Engelske bøger

When your life’s path seems set in stone, who wouldn’t long for a bit of adventure?In 1910s England, everyone knew their place. But 13-year-old Bealby isn’t content to become a servant in a big country house. So he goes on the run from his duties. Over the course of a week, he joins up with a ragtag band of wanderers, and gets ensnared in a burglary plot.A satirical look at class and duty, "Bealby - A Holiday" is a comic gem from H.G. Wells. It was inspired by his own childhood, when he spent time as a draper’s apprentice. It makes for a fun read for Wells fans of all ages.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.

Freedom. A quality valued by many, and which is never restricted without consequence. Can a mother’s guidance ever be too much?One beautiful suit could be all it takes to break a family apart. Protection becomes a shell, a place to hide from reality, but also a prison. There is always a breaking point, and this breaking point takes the form of one piece of tissue paper. Is freedom the danger, or was the danger created by mother’s constraint?‘The Beautiful Suit’ is an exploration of society’s norms, and whether people’s behaviour determine them, or the norms determine people’s behaviour. Though it was first published in 1909, its themes and questions still ring true in today’s society.H. G. Wells (1866-1946) was a writer most well-known for science fiction titles such as 'War of the Worlds' and 'The Time Machine.' In many ways he is often considered to be a pioneer in the science fiction genre, though he also wrote short fiction, satire, social commentaries, biography and autobiography. He was nominated for the Nobel Prize in Literature on four occasions. In addition to writing, he was a teacher, historian and artist.

Poetry can inspire, evoke, provoke and transport the reader. But this collection of 39 poems did even more - it broke barriers. This collection was written by Phillis Wheatley, the first African-American woman whose poetry writings were published.Seized from West Africa as a young girl, Phillis lived in Boston as a slave to the prominent Wheatley family where she learned to read and write, as well as undertaking lessons in the Bible, astronomy, geography, history and British, Greek and Latin Literature. By the age of 18, Phillis had amassed a decent quantity of poems and together with the Wheatley family, sought out a publisher. However, based on racial prejudices, Phillis was received with disdain in the United States. Attention was turned to London instead, where Phillis posted one of her poems, 'On the Rev. Mr. George Whitefield', to Selina Hastings, Countess of Huntingdon and a well-off supporter of the abolitionist cause, who connected her with a bookseller although Wheatley still had to go through interrogation to prove that she was the author of her own work.This collection of poems shows the breadth and depth of her reading, and includes poems reflecting her Christian faith, her interest in Greek mythology and her admiration for well-known figures including Alexander Pope.'Poems on Various Subjects' is perfect for people who have read 'The Interesting Narrative of Olaudah Equiano'.Phillis Wheatley (1753-1784) was an American poet who was the first African-American writer to be published. She was born in West Africa, sold into slavery aged seven or eight, then bought by the Wheatley family of Boston. They encouraged her to pursue her poetry as her talent became clear. But Wheatley had to go to London to find patrons to help her get her work published. When 'Poems on Various Subjects' was published in 1773, she gained fame in England and the African colonies - even receiving praise from George Washington and Voltaire. After being emancipated, she married the grocer John Peters. But they slipped into poverty and Phillis died in obscurity at the age of 31.

A man is awoken in his grave by the sound of trumpets on judgment day.As the first souls come before God and Archangel Gabriel for the last judgment, the man soon discovers that judgement day is not quite how he imagined. God and Archangel Gabriel laugh at saints and sinners alike until they are so embarrassed that they flee "up the sleeve of God" where they are enlightened, given new bodies and a second chance. When God shakes them from his sleeve they land on a foreign planet and humanity is instructed to "try again" with their newfound understanding.This science-fiction fantasy take on a religious parable is written by the author of the science fiction classic 'The War of the Worlds', H.G. Wells. 'A Vision of Judgment' is a satirical short story that could easily be a precursor to comedy-drama 'The Good Place' or animated film 'Soul'.H.G. Wells (1866 – 1946) was a prolific writer and the author of more than 50 novels. In addition, we 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.’

Swept out to sea in a boating accident, Henry Adams is penniless and in rags ashore in London. Whilst roaming the streets, his luck changes; two brothers hand him an envelope with no explanation. Inside lies a banknote worth one million pounds. But how can a penniless man prove that he legally possesses such a banknote? What urged Adams to sail away? Why did the two brothers give away their fortune?Combining wit, humour and humility, Mark Twain’s 19th century short story provides a social commentary ideal for fans of Steven Spielberg’s ‘Catch Me If You Can’. Made into a BBC Radio 4 adaptation, ‘The Million Pound Bank Note’ remains a funny and poignant tale of power and greed.Mark Twain, pseudonym of Samuel Langhorne Clemens (1835-1910) was an American humorist, lecturer, journalist and novelist. Celebrated today as the father of American literature, his work spans epic stories of boyhood such as ‘The Adventures of Tom Sawyer’ and ‘The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn’, as well as travel narratives, such as ‘The Innocents Abroad’, ‘Roughing It’, and ‘Life on the Mississippi’. A friend to presidents, artists and royalty, he is remembered today as a popular public figure. Continuing his influence, Twain inspires Disney attractions, singer Tom Petty’s ‘Down South’ and was portrayed by Nathan Osgood in the 2018 comedy ‘Holmes and Watson’.

‘Erewhon Revisited’ the sequel to ‘Erewhon’, Samuel Butler’s acclaimed first novel, finds adventurer Higgs returning to the mysterious, distant land of Erewhon. There he discovers its people ruled by a religious cult inspired by his hot-air balloon escape thirty years earlier.Devious professors Hanky and Panky have invented a new religion called ‘Sunchildism’ and Higgs, the unwitting ‘Sun Child,’ is not welcome. The professors are determined to preserve their grip on Erewhonians leaving Higgs in mortal danger. With the help of his newfound son, Higgs must once again escape Erewhon if he is to survive.Butler’s humorous, perceptive book is a penetrating satire of Christianity in Victorian England and is still as relevant and fresh today. ‘Erewhon Revisited’ is Samuel Butler’s last novel.Samuel Butler (1835-1902) was a revolutionary English novelist and critic. He is best known for the utopian novel ‘Erewhon’ (1872) and the posthumous, semi-autobiographical novel ‘The Way of All Flesh’ (1903). Both of which have remained in print ever since. ‘Erewhon’ is renowned as one of the first books to explore the idea of machine evolution. The English writer Aldous Huxley acknowledged the book's influence on his novel ‘Brave New World’, while George Bernard Shaw deemed Butler ‘the greatest English writer of the latter half of the nineteenth century.’

Written by the "father of science fiction", H.G. Wells, 'Men Like Gods' is a science fiction, dystopian novel that transports readers to another world - an advanced version of Earth. Mr. Barnstaple is a journalist for 'The Liberal', a London based newspaper, living but has grown tired of his job.Determinedly resolving to take a holiday he quits - not only his job - but his wife and family too. His holiday plans are soon altered however when, in a twist reminiscent of TV's 'Black Mirror', his vehicle, alongside two others, is suddenly transported to another world.The passengers find themselves in a place "the earthlings" call Utopia, and this intriguing new world is thousands of years ahead of humanity in its development.This science fantasy story is perfect for fans of Andy Weir and Antony Doeer.H.G. Wells (1866 – 1946) was a prolific writer and the author of more than 50 novels. In addition, 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.’

Eustacia Vye despises her boring country village of Egdon Heath. Beautiful, headstrong, and passionate, Eustacia longs to escape her home and lead a life of romance and adventure. And when Clym Yeobright, the eponymous native, returns from Paris, Eustacia decides that she will make him fall in love with her. Soon, their lives are intertwined in an endless labyrinth of passion, tragedy, and misfortune.One of Thomas Hardy’s most famous novels, ‘The Return of the Native’ caused outcry for its unapologetically bold female characters and illicit sexual content. Eustacia Vye is a heroine to rival the likes of ‘Vanity Fair's Becky Sharp or even ‘Bridgerton's' Daphne.Thomas Hardy (1840-1928) was an English writer of poetry, novels, and short stories. He belonged to the victorian realist tradition and was influenced by the writings of Romanticism. His novels strongly criticise Victorian society for constraining individuals regarding marriage, education, and religion: shunning happiness in the name of social propriety. Hardy’s works explore themes of love, class, and poverty with a painstaking devotion to realism. His best-known works include ‘Far From the Madding Crowd’, ‘The Mayor of Casterbridge’, ‘Tess of the d’Urbervilles’, and ‘Jude the Obscure’.

This Polish 'Gone with the Wind’ is set in 17th century Poland during the Cossack-Polish War as the Kingdom of Poland struggles to maintain unity. It is a historical epic, in the same vein as Dumas or Walter Scott, where a stunning plot is weaved through actual history to create compelling and brilliantly grounded characters.An epic story with a stunning ensemble of real and fictitious characters, whose passion and vitriol leap off the page. It is a novel of Polish identity and belonging, written in a time of Polish partition, which brought immense patriotic pride to the embattled nation. It is a novel that has rightly earned its place as an epic. If you loved the BBCs ‘War and Peace’ you will love this classic tale.Henryk Sienkiewicz (1846-1916) was a Polish fiction writer who was awarded the Nobel Prize for Literature in 1905, for his outstanding merits as a writer of epic fiction. He became one of the most famous authors in Poland at the end of the 19th century before translations of his work catapulted him to international renown. Many of his works remain in print today with his most famous novels being ‘With Fire and Sword, ‘Quo Vadis’ and ‘Sir Michael’.

‘Letters from a Cat’ by Helen Hunt Jackson is an adorable, sweet and funny children’s book of fictional letters written by a cat to her owner. A young girl, named Helen goes away on a long trip with her father, and while she’s away, she receives this collection of letters written to her by her beloved pet, a cat.Helen Hunt Jackson was an American poet and writer. She also became an activist on behalf of Native Americans, pushing to improve the treatment of Native Americans by the government of the United States of America. Jackson wrote about the impact of government actions on Native Americans in her history book, ‘A Century of Dishonour’. While her novel, ‘Romona’ was a fictionalised account of the federal government's mistreatment of Native American people in Southern California following the Mexican-American War, and the work successfully attracted attention to Jackson’s cause.

A witty short story about popularity and revenge, 'Bernice Bobs Her Hair' is about a mixed-race girl with Native American heritage, trying to fit in with those around her. Like a mix between 'Gossip Girl' and 'The Great Gatsby', the story shows the benefits and downfalls of rising up the social ladder. Written by Scott F. Fitzgerald, the great mind behind 'The Great Gatsby'. 'Bernice Bobs Her Hair' is a coming-of-age tale set amid the roaring twenties.F. Scott Fitzgerald (1896-1940) is one of the greatest American novelists of the 20th century and author of the classics ‘Tender is the Night’ and ‘The Great Gatsby’. His writing helped illustrate the 1920s Jazz Age that he and wife Zelda Fitzgerald were in the centre of.

Canterbury Pieces is a classic collection of essays, newspaper articles and letters by the English novelist and critic, Samuel Butler. It includes correspondence between the author and the renowned English naturalist Charles Darwin.The book also features the essay ‘Darwin among the Machines’ (1863). In it, Samuel’s urges the destruction of all machines as he raises the pioneering idea that they will one day replace humans as the dominant species. This and the later article ‘Lucubratio Ebria’ (1865), became part of his widely acclaimed first novel ‘Erewhon’.Butler wrote several other novels, including a sequel, ‘Erewhon Revisited’ and the highly acclaimed ‘The Way of all Flesh’, widely regarded as one of the greatest novels of the 20th century.Samuel Butler (1835-1902) was a revolutionary English novelist and critic. He is best known for the utopian novel ‘Erewhon’ (1872) and the posthumous, semi-autobiographical novel ‘The Way of All Flesh’ (1903). Both of which have remained in print ever since. ‘Erewhon’ is renowned as one of the first books to explore the idea of machine evolution. The English writer Aldous Huxley acknowledged the book's influence on his novel ‘Brave New World’, while George Bernard Shaw deemed Butler ‘the greatest English writer of the latter half of the nineteenth century.’

"I'm so tired of Christmas I wish there never would be another one!"Nobody would be surprised if it were old Scrooge talking. But it's actually little Effie, a child with festive fatigue.Once you find out whether Effie dropped her impression of 'The Grinch', then you can go on a journey to 'Candy Country' or get to know 'Naughty Jocko' and find out more about 'The Piggy Girl'.A collection of 10 short children’s stories, brought to you by the iconic Louisa May Alcott. A winning compilation, perfect for youngsters from any generation.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.

Philip Raine is a Royal Canadian police officer, who is on the trail of a ruthless and wild murderer named Bram Johnson. The elusive Johnson roams through the frozen wilderness of Northwest Canada on a sled pulled by a pack of wolves. Johnson has lost his golden snare, made with a woman’s delicate flaxen hair. Raine is intrigued by the mysterious snare and is compelled to unravel its secret.Why is Bram Johnson so wanted? Is it only because of the crimes he has committed, or is the main reason the golden snare he has in his possession? Will officer Raine manage to catch the outlaw? Will he be able to solve the mystery of the golden snare? Find all the answers in James Oliver Curwood’s tense adventure novel "The Golden Snare" from 1918.James Oliver Curwood (1878 - 1927) was an American writer as well as an unwavering nature lover and conservationist. As such, many of Curwood’s action-adventure stories were based on real events from the rugged landscapes of the American Northwest. He built himself Curwood Castle, which he used as a writing studio and as a place to greet guests. More than 150 motion pictures have been adapted to or directly inspired by his novels.

Although never intended for publication, ‘Meditations’ has gone on to become one of the most important collections of philosophical thought, of all time.During his reign as Roman Emperor, devout Stoic, Marcus Aurelius, recorded his feelings and beliefs on what it is to be a well-rounded human being. While Stoicism has its roots in the ‘expect the worst and you won’t be disappointed’ school of thought, Aurelius’ experiences as Emperor also lead him to try and find the best of himself and eschew the opinions of others.A moving and motivational read for philosophy fans.Marcus Aurelius (121 – 180) was a Roman Emperor, ruling for almost 20 years. His rule was founded on his beliefs in the philosophy of Stoicism, which espoused the qualities of virtue, wisdom, and resisting temptation. For many, he embodies the Roman Empire at the peak of its powers.

"The Lost Letter" is a short story by Gogol published in his 1831 collection "Evenings on a Farm Near Dikanka". In it, an exuberant narrator, the old sexton Foma, humorously recounts the story about his grandfather's adventures. Assigned with the task of delivering an important letter to the Russian Czarina, the old man sets to a journey in which he encounters a Cossack man who claims to have sold his soul to the devil. That night, a demon steals the old man’s hat with the letter tucked inside. Determined to fulfill his duty, the old man has to go through different obstacles that stand on his way. But will his determination make him enter the Hell itself?The story has numerous adaptations, among which an animated film of the same name (1945) directed by Brumberg sisters, which is considered the first Soviet cel-animated feature film, and the Soviet musical-tragicomedy film Propala Hramota (1972) which is praised as the pearl of Ukrainian cinema.Nikolai Gogol (1809-1852) was a Ukrainian-born Russian humorist, novelist, and dramatist whose work played a crucial role in the direction of Russian literature. He was considered to be one of the leading figures of Russian realism. His novel "Dead Souls", a satire of the political corruption in the Russian Empire, is viewed by many literary historians as the first great Russian novel. Among his contributions to Russian and world literature are the surrealistic and grotesque "The Nose" and "The Mantle", the satirical "The Inspector General", the historical novel "Taras Bulba", the comedy "Marriage", the humorous short stories "Diary of a Madman" and "The Tale of How Ivan Ivanovich Quarreled with Ivan Nikiforovich". His works have influenced generations of readers and still continue to impress with their subtle psychologism and matchless style.

Young and impressionable Holly Ripple unexpectedly finds herself in possession of her father's vast livestock empire after his death. When thieves and desperados start to torment her, she has to forge her way as a strong, daring and brave woman and use her new-found reputation to keep the hustlers at bay.The descriptions in this book will transport you straight into the beautiful American southwest in the mid 1800s and will be a hit with western fans.Zane Grey (1872-1939) was a popular American author, best known for his adventure novels and short stories. The topics of the American West and the Frontier were central to his writings, and Grey became totally engrossed within the Western genre.Many of his novels were written from the perspective and experience gained from his hunting and travelling trips all around the West. Some of Grey’s most famous novels include 'Riders of the Purple Sage', 'The Last Trail' and 'Valley of Wild Horses'.His novels and stories were adapted to more than 100 movie and television productions with the most well-known being the movie 'Riders of the Purple Sage' (1996) starring Ed Harris, Amy Madigan and Henry Thomas.

The footsteps of the enemy approach. Nearby, a young, voiceless calvary officer lies ready to act, but not in the way you might think. Words in time of war prove powerful, and in Jack London’s compelling novel, one young man is about to empty his lot like an overturned barrel. Conversations sweeping morality and humanity lose their meaning, whilst human kindness and the gullible nature of combat take hold.Crafting a simply written yet deeply profound exploration of the everyday life of soldiers, ‘War’ is a journey into the contradictory, complex and muddled web of human strife. A must-read for fans of Andrew Garfield’s ‘Hacksaw Ridge’.Jack London (1876-1916) was an American novelist, journalist and social activist. Celebrated today as a pioneer of commercial fiction and American magazines, he is also dubbed an innovator in the science fiction genre. London’s popular works span ‘The Call of the Wild’, ‘White Fang’ and ‘Sea Wolf’, along with short stories such as ‘An Odyssey of the North’. Many of his novels are set in the Gold Rush, 19th century America – proving ideal for history, adventure and Western lovers alike. Jack London remains today an inspiring writer ahead of his time, both on the page and throughout his political life.

Throughout history, mankind has sought to harness the power of nature, solve its mysteries and use it for their own advantage. Time and time again, it is shown that mother nature cannot be overpowered, and yet time and time again mankind fails to heed repeated warnings.When Winter Wedderburn seeks to explore new species of orchid he makes a startling discovery about the power of mother nature. Alluring and beautiful, he cannot resist studying the unknown species, oblivious to the fate that met its discoverer.This short story by H. G. Wells tells us a lot about Victorian scientific discoveries such as those by Charles Darwin, and the excitement and mystique surrounding new and exotic creatures and plants.H. G. Wells (1866-1946) was a writer most well-known for science fiction titles such as 'War of the Worlds' and 'The Time Machine.' In many ways he is often considered to be a pioneer in the science fiction genre, though he also wrote short fiction, satire, social commentaries, biography and autobiography. He was nominated for the Nobel Prize in Literature on four occasions. In addition to writing, he was a teacher, historian and artist.

If you had the courage and money to lead a fast life, wouldn't you do so?'Confessions of a Young Man' is a memoir by Irish novelist George Moore who spent about 15 years in his teens and his 20s in Paris, and later in London as a struggling artist.Moore's 'confessions' are aesthetic. If there's more, you'll find a soul struggling to rid itself of Victorian morality. Of landed gentry, Moore moved from Ireland to Paris hoping to be a painter. He immersed himself in Degas and Manet and discussed Gautier and Baudelaire at his Montmartre haunt until dawn.This memoir was finished in his early 30s after he had decided to become a writer. He first tried his hand at journalism, but he found it stifling: ‘I longed to give a personal shape to something and this could not be achieved in an article.’ His memoir is youthfully all over the place, at times, but its alluring ideas are found on every page.This is a wonderful look into the mind of the younger George Moore.George Augustus Moore was an Irish novelist, short-story writer, poet, art critic and playwright. As a writer he is best known for his contribution to the natural realist genre of literature. He was amongst the first English-language writers to follow in the footsteps of the French realists, especially the writings of Émile Zola were influential in his work. Moore himself went on to influence fellow Irishman, James Joyce.Although Moore's work is often not considered to belong to the mainstream Irish and British literature of his time, he is widely accepted as being one of the first great modern Irish novelists.His works have also been adapted for film and TV such as 'Albert Nobbs' (2011) starring Glenn Close, Mia Wasikowska and Aaron Taylor-Johnson; and the 'Esther Waters' TV series from 1977 starring Gabrielle Lloyd, James Laurenson and Alison Steadman.

With more than a whiff of ‘Jurassic Park’ about it, ‘Aepyornis Island’ is a short story that follows the adventures of a biologist, Butcher. Butcher has been tasked to explore the Madagascan islands. The water on one of the islands seems to have a preservative quality, leading Butcher to discover four gigantic eggs that appear freshly laid despite being at least 400 years old. Butcher’s mission is to get these eggs back to the mainland, but a series of strange events put his precious find at risk. A tense and gripping adventure story, Wells shows his background as a biologist and his fascination with pre-history.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.’

Miles Milton is a stubborn and strong-willed young man, determined to join the army as soon as he can, much to his father’s horror. The pair often clash over the matter and one day, following a particularly furious row, Miles storms out of the family home – to make good on his word to join the military. Before long Miles finds himself sailing away on the high seas, en route to unforgettable adventures and experiences - but his conscience won’t let him forget the way he spoke to his father, and the manner of his departure. Can Miles ever forgive himself? An exciting and moralistic tale from the popular children’s author R.M. Ballantyne.R.M. Ballantyne (1825-1894) was a Scottish artist and prolific author of mostly children’s fiction. Born in Edinburgh, Ballantyne was the ninth of ten children. At the age of 16 Ballantyne moved to Canada, where he worked for the Hudson’s Bay Company, travelling all over the country to trade for fur. He returned to Scotland in 1847 following the death of his father, and it was then that he began his literary career in earnest, writing over 100 children’s adventure books over the course of his life. Stories such as ‘The Coral Island’ and ‘The Young Fur Traders’ were hugely popular, and many of them drew on his own experiences of travelling throughout Canada. A stickler for detail, Ballantyne continued to travel widely to research the backgrounds and settings for his exciting stories. His tales became an inspiration for authors of the future, including ‘Treasure Island’ novelist Robert Louis Stevenson. Ballantyne spent the latter period of his life living in London and Italy for the sake of his health. He died in Rome in 1894 at the age of 68.

It took the publication of the lengthy work 'The Ring and the Book' to gain Robert Browning recognition in his lifetime. But today, the Victorian poet is more admired for these, his shorter poems, complete with their powerful dramatic monologues.The preface to 'Shorter Poems', by Teachers' College, New York, says the poems are perfect for the "tastes and capacities of readers of the high-school age".They are, but they are also perfect for the tastes and capacities of readers of all ages.With rhymes that are often discordant and sentences that defy literary convention, Browning's work is pioneering and challenging. He provokes thought and even defies understanding. Browning's work is perfect for fans of Percy Shelley, Lord Byron and W. H. Auden.Robert Browning (1812-1889) was a poet and writer in 19th century England and Florence.His initial work was heavily influenced by Percy Bysshe Shelley. Some of his early work did not received popular or critical acclaim, but the publication of 'Bells and Pomegranates' saw him produce what became his trademark dramatic monologue.In 1846 he married the poet Elizabeth Barrett and they moved to Florence. After his wife's death, Browning settled in England. In 1869-1869, 'The Ring and the Book' was serialised, telling a murder story from 10 different viewpoints. It was rated as his greatest work and his writing continued until he died in 1889 while visiting his son in Venice.

During the school break, two schoolmates decide to go out hunting for wolves. Their main purpose is to kill as many wolves as possible by setting traps in the woods, and then sell their skin. While on their money-making trip in the Canadian wilderness, the two boys run into a variety of problems and obstacles but an elder Indian man they meet on the way will help them with their hunt.James Oliver Curwood (1878 - 1927) was an American writer as well as an unwavering nature lover and conservationist. As such, many of Curwood’s action-adventure stories were based on real events from the rugged landscapes of the American Northwest. He built himself Curwood Castle, which he used as a writing studio and as a place to greet guests. More than 150 motion pictures have been adapted to or directly inspired by his novels.

First published in 'The Strand Magazine' in 1925, 'The Pearl of Love' by H.G. Wells is an allegorical tale of love, devotion, and loss.Inspired by ancient Persian literature, this short story tells the fable of a bereaved Indian prince whose beloved wife dies young. Much in the same way as Shah Jahan (the fifth Mughal emperor of India) built the Taj Mahal as a shrine to his late wife, the prince in this story devotes his life to building the perfect memorial to his lost love but, as in many tales of romance, there's a cruel twist that pulls at his heart.H.G. Wells (1866 – 1946) was a prolific writer and the author of more than 50 novels. In addition, 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.’

Dive into one of the most important figures in American poetry, Emily Dickinson’s iconic collection. Characterised by three distinct periods, a sentimental tone lies in her work dating up to the American Civil War, followed by her most creative period and finally rounding off with her last notes before her death in 1886. A major influence on film, music and culture today, fans of Apple TV+’s ‘Dickinson’ series and the 2016 biographical film ‘A Quiet Passion’ can revel in her sometimes flowery, more often than not morbid and occasionally religious observations of life and love in 19th century America.Emily Dickinson (1830-1866) was an American poet, celebrated today as one of the most influential figures in American poetry. Although much of Dickinson’s work was not uncovered until after her death, she is remembered as an eccentric and prolific writer, producing close to 2000 poems. Her work spans themes of death and immortality, along with society, nature and spirituality. Pushing the boundaries of literary trends, she crafted poems with unconventional punctuation and atypical wording. Snappy and rhythmic, her work tended to fit the melodies of folk songs. Dickinson remains today a pivotal figure in American culture, with Apple TV+’s ‘Dickinson’ series ideal for literary buffs looking to learn more about her life.

‘An Inland Voyage’ is a fascinating account of a canoe trip made by Stevenson and his good friend Sir Walter Grindlay Simpson from Belgium to France. It is a relaxing account of the their voyage, what they saw and did, their failures as travellers, and no small amount of humour, with Stevenson at one point stranded on a tree as his canoe is swept away.The text has a philosophical offering as well, that the most beautiful adventures in life are not those we seek. It is a story perfect for anyone looking for a relaxing late night read, or those of you looking for the Victorian Bear Grylls.Robert Louis Stevenson (1850-1894), was an author with a formidable legacy. You will be hard pressed to find anyone alive today who has not come across his work in one form or another. The brilliant mind behind ‘Treasure Island’ and the ‘Strange case of Dr Jekyll and Mr Hyde’, has had a profound impact on every aspect of entertainment to this day with his brilliant creations. Despite dealing with ill health all his life he was a prolific traveller, spending his later years in Samoa where he fought vigorously for the rights of the natives, earning their love and respect. R.L Stevenson was a character in his own right, passionate and adventurous, his spirit shines through in his work, from his novels to his travel guides. You simply owe it to yourself to experience his creations, he was a true titan of literature on whose shoulders we all stand.

Sherlock Holmes and Dr Watson; Merry and Pippin; Elizabeth Bennet and Mr Darcy...great duos often help to make great literature. So when two soon-to-be luminaries of the English Romantic movement came together to produce a book of their poems, the result was inevitable. 'Lyrical Ballads' by William Wordsworth and Samuel Taylor Coleridge was a slow burner for readers, but grew to be lauded as a landmark piece of work, taking English writing in a new direction.Wordsworth does most of the heavy lifting by contributing the majority of the poems, but Coleridge's efforts include the famous 'The Rime of the Ancient Mariner'. The pair aimed to prick the bubble of what they felt was a snobbish approach to 18th century poetry. In 'Lyrical Ballads', they use everyday language, add the voices of the poor and focus on the original state of nature. The result is an accessible, original collection that remains fresh to this day.William Wordsworth (1770-1850) was an English poet and a pioneer of the Romantic Age in English literature. His first collections, 'An Evening Walk' and 'Descriptive Sketches', were published in 1793. His career took off after he moved to the Lake District with his sister Dorothy. Wordsworth produced countless poems, often on the themes of death and grief, including the first version of his epic 'The Prelude'. He was Poet Laureate from 1843 until his death in 1850.Samuel Taylor Coleridge (1772-1834) was a founder of the Romantic Movement in English literature and one of the Lake Poets. He wrote literary criticism, including of William Shakespeare's work, and the major prose book 'Biographia Literaria'. His best-known works were the poems 'The Rime of the Ancient Mariner' and 'Kubla Khan'.

Based on a story from the Bible, ‘Salomé’ provoked such outrage that it was banned from the British stage for a number of years. However, fiercely defended by academics for its literary worth, that law was finally overturned.In this dark tale, the beautiful Salomé tries to seduce the imprisoned prophet, Iokanaan. When he refuses her advances, Salomé is transformed into the ultimate femme fatale. A lyrical and fascinating play that deals with the themes of love, lust, revenge, murder, and madness, ‘Salomé’ is ideal for those who want to see Wilde at his most bloodthirsty.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.

Setting the template for almost every subsequent novel set at school, ‘Jeremy at Crale’ follows the trials and tribulations of our eponymous hero. The third in the series, Jeremy is now 15 and finds himself the centre of attention, thanks to his football skills. However, in the school setting, attention can be both wanted and unwanted. Soon, Jeremy acquires his one great enemy and must work out what to do in order to survive each day. Semi-autobiographical, ‘Jeremy at Crale’ is a funny and poignant exploration of puberty and relationships.Hugh Walpole (1884 – 1941) was one of Britain’s most prolific and popular novelists. Although originally destined for a career in the church, Walpole found himself drawn to writing. During his career, Walpole wrote 36 novels, five compendiums of short stories, three sets of memoirs, and two plays. He is most famous for ‘Rogue Herries,’ ‘A Prayer for my Son,’ and ‘The Story of Dolittle,’ which was adapted for the silver screen, and starred Robert Downey Junior.