Engelske bøger

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

Someone is losing money. Fast. And when forged notes start to appear, Peter Clifton’s hefty riches are called into question. Even his new wife, Jane Leith, can’t help but doubt the man’s bottomless wealth. But when two inspectors clandestinely enter her room one night searching for clues, there’s no telling how a quick witted, clever and tactful woman might react.Packed with suspense and thrills, Edgar Wallace’s ‘The Forger’ is ideal for fans of ‘Inside Man’ and ‘Now You See Me’.Edgar Wallace (1875-1932) was an English writer so prolific, that his publisher claimed that he was responsible for a quarter of all books sold in England. An author, journalist and poet, Wallace wrote countless novels, short stories, screen plays, stage plays, along with historical non-fiction. His work has been adapted into more than 160 films. In 1932, Wallace died suddenly in Hollywood, during the initial drafting of his most famous work, ‘King Kong’.

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

When a man is found dead one early morning with his throat cut, detective J.G. Reeder knows he is about to have his work cut out for him. It can but only be the work of John Flack, Crazy John Flack. An evil genius madman, he’s escaped from Broadmoor Criminal Asylum and is on move. But detective Reeder is perhaps the only match for Crazy John, and he’s not giving up easily.A thrilling murder mystery tale of two sharp witted men trying to out-do one and another, Edgar Wallace’s ‘Terror Keep’ is ideal for fans of the blockbbuster hit "Knives Out" starring Daniel Craig.Edgar Wallace (1875-1932) was an English writer so prolific, that his publisher claimed that he was responsible for a quarter of all books sold in England. An author, journalist and poet, Wallace wrote countless novels, short stories, screen plays, stage plays, along with historical non-fiction. His work has been adapted into more than 160 films. In 1932, Wallace died suddenly in Hollywood, during the initial drafting of his most famous work, ‘King Kong’.

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

It’s the ultimate plot to steal the Crown Jewels from the Tower of London. But when a criminal mastermind finds Scotland Yard detectives sniffing around his tracks, things become far from easy. And when a beautiful girl arrives on the scene, distractions are all the more inevitable.Packed with suspense, tension and thrills, Edgar Wallace’s rip-roaring crime novel ‘The Traitor’s Gate’ is perfect for fans of BBC’s hit series ‘Sherlock’ starring Benedict Cumberbatch.Edgar Wallace (1875-1932) was an English writer so prolific, that his publisher claimed that he was responsible for a quarter of all books sold in England. An author, journalist and poet, Wallace wrote countless novels, short stories, screen plays, stage plays, along with historical non-fiction. His work has been adapted into more than 160 films. In 1932, Wallace died suddenly in Hollywood, during the initial drafting of his most famous work, ‘King Kong’.

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

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

‘Love’ begins with the narrator writing a long, poetic and lovelorn letter to the object of his affections, Sasha. It has to be absolutely perfect. However, her reply isn’t exactly what he expected. This superbly-observed short story serves as an allegory to the trials and tribulations faced by those falling in love. Wistful, whimsical, and funny, it’s an essential read for those who want to find out more about the man behind classic plays, such as ‘The Seagull.’Anton Pavlovich Chekhov (1860 – 1904) was born in Taganrog, in Southern Russia. The son of a grocer, and the third of six children, he was educated at the local Greek School. After Chekhov’s father became bankrupt, the family lived in poverty, before fleeing to Moscow to avoid debtor’s prison. However, a man called Selivanov paid the debts, for the price of the familial home and Chekhov was able to complete his education, funding himself through working as a tutor and selling short stories to the local newspaper.After writing a series of tales for various publications, Chekhov started to gain critical attention. However, it was a trip to the Ukraine that put the literary wheels in motion. After the publication of his novella, ‘The Steppe,’ he was commissioned to write a play, resulting in ‘Ivanov.’Over the course of his career, Chekhov wrote more than 200 short stories, and 14 plays. Works, such as ‘The Seagull,’ ‘The Cherry Orchard,’ and ‘Uncle Vanya,’ have been performed on stages across the world.

‘Maud and Other Poems’ is a collection of eight poems, including the famous ‘The Charge of the Light Brigade.’Through his works, Tennyson explores a range of subjects, such as love, death, marriage, regret, God, and war.The title poem follows the narrator’s love for Maud, from its initial unsteadiness to its all-consuming passion. Tennyson’s poetic skills move the poem from wistful lament to hot-blooded action.A superb read for fans of one of the greatest poets of all time.One of the most popular and prolific poets of the Victorian age, Alfred Tennyson (1809 – 1892) was born in Lincolnshire. The son of a rector, he was one of 11 children. The size of the family meant that Tennyson was educated at a local grammar school in order to reduce expenditure.At the age of 18, Tennyson was accepted into Trinity College, Cambridge. There, he befriended the poet, Arthur Hallam, and was awarded the Chancellor’s Gold Medal for one of his earliest works, ‘Timbuktu’.During his career, Tennyson wrote over 100 poems, including ‘In Memoriam A.H.H.’, ‘The Charge of the Light Brigade’, and ‘Crossing the Bar’.

‘The Prince’ (1513) is by the Italian philosopher, politician, and writer Niccolò Machiavelli, and is regarded as his most important and influential work.Intended as a guide for the world’s rulers, it discusses the political atmosphere of 16th-century Italy and Europe while offering a worldwide analysis of the notion of power in general.Machiavelli details all the common features, problems, and ideas that characterise rulers from ancient to modern times, and offers radical suggestions.This is an important work about politics and power and remains hugely influential to this day.Niccolò Machiavelli (1469-1527) was an Italian philosopher, politician, and writer, whose best-known work ‘The Prince’ earned him international fame.Regarded as the father of modern political philosophy and political science, Machiavelli wrote letters to many political and social figures of the day, engaging in a wide array of topics and suggestions.His other influential works include ‘Discourses on the First Ten Books of Titus Livius’, which deals with the classical history of Ancient Rome.

If you enjoyed the jolly romp, ‘The Three Musketeers,’ then ‘The War of Women I’ is sure to tickle your literary fancy.Set in 17th century France, the plot of this tale is played out against the backdrop of the war between France and Spain. However, the war in question is not between the two countries.Instead, it is between two women, Nanon de Lartigues and Viscountess de Cambes, who have both fallen in love with the Baron de Canolles.Given that each is on a different political side, which one will he choose?Full of swashbuckling swagger, double identities, betrayal, and vengeful villains, the plot twists and turns at a rate of knots.´The War of Women I´ is a rollicking story, packed with historical detail and intrigue.Alexandre Dumas (1802 – 1870) was one of the most popular French authors and playwrights of the 19th Century. After the death of his father, Dumas travelled to Paris where he eventually decided to work in the theatre. He first came to public attention at the age of 27 with his first play, ‘King Henry III and his Courts.’After a succession of successful stage plays, Dumas turned his hand to writing novels. Many of these were serialised in newspapers, such as ‘La Comtesse de Salisbury; Édouard III,’ and ‘Le Capitaine Paul.’Many of Dumas’ later works have been hailed as timeless classics and adapted for television and the silver screen, such as ‘The Three Musketeers’, starring ‘Lord of the Rings’´ Orlando Bloom, and ‘The Count of Monte Cristo’, starring ‘Superman’ star, Henry Cavill.

From intense deduction methods and trusty sidekicks to supernatural dogs and grizzly murders, ´The Elementary Sherlock Holmes Collection´ offers a generous glimpse into some of the best adventures of the most famous detective of all time.Follow the notorious detective and his companion, Dr Watson, as they try to solve the eerie mystery behind an attempted murder in ´The Hound of the Baskervilles´, or help them solve the mystery of a father gone missing in ´The Sign of the Four´.These are just some of the thrilling adventures included in the collection, which also features the first-ever Sherlock Holmes story ´A Study in Scarlet´ alongside ´His Last Bow´ and ´The Valley of Fear´.Beautifully portrayed by the likes of Benedict Cumberbatch and Robert Downey Jr, Sherlock Holmes has appeared in multiple iterations, most notably as a "high-functioning sociopath" in BBC's ´Sherlock´.With nine exhilarating adventures, ´The Elementary Sherlock Holmes Collection´ serves as the perfect introduction to one of the most famous written characters of all time. It is ideal for fans of "Enola Holmes" on Netflix.Sir Arthur Conan Doyle (1859-1930) was a British author best known as the creator of the world-famous detective Sherlock Holmes. Born in Edinburgh, he was educated in England and Austria before studying medicine at the University of Edinburgh. It was during his time at university that Doyle began writing short stories, submitting them to magazines and journals.His first Sherlock Holmes novel, ‘A Study in Scarlet’ was written in just three weeks and published in 1887 to favourable reviews, and more Sherlock adventures followed.The stories have been adapted multiple times; most recently in the successful BBC series ‘Sherlock’ starring Benedict Cumberbatch and Martin Freeman.

What do we talk about when we talk about Irish?When we talk about saving or supporting a language do we mean the musical combination of syllables, or something more profound?How do new words enter a language, and what is the relationship between that strange dialect called Hiberno-English and its parent language?'Craic Baby' picks up exactly where 'Motherfoclóir' left off and explores the very new and very old parts of the Irish language from a personal perspective. While 'Motherfoclóir' was steeped in memory and a father-son relationship, 'Craic Baby' hinges on the beginnings of a father-daughter relationship, and how watching a child learn to communicate changes how you think about language.'Craic Baby' will share more Irish words and issues connected to the language, in the same style as 'Motherfoclóir', but treated with greater confidence and more depth.From the author of the bestselling 'Motherfoclóir', and winner of the Non-fiction of "Irish Book of the Year", "Craic Baby" will fasscinate those who loved "The Etymologicon" and "The Lost Words".Darach O'Séaghdha is the author of popular twitter account @theirishfor. He lives just outside Dublin, where he works as a civil servant during the day and explores language at night and in the early morning.

Queen’s Ford, seat of the Forde family for centuries, is crumbling into ruin. Devastated by their reduced circumstances, handsome and bored Jeremy Forcombe is determined to find a solution.He persuades his sister, Mariota, to go along with his outlandish plan to masquerade as highwaymen. Things go awry when they meet their match in their victim and there is an accident with a gun.Now the handsome Earl of Buckenham is injured, and the siblings are praying for his recovery – to save them from the gallows, and perhaps so much more...Chaos, scandal, and a romance to sweep you off your feet, "The Wish for Love" is perfect for fans of Julia Quinn and Georgette Heyer.Barbara Cartland wrote over 700 novels and was most famous for her historical romances. A prominent figure in London society, the young Cartland began her writing career as a gossip columnist for the Daily Express. 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. She is beloved worldwide and even counts the young Princess Diana as one of her many fans.

120 million records sold. The world’s biggest selling album of the twenty-first century. Countless awards and accolades. Adele has captured the hearts of millions and this intimate biography tells the astonishing journey of the Queen of Pop.The trademark authenticity of Adele’s songs has been hard-earned: she was raised by a single mother and has been tested by bereavements and a string of break-ups. Just when she seemed to have left the pain behind, a harrowing divorce and a career-threatening throat injury brought new darkness and doubt to her doorstep.This book takes you behind the scenes of her highs, her lows and everything in between. Separating the myths from the truth, it examines the real Adele: a shrewd and ambitious star who approaches her career with an iconic blend of tradition and innovation.But will Adele ever find happiness, or will she always be followed by what she calls her ‘very dark side’?Danny White is the author of the international and Sunday Times bestseller 1D: The One Direction Story which has been translated into sixteen languages. He has also written successful biographies of Harry Styles, Rihanna, Ariana Grande, Niall Horan, will.i.am and Johnny Depp.

Jerry Stokes is a hangman in Kingston. One day, he refuses to hang a convicted murderer because he is not so convinced that the man is actually guilty. This is the first time in his life that he rebels, and he is proud of himself. Stokes decides to delay the execution, praying that some exculpatory evidence will appear. Will he get them and will he turn out to be right?Grant Allen was a Canadian writer who lived in the period 1848 – 1899. His writing career began around 1876 when he published a series of essays on science. His first books, "Physiological Aesthetics" and "Flowers and Their Pedigrees" took up this subject as well. Grant Allen was also a pioneer in science fiction. He wrote about thirty science fiction novels in the period 1884-1899. In his later works, Allen also took up some revolutionary theories for the time regarding marriage. "The Woman Who Did" which depicts the life of an independent woman who takes care of her child on her own became a bestseller.

‘To Whom This May Come’ (1889) is a classic short story by the American author, Edward Bellamy, most famous for his socialist and utopian novel ‘Looking Backward: 2000-1887’ (1888).First published in ‘Harper's New Monthly Magazine’, it tells the tale of an unnamed narrator who is the sole survivor of a shipwreck. Washed ashore on a remote island, he is horrified to discover that its inhabitants have the ability to read minds, but to his surprise, this unique ability has consequences he never expected.This adventurous tale will excite those who are already familiar with Bellamy´s other short stories, as well as new readers who are looking for an interesting read.Edward Bellamy (1850 - 1898) was an American author, journalist and political activist. His novel ‘Looking Backward: 2000-1887’ (1888) was one of the most successful books published in the United States in the 19th century and influenced a generation of intellectuals. Referenced in many Marxist publications of the time, the book inspired the formation of Nationalist Clubs dedicated to spreading his political ideas.Bellamy’s other works include the novels ‘Six to One’ (1878), ‘Dr. Heidenhoff's Process’ (1880), ‘Miss Ludington's Sister’ (1885), ‘Equality’ (1897) and ‘The Duke of Stockbridge; a Romance of Shays' Rebellion (1900)’, as well as several short stories, such as ‘The Blindman's World’, ‘To Whom This May Come’, and ‘With the Eyes Shut’.

Born mixed-race, but with pale skin, Georges was rejected by everyone in the 19th-century French colony of Mauritius. But, in this era of slavery and abuse, he was destined to be noticed.In Alexandre Dumas' action-packed novel, Georges, the son of a wealthy, mixed-race planter, leads a black militia group and saves the lives of many planters during the British invasion of Mauritius.However, he gets no thanks. Then, when he fights with the son of another planter, his father sends him to France to be schooled.Here, Georges becomes eloquent, educated, and a hit with the ladies.He returns to Mauritius and his popularity quickly increases in society. But, when he discovers that his brother is the captain of a slave ship, he is furious.The fuse is lit for a slave revolt, imprisonment, and a death sentence.Is it the end for Georges?Perfect for readers of Victor Hugo's 'The Hunchback of Notre Dame' and 'My Bondage and my Freedom' by Frederick Douglass.Alexandre Dumas (1802-1870) was a world-famous playwright and novelist. During his life and after his death, he has been one of the most important and widely read French historical adventure writers. His experience was based on his many travels and exuberant lifestyle.His novels include 'The Count of Monte Cristo', 'The Three Musketeers', 'The Vicomte of Bragelonne: Ten Years Later', and 'Twenty Years After'. His works have been adapted into more than 200 movies and TV series.The English playwright Watts Phillips, who knew Dumas in his later life, said: "He was the most generous, large-hearted being in the world. He also was the most delightfully amusing and egotistical creature on the face of the earth."For readers of the novels of Victor Hugo and Charles Dickens.

It is a play with a gentle, evocative name. But 'A Doll's House' is a story with a kick that continues to be felt today.Henrik Ibsen's play tells the story of Nora, who feels hemmed in by a male-dominated society and its expectations.When she illegally takes out a loan to pay for Christmas presents, she is blackmailed by one of her husband's colleagues.She is desperate for Torvald not to find out, so finds herself in the power of the sinister and dishonest colleague.When the truth gets out, Torvald confronts Nora, insults her and says she is "unfit to raise our children". He swiftly takes back his words, but it is too late.Nora has decided to do something truly shocking...Fans of Bertolt Brecht and August Strindberg will love this play, which challenges our acceptance of cultural and societal norms.Henrik Ibsen (1828-1906) was a Norwegian-Danish playwright and theatre director. He was one of the founders of modernism in theatre and is regarded as "the father of realism".He influenced many giants of the playwright world, including George Bernard Shaw, Oscar Wilde, and George Bernard Shaw. His work has endured: only William Shakespeare's plays are performed more often than Ibsen's.His best-known works include 'Peer Gynt', 'A Doll's House', 'An Enemy of the People', and 'The Wild Duck'.Ibsen was nominated for the Nobel Prize in Literature in 1902, 1903, and 1904.

A fictional tale set in America at the turn of the 20th century, ‘The Autobiography of an Ex-Colored Man’ tells the story of a mixed-race man whose lighter skin allows him to pass for a white man when the need arises.Charting his journey across the racial divides, it describes his journey from a black college kid in Jacksonville to a successful man living in the white suburbs of the Northeast.This gripping, powerful novel is a landmark work in black American literary history, and its unsentimental look at race relations in America describes many of the racial issues that still affect the country to this day.‘The Autobiography of an Ex-Colored Man’ is perfect for readers of Brit Bennett's ´The Vanishing Half´.James Weldon Johnson, (1871-1938) was a poet, musician, writer, and diplomat. As a composer, he and his brother John Rosamond Johnson wrote ‘Lift Every Voice and Sing’, based on his poem of the same name. It later became a national anthem for many African Americans. The pair went on to write over 200 songs on Broadway.Johnson’s writing includes the works ´The Autobiography of an Ex-Colored Man’ and ‘Fifty Years and Other Poems’, as well as his ground-breaking anthology ‘Book of American Negro Poetry’ and ´The Books of the American Negro Spirituals’. However, his best-known work remains the book of verse, ‘God’s Trombones’.

Sometimes, being disobedient brings unbelievable surprises.When five-year-old Freddie is warned by Toby Littleback, the proprietor of the local tobacco shop, never to touch the jar shaped like a man’s head, he can’t resist.Suddenly Freddie is transported to the Spanish Main, as pirates pursue his sinking ship in the search for hidden treasure. How will he escape their clutches and return home?A cross between ‘Peter Pan’ and ‘Pirates of the Caribbean’, this action-packed fantasy story for children features flying carpets, skulduggery, and gold. Perfect for fans of fantasy adventure fiction.William Alvin Bowen (1877-1937) was an American attorney and children’s author. His best-known work was fantasy novel ‘The Old Tobacco Shop: A True Account of What Befell a Little Boy in Search of Adventure’, which was runner-up in the inaugural Newbery Medal in 1922.His other works include: ‘The Enchanted Forest’ (1920), ‘Solario the Tailor: His Tales of the Magic Doublet’ (1922), ‘Merrimeg’ (1923), ‘Philip and the Faun’ (1926), and ‘Gossip from the Sixteenth Century’ (1938).

Queens and Emperors, artists and poets, priests and politicians: all are subject to G. K. Chesterton’s collected biographies. ‘Varied Types’ spans the streets of London, travels to the edges of the British empire and doubles back into the depths of history.In a series of essays, Chesterton paints the portraits of England’s most influential figures, from Walter Scott to Lord Tennyson, and favours each with his authoritative wit.This continuation of the collection ‘Twelve Types’ adds eight spectacular essays, featuring Queen Victoria, Alfred the Great, John Ruskin, Elizabeth Barrett Browning, and many more.A superb collection for readers of Chesterton which dives deep into the history of classic English literature.Gilbert Keith Chesterton (1874 – 1936) was an English writer, journalist, philosopher, and literary critic. An unparalleled essayist, he produced over four thousand essays during his lifetime, alongside eighty novels and two hundred short stories.Tackling topics of politics, history, philosophy, and theology with tenacious wit and humour, G. K. Chesterton was often considered a master of the paradox. Himself both a modernist and devout Catholic, he is remembered best for his priest-detective short stories ‘Father Brown’, and his metaphysical thriller ‘The Man Who Was Thursday’.In his lifetime, Chesterton befriended and debated some of the greatest thinkers of the age, such as George Bernard Shore, H. G. Wells, and Bertrand Russell, while his works went on to inspire figures including T. S. Eliot, Michael Collins, and Mahatma Gandhi.

Grant Allen’s "Charles Darwin" is not an ordinary biography. It is a book about the life of one of the most significant and important people of the 19th century. It depicts the personal development of Charles Darwin – from early age to adulthood. It is a book about Darwin’s theories, discoveries and his most significant works, which remain fundamental today, in our current understanding of the world.Grant Allen was a Canadian writer who lived in the period 1848 – 1899. His writing career began around 1876 when he published a series of essays on science. His first books, "Physiological Aesthetics" and "Flowers and Their Pedigrees" took up this subject as well. Grant Allen was also a pioneer in science fiction. He wrote about thirty science fiction novels in the period 1884-1899. In his later works, Allen also took up some revolutionary theories for the time regarding marriage. "The Woman Who Did" which depicts the life of an independent woman who takes care of her child on her own became a bestseller.

In 1921, the great essayist G. K. Chesterton embarked on a lecture tour of America. Stepping from the boat in New York, Chesterton was still grieving the loss of his brother, yet soon the industry and ideologies of the US would strike inspiration in Chesterton and produce a creative outpouring now assembled into this collection of essays.‘What I saw in America’ charts the English writer’s impressions of American idealism: on democracy and freedom, but also capitalism, prohibition, and slavery.Chesterton captures the essence of 1920s America and sets it against his own English sensibilities, giving readers an extraordinary glimpse into the history of these two sovereign nations.Gilbert Keith Chesterton (1874 – 1936) was an English writer, journalist, philosopher, and literary critic. An unparalleled essayist, he produced over four thousand essays during his lifetime, alongside eighty novels and two hundred short stories.Tackling topics of politics, history, philosophy, and theology with tenacious wit and humour, G. K. Chesterton was often considered a master of the paradox. Himself both a modernist and devout Catholic, he is remembered best for his priest-detective short stories ‘Father Brown’, and his metaphysical thriller ‘The Man Who Was Thursday’.In his lifetime, Chesterton befriended and debated some of the greatest thinkers of the age, such as George Bernard Shore, H. G. Wells, and Bertrand Russell, while his works went on to inspire figures including T. S. Eliot, Michael Collins, and Mahatma Gandhi.

These sixteen short stories are packed full with charming characters and vibrant prose. Each of the tales are based in New England and primarily centered on strong female protagonists who face various hurdles in their relationships.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.

If you have seen Ricky Gervais in 'The Office', you will know how much comedy and pathos occurs in apparently mundane locations. In 'The Lesser Bourgeoisie', Honore de Balzac turns his sharp eye on the intrigues of the white-collar world.Spinster Marie-Jeanne-Brigitte Thuillier has made money from selling her bank business. She dedicates her life to supporting her brother, an attractive but mediocre man with an illegitimate daughter, Celeste.Celeste's mother, Flavie, is a social climber who takes lovers to advance her husband's career - and to find a rich husband for her daughter.The murky waters are further muddied by the arrival of the lawyer Theodose de La Peyrade, who targets the hand of Celeste (and her inheritance).It is all rather unbecoming as the vultures circle around Celeste, and Balzac exposes the greed that exists at this level of French society.If you like office intrigue, try 'The Way We Live Now' by Anthony Trollope.Honoré de Balzac (1799-1850) was a French novelist and playwright, most famous for a sequence of novels, collectively called 'The Human Comedy'. His signature style was a warts-and-all representation of post-Napoleonic French life, rich in detail and featuring complex, unfiltered characters.The style means Balzac is regarded as one of the pioneers of European literary realism. He is named as an influence on writers including Emile Zola, Henry James, Charles Dickens, and Gustave Flaubert.The first novel he published under his own name was 'Les Chouans' in 1829. In 1834 he hit upon the idea of grouping his novels together to record all of society. The result, over a period of years, was 'The Human Comedy', which comprised three categories: 'Analytic Studies'; 'Philosophical Studies'; and 'Studies of Manners'.

‘Greenmantle’ is the second of five John Buchan novels in which we follow the adventures and exploits of Brigadier-General Richard Hannay.In ‘Greenmantle’ we reunite with Richard Hannay, as he rests and recovers following the end of WWI. It is not long, however, before his services are called upon once again by the Foreign Office to investigate reported tensions and uprisings happening in the Middle East.Accompanied by Peter Pienaar, John S. Blenkiron, and Sandy Arbuthnot, the men must thwart any planned uprisings and prevent another war at any cost.A classic spy thriller from the famous author, with plenty of espionage, intrigue, and danger.John Buchan (1875-1940) was a Scottish historian, politician, and author. Born and educated in Scotland, Buchan received a scholarship to Oxford at the age of 17 where he studied classics. It was here that his writing career began, and he won prizes for his poetry and essays.He began a career in diplomacy and government following his graduation, whilst continuing to pursue his writing career. In 1915 he published his most famous novel, the thriller ‘The Thirty-Nine Steps’, which was adapted into a film by Alfred Hitchcock in the 1930s.An author of predominantly political thrillers, some of his other best-loved works include ‘The Three Hostages’, ‘The Power-House’, and ‘The Blanket of Dark’.He died at the age of 64 in Canada, where he had been serving as the Governor General.

Edgar Wallace’s ‘Army Reform’ unravels the opinions, thoughts, and experiences of Private Smith during World War One.Packed with witty humour and peppered with sarcasm, this autobiographical short story invites readers behind the scenes at one of Europe’s darkest memories.Crafted with deep insight, Wallace reminds us that humanity can be found during the most difficult of times.‘Army Reform’ is perfect for fans of ‘Hacksaw Ridge’ starring Andrew Garfield.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, screenplays, and 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’

Containing loosely autobiographical elements, ‘In the Modern Vein’ is a short story detailing the romantic pursuits of the poet, Aubrey Vair. The crux of the tale focuses on Vair’s brief, platonic affair with the enigmatic Miss Smith. Will Vair return to his wife or elope with his new love? Wells allows us to experience the turmoil Vair endures in touching and unexpected detail. Given the rumours of his numerous affairs in real-life, could this be the author is trying to lay old ghosts to rest?H.G. Wells (1866 – 1946) was a prolific writer and the author of more than 50 novels. Additionally, he wrote more than 60 short stories, alongside various scientific papers. Many of his most famous works have been adapted for film and television, including ‘The Time Machine,’ starring Guy Pearce, ‘War of the Worlds,’ starring Tom Cruise, and ‘The Invisible Man,’ starring Elizabeth Moss. Because of his various works exploring futuristic themes, Wells is regarded as one of the ‘Fathers of Science Fiction.’