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‘The Descent of Man, and Other Stories,’ is a collection of short stories from the author of such greats as ‘The Age of Innocence,’ and ‘Ethan Frome.’ Through these sharply-observed tales, Wharton explores the nature of relationships and marriage, compromise, regret – and even throws in a ghost story for good measure. Her writing is peppered with incisive social detail, helping the backdrop to each story breathe as deeply as the characters. A superb book for those who want to get to know this extraordinary novelist a little better.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.

Wharton’s fifth novel, ‘The Reef’ is widely thought to be partly autobiographical. When American diplomat, George Darrow, bumps into aspiring actress, Sophy Viner, the relationship he has with his former love, Anna Leath, is challenged. Through this tale, Wharton explores the human condition, examining how those from different classes interact, whether it is better to tell the truth and harm or lie and protect, the nature of trust, and the nature of forgiveness. Written with Wharton’s trademark sensitivity, this book is ideal for those who like their romance served up in a compelling and realistic way.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.

Written largely in the first person, ‘The Long Run’ sees Wharton at her most reflective. The story focuses on Halston Merrick who, on reuniting with an old friend, is forced to re-evaluate many of his life choices. Through Merrick, Wharton explores the themes of ambition, self-deception, complacency, and apathy. Thoughtful and poignant, ‘The Long Run’ is ideal for fans of one of America’s most applauded novelists.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.

‘The Hermit and the Wild Woman' is a collection of short stories through which Wharton explores the themes of choice and morality. A surprising read, the stories feature a wide variety of central protagonists, including a lawyer’s wife, a struggling artist, a governor, and a monk living in cloisters. Shot through with wry humour, cultural criticism, and psychological observations, this book is perfect for fans of Wharton, who want to get to know the author a little better.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.

‘The Connemara Champion’ is the third and final book in the series about wild young pony Cuaifeach. His owner Doreen is struggling to look after the spirited stallion – but she knows he has it in him to be a champion. Cuaifeach is taken to Dublin to see if he can behave himself as a performance pony, before being entered into the prestigious Ballinalee Show. Will Cuaifeach become the prize-winning champion Doreen knows he can be? There are plenty more mischievous adventures ahead in this delightful conclusion to the story, by Swedish author Ann Henning.Ann Henning Jocelyn was born in Sweden in 1948. Following the death of her father, Ann and her siblings were raised by their mother in remote and beautiful Ed on the Norwegian border. Ann thrived here - by the age of four she was reading, and by five she had written her very first story. The family moved closer to Gothenburg following her mother’s remarriage, where Ann struggled in the new environment and turned to her love of reading and writing for comfort. Ann wrote her very first book ‘Honeylove the Bearcub’ by the time she was seven, and by nine she had a story published in a magazine. Ann attended Gothenburg University to study Classical Architecture and Drama, before moving to London to study theatre and drama. In 1982, Ann moved to Connemara on the west coast of Ireland to focus on her writing, where she still lives today along with her husband. The area is well-known for its’ ponies, and the creatures became part of Ann’s daily life, influencing her writing. Bestseller ‘The Connemara Whirlwind’, about life in the pony world of Connemara, was followed by ‘The Connemara Stallion’ and ‘The Connemara Champion’. Also a keen playwright and theatre advocate, Ann co-founded the Connemara Theatre Company which has shown several of her plays including ‘Baptism of Fire’ and ‘The Alternative’.

"Present at a Hanging and Other Ghost Stories" features fifteen ghost and horror stories. Included in this collection are: "The Way of Ghosts", "Soldier Folk", "Some Haunted Houses" and "Mysterious Disappeances".Ambrose Bierce (1842-1914) was an American writer, journalist, critic, poet, and Civil War veteran, best known for "The Devil's Dictionary" (1911). He dominated the horror genre as the preeminent innovator of supernatural storytelling in the period between the death of Edgar Allan Poe and the rise of H.P. Lovecraft. Bierce’s death was as mysterious as his strange stories; sometime around 1914 he left for Mexico, wanting to experience the Mexican Revolution firsthand, and was never to be seen again.

A masterclass in psychological and supernatural storytelling, ‘The Triumph of Night’ follows George Foxon who, one snowy, moonlit night, finds himself in the company of a sick young man and his wealthy uncle. However, Foxon is haunted by a spectre that only he can see. With more than a whiff of Stanley Kubrick’s ‘The Shining’ about it, ‘The Triumph of Night’ is a supremely spooky take on the horror genre.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.

‘Weird Tales Volume 1’ (1885) was written by German Romantic author E. T. A. Hoffmann, most famous for his novella ‘The Nutcracker and the Mouse King’ (1816). Included in this first of two volumes are the short stories: The Cremona Violin, The Fermata, Signor Formica, The Sandman, The Entail and Arthur’s Hall. These classic short stories are perfect for fans of horror and fantasy fiction and the authors H. P. Lovecraft and Neil Gaiman.Ernst Theodor Wilhelm Hoffmann (1776-1822), better known as E. T. A. Hoffmann, was a German Romantic author of fantasy and gothic horror. He was also a composer, music critic, draftsman and caricaturist.Hoffmann's stories inspired several famous operatic composers including Richard Wagner, Jacques Offenbach and Léo Delibes. He is also the author of the novella ‘The Nutcracker and the Mouse King’, on which Tchaikovsky’s famous ballet, ‘The Nutcracker’ is based. The story also inspired the film ‘The Nutcracker and the Four Realms’ (2018), starring Keira Knightley, Morgan Freeman, Helen Mirren.

For those interested in the abolition of slavery and the Slavery Act in America, 'Incidents in the Life of a Slave Girl' is an autobiography by Harriet Ann Jacobs, a mother and fugitive slave.The book covers Jacobs' life as a slave and how she fought for freedom for herself and her children. With deep historical prominence, the autobiography covers the struggles she faced, including the sexual abuse that female slaves had to endure.Published in 1861 and filled with accounts of heroism and courage, 'Incidents in the Life of a Slave Girl' will leave you shocked and brimming with admiration for Harriet Jacobs.This is perfect for fans of Fredrick Douglass' memoir 'Narrative of the Life of Frederick Douglass, an American Slave'.Harriet Ann Jacobs was an African-American writer, whose autobiography, 'Incidents in the Life of a Slave Girl', is now considered an important American classic.Born into slavery in North Carolina, Jacobs was sexually harassed by her enslaver and when he threatened to sell her children if she didn't allow him to abuse her, she hid in a tiny gap under the roof of her grandmother's house for seven years. She finally managed to escape to the free North where she was reunited with her two children and her brother.During the Civil War, she went to the Union-occupied parts of the South with her daughter and founded two schools for fugitive and freed slaves. They kept boarding houses together until 1887-88, when Harriet became too ill to continue. She died in 1897 in Washington D.C.

From the author of 'The Emigrants’ – a five-time Nobel Prize for Literature nominee – Johan Bojer’s ‘Our Kingdom’ is a classic novel set to the backdrop of the Norwegian fjords. A tale of identity and belonging, and of displacement, Bojer tells the story of Erik Evje, his life, and some fateful meetings.Johan Bojer (born Johan Kristoffer Hansen) was a popular Norwegian novelist and dramatist. He grew up as a foster child in a poor family living in Norway and learned of the realities of poverty early in life.Bojer principally wrote about the lives of poor farmers and fishermen, both in his native Norway and among the Norwegian immigrants in the United States. He was nominated for the Nobel Prize in Literature five times and is best remembered for his novel 'The Emigrants', a major work dealing with the motivations and trials of Norwegians who emigrated to the plains of North Dakota.

‘I ended up reading until the wee small hours of the morning... Certainly took me on an emotional rollercoaster ride with all the ups and downs, the happiness and sadness, the laughs and the sobs.’Tess and Simon Sparrow may have a few more grey hairs than they used to, but that doesn’t stop them from being swept up in a whirlwind romance and starting over.Swapping their city lives for an escape to the Cornish countryside, they fall in love with a crumbling hotel and impulsively buy it to renovate as their forever home.But soon the newlyweds have had their first fight (and their second and third...) and building costs are spiralling out of control. Their families think they’re mad and Tess is starting to agree – she just wants to escape back to civilisation.Doing up the glorious, wisteria-clad property was meant to be a delightful retirement project. But the electrics are faulty, there’s no central heating, and the kitchen ceiling’s fallen in: the dream has become reality and things only get more chaotic when the first guests arrive...Mysterious Celia, hapless romantic Dominic and tarnished, lovelorn actress Titania are all looking for a fresh start. Everyone in this eclectic group has their own reasons for being in Cornwall, but the summer is full of secrets and surprises. As plans go awry and truths are revealed, Tess and Simon realise that they’ve taken on a bigger challenge than they intended to: can their happily-ever-after survive the chaos or will this end up being the biggest mistake of their lives?From the bestselling author of The Runaway Wife and The Silver Ladies of Penny Lane, this is a completely uplifting page-turner about embracing new friendships, finding love and making each day count. Perfect for fans of The Kicking the Bucket List and The Unlikely Pilgrimage of Harold Fry.Why readers are loving The Golden Oldies Guesthouse:‘Five golden stars for Dee McDonald’s latest... charming... The Golden Oldies Guesthouse features humour with a deft touch, charm, fun, love and romance.’ Jena Books‘Utterly charming!... It’s gentle, humorous, heart-warming and packed full of characters that you will remember long after the book is finished. I adored every word and my only complaint is that the story ended!’ NetGalley Reviewer‘A hilarious romp... larger than life characters...Told as only Dee Macdonald can tell these stories of ‘older folk’ having another swipe at life and all that follows this book is funny, heart-warming, makes you feel good... a joy to read... 10/10.’ Goodreads Reviewer.Top 50 Amazon UK authorAged 18, Dee arrived in London from Scotland and typed her way round the West End for a couple of years before joining BOAC (forerunner of British Airways) in Passenger Services for 2 years and then as a stewardess for 8 years. She has worked in Market Research, Sales and at the Thames TV Studios when they had the franchise. Dee has since relocated to Cornwall, where she spent 10 years running B&Bs, and only began writing when she was over 70! Married twice, she has one son and two grandsons.

Rose Gregory has suffered a devastating blow, a double bereavement from which months later she is still reeling.Sanctuary and rest are prescribed by her doctor. But when she arrives at her refuge, a dank and decaying monastery, she finds it is not the haven promised.Despite the veneer of calm contemplation, the monastery turns out to be a hotbed of intrigue and disharmony. Rose witnesses bullying and cruelty and ultimately in defence of the vulnerable turns to violence herself.Sylvia Colley’s extraordinary understanding of a woman’s struggle to deal with grief – the denial, the anger, the loneliness – is described without sentimentality. A beautifully written and moving story.Sylvia Colley was born in Romsey, Hampshire. She became a teacher and spent many years as Head of English at the Purcell School in North London.She has published a book of poetry, "It's Not What I Wanted Though", and a novel, "Lights on Dark Water". Her work has been read on BBC Radio 4. She lives in Pinner, Middlesex.

Juliana makes a modest living as an "ethnic" TV/film extra – even though her only connections with her Spanish heritage are her cacti, intermittent Spanish classes, and some confused memories of a Spanish mother she hasn't seen since she was seven.When her beloved Uncle Arturo offers her the chance to discover her roots while house-sitting at his coastal home in a quiet corner of Andalusia, Juliana can't believe her luck. Especially when he reveals that the house will be hers if she fulfils ten life-enhancing 'Conditions' within 90 days.Redecoration of the house and a visit to the old film studio where her mother used to sew costumes seem ridiculously simple tasks for such a wonderful reward. But little does Juliana realise that there are family secrets and inherited rivalries awaiting her in sunny Spain, and the condition that she has to 'get on with the neighbours' – who include a ruggedly handsome but moody artist – may be harder than she thinks.Perfect for fans of'An absolutely delightful and captivating read!' – Lucy Coleman, bestselling author of Summer in Andalucia'A delightful, romantic and moving adventure. I enjoyed every moment... A delicious slice of golden escapism' – Louise Douglas, bestselling author of The House by the SeaCherry Radford writes uplifting novels about identity, renewal and romance, and, having been raised by a half-Spanish mother, her love of Spain and Spanish culture comes through in all her novels."The Spanish House", "The Spanish Garden" and "The Spanish Cove" are three novels set in the starkly beautiful Cabo de Gata Natural Park region of coastal Andalusia, where she now lives.

Nature or nurture? The impact of traumatic childhood experiences reverberates into the grown-up world of Frank, Alice and Henry – children from three families suffering the fall-out from their early life.Frank, a working-class boy abused by his step-father. Alice, physically handicapped and frustrated.Henry, the less clever son of wealthy ambitious parents.From a rundown estate in Eastleigh, a small town in Darlington and an affluent Cotswold home, each character grapples with the life fate has handed them. Until by chance they all come together in adulthood, the repercussions are explosive.Sylvia Colley was born in Romsey, Hampshire. She became a teacher and spent many years as Head of English at the Purcell School in North London.She has published a book of poetry, "It's Not What I Wanted Though", and a novel, "Lights on Dark Water". Her work has been read on BBC Radio 4. She lives in Pinner, Middlesex.

Andie finds herself in the midst of a media scandal that threatens to end her career as a TV landscape designer and her relationship with fellow presenter Johnny.On impulse, she decides to rent her grandmother's old home in southern Spain where she stayed as a child, but is shocked to discover that the beautiful Mediterranean garden she loved is now neglected and overgrown. Worse, her booking has fallen through and ex-flamenco dancer Vicente and his little son Rafi are staying at Casa Higuera – where Vicente's wife died in an unexplained accident.After a rocky first meeting, Andie offers to restore the garden, and gradually she and Vicente form a tentative bond.As the garden heals and reveals its secrets, can anything grow between two people who have lost so much?An unputdownable romance set under the beautiful Spanish sunshine, perfect for fans of Rosanna Ley, Jennifer Bohnet and T.A. Williams.Cherry Radford was a piano teacher at the Royal Ballet Junior School, a keyboard player in a band, and a research optometrist at London's Moorfields Eye Hospital before finally becoming an author. She writes uplifting novels about identity, renewal and romance, and, having been raised by a half-Spanish mother, her love of Spain and Spanish culture comes through in all her novels. The Spanish House, The Spanish Garden and The Spanish Cove are three novels set in the starkly beautiful Cabo de Gata Natural Park region of coastal Andalusia, where she now lives.

Beautiful and penniless Felicita Galvão is destitue and all alone in the world when the Duchesse de Monreuil finds her desperately trying to sell her needlework at The Grand Hotel in Lisbon.Felicita reminds the Duchesse of herself as a young woman and the time she met the love of her life Juan, Marques de Oliveira Vasconles. The Marques later abandoned her to marry someone of equal ranking, leaving her heartbroken and bitter.Seeking a chance to finally get her revenge, the Duchesse brings Felicita into her home on the condition that she impersonates her niece, the Comtesse Felicity de Monreuil, and breaks the heart of the current Marques Alvaro, her long lost love's son.But it would seem both love or fate or both will come together to deny her vengeance.Perfect for fans of Catherine Cookson, Georgette Heyer, and Julia Quinn.In her lifetime, British author Barbara Cartland wrote over 700 novels and was most famous for her contemporary and historical romances. A prominent figure in London society, the young Cartland began her writing career as a gossip columnist for the Daily Express. It was partying in 1920's London that gave her inspiration for her first book, "Jigsaw", a racy society thriller.After marrying into the McCorquodale family, she began writing romance and holds a Guinness World Record for the most number of books published in one year: 191. Her books have been translated into many different languages, as well as adapted for stage and screen. She is beloved the world over and even counts the young Princess Diana as one of her many fans.

The handsome Virgo, Marquis of Fane, has a reputation as a bit of a ladies' man and doesn't care for the high-society socialites chasing after him and his fortune. His passions are racehorses and art, and he sets his sights on a painting called 'The Virgin of the Lilies'. But while investigating the painting’s dubious provenance the Marquis encounters Cyrilla, the shy and beautiful daughter of the artist and is instantly, utterly bewitched.However, the pair have hurdles to overcome and Cyrilla soon realises that no matter how much she loves Virgo, she cannot bring herself to do what he asks of her... will love overcome all or will they forced apart forever?Perfect for fans of Catherine Cookson, Georgette Heyer or Julia Quinn.In her lifetime, British author Barbara Cartland wrote over 700 novels and was most famous for her contemporary and historical romances. A prominent figure in London society, the young Cartland began her writing career as a gossip columnist for the Daily Express. It was partying in 1920's London that gave her inspiration for her first book, "Jigsaw", a racy society thriller.After marrying into the McCorquodale family, she began writing romance and holds a Guinness World Record for the most number of books published in one year: 191. Her books have been translated into many different languages, as well as adapted for stage and screen. She is beloved the world over and even counts the young Princess Diana as one of her many fans.

‘I laughed, I laughed a lot ... you will be guaranteed to remember it ... my feel good book of 2016 so far!’ The Writing GarnetShe wanted a new life and true love. But the grass isn’t always greener on the other side.All Polly has to her name is a string of failed relationships and a mountain of debt. She sees herself as a hopeless case and would do anything to change her luck.So when she’s given the opportunity to swap all she’s ever known for a life of luxury, Polly jumps at the chance. Soon, it’s all diamonds, spa days and celebrity parties. Now all that's missing from her life is a bit of romance. Will hunky Matt be the man to heal her broken heart?But money can’t always buy you happiness. Can the life she’s always dreamed of get in the way of true love?A witty, heart warming read, perfect for fans of Debbie Johnson, Angela Marsons, and Carole Matthews.Praise for Life Swap:‘Brilliant and freaking cool ... The ending, OMG it was HILARIOUS. Everyone should definitely read this!’ Book Reviews by Jan'Totally didn't see the way this book was going ... witty, funny and a great pick me up.’ Mum Reinvented Blog"Life Swap... what a book! It's entertaining, witty, intelligently written and each page makes you smile. All of us have those 'uh-oh' moments in life and this novel makes us see the brighter side and that everything works out in the end. Laughter really is the best medicine - pick up this book and read it for yourself' Celia SawyerPraise for Carol Wyer:‘A wonderful writer of light-hearted, funny, witty and entertaining novels. Her books are like pick-me-ups!’ Cath ‘n’Kindle Book ReviewsAmazon UK Top 30 - Over 29,000 copies soldCarol Wyer garnered a loyal following as an author of romantic comedies, and won The People’s Book Prize Award for non-fiction (2015). In 2017 she stepped from comedy to the 'dark side' and embarked on a series of thrillers, featuring the popular DI Robyn Carter, which earned her recognition as a crime writer. The Staffordshire-based writer now has more crime novels in the pipeline, although she can still sometimes be found performing her stand-up comedy routine Laugh While You Still Have Teeth.

Charlie's marriage is over - but that does not mean that her life is. It is just down to her besty Mercedes to convince her of that!Mercedes draws up the perfect bucket list and begins a one-woman mission to lift Charlie's spirits.Before long, Charlie is belly-dancing, bungee-jumping and much more...including rekindling her love life with handsome journalist Jake.But she is having so much fun as the bucket list grows - and has questions about Jake.Should she stick to the single life of adventure or dive into a serious relationship with Jake?This funny and uplifting book is ideal for fans of Poppy Dolan, Mhairi Mcfarlane and Heidi Swain.What everyone’s saying about Take a Chance on Me:'The first few pages of the book gave me goosebumps and made me gasp ... powerful is an understatement if I'm honest, the whole storyline had such a hold on me ... 'Take a Chance on Me’ is now in my Top 5 favourite books, ever. 5 stars' The Writing Garnet'You will laugh and possibly cry ...a lovely novel that was such a pleasure to read.' What's Better than Books'This really is a feel good funalicious book which had me smiling throughout.' The Reading ShedThis book was previously published as Three Little Birds.Amazon UK Top 100 - Over 16,000 copies soldCarol Wyer garnered a loyal following as an author of romantic comedies, and won The People’s Book Prize Award for non-fiction (2015). In 2017 she stepped from comedy to the 'dark side' and embarked on a series of thrillers, featuring the popular DI Robyn Carter, which earned her recognition as a crime writer. The Staffordshire-based writer now has more crime novels in the pipeline, although she can still sometimes be found performing her stand-up comedy routine Laugh While You Still Have Teeth.

"I am at loss of words to explain how I felt about this. I loved the plot... the author has really done an amazing job in writing this wonderful book. Well done, you have written a wonderful masterpiece... will stay with me for a long time." Goodreads reviewer.Returning home to her family’s little lake house is the perfect way for Jenna to escape her heartbreaking divorce. Her mother Sweet has been losing her memory and Jenna is sure that taking her daughter Sophie for a break with Sweet in Lake Summers, tucked under the Adirondack Mountains, is what they all need.Jenna finds comfort in lazy afternoons along the water, and during long nights overlooking their bluebell garden, she’s relieved to hear Sweet telling stories about her long-lost loves. Surrounded by family, it seems that some of Sweet’s memories have returned and Jenna knows she has made the right decision to come home. But when she meets handsome next-door neighbour Troy, she is reminded of a tragedy in her past she has tried hard to forget.Troy is the boy with whom Jenna shared her very first kiss—she’s relived that moment under the stars every night since she was seventeen. But though he once swept Jenna off her feet, he also broke her heart, and living next door to him for the summer feels impossible.But sometimes the only way to heal is with those who know you best, and despite her best efforts, Jenna is drawn to Troy again. With her family reunited at last and happier than ever before, is she finally brave enough to face up to her past, and settle down in Lake Summers forever?An unforgettable romance that will whisk you away to the sunny shores of Lake Summers. Perfect for fans of Carolyn Brown, Debbie Macomber, Mary Alice Monroe and anyone who’s ever dreamed of rekindling a long-lost love.What readers are saying about The Bluebell Girls:"We would all love to be supported by the quirky characters of idyllic Lake Summers. I wish I could run away there myself! You will need to read The Bluebell Girls to find out their stories, and their story may just change your own." Goodreads reviewer, 5 stars"I loved this book... such a great read, the characters were wonderful and the family story and secrets made this a page-turner. Now excuse me as I pack to move to Lake Summers." Goodreads reviewer, 5 stars"Reading The Bluebell Girls was such a wholesome and comforting escape from the reality of truly difficult times in our world. Barbara Josselsohn conjures up a special, timeless place... a feel-good, hopeful tale." Goodreads reviewer, 5 stars.The Lake Summer series has sold over 12,000 copiesFor fans of Carolyn Brown and Debbie MacomberBarbara Josselsohn is an award-winning journalist and novelist. Her novels center around second chances, family relationships and, of course, romance. She is the author of the Lake Summers series set in the fictional town of Lake Summers, nestled in the Adirondacks Mountains, which includes the books The Lilac House and The Bluebell Girls. She lives just north of New York City.

Medievalism, terror, and the ubiquitous haunted castle are staples of the Gothic horror genre. But the man who unwittingly inspired the likes of ´Frankenstein´, ´Dracula´, Hammer horror movies and even the Goth subculture was blissfully unaware of his impact.Horace Walpole's ´The Castle of Otranto´ started a trend that has endured. The book features Manfred, lord of the castle, and includes sickness, weddings, doom-laden prophesies, a bizarre death, imprisonment, religion, a heroic peasant, and much more.There is a hint of ´Harry Potter´ and plenty to grip those who love shows like ´The Haunting of Hill House´ and ´Penny Dreadful´.Horace Walpole (1717-1797) was an English writer, historian, and politician - the son of Britain's first Prime Minister, Sir Robert Walpole. Without knowing it, Walpole was thought by critics to have been the writer who paved the way for the Gothic tradition to burst onto the literary landscape.His Gothic novel ´The Castle of Otranto´, inspired many others and was followed by classics including Mary Shelley's ´Frankenstein´, Bram Stoker's ´Dracula´ and ´The Turn of the Screw´ by Henry James.Walpole also wrote countless campaigning letters on political and social themes.

"Though I have been dead these 15 years, I still command here and none can enter these gates without my permission."The ghostly guardian of his childhood friend's castle is enough to give Sir Philip Harclay the creeps. A wing of mysteriously abandoned rooms only adds to the tension as Sir Philip discovers the castle's secrets and, in an effort to uphold the truth, ends up facing a trial by combat. If you enjoyed 'The Tudors', you'll like this classic story featuring a collection of knights and barons, alleged usurpers, forbidden love and spine-tingling suspense.The author cites Horace Walpole's Gothic novel 'The Castle of Atranto' as an inspiration for her book. 'The Old English Baron' soon joined Walpole's novel as one of the major influences in the development of the Gothic genre that spawned Mary Shelley's 'Frankenstein' and Bram Stoker's 'Dracula'.The English author and translator Clara Reeve (1729-1807) published 24 volumes and five novels in her career. The two to gain fame were 'The Champion of Virtue' - a groundbreaking history of prose fiction - and 'The Old English Baron'.She lived mainly in Ipswich and was the daughter of a vicar.

‘Vanity takes no more obnoxious form than the everlasting desire for approval.’This collection of 12 short mystery stories includes titles such as 'Chick', 'For One Night Only', 'A Writ of Summons', 'Spotting the Lady', and 'A Lesson in Diplomacy among others'.The title story 'Chick' tells of an office boy who unexpectedly inherits the title of Marquis. As well as dealing with this unexpected elevation in his status, and learning how to behave as a member of the aristocracy he also has to protect his newly inherited estate from clever con men who try to convince him that there is oil on his land.Each of the other short stories stand out as intriguing and mysterious pieces of short-form literature as only Wallace could write it.If you love Wallace's amazing universe, this is a great collection of stories to help you dive deeper into the mind of the genius behind 'King Kong'.Edgar Wallace (1875-1932) was an English writer so prolific, that one of his publishers claimed that he was behind a quarter of all books sold in England. An author, journalist, and poet, he wrote countless novels, short stories, screenplays, stage plays, historical non-fiction, etc.Today, more than 160 films have been made from his works. He died suddenly in Hollywood in 1932, during the initial drafting of his most famous work, ‘King Kong’.The most popular movie of recent times based on Wallace's work is the blockbuster 'King Kong' (2005) starring Naomi Watts, Jack Black and Adrien Brody.

Philip Marsham is orphaned by a shocking accident and he flees to London in fear of his life. There he joins the dark frigate ‘Rose of Devon’, bound for safety in Newfoundland.But before they reach their destination, Philip’s life is in danger once again as pirates seize the ship. Forced to join their company, Philip is now an outlaw too, with only the hangman’s noose awaiting him in England.Set in the 17th century, ‘The Dark Frigate’ is a classic children’s sea faring adventure by the American writer Charles Boardman Hawes. Full of betrayal, battles, bloodshed and gold, this is a story that will appeal to seafarers of all ages.Charles Boardman Hawes (1889 – 1923) was an American writer of children’s historical sea adventures. He was best known for his three novels ‘The Mutineers’, ‘The Great Quest’ and ‘The Dark Frigate’.In 1922, The American Library Association selected The Great Quest’ as a Newbery Honour Book. He was also posthumously awarded the 1924 Newberry Medal for his novel ‘The Dark Frigate.’Hawes was known for his book’s historical authenticity thanks to his extensive research and his sea adventures have seen him compared to Herman Melville. Fans of Johnny Depp and 'Pirates of the Caribbean' would appreciate his books.

Sir Peter Pendragon is running from his woes. Caught up in the luck of a large fortune, a life of decadence and indulgence is hard to fight when you’re battling inner demons. But marrying the striking and clever Louise Laleham will put him on the right track. Or so it seems. She’s the daughter of the occultist Basil King Lamus. And with one too many magic tricks up her sleeve, there’s no telling where their love will take them.Set against the backdrop of a society sinking its teeth into addiction following the brutal and bloody World War I, ‘Diary of a Drug Friend’ weaves an unexpectedly uplifting and insightful tale about the truth behind addiction. Incorporating a magic touch, it's a must-read for fans of Erin Morgenstein’s breathtaking ‘The Night Circus’.Aleister Crowley (1875-1947) was an English occultist, magician, poet, painter and author. Having founded the religion Thelema, many of his novels and non-fiction books explore the occult and magic as an ancient art, including ‘Diary of a Drug Friend’, ‘Moonchild’ and ‘Magick in Theory of Practice’. Having focused on poetry and mountaineering at Trinity College, the University of Cambridge, he remains today a highly influential figure in Western esotericism and the counterculture of the 1960s.

When H.G. Wells came face to face with Lenin.In 1920, world famous writer H.G. Wells was invited on a trip to Russia. A committed socialist, Wells had high hopes for the Bolsheviks. What he found was a country ravaged by revolutions and civil war. Despite this, he still held out hope for the future—an optimism which would prove to be very misplaced. The highlight of the trip came when he met with Vladimir Lenin, or as Wells described him, "the little figure at the great desk"."Russia in the Shadows" is a fascinating document of Wells’ trip, and a great read for any history buffs.H.G. Wells (1866–1946) was an English author often called the "father of science fiction". His work popularised some of the genre’s most abiding concepts, such as time travel and parallel universes, while also exploring social issues of the day. Among his most famous books are "The Time Machine", "The Island of Doctor Moreau", "The Invisible Man" and "The First Men in the Moon".Wells was also one of the first writers to imagine an alien invasion. In "The War of the Worlds" he depicts a devastating attack by Martians, who stalk the earth in huge metal tripods. Orson Welles famously created an American radio version in the 1930s, panicking some listeners who thought it was a real news bulletin. The book has been adapted for the screen many times, including a movie starring Tom Cruise and a BBC television series.

‘Signor Formica’ (1885) is a ‘weird tale’ written by the German Romantic author E. T. A. Hoffmann, most famous for his novella ‘The Nutcracker and the Mouse King’ (1816) which inspired Tchaikovsky’s opera ‘The Nutcracker’.This classic short horror story is perfect for fans of horror and fantasy fiction and the authors H. P. Lovecraft and Neil Gaiman.Ernst Theodor Wilhelm Hoffmann (1776-1822), better known as E. T. A. Hoffmann, was a German Romantic author of fantasy and gothic horror. He was also a composer, music critic, draftsman and caricaturist.Hoffmann's stories inspired several famous operatic composers including Richard Wagner, Jacques Offenbach and Léo Delibes. He is also the author of the novella ‘The Nutcracker and the Mouse King’, on which Tchaikovsky’s famous ballet, ‘The Nutcracker’ is based.The story also inspired the film ‘The Nutcracker and the Four Realms’ (2018), starring Keira Knightley, Morgan Freeman, Helen Mirren.

After the horrors of World War One, the world was ready for peace. So, in 1921, nine countries came together for a summit in Washington DC to talk disarmament.One visitor to the conference was world famous sci-fi writer H.G. Wells. "Washington and the Riddle of Peace" collects together twenty nine articles he wrote about the event, which were originally published in various magazines and newspapers. He writes with both optimism and pessimism about the talks, wanting to believe in humankind’s better nature but wary of countries’ insatiable appetite for power and money. Less than two decades later of course, Wells’ worst fears would be proved correct.H.G. Wells (1866–1946) was an English author often called the "father of science fiction". His work popularised some of the genre’s most abiding concepts, such as time travel and parallel universes, while also exploring social issues of the day. Among his most famous books are "The Time Machine", "The Island of Doctor Moreau", "The Invisible Man" and "The First Men in the Moon".Wells was also one of the first writers to imagine an alien invasion. In "The War of the Worlds" he depicts a devastating attack by Martians, who stalk the earth in huge metal tripods. Orson Welles famously created an American radio version in the 1930s, panicking some listeners who thought it was a real news bulletin. The book has been adapted for the screen many times, including a movie starring Tom Cruise and a BBC television series.

Star-crossed lovers Jon and Fleur fall head over heels for each other, but are forced to separate by their parents who share troubling history. Can their love finally defeat the Forsyte family curse or will the shadow of the past continue to haunt the lives of a new generation?'To Let' (1921) was written by English author and playwright John Galsworthy, and is the third and final novel in his masterpiece 'The Forsyte Saga'. The Forsyte Saga (1922) is a series of three novels and two interludes published between 1906 and 1921, all of which have been adapted for television.John Galsworthy (1867-1933) was an English novelist and playwright, best known for his masterpiece 'The Forsyte Saga', which won him the Nobel Prize in Literature in 1932. The trilogy depicts an upper-class English family in the years 1886-1926. It was adapted for TV in 2002 for the ITV network starring Damian Lewis, Rupert Graves and Gina McKee.In his stories, Galsworthy addresses social issues, family life, and the upper-middle class, in which he strongly criticised the morals and ideals of Victorian England. Among his other prominent works are 'From the Four Winds', 'The Silver Box', 'The Country House', and 'The Skin Game'.

‘The Elementary Spirit‘ (1844) was written by the German Romantic author E. T. A. Hoffmann, most famous for his novella ‘The Nutcracker and the Mouse King’ (1816) which inspired Tchaikovsky’s ‘The Nutcracker’.When Prussian lieutenant, colonel Albert von B. rides from Liège to Aachen, a chance encounter with Paul Talkebarth leads him to a mysterious country house where his best friend lies ill. But not everything or everyone are as they seem, and beset by strange dreams and apparitions, Albert is faced with a battle for his soul.‘The Elementary Spirit’ is from Hoffmann’s ‘Later Works’. This classic short story is perfect for fans of horror and fantasy fiction and the authors H. P. Lovecraft and Neil Gaiman.Ernst Theodor Wilhelm Hoffmann (1776-1822), better known as E. T. A. Hoffmann, was a German Romantic author of fantasy and gothic horror. He was also a composer, music critic, draftsman and caricaturist.Hoffmann's stories inspired several famous operatic composers, including Richard Wagner, Jacques Offenbach and Léo Delibes. He is also the author of the novella ‘The Nutcracker and the Mouse King’, on which Tchaikovsky’s famous ballet, ‘The Nutcracker’ is based. The story also inspired the film ‘The Nutcracker and the Four Realms’ (2018), starring Keira Knightley, Morgan Freeman, Helen Mirren.