor to the prince’s grandson, Louis de Bourbon. His critical and only book, ‘Caractères’, was published in 1688 and gained him many enemies.