Engelske bøger

‘Silence’ is a haunting short story from the ‘Russian Edgar Allan Poe’ that deals with profoundly emotional and sad themes in an unexpected and shocking way.Vera, the daughter of Father Ignatius, lays languishing in her room, too weak to move, barely able to speak. The cause of her condition cannot be found and she suffers more and more with each passing day. This powerful short deals with the emotional impact of losing a family member and the crushing silence that can envelop one’s life on those days.It is a brilliant psychological study, as our characters ride the waves of regret, disbelief and blind hope.If you love the work of Edgar Allan Poe, you will love this classic short.Leonid Andreyev was a Russian novelist, playwright and short story writer who holds a special place in the canon of literature as the father of Russian Expressionism. He was known for his rich and diverse blend of Symbolism, Naturalism and Realism. Often referred to as the ‘Russian Edgar Allan Poe’ his haunting novels were eagerly devoured in the English speaking world.His fantastic, dark and controversial novels have been adapted in to Broadway productions and films. His most well-known works include ‘He Who Gets Slapped’ , ‘The Seven Who Were Hanged’, the play ‘Tsar Hunger’, and his novel ‘Sashka Zhegulev’.

A knight, hiding from his past, lives alone in an isolated mountain fortress. One day, he gives shelter to two pilgrims and tells them of his sorrows. But the pilgrim’s true intentions are not what he thinks, and their revelations will change his past and transform his future.'The Pilgrims’ (1838) is a classic, short story by the English writer Mary Shelley, famous for her best-selling novel ‘Frankenstein’.Mary Shelley (1797–1851) was an English author and travel writer best known for her ground-breaking Gothic novel ‘Frankenstein’ (1818). Considered one of the first true works of science-fiction, the book became an instant bestseller.It has been adapted for TV, stage and film on many occasions, with Boris Karloff famously playing Frankenstein’s monster on screen in 1933. Other adaptations include ‘Mary Shelley's Frankenstein’ (1994) starring Kenneth Branagh and Robert De Niro and ‘Viktor Frankenstein’ (2015) starring Daniel Radcliffe and James McAvoy.Shelley’s other novels include Valperga (1823), The Last Man (1826), Perkin Warbeck (1830), Lodore (1835), Falkner (1837) and the posthumously published Mathilde (1959). However, she will always be remembered as the creator of Frankenstein.The book continues to influence filmmakers, writers and popular culture to this day, inspiring and terrifying new audiences the world over.

‘A Dilemma’ is a psychological thriller from the "Russian Edgar Allan Poe" following the mentally perplexed Anton. He does not love Tatiana, but the fact that she loves the lame Alexis simply enrages him. So yes, he will kill Alexis and free himself of this mental burden.As part of his plan Anton begins to feign insanity, lashing out in public, reverting to a childlike state, all is going to plan...As we are dragged along for this horrific ride, we are forced to wonder, was this man ever sane to begin with?It is a brilliant novel, that will leave the reader questioning everything on the page before them till the last horrific end.If you loved Leonardo DiCaprio in ‘Shutter Island’ you will love this intriguing short.Leonid Andreyev was a Russian novelist, playwright and short story writer who holds a special place in the canon of literature as the father of Russian Expressionism. He was known for his rich and diverse blend of Symbolism, Naturalism and Realism. Often referred to as the ‘Russian Edgar Allan Poe’ his haunting novels were eagerly devoured in the English speaking world.His fantastic, dark and controversial novels have been adapted in to Broadway productions and films. His most well-known works include ‘He Who Gets Slapped’ , ‘The Seven Who Were Hanged’, the play ‘Tsar Hunger’, and his novel ‘Sashka Zhegulev’.

Anyone who has read Dickens’ novels such as ‘Oliver Twist’ will know that the writer was a moralist, satirist, and social reformer, and this volume of non-fiction essays brings together some of the writer’s most interesting views on social issues. ‘Miscellaneous Papers’ contains such papers as 'The Agricultural Interest', 'Threatening Letter to Thomas Hood from an Ancient Gentleman', 'Crime and Education', 'Capital Punishment', and 'The Spirit of Chivalry in Westminster Hall' among others.Regarded by many as the greatest novelist of the Victorian era, Charles Dickens is best known for creating some of the world’s best known fictional characters who feature in his most popular novels, including The Artful Dodger in 'Oliver Twist’, Ebenezer Scrooge in ‘A Christmas Carol’, and Miss Havisham in ‘Great Expectations’. Dickens’ timeless novels and short stories are still widely read today and many have been adapted into countless TV programmes and films, including the Academy Award-winning musical ‘Oliver’, and 'A Christmas Carol' which is well known worldwide and is a huge favourite movie for families to watch together at Christmas time.

As the white daughter of a sugar plantation owner, Winnie Cox had everything: money, privilege, comfort. But in British Guyana in 1912, Winnie chose love over luxury.Winnie married George Quint, the love of her life - a poor black postman from the slums.While she lived in poverty with her husband, Winnie's sister Johanna ran the plantation and harboured deep resentment towards Winnie, always her mother’s favourite daughter.When Winnie's son becomes ill and she travels to find a cure, Johanna falls for George. But he is only interested in Winnie and Johanna's resentment turns to burning hatred and a determination to exact devastating revenge.'The Sugar Planter's Daughter' is a gripping and moving story of secrets, lies, love and betrayal that will appeal to fans of Dinah Jefferies and Kate Furnivall.What readers are saying about 'The Sugar Planter's Daughter':'The writing is stunningly evocative and sensual ...I just felt immersed in the story and setting from the start.' The Book Trail'A page-turning story, full of humanity, crossing cultures and continents, reminiscent of Andrea Levy.’ Katie Fforde‘Rich in detail and emotion and has the most beautiful and real description of loss I have ever read.’ Shaz’s Book BlogSharon Maas has sold almost 300,000 books since she started publishing with Bookouture.Sharon Maas was born into a prominent political family in Georgetown, Guyana, in 1951. She was educated in England, Guyana, and, later, Germany. After leaving school, she worked as a trainee reporter with the Guyana Graphic in Georgetown and later wrote feature articles for the Sunday Chronicle as a staff journalist. Sharon has always had a great sense of adventure and curiosity about the world we live in, and Guyana could not hold her for long. In 1971 she set off on a year-long backpacking trip around South America, followed by an overland trek to South India, where she spent two years in an ashram. She is the author of The Violin Maker’s Daughter, The Soldier’s Girl, Her Darkest Hour and many other novels.

Often referred to as a ‘sociological study’, ´The Home: Its Work and Influence´ – written by Charlotte Perkins Gilman and published in 1903 – is an examination of the traditional household structure and the repression of women within a domestic role.Ahead of her time on feminist issues and women’s suffrage, the author criticises the assumed domesticity of women in the early part of the 20th century. Gilman argues that liberating women (and men, for that matter) and enabling them to gain economic independence is an essential ingredient for improving a marriage, family, and their role as a parent – improving not only classic domestic setups but racial inequality too.In ´The Home´, Gilman focuses on key topics such as cooking, domestic ethics, and children, in an effort to show how every household could benefit the entire family unit as well as society at large. This book is perfect for those interested in gaining insight into women's place in society in the early 20th century.Charlotte Perkins Gilman, also known as Charlotte Perkins Stetson, was born on 3rd July 1860 in Connecticut, USA. Her early family life was troubled, with her father abandoning his wife and family; a move which strongly influenced her feminist political leanings and advocator of women’s rights.After working as a tutor and painter, Perkins – a self-declared humanist and tomboy – began to work as a writer of short stories, novels, non-fiction pieces, and poetry. Her best-known work is her semi-autobiographical short story, inspired by her post-natal depression, entitled ‘The Yellow Wallpaper’, which was published in 1892 and made into a film in 2011.Gilman was a member of the American National Women's Hall of Fame and a strong believer that "the domestic environment oppressed women through the patriarchal beliefs upheld by society". A believer in euthanasia, she was diagnosed with incurable breast cancer in January 1932 and subsequently took her own life in August 1935, writing in her suicide note that she "chose chloroform over cancer".

The Five Little Peppers are off to school - Joel and Davie at a boys' boarding school, Polly, Phronsie and Ben at home. When the boys come home for the holidays, all the children are caught up in plans to help the poor family of a brakeman who was killed in an accident. Meanwhile Polly struggles to keep Jasper's friend from being expelled, Phronsie has a frightening accident and Ben works hard to repay Mr. King.Margaret Sidney was the pen name of Harriett Mulford Lothrop, née Stone (1844-1924). She was first published at age 34, when two of her stories came out in the Boston children’s magazine "Wide Awake". Following their success, the editor asked her to write more. This led to the publication of her 12 book series "Five Little Peppers". She married her publisher Daniel Lothrop, and after his death, she ran his publishing firm. She later sold it so as to have more time to write, though the company kept publishing her work. Together, the couple had also bought the mansion "The Wayside" in Massachusetts, where both Louisa May Alcott and Nathaniel Hawthorne had previously lived. Sidney was a member of the Daughters of the American Revolution, and the founder of the Children of the American Revolution. She wrote over 30 novels.

For those interested in the history of slavery and the American Civil War, 'Up from Slavery' is the autobiography from American eudcator Booker T. Washington in which he describes his experiences of living as an enslaved child during the Civil War.Washington overcame many obstacles to get an education and throughout his autobiography, he gratefully reflects on the help of his teachers and philanthropists who helped educate Black and Native Americans.The autobiography was a best seller; much to do with its honest and historically significant depiction of the struggles that Washington faced.If you are eager to know more about the history of slavery, Sojourner Truth's 'Narrative of Sojourner Truth' will provide great insight into being a slave in the North.Booker T. Washington was born into slavery in Virginia in 1856. He is regarded as one of the foremost African American leaders of the late 19th century, and founded the Tuskegee Normal and Industrial Institute in 1881.He became a teacher after the Civil War, and was also a political adviser and writer.Washington's mother, Jane, worked as a cook for a plantation owner and his father was an unknown white man, most likely from a nearby plantation.From a young age, Washington worked carrying sacks of grain to the plantations mill. Despite the sacks weighing around 100-pounds and being too heavy for a young boy, he was often beaten for not working to a high enough standard.After the Civil War, Washington and his mother moved to West Virginia, where she married a freedman. The family was very poor, and nine-year-old Washington went to work in the nearby salt furnaces instead of going to school. He then worked as a houseboy for the wife of a local coal mine owner. She recognised his desire for education and allowed him to go to school for an hour a day during the winter months.He died in November, 1915, at the age of 59, of congestive heart failure.

"Five Little Peppers Grown Up" continues the story of Ben, Polly, Joel, David, and Phronsie Pepper. Together with the Kings, the Whitneys, and other friends old and new, the Peppers learn and teach about life and love as they grow into adulthood.Margaret Sidney was the pen name of Harriett Mulford Lothrop, née Stone (1844-1924). She was first published at age 34, when two of her stories came out in the Boston children’s magazine "Wide Awake". Following their success, the editor asked her to write more. This led to the publication of her 12 book series "Five Little Peppers". She married her publisher Daniel Lothrop, and after his death, she ran his publishing firm. She later sold it so as to have more time to write, though the company kept publishing her work. Together, the couple had also bought the mansion "The Wayside" in Massachusetts, where both Louisa May Alcott and Nathaniel Hawthorne had previously lived. Sidney was a member of the Daughters of the American Revolution, and the founder of the Children of the American Revolution. She wrote over 30 novels.

'A page-turning story, full of humanity, crossing cultures and continents.’ Author Katie FfordeAn utterly evocative and heart-wrenching novel about the importance of family, love and being true to yourself. Perfect for fans of Dinah Jefferies, Santa Montefiore and Diane Chamberlain.Living on the streets of Bombay, Jyothi has no-one to turn to after her mother is involved in a tragic accident. But after a chance meeting with Monika and Jack Kingsley, Jyothi’s life changes forever when the young couple decide to adopt her.The new family return to England, but Jyothi finds it difficult to adapt. As Monika and Jack’s relationship fractures, Jyothi is more alone than ever and music becomes her solace. But even when her extraordinary musical talent transforms into a promising career, Jyothi still doesn’t feel like she belongs. Then a turbulent love affair causes her to question everything. And Jyothi realises that before she can embrace her future, she must confront the pain of her past...What readers are saying about Sharon Maas:‘Beautifully written with characters that come to life. Vivid descriptions of India ... Recommended reading.’ Goodreads Reviewer'Such a powerful story, so brilliantly narrated, in such a way that you feel part of it all and are left bereft when it is finished. Five Stars! ' Author Renita D'Silva'Heart-breaking, poignant and intriguing ... This truly is a powerful story that will fascinate and engross you from the very beginning until the very end.' What’s Better than Books'The writing is stunningly evocative and sensual ... I just felt immersed in the story and setting from the start.' The Book Trail‘Rich in detail and emotion and has the most beautiful and real description of loss I have ever read.’ Shaz’s Book BlogSharon Maas was born into a prominent political family in Georgetown, Guyana, in 1951. She was educated in England, Guyana, and, later, Germany. After leaving school, she worked as a trainee reporter with the Guyana Graphic in Georgetown and later wrote feature articles for the Sunday Chronicle as a staff journalist. She is the author of "The Violin Maker’s Daughter", "The Soldier’s Girl", "Her Darkest Hour" and many other novels.

‘Lovely and heart-warming!... I was hooked on this book from the very first page...Grab it now and settle down to enjoy the loveliness that this book gives!... Wonderful!!’ Stardust Book Reviews, 5 starsThe Sunshine Hideaway, with its big bay windows, fresh-baked scones, and stunning view of Sunflower Island’s golden beaches, is the only place Madison Skylar has ever truly thought of as home. But returning to the guesthouse might not be as easy as she first thought...Twenty-three-year-old Madison has been running away from the pain in her past, travelling all over the world trying to find happiness, yet her heart leads her back to her childhood home. When she arrives at The Sunshine Hideaway, she discovers the beautiful old building on the tiny island falling into disrepair. So Madison throws herself into transforming it into a stunning wellness retreat. Will this be enough to save the guesthouse, before it’s too late?Handsome and mysterious Connor has lived on Sunflower Island his whole life. He works hard as a builder, with his faithful dog Jaws by his side, but something is missing and he dreams of bigger things. As Connor helps to revamp the guesthouse, he wonders if this could be his opportunity to tell the woman he’s secretly been in love with for years how he really feels...As Madison embraces life on the close-knit island, sharing wine with old friends and ice-cream with quirky new neighbours, she also finds herself being drawn to shy Connor. Despite their clashes on how to paint the rooms and get ready for the grand re-opening, a heat is building between them.But can opposites attract and find true love this summer? Or will their different personalities bring them heartache... and risk the future of the little guesthouse?An utterly perfect, feel-good romance about the power of friendship, the meaning of home and the joy of falling in love in the sunshine. Perfect for fans of Carole Matthews, Milly Johnson and Debbie Macomber.Why readers are falling in love with The Little Guesthouse of New Beginnings:‘Oozed charm and warmth and I loved everything about it.... a feel-good read that will leave you feeling all warm and snug inside... fabulous... will have you forgetting all sense of time. Loved it!’ By the Letter Book Reviews, 5 stars‘An utter joy to read from start to finish, it just gave you that warm, feel-good feeling inside... Charming, warm and wonderful.’ Shaz’s Book Blog‘Filled to the brim with heart and soul that left me grinning from ear to ear. I devoured the entire book in one sitting as the story invited me in with it's warmth... I found that I just couldn't put it down...heart-warming and uplifting... an all round perfect pick me up of a read that I couldn't put down.’ Stacy is ReadingSeries sales over 45,000 copies to-date. Previous title rated 5*Donna spent a couple of decades writing bad horror stories and worse poetry until she gave up and accidently fell into publishing. After many years of working on other people’s books, she began to write her own romantic comedies and hasn’t looked back. When Donna isn’t lost in her latest love affair, she works for a website where she indulges her other passion – buying moisturiser. Donna lives in Hertfordshire with her own romantic hero, two gorgeous teenagers and a couple of cantankerous cats.

Louisa May Alcott's most popular novel, ´Little Women´, featured the March sisters, who were based on her own family.In this collection of short plays, originally written by Alcott and her real sisters, Alcott adds to the world of ´Little Women´, as the plays are made to seem like they were penned by Jo and Meg from ´Little Women´ and acted out by them and other characters in the book.The plays are not as complicated as the background, thankfully. They are short, pithy, melodramatic and feature witches, magic, murder, ghosts and farcical situations.If you are a fan of ´Little Women´, which was recently adapted for the silver screen for the seventh time, starring Emma Watson and Timothée Chalamet, you will love this additional glimpse into the lives of the March sisters.Louisa May Alcott (1832-1888) was an American writer who is best known for her novel ´Little Women´. She also grew up among some heavyweight 19th-century intellectuals, including Henry David Thoreau and Henry Wadsworth Longfellow.With her parents struggling financially, Alcott worked to support them. At the same time, she began writing, initially under pseudonyms because her work was largely short stories and sensation novels for adults.´Little Women´, published in 1868, was an instant success upon release. Alcott also penned the follow-ups ´Little Men´ and ´Jo's Boys´.

Good and evil, right and wrong, innocence and sinfulness, redeemed and fallen.'Songs of Innocence and of Experience' is a classic book of two halves - encapsulated by the extended original title that included 'Shewing the Two Contrary States of the Human Soul'.Accompanied throughout by William Blake's edgily beautiful illustrations, the book is broken into 19 poems of 'Innocence' and 26 of 'Experience'.'Songs of Innocence' are lyrical and evocative verses depicting life in pastoral harmony and youthful naivety - but with a brooding undercurrent of what is to come.That undercurrent flows rapidly throughout 'Songs of Experience', as the innocence gives way to darkness, threat and worldliness.These mind-bending poems and illustrations are ideal for fans of the poetry of John Milton and Dante Alighieri.William Blake (1757-1827) was an English poet, painter and printmaker whose writings and artwork often explored Heaven and Hell, and the state of the human heart.His best-known work includes 'Songs of Innocence and of Experience', 'The Marriage of Heaven and Hell' and 'Jerusalem'.Blake's work was largely ignored during his lifetime, but he is now considered to be among the greatest and most influential poets and visual artists of the Romantic Age. Blake's work continues to inspire authors, artists and filmmakers today. Bestselling author, Philip Pullman, has described William Blake as one of three major literary influences on 'His Dark Materials' and references to his artwork is found in films like The Wachowskis' 'V for Vendetta' (2006).

Brilliantly intelligent, rich and stylish Myra is a living legend in her hometown.But she sends shockwaves through the community when she rejects her riches and elopes with hard-up Oswald Henshawe.When Nellie, a long-time acquaintance of Myra's, next sees the couple, they are living a glamorously poor Bohemian life in post-Revolution Paris, with singers, actors, poets and artists in and out of their apartment.But, when elegant poverty becomes real poverty in a tumbledown hotel, Myra realises the identity of her 'Mortal Enemy'.This heart-rending study of the blessings and curses of love is perfect for fans of Thomas Hardy's 'Tess of the d'Urbervilles' and 'Middlemarch' by George Eliot.Willa Cather (1873-1947) was an American writer best known for her novels of life on the Great Plains of the United States.After a time as a magazine writer and editor, then as an English teacher, Cather began to publish collections of her poetry and short stories.Her first novel, 'Alexander's Bridge', was published in 1912, followed by her 'Prairie Trilogy' - 'O Pioneers!', 'The Song of the Lark' and 'My Antonia'.Numerous other novels followed as Cather became one of the US's most celebrated authors.In 1923 she won the Pulitzer Prize for her First World War-based novel, 'One of Ours'.

‘The Soul of Man Under Socialism’ is an incisive essay on the nature of art, politics, freedom, and the individual. Insightful and sometimes satirical, it dissects the conventions of socialism, run as an authoritarian system. Wilde also goes on to discuss the role of the artist under capitalism and relationship between the needs of the public and art itself.This essay also explores the idea of art as the central pillar to revolution. Divisive at its time of publication, ‘The Soul of Man Under Socialism’ is a fascinating read for those with an interest in art, politics, philosophy, and the great man himself.Oscar Wilde (1854 – 1900) was an Irish novelist, poet, playwright, and wit. He was an advocate of the Aesthetic movement, which extolled the virtues of art for the sake of art. During his career, Wilde wrote nine plays, including ‘The Importance of Being Earnest,’ ‘Lady Windermere’s Fan,’ and ‘A Woman of No Importance,’ many of which are still performed today. His only novel, ‘The Picture of Dorian Gray’ was adapted for the silver screen, in the film, ‘Dorian Gray,’ starring Ben Barnes and Colin Firth. In addition, Wilde wrote 43 poems, and seven essays. His life was the subject of a film, starring Stephen Fry.

This is a love story, set in the Irish literary world between 1986 and 2015. When they were first introduced by the poet Derek Mahon, Alannah Hopkin was an arts journalist turned full-time writer and Aidan Higgins, twenty-three years her senior, was a literary stylist, often cited as the heir to Ireland’s great Modernist tradition. They wrote steadily during their twenty-nine years together, but their careers could not have been more different: while Aidan focused on fiction and memoirs, Alannah prioritised work that paid the bills. This gave Aidan the most stable and productive years of his life. But as his eyesight failed and his memory began to fade, Alannah became his carer and had to fight to keep her own writing career alive.Drawing from diaries and notebooks, and correspondence with writers such as Samuel Beckett, Alice Munro and Harold Pinter, this is a unique record of a major Irish writer. From the joyful honeymoon years – filled with launches, festivals and visits to their Kinsale home by Richard Ford, Edna O’Brien and other literary legends – to the increasingly difficult years of Aidan’s decline, Hopkin tells their story candidly and without commentary. She shows us how, in spite of all, they remained the best of friends, in love until Aidan’s very last breath.A Very Strange Man is an exceptional piece of writing, objective and authoritative, personal, honest and moving.Allannah Hopkin is based in southwest Ireland. She is The 2020 Frank O’Connor International Fellow. Her story collection "The Dogs of Inishere" was published by Dalkey Archive Press in 2017. Her stories have appeared in the London Magazine and The Cork Literary Review, among others, and have been short-listed for the RTÉ Short Story Award. She has published two novels with Hamish Hamilton.

For those interested in a more philosphical aspect of war, ‘The Meaning of the War’ by Henri Bergson is a short non-fiction work that explores ‘Life & Matter in Conflict’, as the subtitle of the book tells us.A renowned French philosopher, Bergson delves into the history and politics of war, specifically examining Germany during World War I. This book criticizes the ideology that might is right. A policy that has been fatal for regions that neighbour Germany.To further get insight into the philosophical aspect of war, Sigmund Freud's essay ´Reflections on War and Death´ provides a great perspective on the modern mental state of people during WWI.Henri Bergson was a French philosopher, born in 1859, who criticised his contemporary Kant, and debated Albert Einstein. In 1927, Bergson won the Nobel Prize in Literature "in recognition of his rich and vitalizing ideas and the brilliant skill with which they have been presented".

When a retired police inspector suddenly drops dead in a train carriage arriving at Charing Cross station, young London barrister Hetherwick finds himself the key witness to the murder.Thrust into the centre of this terrifying mystery, Hetherwick must unveil the disturbing truths of the case and locate the nefarious culprit.Fans of ‘Sherlock Holmes’ will be enthralled by this 20th century crime classic, a gripping tale of mystery and suspense that will have them on the edge of their seats till the very end.Joseph Smith Fletcher (1863 – 1935), better known as J.S Fletcher, was a prolific English journalist and author of over 230 books. Raised as the son of a clergyman in West Yorkshire, Fletcher would go on to become a creative powerhouse of crime fiction during ‘The Golden Age of Detective Fiction’.Best remembered for his crime novels featuring Private Investigator Ronald Camberwell, Fletcher was considered a contemporary of Sir Arthur Doyle of ‘Sherlock Holmes’ fame.Any fans craving classic crime after watching ‘Knives Out’ or Robert Downey Jr’s ‘Sherlock Holmes’ simply must read some of J.S. Fletcher’s fantastic work.

Sent on a mission to Northern Italy by the King of Naples, Ferdinando Eboli is captured by the enemy. When he finally returns home, Eboli is arrested as a spy and discovers his identity has been stolen and no one believes he is who he says he is.‘Fernando Emboli’ (1828) is one of many classic short stories by the English writer Mary Shelley, famous for her best-selling novel ‘Frankenstein; or, The Modern Prometheus’ (1818).Mary Shelley (1797–1851) was an English author and travel writer best known for her ground-breaking Gothic novel ‘Frankenstein’ (1818). Considered one of the first true works of science-fiction, the book became an instant bestseller.It has been adapted for TV, stage and film on many occasions, with Boris Karloff famously playing Frankenstein’s monster on screen in 1933. Other adaptations include ‘Mary Shelley's Frankenstein’ (1994) starring Kenneth Branagh and Robert De Niro and ‘Viktor Frankenstein’ (2015) starring Daniel Radcliffe and James McAvoy.Shelley’s other novels include ´Valperga´ (1823), ´The Last Man´ (1826), ´Perkin Warbeck´ (1830), ´Lodore´ (1835), ´Falkner´ (1837), and the posthumously published ´Mathilde´ (1959). However, she will always be remembered as the creator of ´Frankenstein´.The book continues to influence filmmakers, writers and popular culture to this day, inspiring and terrifying new audiences the world over.

‘One of Ours’ is Willa Cather's Pulitzer prize-winning story about life on the American frontier. The country teeters on the brink of World War I and Claude Wheeler finds himself a conflicted man. The son of a successful farmer, Wheeler is unhappy, despite a comfortable life and guaranteed fortune.A pious mother, demanding father and loveless marriage push the young idealist to a new and bloodier frontier. As America enters the war, Claude Wheeler is about to find what he’s been searching for all his life.Willa Cather’s acclaimed novel is an examination of the changing American frontier and the making of a soldier.Willa Cather (1873-1947), was an American Pulitzer prize-winning writer who won acclaim for her novels that captured the American pioneer experience. Her books include ‘O Pioneers!’ (1913), ‘The Song of the Lark’ (1915), ‘My Ántonia’ (1918) and Death Comes for the Archbishop (1927) which was an instant critical success.In 1923, Cather gained widespread international acclaim when she was awarded the Pulitzer Prize for ‘One of Ours’, a novel set during World War I. Willa Cather was granted honorary degrees by Princeton, Berkeley and Yale and in 1931 she was honoured with the cover of 'Time Magazine'. The American Academy of Arts and Letters awarded her a gold medal for fiction in 1944.

Friendship can transcend class and background.Take the movie 'Napoleon Dynamite', Dory's friendship with Nemo in 'Finding Nemo' or chalk-and-cheese buddies Barbara Hershey and Bette Midler in 'Beaches'. In 'Mountain-Laurel and Maidenhair', it is city girl Emily and country girl Becky.Emily is fragile, but her family's wealth makes her complacent. Becky, on the other hand, works as a teacher to support and care for her three younger siblings. So when Emily stays at Becky's family farm in the mountains, they seem unlikely to hit it off.But Louisa May Alcott's moving, charming story sees them connect through poetry - and grow to understand and care for each other.Louisa May Alcott (1832-1888) was an American writer of numerous beloved novels, short stories and poems. She was a feminist, and many of her stories are loosely based on her own life experiences. She is primarily known for her young adult fiction but also wrote gothic thrillers, albeit anonymously, and sensational stories under the pen name A.M. Barnard. One of her best-known works is "Little Women", a novel that has been turned into numerous film and television adaptations, such as the 2019 film, starring Saorise Ronan, Florence Pugh and Timothée Chalamet.

Louisa May Alcott has penned a sparkling collection of novels, short stories and poems. In this collection of short stories, you get four little gems, written with Alcott's unmistakable gentle humour and keen observation of family life.Featuring a "prince charming" and a very important piece of footwear, despite both not being what you would expect, 'A Modern Cinderella', or 'The Little Old Shoe', is an amusing and irreverent version of The Brothers Grimm's 'Cinderella'.The other three stories are 'Debby's Debut', 'The Brothers', and 'Nelly's Hospital', and they collectively display Alcott's skills as well as covers important subjects such as racism, PTSD, and the barriers between social classes.Louisa May Alcott (1832-1888) was an American writer who is best known for her novel 'Little Women'. She also grew up among some heavyweight 19th-century intellectuals, including Henry David Thoreau and Henry Wadsworth Longfellow.With her parents struggling financially, Alcott worked to support them. At the same time, she began writing, initially under pseudonyms because her work was largely short stories and sensation novels for adults.'Little Women', published in 1868, was a success when it was released. Alcott also penned the follow-ups 'Little Men' and 'Jo's Boys'.

'Iola Leroy', one of the first novels published by an African-American woman, follows a group of slaves who are seeking refuge with the approaching Union army during the Civil War. The Union commander is made aware that a beautiful young woman is being held as a slave in the neighbourhood and sets her free.The narrative then switches to Iola Leroy's point of view and follows her turmoil with being tricked, misled, and eventually sold off and taken away from her mother.In a story exploring the serious social issues of education for women, religion and social responsibility, we follow Iola as she attempts to track down her family once again.People who are familiar with Harriet Jacobs' 'Incidents in the Life of a Slave Girl' will like this novel!Frances Ellen Watkins Harper was an American abolitionist, suffragist, poet, teacher and writer. She was one of the first African-American women to be published in the United States. Harper was born free in Baltimore, Maryland, and had a long career, publishing her first book of poetry at 20-years-old. She published her novel 'Iola Leroy' aged 67 in 1892, making her one of the first Black women to publish a novel.In 1851, while she was living with the family of William Still, a clerk who helped refugee slaves make their way along the Underground Railroad, Harper turned to writing anti-slavery literature. A couple of years later she joined the American Anti-Slavery Society and began her career as a public speaker and political activist.Harper founded, supported, and held positions in several progressive organizations, becoming the superintendent of the Colored Section of the Philadelphia and Pennsylvania Women's Christian Temperance Union. She also helped found the National Association of Colored Women and served as its vice president.Harper died at age 85 in February, 1911, nine years before women gained the right to vote.

It is a misty day at the beach, and Barbie’s friends Teresa and Nikki are out having fun, while Barbie is at home helping her younger sister with a pesky bike chain. They decide to race each other, but the competition comes to a halt when they suddenly spot a mysterious, dragon-like figure in the water. What could this be?Better call the Sisters Mystery Club and their loyal puppies! No secret is safe from the super sleuthing sisters. Come on an amazing adventure with Barbie and all her friends! Solve mysteries with secret doors, sea monsters and messages in a bottle, catch the baddies as a secret agent, sing in Barbie’s rock band, celebrate Chelsea’s birthday in Dreamtopia and fly to tropical beaches and distant planets in far-away galaxies. Let’s go!Mattel’s Barbie doll is a fashion icon, world adventurer and every child’s best friend. Since the 1950’s she remains a popular toy in homes worldwide and the star of countless tv shows, movies, and books. The popular Netflix series Barbie Dreamhouse Adventures follows Barbie, her sisters and her boyfriend Ken, as they hang out in LA and travel the world in the Barbie camper van. For younger fans, Barbie’s little sister, Chelsea, takes centre stage in Barbie Dreamtopia as the sisters meet mermaids and fairies in a magical dreamland. In recent years, Barbie has taken YouTube by storm as a popular vlogger. She talks fashion, family, her life in Malibu but also sensitively tackles tough issues like racism, mental health and body image. Barbie’s new mission is to inspire girls to dream big. A recent line of empowering role model dolls includes Indian Paralympian, Manasi Joshi, and American soccer player, Alex Morgan. While Inspiring Women celebrates heroines such as Maya Angelou, Florence Nightingale and astronaut, Sally Ride.Barbie and associated trademarks are owned by Mattel and used under license from Mattel Europa. © 2021 Mattel

From the acclaimed author of Frankenstein, Mary Shelley,‘Tales and Stories’ is a collection of short stories that bring romance and gothic horror together.This collection of tales is set against a variety of backdrops, from medieval chivalry to wars and revolution, and it ultimately showcases Mary Shelley’s gothic storytelling art.These short stories are full of passion, peril, and transformation, and will interest readers familiar with the works of Charlotte Brontë and Ann Radcliffe.Mary Wollstonecraft Shelley was an English novelist, best known for writing the classic gothic novel ‘Frankenstein’ or ‘The Modern Prometheus’ which is considered to be an early example of science fiction.Mary Shelley’s mother was the feminist activist Mary Wollstonecraft, and her husband Percy Shelley was one of the major English romantic poets. It was during a summer spent in Geneva with Percy Shelley or Lord Byron that Mary Shelley conceived the idea for Frankenstein.

A cross between ´West Side Story´ and Shakespeare's ‘Romeo and Juliet’, this is a love story with a twist.The fierce rivalry between two Italian families, the Mancinis and the Tolomeis, has brought years of war to the city of Siena. But when a member of the Mancini family falls for a Tolomeis, they must heal their family’s rift or lose each other forever.‘The Brother and Sister’ (1832) is classic short story by the English writer Mary Shelley, famous for her best-selling novel ‘Frankenstein; or, The Modern Prometheus’ (1818).Mary Shelley (1797–1851) was an English author and travel writer best known for her ground-breaking Gothic novel ‘Frankenstein’ (1818). Considered one of the first true works of science-fiction, the book became an instant bestseller.It has been adapted for TV, stage and film on many occasions, with Boris Karloff famously playing Frankenstein’s monster on screen in 1933. Other adaptations include ‘Mary Shelley's Frankenstein’ (1994) starring Kenneth Branagh and Robert De Niro and ‘Viktor Frankenstein’ (2015) starring Daniel Radcliffe and James McAvoy.Shelley’s other novels include ´Valperga´ (1823), ´The Last Man´ (1826), ´Perkin Warbeck´ (1830), ´Lodore´ (1835), ´Falkner´ (1837) and the posthumously published ´Mathilde´ (1959). However, she will always be remembered as the creator of ´Frankenstein´.The book continues to influence filmmakers, writers and popular culture to this day, inspiring and terrifying new audiences across the globe.

Barbie, her sisters and their loyal puppies are enjoying a beautiful day at the beach. But the otherwise ordinary day takes an unexpected turn, when visiting Barbie’s friend Teresa at the lifeguard station. Teresa reveals four sandy bottles she has stumbled upon, each of them containing a message! Could these be secret messages? Another major mystery case for the super sleuthing sisters!Come on an amazing adventure with Barbie and all her friends! Solve mysteries with secret doors, sea monsters and messages in a bottle, catch the baddies as a secret agent, sing in Barbie’s rock band, celebrate Chelsea’s birthday in Dreamtopia and fly to tropical beaches and distant planets in far-away galaxies. Let’s go!Mattel’s Barbie doll is a fashion icon, world adventurer and every child’s best friend. Since the 1950’s she remains a popular toy in homes worldwide and the star of countless tv shows, movies, and books. The popular Netflix series Barbie Dreamhouse Adventures follows Barbie, her sisters and her boyfriend Ken, as they hang out in LA and travel the world in the Barbie camper van. For younger fans, Barbie’s little sister, Chelsea, takes centre stage in Barbie Dreamtopia as the sisters meet mermaids and fairies in a magical dreamland. In recent years, Barbie has taken YouTube by storm as a popular vlogger. She talks fashion, family, her life in Malibu but also sensitively tackles tough issues like racism, mental health and body image. Barbie’s new mission is to inspire girls to dream big. A recent line of empowering role model dolls includes Indian Paralympian, Manasi Joshi, and American soccer player, Alex Morgan. While Inspiring Women celebrates heroines such as Maya Angelou, Florence Nightingale and astronaut, Sally Ride.Barbie and associated trademarks are owned by Mattel and used under license from Mattel Europa. © 2021 Mattel

While she might be best known as the author of ‘The Age of Innocence’ (adapted for film, and starring Michelle Pfeiffer, and Daniel Day-Lewis), Edith Wharton wrote an extensive range of novels, journals, and poetry.Containing 24 poems, ‘Artemis to Actaeon’ muses on the themes of life, love, death, and the passing of time, with a few well-chosen words set aside for her beloved France. As the title suggests, there is plenty of classical inspiration as Wharton draws on ancient legends surrounding mythical figures, such as Orpheus, and Actaeon.Her writing is lyrical and has a yearning quality to it, particularly in poems such as ‘All Souls,’ and ‘Vesalius in Zarate.’ A superb collection for those familiar with Wharton’s work, and those new to her.Edith Wharton (1862 – 1937) was an American designer and novelist. Born in an era when the highest ambition a woman could aspire to was a good marriage, Wharton went on to become one of America’s most celebrated authors.During her career, she wrote over 40 books, using her wealthy upbringing to bring authenticity and detail to stories about the upper classes. She moved to France in 1923, where she continued to write until her death.

George is a young man exploring the West when he comes upon a small town called The Corners. What he didn’t expect from this little town was to fall in love, or how desperately this love would ravage him.Blinded by love he will be dragged into Machiavellian plots, hired to do a rich man’s killing. It is a complicated and tragic affair, where the power of love and lust can at once flip the plot on its head. ‘Gunman’s Reckoning’ is a nigh Shakespearean tale of innocence, manipulation and tragedy.If you loved Liam Neeson’s ‘Seraphim Falls’ you will love this dramatic epic.Max Brand, the pseudonym of Frederick Schiller Faust (1892-1944) was an American author of Western’s and pulp fiction stories. He was a prolific author of nigh on a hundred books, in several series spanning many genres. His character, Dr. Kildare, has been adapted several times over the decades in film, radio, T.V and comics. As well as that, he is credited with keeping the passion for the Wild West alive in his dozens of spell-binding novels. Brand’s untimely passing was another hallmark of his dedication to writing, keen to write a war novel he got himself assigned as a war correspondent with an American battalion in Italy, where he was sadly killed by shrapnel. His best known works include the series "Dan Barry", "Ronicky Doone", "Silvertip", "Dr. Kildare", and "Tizzo the Firebrand".

Rosina is secretly engaged to Henry, the son of her guardian Sir Peter Vernon. On discovering their relationship, an angry Sir Peter casts her out into the Welsh countryside and to her death.When Henry returns home, he is heartbroken and searches for Rosina’s body, only to learn of a villager’s tale about ‘The Invisible Girl’, a ghostly figure that wanders the woods at night.‘The Invisible Girl’ (1832) is a short, Gothic, ghost story by the English writer Mary Shelley, famous for her best-selling novel ‘Frankenstein’.Mary Shelley (1797–1851) was an English author and travel writer best known for her ground-breaking Gothic novel ‘Frankenstein’ (1818). Considered one of the first true works of science-fiction, the book became an instant bestseller.It has been adapted for TV, stage and film on many occasions, with Boris Karloff famously playing Frankenstein’s monster on screen in 1933. Other adaptations include ‘Mary Shelley's Frankenstein’ (1994) starring Kenneth Branagh and Robert De Niro and ‘Viktor Frankenstein’ (2015) starring Daniel Radcliffe and James McAvoy.Shelley’s other novels include Valperga (1823), The Last Man (1826), Perkin Warbeck (1830), Lodore (1835), Falkner (1837) and the posthumously published Mathilde (1959). However, she will always be remembered as the creator of Frankenstein.The book continues to influence filmmakers, writers and popular culture to this day, inspiring and terrifying new audiences the world over.