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Rediscover Emma in this new, lively audio edition, narrated by acclaimed West End actress Kathryn DrysdaleLooking to delve a little deeper into the treasure trove of Jane Austen's great works? Well, look no further. Austen's novel 'Emma' was revolutionary in it's narrative technique and brilliantly showcases the evolution of Austen's writings.In this brand new audio edition, acclaimed West-End actress Kathryn Drysdale deftly performs the quaint and playful story of a beautiful, rich and clever young heiress who, despite having decided never to marry, takes it upon herself to play cupid in her small home town.As it becomes evident that her self-proclaimed match-making skills are borne of delusion, Emma finds herself at the heart of several romantic misadventures. Emma herself however, is completely blind to the havoc she wreaks when meddling with other people’s lives. It is a novel powered by the strength and dynamism of its brilliant ensemble of characters, as Emma’s antics continue to lead herself and all those around her astray.Emma is a stunning novel which has also been adapted for screen several times, most notably the 2020 Film starring Anya Taylor-Joy. Kathryn Drysdale, known for her recent role in Netflix's period drama, Bridgerton skillfully portrays Austen's rich dialogue and multi-dimensional characters in this must-read classic.The audiobook is narrated by acclaimed West End actress Kathryn Drysdale.There are few authors as iconic as Jane Austen (1775-1817). Her body of work contains some of the most beloved books and characters of all time which have been in print for over two hundred years and sold millions of copies worldwide.Austen was a trailblazer, famed for her satire, her astute social commentary and her strong-willed, passionate heroines.Her ability to wield humour with realism has found her favour with critics and readers for generations.Her most famous works include Pride and Prejudice (1813), Emma (1816), Sense and Sensibility (1811) and Persuasion (1818), all of which have received success in adaptations for the screen, stage and radio.

When you turn 32, you die. That’s the fate of the male descendants of the Chabrillane family who have all perished on their 32nd birthday.The curse began over 600 years ago, the night Henri Chabrillane killed the alchemist Michel Mauvis. Michel’s son, Charles, swore revenge on Henri and his descendants and from that day forth, no male Chabrillane has ever lived to thirty-three years of age.Now, Antoine, the Count de Chabrillane and the last of his line, is approaching his 32nd birthday. Alone in the family's crumbling castle, he must face the Chabrillane curse.‘The Alchemist’ is a short story by American writer H. P. Lovecraft, written in 1908, when he was still a teenager and first published in 1916.Howard Phillips Lovecraft (1890-1937) was an American author of horror, fantasy and science fiction. He is best known for his short stories of weird fiction, including ‘The Call of Cthulhu’, ‘At the Mountains of Madness’, ‘The Shadow over Innsmouth’, and ‘The Shadow Out of Time’.Lovecraft's writing did not grant him fame or fortune during his life. He died without the acclaim his work now generates. Credited with inventing cosmic horror, he is widely regarded as one of the most influential horror writers of the 20th Century,Inspired by the likes of Alexander Pope, Jonathan Swift, and Edgar Allan Poe, Lovecraft’s work has influenced writers and filmmakers such as Guillermo del Toro, Neil Gaiman, Thomas Ligotti and Stephen King.H.P Lovecraft was inducted into the Museum of Pop Culture's Science Fiction and Fantasy Hall of Fame in 2016.

‘The Sea Lady’ is ‘The Little Mermaid’ for grownups. Set in Folkestone, the story focuses on a mermaid who comes ashore, with the intent of seducing Harry Chatteris. Living under the name of Doris Thalassia Waters, the mermaid makes it her mission to disrupt his engagement and take Chatteris for herself. Can he withstand her charms, or will he abandon his betrothed? An exploration of the human condition and the desire to fetter our wilder natures, ‘The Sea Lady’ perfectly captures the conventions and attitudes of the time.Herbert George Wells (1866 – 1946) was an English writer, historian, sociologist, and journalist. His interests in technology and time travel (a term he is thought to have coined), have seen him hailed as one of the pioneers of the science-fiction genre. During his career, Wells wrote over 50 novels, alongside more than 60 short stories and numerous historical and scientific papers. Many of his most famous works have been adapted for film and television, such as ‘War of the Worlds,’ starring Tom Cruise, ‘The Island of Dr Moreau,’ starring Val Kilmer, and ‘The Invisible Man,’ starring ‘Elizabeth Moss.’

Castruccio’s armies surround the fortress of Valperga governed by Countess Euthanasia - his childhood friend and the woman he loves. Forced to choose between her Guelph people and a lifelong love for Castruccio, Euthanasia must make an impossible choice.‘Valperga’ (1823) is a historical adventure novel written by Mary Shelley, the author of ‘Frankenstein’. It follows the exploits of fourteenth-century tyrant Castruccio Castracani, a real-life historical figure, who conquered Florence and became the Lord of Lucca.Evoking the beauty of the Italian landscape, ‘Valperga’ is a tale of politics, love and betrayal in medieval Italy.Mary Shelley (1797–1851) earned her place in the pantheon of British novelists with her ground-breaking Gothic novel ‘Frankenstein’ (1818). Considered one of the first true works of science-fiction, the book became an instant bestseller. But she was far from a one-hit-wonder, producing a host of other novels, including 'Valperga', 'Perkin Warbeck' and 'The Last Man'. Most were not well received in her lifetime, though, only being fully appreciated from the 1960s.She moved in a circle of famed 19th-century writers and philosophers. She was married to the poet Percy Bysshe Shelley and spent time with Lord Byron. Her mother was the philosopher and feminist activist Mary Wollstonecraft and her father was the political philosopher William Godwin.Mary Shelley’s work 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. Most recently, Elle Fanning portrayed Mary in Haifaa Al-Mansour’s film ‘Mary Shelley’ from 2017.

Maud Ruthyn is just seventeen when a tragic event leaves her orphaned and sent to live with her mysterious Uncle Silas. Alone inside the walls of Bartram-Haugh, Maud soon begins to realise her uncle is not the reformed Christian he pretends to be. Knowing that her fortune will pass to him, should she die before her eighteenth birthday, Maud is petrified as rumours unfold that Silas was once a heartless murderer.A spine-chilling tale of greed and vile intentions, ‘Uncle Silas’ is a masterpiece of Victorian Gothic horror. Sheridan Le Fanu combines the pulsing dread of works like Wilkie Collin’s ‘The Woman in White’ and Radcliffe’s ‘Mysteries of Udolpho’ into a novel that remains to this day a psychological horror that will chill you to your bones.Joseph Thomas Sheridan Le Fanu (1814-1873) was an Irish Gothic writer of short stories and novels. One of the central names amidst the ghost-story writers of the 19th century, Le Fanu’s influence cannot be underestimated. Inspiring the likes of Bram Stoker, Le Fanu laid the basis for the Victorian Horror genre by combining realism with deeper psychological elements. His most important works include ‘Uncle Silas’, ‘Carmilla’, ‘The House by the Churchyard’, and his short story collection ‘In a Glass Darkly’.

While Wharton is best known for her searing autopsies on American aristocracy, ‘Verses’ reveals a more introspective side of the author. This was her first work, published by her parents, and swiftly to be followed by ‘The House of Mirth’ and ‘The Age of Innocence,’ the ladder which was adapted for the silver screen in 1993, starring Daniel Day-Lewis, and Michelle Pfeiffer.‘Verses’ reveals Wharton’s love for Shakespeare, in poems such as ‘Heaven,’ and ‘Maiden Arise.’ Through her work, the author explores the themes of life, love, and death, and sets aside some well-chosen words to write about the changing of the seasons. A wonderful read for Wharton fans who want to get to know the glass ceiling breaking author a little bit 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 and she went on to become the first woman to win the Pulitzer Prize in Literature, for her novel 'The Age of Innocence'. She moved to France in 1923, where she continued to write until her death.Her works have been adapted to the screen countless times. The most recent examples are Martin Scorsese's 'The Age of Innocence' (1993) starring Michelle Pfeiffer, Daniel Day-Lewis and Winona Ryder and Terence Davies' 'The House of Mirth' (2000) starring Gillian Anderson and Eric Stoltz.

In a new audio adaptation of some of Austen’s lesser known works, Avita Jay brings to life the wit and satire of one of England’s greatest authors. In Austen’s final and unfinished novel, Charlotte Heywood finds herself caught up in the comings and goings of the lively seaside resort "Sanditon". It is a story filled with a cast of colourful characters, from the widowed Lady Denham to wealthy Caribbean heiress, Georgiana Lambe, and the dashing, Sidney Parker. Naturally, romance and scandal ensue. The incomplete story has inspired many writers to take the work into their own hands, including the popular adaptation by the ITV, starring Theo James. "Lady Susan" is an epistolary novel that follows the charming, irreverent, newly widowed Lady Susan. Beautiful, flirtatious and utterly, unashamed, she goes about seducing a married man, terrorizing her relatives, and subverting all expectations of the maudlin, frumpy widow. The book was adapted for the screen under the name "Love and Friendship" in 2016 and stars Kate Beckinsale, Chloe Sevigny, Xavier Samuel and Stephen Fry. Another unfinished novel, "The Watsons" follows Emma Watson, the youngest daughter of a poor clergyman who was raised by a wealthy aunt. Returning home, she is bored by her husband-hunting sisters, but soon catches the eye of local gentleman, Lord Osbourne. There are few authors as iconic as Jane Austen (1775-1817). Her body of work contains some of the most beloved books and characters of all time which have been in print for over two hundred years and sold millions of copies worldwide.Austen was a trailblazer, famed for her satire, her astute social commentary and her strong-willed, passionate heroines. Her ability to wield humour with realism has found her favour with critics and readers for generations. Her most famous works include Pride and Prejudice (1813), Emma (1816), Sense and Sensibility (1811) and Persuasion (1818), all of which have received success in adaptations for the screen, stage and radio.

‘The Last Galley’ is a collection of eighteen short stories by renowned Sherlock Holmes author Sir Arthur Conan Doyle. Split into two parts, stories in the collection include ‘The Contest’, ‘The Home-Coming’, and ‘The Marriage of the Brigadier’. Many of the stories are set in ancient Rome, and contain plenty of adventure, excitement, and mystery.Sir Arthur Conan Doyle (1859-1930) was a British author, best known as the creator of the world-famous detective Sherlock Holmes. Born in Edinburgh, he was educated in England and Austria before studying medicine at the University of Edinburgh. It was during his time at university that Doyle began writing short stories, submitting them to magazines and journals. His first Sherlock Holmes novel, ‘A Study in Scarlet’ was written in just three weeks and published in 1887 to favourable reviews, and more Sherlock adventures followed. By 1893, Doyle was growing tired of Sherlock and attempted to kill him off in the story ‘The Final Problem’, but public outcry caused him to resurrect the famous detective. He featured in a total of 56 short stories and four novels along with his trusty sidekick Dr Watson and made Doyle one of the best-paid authors of the time. The stories have been adapted multiple times; most recently in the successful BBC series ‘Sherlock’ starring Benedict Cumberbatch and Martin Freeman. Later literary works included the Professor Challenger series which began with ‘The Lost World’, in which Challenger sets out to find evidence of prehistoric life. The book inspired numerous adaptations, including the films ‘Jurassic Park’ and ‘The Lost World’. In later life Doyle became captivated by the world of spiritualism and the occult and published non-fiction works about his beliefs including ‘The Coming of the Fairies’. Arthur Conan Doyle died at home in 1930.

Espousing the importance of freedom, ‘Philosophy of Mind’ is the last volume in Hegel’s ‘Encyclopaedia of Philosophical Sciences.’ He takes the reader on an existential journey, carefully analysing the roles of the spirit, mind, subjectivity, and objectivity in the pursuit of total psychological freedom. Being Hegel, there’s an insightful dip into the history of the time, making this an essential read for philosophy fans or those who want to dip their toes into these fascinating waters.Georg Wilhelm Frederich Hegel (1770 – 1831) was a German philosopher and considered to be one of the pioneers of Western philosophy. A dedicated Idealist, Hegel developed a method of dialectic thought, which examined a variety of subjects, including history, nature, divinity, and human nature, from every possible perspective. While a devout Christian, Hegel railed against the notion of orthodoxy, instead approaching his faith from a logical and rationalistic point of view. Hegel’s influence on the world of philosophy cannot be understated and he remains one of the great thinkers of the 18th and 19th centuries.

A giant diamond stolen from India; a rakish rogue; a naive teenager and a drug-fueled scandal.These are the leading parts that combine to make one of the greatest detective novels of all time.'The Moonstone' by Wilkie Collins laid many of the foundations for the detective genre.At heart, though, it is a great story.Rachel Verinder inherits a large Indian diamond on her 18th birthday. It turns out to have been stolen from India by her corrupt uncle and is of immense religious significance.When the diamond goes missing at Rachel's birthday party, it sparks a mystery that involves Indian jugglers, Hindu priests, an unlikely love story, betrayal, intrigue - and twists and turns to the final page.Collins was a close friend of Charles Dickens, who serialised 'The Moonstone' in his magazine 'All the Year Round'.In 2016 it was made into a five-part BBC TV series, starring John Thomson.It is an example of an epistolary novel: one written as a series of documents, including letters and diary entries. Other famous examples include Mary Shelley's 'Frankenstein' and Bram Stoker's 'Dracula'.William Wilkie Collins (1824-1889) was an English novelist and playwright. His most popular novels are 'The Woman in White' - adapted for stage in 2004 by Andrew Lloyd Webber and for BBC TV in 2018, starring Ben Hardy and Jessie Buckley - and 'The Moonstone'.Collins was initially a tea merchant before his first novel 'Antonina' was published. Soon afterwards, his life was transformed by meeting and becoming friends with Charles Dickens. The great novelist became a mentor and helped him with his two classic novels.

‘The Cabman’s Story’ is a short novella by the Sherlock Holmes author Sir Arthur Conan Doyle. In it, our narrator the cabman regales us with tales of his various entertaining and bizarre experiences whilst transporting passengers all over London. Full of intrigue and humour, this is a delightful short story from the famous author.Sir Arthur Conan Doyle (1859-1930) was a British author, best known as the creator of the world-famous detective Sherlock Holmes. Born in Edinburgh, he was educated in England and Austria before studying medicine at the University of Edinburgh. It was during his time at university that Doyle began writing short stories, submitting them to magazines and journals. His first Sherlock Holmes novel, ‘A Study in Scarlet’ was written in just three weeks and published in 1887 to favourable reviews, and more Sherlock adventures followed. By 1893, Doyle was growing tired of Sherlock and attempted to kill him off in the story ‘The Final Problem’, but public outcry caused him to resurrect the famous detective. He featured in a total of 56 short stories and four novels along with his trusty sidekick Dr Watson and made Doyle one of the best-paid authors of the time. The stories have been adapted multiple times; most recently in the successful BBC series ‘Sherlock’ starring Benedict Cumberbatch and Martin Freeman. Later literary works included the Professor Challenger series which began with ‘The Lost World’, in which Challenger sets out to find evidence of prehistoric life. The book inspired numerous adaptations, including the films ‘Jurassic Park’ and ‘The Lost World’. In later life Doyle became captivated by the world of spiritualism and the occult and published non-fiction works about his beliefs including ‘The Coming of the Fairies’. Arthur Conan Doyle died at home in 1930.

Successful London merchant Mr John Sudberry has decided to take his family and three of his servants away on a holiday to the Scottish Highlands. Plenty of beautiful walks, rowing and fishing trips, and picnics in the stunning scenery follow. Their holiday bliss is interrupted however when the family come across an elderly lady called Moggy, who seems to take a special interest in Sudberry's five-year old son Jacky. When Moggy’s secretive background returns to haunt her, the Sudberry family find themselves caught up in the mystery. An exciting story 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.

Inspiring two films (the latest featuring ‘Emmerdale’s’ Conner Chapman, and ‘Shameless’ star, Sean Gilder), ‘The Selfish Giant’ is a classic children’s fairytale from the pen of Oscar Wilde. While he might be better known for his biting wit and cynical observations, this story is both beautiful and timeless. It centres around a giant, who builds a wall around his garden in order to keep children out. As a result, his garden is frozen in perpetual winter. However, a young boy has hidden himself away there and gives the giant a chance to redeem himself. Touching and wonderfully written, this is an ideal read for children and the young at heart.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.

‘Ravenna’ is one of Wilde’s earliest poems, written while he was a student at Oxford in the 1870s. He submitted it as an entry for the Newdigate Prize, in which the subject for a poem was already set. As chance would have it, Wilde had already visited Ravenna in the previous year and had already begun work on a poem, celebrating the "much-loved city." Needless to say, Wilde won the Newdigate Prize, despite submitting his entry anonymously. A wonderful example of the poet at his most lyrical, ‘Ravenna’ was constructively criticised by the college’s Professor of Poetry. Wilde, of course, ignored him and the poem remains as he originally wrote it.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.

‘The Happy Prince’ is a fairy story, written for children, from the pen of one of the 19th Century’s most regarded writers. It tells the story of a lovelorn swallow, trying to follow his friends to Egypt for the winter. However, he tires and decides to land at the foot of a statue, in a large city. Slowly, he befriends the statue of the Happy Prince, who may not be quite as happy as he seems. A tender and tragic tale, ‘The Happy Prince’ is beautifully written and deservedly takes up the title of a timeless classic. Perfect for readers of all ages.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.

‘The Remarkable Rocket’ is a morality tale, cloaked in fairy-tale magic. It focuses on a firework, who is too full of himself for his own good. His bravado and boasts are put to the test, as the wedding ceremony he’s due to perform at draws nearer. Even the presence of another, possibly more arrogant, character doesn’t seem to make a dent in his vanity. ‘The Remarkable Rocket’ is beautifully-written tale, leaving the reader in no doubt as to the message the author is putting across. Perfect for children and the young at heart.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.

Siblings Robert and Laura McIntyre have fallen on hard times following the death of their mother and their father’s subsequent descent into alcoholism, which is bankrupting the family. Their fortunes appear to be on the up though following the arrival of a mysterious, eccentric, and wealthy new neighbour called Raffles Haw. An insightful, moralistic tale about the corrupting nature of extreme wealth from renowned Sherlock Holmes author Sir Arthur Conan Doyle.Sir Arthur Conan Doyle (1859-1930) was a British author, best known as the creator of the world-famous detective Sherlock Holmes. Born in Edinburgh, he was educated in England and Austria before studying medicine at the University of Edinburgh. It was during his time at university that Doyle began writing short stories, submitting them to magazines and journals. His first Sherlock Holmes novel, ‘A Study in Scarlet’ was written in just three weeks and published in 1887 to favourable reviews, and more Sherlock adventures followed. By 1893, Doyle was growing tired of Sherlock and attempted to kill him off in the story ‘The Final Problem’, but public outcry caused him to resurrect the famous detective. He featured in a total of 56 short stories and four novels along with his trusty sidekick Dr Watson and made Doyle one of the best-paid authors of the time. The stories have been adapted multiple times; most recently in the successful BBC series ‘Sherlock’ starring Benedict Cumberbatch and Martin Freeman. Later literary works included the Professor Challenger series which began with ‘The Lost World’, in which Challenger sets out to find evidence of prehistoric life. The book inspired numerous adaptations, including the films ‘Jurassic Park’ and ‘The Lost World’. In later life Doyle became captivated by the world of spiritualism and the occult and published non-fiction works about his beliefs including ‘The Coming of the Fairies’. Arthur Conan Doyle died at home in 1930.

Councillor Krespel is an eccentric violin maker who lives with the mysterious Antonia. Considered to have the most beautiful singing voice the town has ever heard; she has only sung once in her life. Krespel is renowned for making the finest violins in the world, but never sells any and plays each violin he makes only once. What is the dark secret behind this odd couple’s behaviour?This classic short horror story was written by the famous German Romantic author E.T.A. Hoffmann and is perfect for fans of 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.

Challenged to a duel, Lord Lodore must make a life-changing decision, one that will split his family in two.His daughter Ethel, raised to depend on her father, and Cornelia, Lodore’s estranged wife, must leave behind all they ever knew to survive.Mary Shelley’s dramatic novel ‘Lodore’ (1835), tells the story of Ethel and Cornelia’s long road to reconciliation. One that takes them to Niagara Falls, Italy, England and the brink of destitution.The book portrays the education and social role of women in Victorian society. Also published under the title ‘The Beautiful Widow’, it is Shelley’s penultimate novel.Mary Shelley (1797–1851) earned her place in the pantheon of British novelists with her ground-breaking Gothic novel ‘Frankenstein’ (1818). Considered one of the first true works of science-fiction, the book became an instant bestseller. But she was far from a one-hit-wonder, producing a host of other novels, including 'Valperga', 'Perkin Warbeck' and 'The Last Man'. Most were not well received in her lifetime, though, only being fully appreciated from the 1960s.She moved in a circle of famed 19th-century writers and philosophers. She was married to the poet Percy Bysshe Shelley and spent time with Lord Byron. Her mother was the philosopher and feminist activist Mary Wollstonecraft and her father was the political philosopher William Godwin.Mary Shelley’s work 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. Most recently, Elle Fanning portrayed Mary in Haifaa Al-Mansour’s film ‘Mary Shelley’ from 2017.

First published in 1907, ‘Through the Magic Door’ is an essay by the ‘Sherlock Holmes’ author on the joy of literature and reading. In it, he enthuses about his favourite books and authors which include Sir Walter Scott, Samuel Pepys, and Edgar Allen Poe. Doyle describes how he often used to have to choose between lunch and a new book during his student days and gives his thoughts and advice to readers. A fascinating piece of writing from the British author.Sir Arthur Conan Doyle (1859-1930) was a British author, best known as the creator of the world-famous detective Sherlock Holmes. Born in Edinburgh, he was educated in England and Austria before studying medicine at the University of Edinburgh. It was during his time at university that Doyle began writing short stories, submitting them to magazines and journals. His first Sherlock Holmes novel, ‘A Study in Scarlet’ was written in just three weeks and published in 1887 to favourable reviews, and more Sherlock adventures followed. By 1893, Doyle was growing tired of Sherlock and attempted to kill him off in the story ‘The Final Problem’, but public outcry caused him to resurrect the famous detective. He featured in a total of 56 short stories and four novels along with his trusty sidekick Dr Watson and made Doyle one of the best-paid authors of the time. The stories have been adapted multiple times; most recently in the successful BBC series ‘Sherlock’ starring Benedict Cumberbatch and Martin Freeman. Later literary works included the Professor Challenger series which began with ‘The Lost World’, in which Challenger sets out to find evidence of prehistoric life. The book inspired numerous adaptations, including the films ‘Jurassic Park’ and ‘The Lost World’. In later life Doyle became captivated by the world of spiritualism and the occult and published non-fiction works about his beliefs including ‘The Coming of the Fairies’. Arthur Conan Doyle died at home in 1930.

‘What does all this struggle here amount to?’ William Benham sets out on a globe-trotting adventure to find the answer in H.G. Wells’ ‘The Research Magnificent’. Overzealous and unprepared, the young aristocrat embarks on a journey to live an honourable life. What ensues is a picaresque tale of one man’s pilgrimage around the globe in which his philanthropy puts him in many preposterous and perilous situations. This tragi-comic odyssey features some of Wells’ most vivid and picturesque writing as he describes the beauty of the world from Slovenia to South Africa. ‘The Research Magnificent’ is one of Wells’ funniest stories but its striking cross-examination of the beauty of travel and the cost of colonialism ensures that it remains relevant to this day. This book’s blend of humour and poignancy makes it the perfect read for fans of authors such as John Kennedy Toole and Kurt Vonnegut.H. G. Wells (1866-1946) was a celebrated English writer, remembered mostly for his science fiction works. Often described as a futurist, H. G. Wells’ influence cannot be overstated for his works foresaw many technological innovations such as space travel, the atomic bomb, and the Internet. A four-time Nobel Prize in Literature nominee, Wells explored a wide array of themes in his works, from religion to social criticism and beyond. Some of his best works include the time-travel novel ‘The Time Machine’, the sci-fi adventure novel ‘The Island of Dr. Moreau’, and the mankind-versus-aliens novel ‘The War of the Worlds’. Wells occupies one of the central seats in the canon of science-fiction literature and his writing inspired other celebrated authors such as Ray Bradbury and Philip K. Dick. Wells’ stories are still widely read to this day and have had numerous cinematic adaptations including ‘The Invisible Man’ starring Elisabeth Moss.

‘The Jesuits’ Church in G‘ (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 ballet ‘The Nutcracker’.The story first appeared in the ‘Night Pieces’ collection, published in 1816 by The Georg Reimer publishing house in Berlin.Taken "from the papers of a traveling enthusiast’, it tells the story of the creative power of the visual artist Berthold. 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.

Written on the eve of Allied Forces’ preparation for going into battle with Germany, this prophetic book can be read as a manifesto preaching peace amidst the horrors of the Great War. In ‘What is Coming?’ Wells puts forth the need for a world organization that would ensure a fair peace treaty that unfortunately did not take place after the First World War. The celebrated author correctly ascertains that Germany would strengthen after The Great War ends through exhaustion. Wells delves deeper into the financial and social traps that await the post-war world and predicts the rise of feminism and the fall of colonialism. The accurate predictions are impressive but the ones which did not take place may be even more interesting as Wells’ arguments for a socialist world order to provide basic needs remain relevant to this day. ‘What is Coming?’ is a thought-provoking and captivating window into a time that still impacts our world today. Teeming with prophecies, the book is a perfect read for First World War historians and the history of socialist thought.H. G. Wells (1866-1946) was a celebrated English writer, remembered mostly for his science fiction works. Often described as a futurist, H. G. Wells’ influence cannot be overstated for his works foresaw many technological innovations such as space travel, the atomic bomb, and the Internet. A four-time Nobel Prize in Literature nominee, Wells explored a wide array of themes in his works, from religion to social criticism and beyond. Some of his best works include the time-travel novel ‘The Time Machine’, the sci-fi adventure novel ‘The Island of Dr. Moreau’, and the mankind-versus-aliens novel ‘The War of the Worlds’. Wells occupies one of the central seats in the canon of science-fiction literature and his writing inspired other celebrated authors such as Ray Bradbury and Philip K. Dick. Wells’ stories are still widely read to this day and have had numerous cinematic adaptations including ‘The Invisible Man’ starring Elisabeth Moss.

A masterclass in the manipulation of the English language ‘Poems in Prose’ is a collection of six poems, from the pen of one of the world’s most celebrated writers. Delving into themes such as art, Christianity, vanity, sin, and love, Wilde flexes his literary muscles to create six works of enduring beauty and profound insight. The only poems published during his lifetime, this is a superb collection for those who want to see behind the wit that Wilde often used to protect 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.

How do you stop the two men you love from destroying each other?As a six-year-old orphan, Elizabeth Raby saves a desperate Rupert Falkner from committing suicide, changing her life forever. Falkner’s gratitude sees him adopt Elizabeth and she thrives under his tyrannical rule.But when Elizabeth falls in love with a man whose fate is inextricably linked to that of her adoptive father, she must find a way to unite them or risk losing them both forever.First published in 1837, writer Mary Shelley considered Falkner to be her finest work, more so than her highly acclaimed novel ‘Frankenstein.’Mary Shelley (1797–1851) earned her place in the pantheon of British novelists with her ground-breaking Gothic novel ‘Frankenstein’ (1818). Considered one of the first true works of science-fiction, the book became an instant bestseller. But she was far from a one-hit-wonder, producing a host of other novels, including 'Valperga', 'Perkin Warbeck' and 'The Last Man'. Most were not well received in her lifetime, though, only being fully appreciated from the 1960s.She moved in a circle of famed 19th-century writers and philosophers. She was married to the poet Percy Bysshe Shelley and spent time with Lord Byron. Her mother was the philosopher and feminist activist Mary Wollstonecraft and her father was the political philosopher William Godwin.Mary Shelley’s work 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. Most recently, Elle Fanning portrayed Mary in Haifaa Al-Mansour’s film ‘Mary Shelley’ from 2017.

Mischievous young Martin Rattler is desperate for a life at sea. When he finds himself on board the 'Firefly' he can’t quite believe his luck, and soon falls in with young Barney O’Flannagan. There is trouble ahead however, and when the 'Firefly' is attacked by pirates the pair must make a hasty escape. They wash up in the Amazon, where they discover new plants and animals, meet new people, and have plenty of daring adventures together. A swashbuckling tale from much-loved 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.

First published in 1914, ‘Dubliners’ was Irish novelist James Joyce’s first short story collection. The collection explores middle-class life in Ireland in the 20th century and the search for a national identity. Stories in the collection include that of a stereotypical Irish family in ‘Counterparts’, the virtues and stubbornness of the Irish mother figure in ‘Mother’ and a powerful exploration of life and death in ‘The Dead’. A classic collection from one of the most influential and important writers of the century. James Joyce (1882-1941) was an Irish novelist, poet and short story writer. Born in Dublin, Joyce attended University College Dublin, before moving to Europe with his wife Nora Barnacle. It was whilst living in Trieste that Joyce wrote and published his first book of poems and his short story collection ‘Dubliners’. During WWI Joyce was living in Zurich and it was here that he wrote perhaps his most famous work, ‘Ulysses’. One of the most influential and important writers of the 20th century, his other famous works include ‘A Portrait of the Artist as a Young Man’ and ‘Finnegans Wake’. He died in Paris in 1941 at the age of 58.

‘An Essay Concerning Human Understanding’ is philosopher John Locke's pioneering examination of the origins of human knowledge and understanding. First published in 1690, it set the agenda for modern philosophy and influenced psychology and political theory.In ‘An Essay Concerning Human Understanding. Volume Two’ Locke discusses our use of language and its imperfections. He talks of the ‘Abuse of Words’ and laments the creation of words with no distinct meaning.The book also covers Locke’s ideas on truth, judgement, probability, enthusiasm and reason. His radical theories on the nature of human knowledge and where it comes from went on to change the face of philosophy.Regarded as Locke’s most powerful and important philosophical work, ‘An Essay on Human Understanding’ still resonates today.John Locke (1632-1704) was an English philosopher and political theorist, whose work built the foundations of modern liberalism, political theory and economics. Commonly known as the "Father of Liberalism" he is widely regarded as one of the most influential Enlightenment thinkers.Locke’s ideas on ‘identity’ and ‘self’ and the notion we are born with a ‘blank slate’, helped shape the work of philosophers such as Kant, Rousseau and Voltaire, while his essays on religious tolerance were an early model for the separation of church and state.The American Declaration of Independence was influenced by Locke’s political ideas on government, creating the foundation for the freedoms enjoyed by Americans today.

While Wilde might be better known for acidic and satirical comedies, such as ‘The Importance of being Earnest,’ and ‘Lay Windemere’s Fan,’ his first outing as a playwright was in the realms of tragedy. Set in Russia, ‘Vera; or, The Nihilists’ follows the eponymous Vera on her journey from barmaid, to joining terrorist group, ‘The Nihilists,’ and becoming their top assassin.Inspired by real-life events, Wilde’s play explores the idea that full commitment to an ideology can dehumanise almost anyone. While considered a tragedy, and with more than a whiff of Shakespeare’s ‘Macbeth’ about it, ‘Vera; or, The Nihilists’ is peppered with the playwright’s trademark wit and caustic cynicism. A superb read for those who enjoyed the TV-Series 'Killing Eve' starring Jodie Comer and want to see how it all began for one of the 19th Century’s most famous – and infamous - writers.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.