Engelske bøger

Sarah Casey, determined to be made an honest woman, convinces reluctant local Tinker, Michael Byrne, to marry her. After harassing the local priest into officiating their wedding for half the price, Sarah’s dreams might be about to come true.That is until Michael’s scornful Mother intervenes and steals the priest’s money. Refusing to wed the couple until his money is returned, the hopeless priest unleashes the fury of the Tinkers.J.M. Synge’s ‘The Tinker’s Wedding’ (1909) is a classic two-act play of comedic genius that pokes fun at Irish country folk. An incredibly controversial play when it was first staged due to its treatment of the priest, ‘The Tinker’s Wedding’ is an excellent ode to failed and farcical matrimony and is perfect for anyone who enjoys weddings-gone-wrong comedies like ‘Bridesmaids’ or the British classic ‘Four Weddings and a Funeral’.Edmund John Millington Synge (1871 – 1909) was an Irish poet, playwright, and defining figure of the Irish Literary Revival. Born in County Dublin to upper-middle-class Protestants, Synge suffered from Hodgkin’s disease which led to his home-schooling. Soon after graduating from Trinity College Dublin, Synge became a renowned poet and playwright, but his success was short-lived as he passed away from cancer at 37.He is best remembered for his play ‘The Playboy of the Western World’, an incredibly controversial work at the time of its publication and performance. Regarded by Yeats as ‘the greatest dramatic genius of Ireland’, Synge has held a lasting legacy, being a key influence for acclaimed Irish playwright Samuel Beckett and the subject of Joseph O’Connor’s novel ‘Ghost Light’ (2010).

Adapted into episode one of the TV mini-series, The Nightmare Worlds of H.G. Wells – starring Ray Winstone and Michael Gambon – The Story of the Late Mr. Elvesham is a short story by H.G. Wells. A young, poverty-stricken man called Edward Eden meets a strange older gentleman, Egbert Elvesham, who declares that he would like Eden to be his sole heir. At the end of a meal together, Elvesham pours a strange pink powder into their drinks and the following day, Edward Eden wakes to find himself in Elvesham’s body in a ‘Freaky Friday’ body-swapping scenario. Eden is destined for more than he signed up for in this fantasy, horror story.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.’

‘Wynema’ (1891) is a novel by Native American writer Sophia Alice Callahan. Occupying the position as the first-ever novel written by a Native American woman, it is an important and gripping account of the hardships suffered by Native Americans, and further covers the infamous ‘Massacre at Wounded Knee’.When a married couple hears of the horrors at the battle of Wounded Knee, they decide to adopt a Native American orphan girl. But raising a Lakota girl in a white town influenced by Western values and Christianity inevitably leads to a clash of cultures.´Wynema´ is perfect for those interested in Native American history, as well as those familiar with Zitkala-Ša's ´American Indian Stories´.Sophia Alice Callahan (1868 –1894) was a Native American novelist and teacher, best known for her novel, ‘Wynema’ (1891), which is the first novel written by a Native American woman.The book details the horrors of the battle at Wounded Knee and the treatment of Native Americans in 1890’s United States society. It has been declared a work of great historical importance and has been studied by scholars.

Hilda Wade is a nurse working for the famous doctor Hubert Cumberledge. He admires Hilda and their friendship grows stronger with every passing day. Hilda’s past and her future goals are however shrouded in mystery. She has one purpose in life and she is willing to go to great lengths to pursuit it.What is the goal that will make the young nurse travel across the whole world? Find out in Grant Allen’s detective story "Hilda Wade".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.

‘Inside the Lines’ (1915) is a gripping novel by American writers Earl Derr Biggers and Robert Wells Ritchie.On the eve of the First World War as preparations for the conflict are in full swing, American businesswoman, Jane Gerson, is stranded on the tiny island of Gibraltar, unable to get back home.With rumours of a German plot and spies around every corner, Jane’s path home is fraught with suspicion and danger.This page-turning adventure thriller is perfect for fans of espionage films and fiction.Earl Derr Biggers (1884-1933) was an American writer of novels and plays. He predominantly wrote detective mysteries and famously created the Chinese-American detective, Charlie Chan, which has been adapted for film and TV on numerous occasions. His most popular works include 'The House Without a Key', 'Seven Keys to Baldplate', and 'The Black Camel'.Robert Welles Ritchie (1879-1942) was an American writer and journalist. He wrote novels and short stories and is mostly remembered today for 'Inside the Lines', 'Trails to Two Moons', and 'Dust of the Desert'. Many of his works were also adapted for film.

Following the first world war, John Raven dwells on the course of path for his friends Dick and Raven who served in the Ambulance corps. He laments on the relationship of Raven and 'Nan', who have a considerable age gap.Alice Brown is an American novelist and short-story writer. She is best known for her tales about New England and as a writer of local colour stories. Born in New Hampshire in 1857, Brown's stories often portray a female protagonist in a domestic setting. Her first novel, 'Stratford-by-the-Sea', was published in 1884. It cemented Brown as part of the Boston literary scene, but by the time she died in 1948 (aged 91), many of her stories had been forgotten about and were no longer being published.

A classic portrait of America during World War I, from American author Zane Grey, famously known for his romanticized stories about the old West.‘The Desert of Wheat’ (1919) sets the tone for a nation's anxiety at the brink of a century of change. It is a 20th century tale of romance and sabotage, describing the effect war has on a country and its people.Grey has written a classic Western with a patriotic and anti-union propaganda twist, recounting a country divided.Pearl Zane Grey (1872 – 1939) was an American author best known for his popular adventure novels about the American West. His stories are credited with the creation of the ‘Western’ literary genre.The novel ‘Riders of the Purple Sage’ (1912) was Grey’s best-selling work, while other popular titles include ‘The Lone Star Ranger’ (1915), ‘The U.P. Trail’ (1918), ‘Call of the Canyon’ (1924), and ‘Code of the West’ (1934). His nonfiction books include ‘Tales of Fishing’ (1925). Grey wrote more than 80 books in total, a number of which were published posthumously.Many of his works have been adapted for tv and film, including ‘Zane Grey Theatre’ (1956-1958) and ‘Riders of the Purple Sage’ (1996) starring Ed Harris.

Colonial Administrator Sanders is known for exploiting the people of Liberia. But when he encounters the one man three steps ahead of him, all that is about to change.Both a conman and a crook, escaped convict turned tribal chief Bosambo is ready to outwit Sanders and his crew. He is nevertheless fiercely loyal to him and ready to spring to his rescue in times of need.Weaving another rip-roaring tale in the ‘Sanders of the River’ adventure series, Wallace’s novel – and 1935 film starring Paul Robeson and Leslie Banks – is ideal for fans of the 2016 blockbuster hit, ‘The Legend of Tarzan’.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’.

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

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

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

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

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

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

Most books of literary criticism are written long after their age has passed, but a rare few are written during their time - and G. K. Chesterton’s ‘The Victorian Age in Literature’ is one of them.Born during the Victorian era, Chesterton gives an incredible insight into Victorian literature as it was perceived at the end of the 19th century. His witty accounts shine a light on the classic works of Dickens, Austen, and the Brontës, as well as leading poets of the period, from Tennyson to Browning.His discussion ranges from the politics of the day to the birth of radical philosophies and revelations within the sciences. Chesterton’s work is a refreshingly personal look into the Victorian mind and an invaluable resource for any student of literary history.Gilbert Keith Chesterton (1874 – 1936) was an English writer, journalist, philosopher, and literary critic. An unparalleled essayist, he produced over four thousand essays during his lifetime, alongside eighty novels and two hundred short stories.Tackling topics of politics, history, philosophy, and theology with tenacious wit and humour, G. K. Chesterton was often considered a master of the paradox. Himself both a modernist and devout Catholic, he is remembered best for his priest-detective short stories ‘Father Brown’, and his metaphysical thriller ‘The Man Who Was Thursday’.In his lifetime, Chesterton befriended and debated some of the greatest thinkers of the age, such as George Bernard Shore, H. G. Wells, and Bertrand Russell, while his works went on to inspire figures including T. S. Eliot, Michael Collins, and Mahatma Gandhi.

Step into an English realm of knights, elves, and priestly sermons. ‘The Wild Knight and Other Poems’, by G. K. Chesterton, is a masterful collection of poems that trace themes of morality, fairy tales, and religion.An early work by one of the 20th century’s most influential writers, this book of poems comes alive with pagan and Christian imagery intertwined. A profoundly thoughtful work that bears multiple readings and gives an earnest glimpse into the mind of Chesterton.Featuring works such as ‘Chord of Colour’, ‘The Donkey’, and ‘The Ballad of the Battle of Gibeon’, ‘The Wild Knight and Other Poems’ will inspire philosophers and artists alike.A perfect collection for readers of Philip Pullman’s ‘The Good Man Jesus and The Scoundrel Christ’ or Simon Armitage’s ‘The Owl and the Nightingale’.Gilbert Keith Chesterton (1874 – 1936) was an English writer, journalist, philosopher, and literary critic. An unparalleled essayist, he produced over four thousand essays during his lifetime, alongside eighty novels and two hundred short stories.Tackling topics of politics, history, philosophy, and theology with tenacious wit and humour, G. K. Chesterton was often considered a master of the paradox. Himself both a modernist and devout Catholic, he is remembered best for his priest-detective short stories ‘Father Brown’, and his metaphysical thriller ‘The Man Who Was Thursday’.In his lifetime, Chesterton befriended and debated some of the greatest thinkers of the age, such as George Bernard Shore, H. G. Wells, and Bertrand Russell, while his works went on to inspire figures including T. S. Eliot, Michael Collins, and Mahatma Gandhi.

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

A light-hearted collection of poems featuring G. K. Chesterton’s classic wit and cheer, ‘Wine, Water, and Song’ celebrates drink in all its forms, lampooning ideas of prohibition that were on the rise in 20th century London.Chesterton makes a merry satire of local politics and English traditions, with poems including ‘Wine and Water’, where he imagines a wine cellar aboard Noah’s Ark, and ‘The Logical Vegetarian’, where he sings the virtues of a liquid diet.For fans of Chesterton and poetry that provokes, this book is a perfect collection of clever rhymes and outspoken English humour.Gilbert Keith Chesterton (1874 – 1936) was an English writer, journalist, philosopher, and literary critic. An unparalleled essayist, he produced over four thousand essays during his lifetime, alongside eighty novels and two hundred short stories.Tackling topics of politics, history, philosophy, and theology with tenacious wit and humour, G. K. Chesterton was often considered a master of the paradox. Himself both a modernist and devout Catholic, he is remembered best for his priest-detective short stories ‘Father Brown’, and his metaphysical thriller ‘The Man Who Was Thursday’.In his lifetime, Chesterton befriended and debated some of the greatest thinkers of the age, such as George Bernard Shore, H. G. Wells, and Bertrand Russell, while his works went on to inspire figures including T. S. Eliot, Michael Collins, and Mahatma Gandhi.

‘Riders to the Sea’ (1904), is a classic one-act tragedy by famed Irish playwright J.M. Synge. Maurya, a widower of the Aran Islands who has lost her husband and five sons to the sea, is alarmed when she learns that her brother’s body has also washed up on the beaches of Donegal.Convinced that tragedy will befall her still, Maurya pleads with her only living son, Bartley, to not brave the tempestuous waters to journey to County Galway for business. When he does not listen, Maurya must only wait to see if her predictions will come true: that by night’s fall she will have no sons left...A heart-breaking drama that captures the beautiful lyricism of the Irish, ‘Riders to the Sea’ conveys colossal emotion in such a minute play. With riveting dialogue throughout, Synge explores the hopelessness of humanity in the face of nature.The futility of human life in ‘Riders to the Sea’ is echoed in other classic Irish plays like Samuel Beckett’s ‘Waiting for Godot’ (1953). With the timeless universality of its message, ‘Riders of the Sea’ is sure to find a home with modern audiences looking to experience one of the most profound tragedies of the 20th century.Edmund John Millington Synge (1871 – 1909) was an Irish poet, playwright, and defining figure of the Irish Literary Revival. Born in County Dublin to upper-middle-class Protestants, Synge suffered from Hodgkin’s disease which led to his home-schooling.Soon after graduating from Trinity College Dublin, Synge became a renowned poet and playwright, but his success was short-lived as he passed away from cancer at 37. He is best remembered for his play ‘The Playboy of the Western World’, an incredibly controversial work at the time of its publication and performance.Regarded by Yeats as ‘the greatest dramatic genius of Ireland’, Synge has held a lasting legacy, being a key influence for acclaimed Irish playwright Samuel Beckett and the subject of Joseph O’Connor’s novel ‘Ghost Light’ (2010).

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

‘At Pinney's Ranch’ (1898) is a short story by the American author, Edward Bellamy, most famous for his socialist and utopian novel ‘Looking Backward: 2000-1887’ (1888).It was love at first sight when John Lansing and Mary Hollister first met at Pinney’s ranch, and four years later they are happily married. But when Austin Flint is found murdered, suspicion falls on an innocent Lansing, forcing him to flee town and leave behind everything he loves in order to prove his innocence.This tense and gripping tale will delight admirers of Bellamy's other works, such as ´Hooking Watermelons´ and ´Deserted´.Edward Bellamy (1850 - 1898) was an American author, journalist and political activist. His novel ‘Looking Backward: 2000-1887’ (1888) was one of the most successful books published in the United States in the 19th century and influenced a generation of intellectuals. Referenced in many Marxist publications of the time, the book inspired the formation of Nationalist Clubs dedicated to spreading his political ideas.Bellamy’s other works include the novels ‘Six to One’ (1878), ‘Dr. Heidenhoff's Process’ (1880), ‘Miss Ludington's Sister’ (1885), ‘Equality’ (1897), and ‘The Duke of Stockbridge; a Romance of Shays' Rebellion (1900)’.

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

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

It is sometimes difficult to know who most deserves our judgement.Do we look down more upon a shop owner for inventing a royal backstory for one of his items - or is the customer who believes the story even worse?Set in 19th century Paris, Honoré de Balzac's short story sees an English woman looking to buy a shawl in a shop.The owner sees a chance to con a foreigner by claiming the shawl was once owned by Empress Josephine, once the wife of Napoleon Bonaparte.Will she buy the story - and the shawl?Named after Felix Gaudissart, a travelling salesman who appears in other Balzac tales, ´Gaudissart II´ demonstrates Blazac's skills as he portrays greed, dishonesty, and gullibility to perfection.´Gaudissart II´ will delight any reader familiar with Balzac's body of work.Honoré de Balzac (1799-1850) was a French novelist and playwright, most famous for a sequence of novels, collectively called 'The Human Comedy'. His signature style was a warts-and-all representation of post-Napoleonic French life, rich in detail and featuring complex, unfiltered characters.The style means Balzac is regarded as one of the pioneers of European literary realism. He is named as an influence on writers including Emile Zola, Henry James, Charles Dickens and Gustave Flaubert.The first novel he published under his own name was 'Les Chouans' in 1829. In 1834 he hit upon the idea of grouping his novels together to record all of society. The result, over a period of years, was 'The Human Comedy', which comprised three categories: 'Analytic Studies'; 'Philosophical Studies'; and 'Studies of Manners'.

In this collection of essays, G. K. Chesterton matches his wits against some of the greatest issues of the 20th century.Imperialism, politics, education, and feminism are put to debate as Chesterton criticises the government of the day, while also speaking to a modern era.A testament to one of the most prolific writers of the 20th century, 'What's Wrong with the World' proves Chesterton as a master essayist whose work bears the scrutiny of historians and philosophers.Essential reading for students of British history, Chesterton bears the soul of the English spirit and puts its politicians to shame.Gilbert Keith Chesterton (1874 – 1936) was an English writer, journalist, philosopher, and literary critic. An unparalleled essayist, he produced over four thousand essays during his lifetime, alongside eighty novels and two hundred short stories.Tackling topics of politics, history, philosophy, and theology with tenacious wit and humour, G. K. Chesterton was often considered a master of the paradox. Himself both a modernist and devout Catholic, he is remembered best for his priest-detective short stories ‘Father Brown’, and his metaphysical thriller ‘The Man Who Was Thursday’.In his lifetime, Chesterton befriended and debated some of the greatest thinkers of the age, such as George Bernard Shore, H. G. Wells, and Bertrand Russell, while his works went on to inspire figures including T. S. Eliot, Michael Collins, and Mahatma Gandhi.

‘Christina Alberta’s Father’ is a multi-layered read. Part comedy, part tragedy, and part satire of 1920s society, it tells the story of Albert Edward Preemby. Following his wife’s death, Preemby becomes convinced that he is the incarnation of the ruler of the lost city of Atlantis, Sargon and, as such, must restore order to the world. A fascinating and humorous read, Wells suggests that there is a Sargon in all of us; a part of our character that seeks to create something divine in the face of chaos.H.G. Wells (1866 – 1946) was a prolific writer and the author of more than 50 novels. Additionally, he wrote more than 60 short stories, alongside various scientific papers. Many of his most famous works have been adapted for film and television, including ‘The Time Machine,’ starring Guy Pearce, ‘War of the Worlds,’ starring Tom Cruise, and ‘The Invisible Man,’ starring Elizabeth Moss. Because of his various works exploring futuristic themes, Wells is regarded as one of the ‘Fathers of Science Fiction.’

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

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

A beautiful collection of travel stories from some of his favourite places, ‘In Wicklow and West Kerry’ (1912) is a personal and memorable account of J.M. Synge’s journeys around Ireland.Throughout this wonderful book, Synge’s love for the Irish people and geography shines through as he regales the reader with delightful vignettes.Fans of modern travel writers like Robert Macfarlane and Bill Bryson will absolutely adore Synge's ‘In Wicklow and West Kerry’.Edmund John Millington Synge (1871 – 1909) was an Irish poet, playwright, and defining figure of the Irish Literary Revival. Born in County Dublin to upper-middle-class Protestants, Synge suffered from Hodgkin’s disease which led to his home-schooling.Soon after graduating from Trinity College Dublin, Synge became a renowned poet and playwright, but his success was short-lived as he passed away from cancer at 37. He is best remembered for his play ‘The Playboy of the Western World’, an incredibly controversial work at the time of its publication and performance.Regarded by Yeats as ‘the greatest dramatic genius of Ireland’, Synge has held a lasting legacy, being a key influence for acclaimed Irish playwright Samuel Beckett and the subject of Joseph O’Connor’s novel ‘Ghost Light’ (2010).

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