English

The gun club of "From the Earth to the Moon" and "Around the Moon" returns after a long retirement. "The Purchase of the North Pole" brings back the three explorers who have come up with a new engineering project. If they fire a huge enough cannon, they can achieve displacement of the Earth’s rotation axis. They seem to have a secret motive and we are left to wonder what they expect to achieve.Why are they not willing to give up on their plan? Have they made a huge mistake? Let's hope it's not too late to save the world from the damage one gun club can cause.Jules Verne (1828-1905) was a French novelist who mostly wrote adventure fiction inspired by the scientific advances of the 19th century. With the help of editor Pierre-Jules Hetzel he wrote a series of books called "Extraordinary Travels", which includes "Journey to the Center of the Earth" (1864), "Twenty Thousand Leagues Under the Sea" (1870), and "Around the World in Eighty Days" (1873).There have been many film adaptations of Jules Verne’s books with the most notable being "Journey to the Center of The Earth" (2008) starring Brendan Fraser and Josh Hutcherson (The Hunger Games), "Around the World in 80 Days" (1956), and "Journey 2: The Mysterious Island" (2012) starring Dwayne Johnson.Widely popular with both children and adults, Verne is one of the most translated authors of all time, and still inspires people the world over.

'Room 13' is the first crime novel in the J. G. Reeder series, featuring a sympathetic and astute civil servant, who is simultaneously a gifted detective. This fast-paced, mystery-ridden and thoroughly readable page-turner from the author of 'King Kong' is set in the 1920s and contains all the essential ingredients of a great British crime novel, from romance to unexpected twists. Setting the scene for subsequent books in the series, we meet Reeder as he untangles a thrilling web of revenge, murder and counterfeits. Nothing is sacred to the perpetrators. Wallace's masterful direct and descriptive style makes 'Room 13' the perfect novel for fans of crime fiction and mystery thrillers alike.-

'Little Dorrit' is a highly personal novel by Charles Dickens that many critics state is one of his finest later works. The story revolves around Amy Dorrit, a kind-hearted young woman who resides in Marshalsea prison as her family cannot afford to pay their debts. Amy and her family's fortune changes as Arthur Clennam, a wealthy businessman, takes an interest in her family while attempting to solve a mystery about his lineage. 'Little Dorrit' is a sprawling family saga that involves unrequited love, blackmail, and a timeless rags-to-riches story with a twist. Dickens' celebrated social satire is displayed in this tale as he criticises the cruel prison system of Victorian England which his father spent many years in, unable to work or repay his debts. While this is a darker novel than Dickens' early work, it still entertains through its cast of comical characters and lyrical prose. A thrilling novel that is equally poignant and entertaining, 'Little Dorrit' is still as relevant today as when it was written and is a must-read for fans of Dickens and 'The Shawshank Redemption'.-

'The Nature of a Crime' is the last collaborative work by Conrad and Ford, but most certainly not the least acclaimed. An insightful examination of human psychology that shines a glaring light on the murkiest depths of the psyche. The novel introduces a serene cast of characters that in reality suffer agonizing turmoil just beneath the surface, inundated by insatiable desires. With death and mortality as recurring themes, the characters pose critical and insightful questions to the meaning of life and free will. A fascinating read for those with philosophical interests.Joseph Conrad’s work and realist style went on to influence many noteworthy writers, including George Orwell, John le Carré and F. Scott Fitzgerald.Joseph Conrad (1857-1924) was a Polish-born author who left Poland in his teens to avoid enlistment in the Russian Army. He learned English aboard British ships and started writing in the language after settling in the UK. His most famous novel is ‘Heart of Darkness’ (1899), which was inspired by his experiences on the open sea.

The sands of Egypt carry whispers of rebellion...The much-anticipated third novel in Jonathan Spencer’s best-selling William John Hazzard series.Egypt, September 1798. After tragedy at the Battle of the Nile, Hazzard is possessed by a dark vengeance: with the marines of 9 Company and their Bedouin allies he scours the Nile Delta for his enemy, the French spy-catcher Citizen Derrien.However, among the sacred ibis and ever-shifting sands, Hazzard catches wind of something far more deadly: the stirrings of revolt in Cairo, the outbreak of plague, and the cold hand of Admiralty Intelligence. When riot explodes in the capital, Hazzard fears he is simply too late.Abandoned by the French Government, Napoleon and his army are now trapped in Egypt. When Bonaparte discovers that Al-Djezzar ‘the Butcher’ of Acre is gathering his forces to attack, he accepts the challenge.Riding with the Mamluk and the beautiful Shajar al-Durr, Hazzard engages French cavalry in the shadow of Ozymandias in ancient Thebes – and the Admiralty calls upon him once more as Napoleon launches his bloody crusade on Syria and the Holy Land to become the new Emperor in the East.From flaming battle at sea with the blockade fleet to massacre at the walls of Jaffa and Acre, this is Napoleon’s desperate bid to seize the Orient – and the next explosive chapter of the French occupation of Egypt.Perfect for fans of Bernard Cornwell, Simon Scarrow and Seth Hunter.In the words of J.D. Davies this is the follow-up to a "Hornblower meets Mission: Impossible" storyline.Jonathan Spencer is from south-east London, the great-grandson of a clipper-ship captain who brought tea from China. He served in the Canadian army, studied ancient and modern history, and has lectured at universities and private associations on the subject of Napoleonic Egypt. He writes historical non-fiction under the name Jonathan Downs, his major work a revised account of the British acquisition of the Rosetta Stone, Discovery at Rosetta, (London 2008; Cairo 2020). He speaks several languages, has trained with the former Russian National fencing coach, and has lived and worked abroad all his life. He currently lives in the Western Cape in South Africa.

Why would the Captain jump into a volcano crater? And will he make it back out alive?"The Desert of Ice" is the second part of Jules Verne’s novel "The Adventures of Captain Hatteras" from 1864. Captain Hatteras and his crew who have survived the long winter on island "New America" continue their expedition to the North Pole. They discover an island with an active volcano and it turns out that the exact location of the pole is in the crater.Is this the end to the long, difficult and dangerous expedition? If nobody survives how will the rest of the world learn about it? Is it possible that the Captain survives, and is the information he gained more important and valuable than his own health and well being?Jules Verne (1828-1905) was a French novelist who mostly wrote adventure fiction inspired by the scientific advances of the 19th century. With the help of editor Pierre-Jules Hetzel he wrote a series of books called "Extraordinary Travels", which includes "Journey to the Center of the Earth" (1864), "Twenty Thousand Leagues Under the Sea" (1870), and "Around the World in Eighty Days" (1873).There have been many film adaptations of Jules Verne’s books with the most notable being "Journey to the Center of The Earth" (2008) starring Brendan Fraser and Josh Hutcherson (The Hunger Games), "Around the World in 80 Days" (1956), and "Journey 2: The Mysterious Island" (2012) starring Dwayne Johnson.Widely popular with both children and adults, Verne is one of the most translated authors of all time, and still inspires people the world over.

‘Anyuta’ is a short story that portrays the key aspects of Chekhov’s writings: dry humour, disillusionment, and a realistic depiction of social issues. The story revolves around Anyuta, a poor woman living with a medical student, Stepan, who has little time for her. Stepan dreams of a better life and is torn between following his aspirations alone or resigning himself to destitution with Anyuta. Chekhov criticises the social standing of men and women as many male students have gone on to achieve greatness, while Anyuta’s life remains static. These feminist messages made the story controversial at the time and they are still significant today. ‘Anyuta’ is a poignant and compassionate tale about the difference between dreams and reality that depicts Chekov’s ability to find small moments of humour in melancholy moments and features striking portrayals of poverty. This short is recommended for avid Russian literature readers and its feminist aspects make it suitable for fans of novels such as ‘The Handmaid’s Tale’.A prolific writer of seven plays, a novel and hundreds of short stories, Anton Chekhov (1860-1904) is considered one of the best practitioners of the short story genre in literature. True to life and painfully morbid with his miserable and realistic depictions of Russian everyday life, Chekhov’s characters drift between humour, melancholy, artistic ambition, and death. Some of his best-known works include the plays 'Uncle Vanya', 'The Seagull', and 'The Cherry Orchard', where Chekhov dramatizes and portrays social and existential problems. His short stories unearth the mysterious beneath the ordinary situations, the failure and horror present in everyday life.

Mutiny, shipwrecks, cold, hunger and even polar bears are a part of this exciting adventure."The English at the North Pole" is the first part of Jules Verne’s novel "The Adventures of Captain Hatteras" from 1864. It tells the story of the ambitious and determined captain who will do whatever it takes to get to the North Pole. The journey is however not that easy and many obstacles are in the way. The sea around the pole turns out to be frozen so the captain and a part of his crew are forced to spend a long winter on the island "New America".Will they survive the freezing weather and possible attacks? Will the captain’s strength, perseverance and determination be able to oppose the obstacles? Find out in this exciting adventure novel.Jules Verne (1828-1905) was a French novelist who mostly wrote adventure fiction inspired by the scientific advances of the 19th century. With the help of editor Pierre-Jules Hetzel he wrote a series of books called "Extraordinary Travels", which includes "Journey to the Center of the Earth" (1864), "Twenty Thousand Leagues Under the Sea" (1870), and "Around the World in Eighty Days" (1873).There have been many film adaptations of Jules Verne’s books with the most notable being "Journey to the Center of The Earth" (2008) starring Brendan Fraser and Josh Hutcherson (The Hunger Games), "Around the World in 80 Days" (1956), and "Journey 2: The Mysterious Island" (2012) starring Dwayne Johnson.Widely popular with both children and adults, Verne is one of the most translated authors of all time, and still inspires people the world over.

‘Beauties’ is a short story by Chekhov that tells the tale of a young schoolboy travelling through the countryside with his grandfather on a sweltering summer day. The boy is uninterested in his dreary dustbowl surroundings until they arrive at the house of an old friend and the boy becomes transfixed by an astonishingly beautiful young woman. ‘Beauties’ is a perfect encapsulation of Chekhov’s critically acclaimed writing style as the plot is minimal but his lyrical prose evokes a sense of enchantment and awe. Vivid imagery portrays the stunning beauty of both the young woman and the setting that will stay with the reader for as long as it stays with the mesmerised schoolboy. This short story’s meditation on the lasting impression of beauty makes it a perfect read for fans of ‘The Great Gatsby’ and Samuel Beckett, whose readers will also enjoy Chekhov’s realist writing style.A prolific writer of seven plays, a novel and hundreds of short stories, Anton Chekhov (1860-1904) is considered one of the best practitioners of the short story genre in literature. True to life and painfully morbid with his miserable and realistic depictions of Russian everyday life, Chekhov’s characters drift between humour, melancholy, artistic ambition, and death. Some of his best-known works include the plays 'Uncle Vanya', 'The Seagull', and 'The Cherry Orchard', where Chekhov dramatizes and portrays social and existential problems. His short stories unearth the mysterious beneath the ordinary situations, the failure and horror present in everyday life.

Do you love Jane Austen's Pride and Prejudice? How about Persuasion and Emma? Then you will love her unfinished novel "The Watsons".The story revolves around the life and misfortunes of Emma Watson after the death of her aunt. She moves to live with her distant father and his family, only to find out that there are family issues lurking deep beneath the surface that threaten to destroy her ambitions and desires."The Watsons" is an entertaining and sympathetic portrayal of family life, and will leave the reader wanting more.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.

Set against a backdrop of the Chilean War of Independence, 'Gaspar Ruiz' is the story of the tumultuous rise and fall of a local peasant turned rebel soldier. An epic tale of remarkable irony and adventure, we follow Ruiz - who possesses an almost Herculean strength - from soldier to prisoner, to fugitive and finally colonel of the Spanish Army. Sardonically, his strength proves invaluable at saving his life multiple times, but is also ultimately the vehicle of his peril.Joseph Conrad's work went on to influence authors like George Orwell, John le Carré and F. Scott Fitzgerald.Joseph Conrad (1857-1924) was a Polish-born author who left Poland in his teens to avoid enlistment in the Russian Army. He learned English aboard British ships and started writing in the language after settling in England. His most famous novel is ‘Heart of Darkness’ (1899), which was inspired by his experiences on the open sea.

'Within the Tides' is a collection of four short stories devoted to a motley crew of sailors scattered across all corners of the globe exchanging tales sharply punctuated by leitmotifs of loyalty and betrayal, staples of Conrad's. Ranging from a sociopath loner who is tempted to join the ranks of the very same society he so ardently shuns, to stories of hypocrisy, disloyalty, unearthed treasure and blood-soaked colonial encounters at the other end of the world, Conrad's collection abounds in trials of character and consciousness, rich and beautiful tapestries of language, psychological rambles and profound moral insights with a tragic twist. If you enjoyed Johnny Depp as Jack Sparrow in Disney's 'Pirates of the Caribbean', don't hesitate to start reading 'Within the Tides'."e;Here, then, we have a master of the English language."e; - F.R. Leavis -

‘At Christmas Time’ is a masterful short story written late in Chekhov’s career that is divided into two parts. The first half follows an illiterate peasant family hiring an ex-soldier to write a letter to their estranged daughter as they ponder the mystery of her life. Chekhov’s wit is on full display here as the former soldier writes about the army instead of informing the daughter about her parents and hometown. The second part is more sombre as the letter is delivered to the daughter by her abusive husband and we learn what has transpired in her life. Chekhov’s fiery social critique is present in this short as he contrasts the warmth and love of hard village life with the coldness of upper-class luxury. ‘At Christmas Time’ displays Chekhov’s ability to combine irony and melancholy into an incredible work of art that distils a family saga across time and place into a few pages. This short story is Chekhov at his best and should be read by fans of Russian literature and beyond.A prolific writer of seven plays, a novel and hundreds of short stories, Anton Chekhov (1860-1904) is considered one of the best practitioners of the short story genre in literature. True to life and painfully morbid with his miserable and realistic depictions of Russian everyday life, Chekhov’s characters drift between humour, melancholy, artistic ambition, and death. Some of his best-known works include the plays 'Uncle Vanya', 'The Seagull', and 'The Cherry Orchard', where Chekhov dramatizes and portrays social and existential problems. His short stories unearth the mysterious beneath the ordinary situations, the failure and horror present in everyday life.

What happens when love is warped by greed and status seeking? This a look into contemporary American adolescence and young manhood."e;This Side of Paradise"e; is the first novel by F. Scott Fitzgerald, exploring the difficult lives and values of the American youth after the First World War. It is written in a semi-autobiographical tone, presenting the handsome and idealistic student Amory Blaine, coming from a well-to-do family. The narrative strictly follows his ups and downs, love episodes, and interior life in such a way as to use him as a symbol of a whole generation. It is the novel that skyrocketed Fitzgerald's fame and made possible his marriage to Zelda. An extremely lyrical and passionate tale, "e;This Side of Paradise"e; is a must-read for fans and scholars of Fitzgerald and American literature.-

Follows Maria’s tumultuous journey home after receiving her salary from the school board. 'The Schoolmistress' features Chekhov’s much-celebrated realist prose as he illustrates the misery of the poor schoolmistress and her surroundings.While Maria must fight for respect from her superiors and the townsfolk, she dreams of a better life with the wealthy and handsome Hanov. Chekhov’s social commentary is timeless as Maria longs to have a higher social standing, whereas the wealthy Hanov does not appreciate his fortune. This character-driven drama tells an engaging tale of the struggle between accepting your situation and yearning for more. Fans of Jane Austen should read this short story for its poignant portrayal of a woman’s desires in an unequal society.A prolific writer of seven plays, a novel and hundreds of short stories, Anton Chekhov (1860-1904) is considered one of the best practitioners of the short story genre in literature. True to life and painfully morbid with his miserable and realistic depictions of Russian everyday life, Chekhov’s characters drift between humour, melancholy, artistic ambition, and death. Some of his best-known works include the plays 'Uncle Vanya', 'The Seagull', and 'The Cherry Orchard;, where Chekhov dramatizes and portrays social and existential problems. His short stories unearth the mysterious beneath the ordinary situations, the failure and horror present in everyday life.

‘Neighbours’ is a short drama by Chekhov about Zina, a young woman who leaves her home for a married man. This scandalous behaviour plagues the mind of Zina’s brother, Pyotr, who believes that she has been abducted and deceived but is too fearful to help her. As Zina’s family is ashamed of her behaviour, Pyotr sets out to bring her home before news of her affair is widely known. Pyotr confronts his sister and her lover but to achieve his goal he must overcome his cowardice. A story that explores the eternal clash between conservative and liberal values, ‘Neighbours’ is a social critique that contrasts Zina’s freedom and joy with the timid Pyotr’s fear of breaking social conventions. ‘Neighbours’ portrays Chekhov’s lyrical prose at its finest and features some of his most memorable characters. This dramatic and poignant short should be read by fans of Raymond Carver and John Cheever.A prolific writer of seven plays, a novel and hundreds of short stories, Anton Chekhov (1860-1904) is considered one of the best practitioners of the short story genre in literature. True to life and painfully morbid with his miserable and realistic depictions of Russian everyday life, Chekhov’s characters drift between humour, melancholy, artistic ambition, and death. Some of his best-known works include the plays 'Uncle Vanya', 'The Seagull', and 'The Cherry Orchard', where Chekhov dramatizes and portrays social and existential problems. His short stories unearth the mysterious beneath the ordinary situations, the failure and horror present in everyday life.

"Lady Susan" is perhaps the shortest and least known of Austen’s novels, dealing with the obnoxious flirting and social manners of Susan Vernon, a young widow who comes to visit her in-laws. Soon, a romance with a young man begins, and Lady Susan becomes indirectly responsible for the 16-year-old daughters attempt to escape from school due to an arranged marriage that is brewing.An entertaining and fast-paced novel about flirtatious machinations and cunning plans, "Lady Susan" is a petite, but extremely valuable gem in Austen’s treasury of novels. Recommended for fans of Jane Austen and readers in general.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.

‘Gone Astray’ is one of Chekhov’s earlier comedic short stories that is a light-hearted romp about two drunken lawyers trying to find their way home at night. Chekhov’s masterful use of irony is present here as one of the lawyers, Kozyavkin, accidentally violates the law by breaking into a house he believes to be his own. The short features some of Chekhov’s most farcical images, such as the overly confident Kozyavkin blindly stumbling through a chicken coop to find his misplaced belongings. ‘Gone Astray’ is a hilarious short story that is an interesting bridge between Chekhov’s earlier comedic work and later melancholy stories as his satirical view of the upper classes is a constant theme throughout. Featuring terrific characters and slapstick comedy, ‘Gone Astray’ should be read by fans of Chekhov or the television series ‘Curb Your Enthusiasm’.A prolific writer of seven plays, a novel and hundreds of short stories, Anton Chekhov (1860-1904) is considered one of the best practitioners of the short story genre in literature. True to life and painfully morbid with his miserable and realistic depictions of Russian everyday life, Chekhov’s characters drift between humour, melancholy, artistic ambition, and death. Some of his best-known works include the plays 'Uncle Vanya', 'The Seagull', and 'The Cherry Orchard', where Chekhov dramatizes and portrays social and existential problems. His short stories unearth the mysterious beneath the ordinary situations, the failure and horror present in everyday life.

‘Typhus’ is a deeply personal short story by Chekhov, about a young man, Klimov, returning home on a train while suffering from a terrible illness. The tale begins with Chekhov’s classic dark humour as the protagonist is disgusted with the characters that surround him. The story changes as Chekhov illustrates a slowly creeping illness that engulfs the main character and terrifyingly distorts the world around him. As the nightmarish train moves rapidly along, vivid imagery portrays the horrors of his illness. As Klimov’s body and mind become consumed by the infection, he longs to find sanctuary and safety in his own home. However, what awaits him there is far worse. This short story portrays Chekhov’s incredible ability to depict ghastly images of everyday life and the tragedy of illness. ‘Typhus’ is a poignant tale that is just as relevant in our pandemic age as when it was written, and should be read by all.A prolific writer of seven plays, a novel and hundreds of short stories, Anton Chekhov (1860-1904) is considered one of the best practitioners of the short story genre in literature. True to life and painfully morbid with his miserable and realistic depictions of Russian everyday life, Chekhov’s characters drift between humour, melancholy, artistic ambition, and death. Some of his best-known works include the plays 'Uncle Vanya', 'The Seagull', and 'The Cherry Orchard', where Chekhov dramatizes and portrays social and existential problems. His short stories unearth the mysterious beneath the ordinary situations, the failure and horror present in everyday life.

Gold fever is sweeping America, and young Englishman Ned Sinton is keen to reach America, join the gold rush, and seek his fortune. Ned faces plenty of obstacles along the way, including a perilous sea journey and the wilderness of the American West before he reaches the promised land of California. Written just a few years after gold was first discovered in America, this is a thrilling children’s adventure novel by author R.M. Ballantyne which truly captures the excitement and frenzy of the period.R.M. Ballantyne (1825-1894) was a Scottish artist and prolific author of mostly children’s fiction. Born in Edinburgh, Ballantyne was the ninth of ten children. At the age of 16 Ballantyne moved to Canada, where he worked for the Hudson’s Bay Company, travelling all over the country to trade for fur. He returned to Scotland in 1847 following the death of his father, and it was then that he began his literary career in earnest, writing over 100 children’s adventure books over the course of his life. Stories such as ‘The Coral Island’ and ‘The Young Fur Traders’ were hugely popular, and many of them drew on his own experiences of travelling throughout Canada. A stickler for detail, Ballantyne continued to travel widely to research the backgrounds and settings for his exciting stories. His tales became an inspiration for authors of the future, including ‘Treasure Island’ novelist Robert Louis Stevenson. Ballantyne spent the latter period of his life living in London and Italy for the sake of his health. He died in Rome in 1894 at the age of 68.

First published in 1890, ‘The Garret and the Garden’ is an adventure story set in the criminal underworld of London by prolific author R.M. Ballantyne. Young Scot David Laidlaw has come to London to seek his fortune but finds instead the seedy underbelly of London - and is soon embroiled in a world of criminals and mercenaries. A thrilling tale from the popular author.R.M. Ballantyne (1825-1894) was a Scottish artist and prolific author of mostly children’s fiction. Born in Edinburgh, Ballantyne was the ninth of ten children. At the age of 16 Ballantyne moved to Canada, where he worked for the Hudson’s Bay Company, travelling all over the country to trade for fur. He returned to Scotland in 1847 following the death of his father, and it was then that he began his literary career in earnest, writing over 100 children’s adventure books over the course of his life. Stories such as ‘The Coral Island’ and ‘The Young Fur Traders’ were hugely popular, and many of them drew on his own experiences of travelling throughout Canada. A stickler for detail, Ballantyne continued to travel widely to research the backgrounds and settings for his exciting stories. His tales became an inspiration for authors of the future, including ‘Treasure Island’ novelist Robert Louis Stevenson. Ballantyne spent the latter period of his life living in London and Italy for the sake of his health. He died in Rome in 1894 at the age of 68.

What would you wish for if you could have anything? William Wymark Jacobs raises this age-old question when the White family stumble upon a monkey’s paw with the power to grant wishes. When their wish for riches goes awry, they are forced to face the truth - that all actions have consequences, magically granted or not.Over time, Jacobs’ novel has become a classic horror story, boasting an impressive amount of adaptions. Including an episode of ‘The X-Files’, ‘The Simpsons’, and ‘Buffy the Vampire Slayer’.William Wymark Jacobs (1863-1943) was an English author. Despite being famed for his quick-witted comedies, his most successful novel came from his experiments within the horror genre. His most notable works include ‘The Monkey’s Paw’, ‘The Toll House’, and ‘Jerry Bundler’. Jacob’s unique ability to couple the everyday with the unthinkable makes his works unmissable for fans of Stephen King, and all classic horror.

A Kidnapped Santa Claus is a Christmas-themed short story by American writer L. Frank Baum, the author of The Wonderful Wizard of Oz; it has been called "one of Baum's most beautiful stories".The story opens with a quick overview of Santa's castle in the Laughing Valley. Its focus soon switches to the five Caves of the Daemons in nearby mountains. These creatures are pagan daemons rather than Christian demons, in that they are not servants of Satan or necessarily evil. Four of the five, the Daemons of Selfishness, Envy, Hatred, and Malice, certainly are bad, but the fifth, the Daemon of Repentance, is a more ambiguous figure.

Originally published under a pseudonym, 'Annabel' by famous 'Oz' author L. Frank Baum follows the story of young Will Carden, whose family has fallen on hard times. Will grows close to the beautiful local young heiress Annabel Williams, as the pair unite in their suspicions about Ezra Jordan - the man who is managing Annabel's fathers Mill and who is staying with the Carden family. The pair find themselves caught up in a tale of international espionage and intrigue as they team up to discover the truth about Ezra. -

‘An Anonymous Story’ follows an anonymous assassin, sent to infiltrate the home of Orlov, the wealthy son of a judge. Disguised as a servant, the revolutionary perfectly blends into the household and observes them from within. However, his soul is soon disturbed by the womanising Orlov’s attitude towards his wife, and the assassin’s mission takes a dramatic turn. ‘An Anonymous Story’ is a fast-paced novella that starts as a political thriller, before becoming a household drama teeming with intrigue and infatuation. Chekhov’s comic social commentary is present as he criticizes the deceptive façade of the upper classes and the divergence between men and women’s ability to express their true emotions. It is also a story of internal struggle as the anonymous assassin is torn between revolution and romance which displays Chekhov’s command of irony and tragedy at its finest. This tale of romance and deception is recommended for fans of Dostoevsky or ‘The Talented Mr. Ripley’.A prolific writer of seven plays, a novel and hundreds of short stories, Anton Chekhov (1860-1904) is considered one of the best practitioners of the short story genre in literature. True to life and painfully morbid with his miserable and realistic depictions of Russian everyday life, Chekhov’s characters drift between humour, melancholy, artistic ambition, and death. Some of his best-known works include the plays 'Uncle Vanya', 'The Seagull', and 'The Cherry Orchard', where Chekhov dramatizes and portrays social and existential problems. His short stories unearth the mysterious beneath the ordinary situations, the failure and horror present in everyday life.

First published in 1901 'American Fairy Tales' by L. Frank Baum is a collection of twelve short fantasy stories for children by the famous Oz author. Stories in the collection include, 'The Magic Bon-Bons', 'The Box of Robbers' and 'The Glass Dog'. Full of magic, excitement, and adventure, this is a wonderful collection of Baum's quirky and humorous fairy tales.-

Set during the reign of King Robert III of Scotland, ‘The Fair Maid of Perth’ is a historical romance novel by the internationally renowned Scottish author, Sir Walter Scott. Catherine Glover is the beautiful ‘fair maid’ of the title; sweet and enchanting, she has captured the hearts of many men, including a local blacksmith, a prince, a clansman, and a bonnet-maker. Torn between these men, and between love and honour, and set against the lawless backdrop of 14th century Scotland, ‘The Fair Maid of Perth’ is an epic tale from the much-loved author.Sir Walter Scott (1771 – 1832) was a Scottish writer, poet, and historian. Born in Edinburgh, Scott suffered from childhood polio and was sent to live with his grandparents in the Scottish Borders to recover, where he first learnt to read. Fascinated by traditional storytelling, during the 1790s Scott dedicated himself to researching and collecting ballads, and published the epic collection ‘Minstrelsy of the Scottish Border’ in 1802. A prominent poet, Scott also wrote and published a range of poems, including the popular ‘The Lady of the Lake.’ His career as a novelist took off slowly – initially written in 1805, his first historical novel ‘Waverley’ wasn’t published til 1814, whereupon it was an immediate success, and his best-known work ‘Ivanhoe’ followed in 1820. The banking crisis of 1825 led to his bankruptcy, but he refused help and continued to write to work his way out his financially perilous situation. Now in ill health, Scott travelled abroad to get better, but had a stroke on the journey home and died in 1832 at the age of 61. He was commemorated after his death with monuments in Edinburgh and Glasgow, as well as New York. His literary works influenced and inspired many of his contemporaries and those who came after and are mentioned in titles as varied as ‘To the Lighthouse’ by Virginia Woolf, Anne Bronte’s ‘The Tenant of Wildfell Hall’, and ‘The Bostonians’ by Henry James. Internationally renowned, Scott’s literary legacy continues to be felt all over the world.

First published in 1882 ‘The Giant of the North’ is an imaginative children’s adventure tale from prolific Scottish author R.M. Ballantyne. Captain Vane, along with his son Benjamin and nephews Leo and Alf are on an adventure, searching for the elusive North Pole. When their ship runs aground, the group must venture out across the icy expanse to find help, and along the way they find themselves caught up in a series of mishaps and escapades as they navigate this unfamiliar terrain. A thrilling tale from the much-loved author.R.M. Ballantyne (1825-1894) was a Scottish artist and prolific author of mostly children’s fiction. Born in Edinburgh, Ballantyne was the ninth of ten children. At the age of 16 Ballantyne moved to Canada, where he worked for the Hudson’s Bay Company, travelling all over the country to trade for fur. He returned to Scotland in 1847 following the death of his father, and it was then that he began his literary career in earnest, writing over 100 children’s adventure books over the course of his life. Stories such as ‘The Coral Island’ and ‘The Young Fur Traders’ were hugely popular, and many of them drew on his own experiences of travelling throughout Canada. A stickler for detail, Ballantyne continued to travel widely to research the backgrounds and settings for his exciting stories. His tales became an inspiration for authors of the future, including ‘Treasure Island’ novelist Robert Louis Stevenson. Ballantyne spent the latter period of his life living in London and Italy for the sake of his health. He died in Rome in 1894 at the age of 68.

‘In the Graveyard’ is a tale that is at once both hopeful and hopeless in which Anton Chekhov explores the tragedies of life with a comic touch. The short story opens with friends wandering a graveyard discussing a man they once knew whose ‘digestion was fine’ but still died due to his nosiness. This mixture of the mundane and the mystical which is fundamental to much of Chekhov’s celebrated writing is on display in this black comedy.As the protagonists journey deeper into the graveyard the atmosphere grows more melancholic as they meet characters resigned to tragedy. But morbidity and mockery co-exist in equal measure in the graveyard as Chekhov’s signature satirical dialogue celebrates life while exploring death. Chekhov’s modernist style describes a familiar event with lyrical prose that creates a sense of wonderment in the ordinary. This short story displays Chekhov’s dark wit and is suitable for fans of writers such as Franz Kafka or Martin McDonagh.A prolific writer of seven plays, a novel and hundreds of short stories, Anton Chekhov (1860-1904) is considered one of the best practitioners of the short story genre in literature. True to life and painfully morbid with his miserable and realistic depictions of Russian everyday life, Chekhov’s characters drift between humour, melancholy, artistic ambition, and death. Some of his best-known works include the plays 'Uncle Vanya', 'The Seagull', and 'The Cherry Orchard', where Chekhov dramatizes and portrays social and existential problems. His short stories unearth the mysterious beneath the ordinary situations, the failure and horror present in everyday life.

The sixth in the 'Aunt Jane' series, this novel picks up a few days after the wedding of Louise to Arthur Weldon. While she is away enjoying her honeymoon, Uncle John decides that he and his two other nieces Elizabeth and Patsy, along with Patsy's father Major John, should escape the harsh New York winter for some winter sun in southern California. As the party travel across America they find a poor orphan facing a dilemma, and encounter unruly cowboys and wild coyotes. Packed full of adventure, this is an exciting read from the famous 'Oz' author L. Frank Baum.-