England

"I 1940 fuldbragte en tysk flyverbombe, hvad ’The West Region Railway’ havde begyndt: den sprængte det vældige Holland House i stumper og stykker.Det siges at have været synd, for Holland House, hvis opførsel påbegyndtes i 1606, skal have været et ualmindelig velbevaret stykke arkitektur fra Jakob I’s tid."Henrik V. Ringsted fortæller om sine oplevelser af Londons mange forskellige ansigter, og hvordan de hver især har forandret sig gennem tiden. Han byder os inden for i sin lillebitte have i et rækkehus, viser os sin fine lejlighed i Kensington og tager os med rundt i de dele af London, der i dag er forandrede uigenkaldeligt.Bogen er oprindeligt udgivet i 1957.Henning Vibe Ringsted (1907-1983) var en dansk forfatter og journalist, der er særligt kendt for sit arbejde som krigskorrespondent for dagbladet Politiken i Berlin under anden verdenskrig. Han har skrevet et væld af bøger om europæisk kultur samt erindringer og noveller. Henrik V. Ringsted modtog i 1945 som den første nogensinde Cavlingprisen for sit enestående journalistiske virke.

Be swept away by sun, sea, self-love and a delicious dollop of romance in this original, multicultural romance novel set between London and Ghana. Introducing your new, favourite girl-next-door Faye Bonsu.Dismissed as a cultural lightweight by the man she is desperate to please, under-achieving PA, Faye Bonsu, is on a mission to find love. A disastrous night out leaves pasta-fanatic Faye’s romantic dreams in tatters and underscores her alienation from her African heritage. Leaving her cosy middle-class life in London’s leafy Hampstead to find out what she’s missing, Faye is whisked into the hectic social whirlpool of Ghana where she meets the handsome Rocky Asante, a cynical, career-obsessed banker with no time for women... until now.Transported into a world of food, fun and sun, and faced with choices she had never thought possible, Faye is forced to discover that no matter how far you travel, you can’t find love until you find yourself.From Pasta to Pigfoot is a fun, contemporary, multi-cultural novel that explores in a light-hearted way the clash of cultures that has become characteristic of our increasingly multicultural society.Perfect for fans of Talia Hibbert, Joya Goffney and Farrah Rochon.Frances Mensah Williams was born in Ghana, but spent her early childhood in the USA, Austria and Ghana before settling in the UK. Her first novel 'From Pasta to Pigfoot' was published in 2015 and was selected by WH Smith Travel as one of the top 25 best summer reads. Williams has also written extensively about the benefits of harnessing the talents of the African diaspora to accelerate Africa’s development. In 2020, she was awarded a CBE by Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II for her services to the African community in the UK and in Africa.

Fans of Martina Cole, Kimberley Chambers and Jessie Keane will be hooked by Fearless Girl.When everything changes, you have to come out fighting.It’s been three years since Anna Davis’s ex-boyfriend Freddie Tyler was sent to prison, now he’s back on the streets of London and about to find out that everything has changed.As Freddie enters his West End club for the first time in years, he finds Anna sitting behind his desk, confidently leading his team of men. Anna used to hate the world he lived in, but she has now become a big part of it. And she’s not about to give up running the family business easily.Anna shows a toughness Freddie has never witnessed in her before when she tells him about her new enterprise, smuggling stolen diamonds through London’s Hatton Garden. And alarm bells start ringing when Freddie meets Anna’s new partner. Cold and ruthless, Roman Gains isn’t someone Freddie trusts around the club and particularly not around Anna.Whilst tensions flare between Anna and Freddie, a new Russian firm enters their world, determined to bring the Tylers down. And when they take out one of his best men, Freddie has to take drastic action to wrestle control from Anna. But she has other ideas. And when Roman becomes Anna’s closest ally, Freddie finally reaches breaking point. Could this be the fall of the Tyler empire and the last time Freddie and Anna are on the same side?What readers are saying about Fearless Girl:‘WOW. What an addictive book this was. To say this book had me gripped is an understatement. Emma Tallon writes a BRILLIANT story that has you wanting more. If I could, I would give this book more than 5 stars.’ Goodreads reviewer‘I’m still bouncing up and down. I just want to shout it from the rooftops how totally marvellous this book is.’ B for Book Review‘Emma Tallon has once again proved she is up there with the best when it comes to this genre. A five star masterpiece!’ Goodreads reviewer.This series has sold over 140,000 copies to dateEmma Tallon is a British writer and mother to a young son. She started her writing career several years ago, as a freelance ghostwriter. Behind the scenes she has crafted some of the most adventurous, edgy and heart-wrenching stories you will find in bookshops today. More recently, Emma decided to step out of the literary shadows and launch the first novel under her own name, Life Game. Emma has plans for several more books in the London Underworld series.

Fans of Kimberley Chambers’ Queenie and Martina Cole will love this unputdownable crime thriller from bestselling crime author Emma Tallon.Sometimes revenge is the only option.Anna Davies is young, smart and successful, plus she’s the head of one of London’s biggest crime networks. She’s seen off her abusive ex-boyfriend and cut her teeth managing clubs around London’s West End. But nothing could have prepared her for what’s around the corner...Beautiful, rich and powerful, Sophia Ivanov has been sniffing around Anna’s business empire and she’s got only one thing on her mind – revenge. She’s convinced Anna and her gangster boyfriend, Freddie Tyler, killed her Russian crime boss husband, Alexis, and she’s determined to make them pay.When Sophia turns up at their club one night, it’s clear she’s not there for a friendly visit and tensions begin to flare. Anna knows Sophia is a danger to their business, but she doesn’t realise how much until Freddie finds himself in unthinkable danger. Can Anna and Freddie get rid of Sophia once and for all... and what will be left when the fighting stops?What readers are saying about Ruthless Girl:‘369 pages of pure gold adorned with diamonds! My heart stopped a few times. My heart broke a few times.’ B for Book ReviewMy heart was beating so fast my Fitbit thought I’d been for a run... These books should come with an addiction warning.’ I Love Reading blog‘Like a tube of Pringles – once you start, you can’t stop.’ Goodreads reviewer.This series has sold over 140,000 copies to dateEmma Tallon is a British writer and mother to a young son. She started her writing career several years ago, as a freelance ghostwriter. Behind the scenes she has crafted some of the most adventurous, edgy and heart-wrenching stories you will find in bookshops today. More recently, Emma decided to step out of the literary shadows and launch the first novel under her own name, Life Game. Emma has plans for several more books in the London Underworld series.

When Piper James unexpectedly gets a message from her insanely hot teenage crush Rob Kingsford, inviting her to their school reunion, her heart flips. She hasn’t seen Rob in eight years – and he’s always been the one that got away.Older (but not wiser), fatter (but much happier), and still definitely crushing on Rob, Piper’s about to come face-to-face with the very best of old friends and the very worst of old frenemies. Add in enough G&Ts and a few too many Cosmos, and there are all the ingredients for a real night to remember...Could it be second-time lucky for Piper and Rob, or will she have her heartbroken all over again?A hilarious and uplifting story about facing your fears and being true to who you are – perfect for fans of Mhairi McFarlane, Sophie Kinsella and Sophie Ranald.Read what everyone is saying about The One That Got Away:‘Oh my gosh it was brilliant! I laughed, I got choked up, my emotions were all over the place and by the end, I was uplifted into believing I could do anything... I loved everything about this book.’ Katie’s Book Cave, 5 stars‘I adored the story from start to finish! Rob was completely and utterly gorgeous and I literally swooned every time he appeared on the page... Had me laughing one minute and then crying the next!... Had me hooked... A fantastic and uplifting read which I would heartily recommend!’ Stardust Book Reviews, 5 stars‘I am now completely head over heels in love with this book and the characters. I think Piper may be my new favourite character ever (sorry Hermione Granger)... Funny, heart-warming, emotional all at once... Just perfect!’ Vicki in Neverland, 5 stars.Over 24,000 copies soldKeris lives in Lancashire with her husband and two sons. She’s written a bunch of books for young adults and children and is obsessed with Twitter and tea.

‘I absolutely loved this book! I was laughing out loud at certain scenes and when I tried to go to bed I ended up giggling myself into a fit thinking about them. Absolutely amazing... A delightful, HILARIOUS book.’ Goodreads Reviewer, 5 starsCat’s life has hit a brick wall. Since her ex ditched her without ceremony five years ago she’s quit stand-up comedy, landed in a steady but dull job, and lives in a tiny flat with roommates she knows only as The One Who Eats All My Food and The One Who Has Really Loud Sex.So when she bumps into old friend Harvey and sparks fly, Cat is surprised – and horrified, because Harvey is her ex’s brother, and so absolutely, 100% off-limits romantically. Even if his dimples do make her insides fizz...When she’s offered a new job abroad, Cat is tempted to accept – and leave her depressing flat and mess of a love life behind her. But will running away from her problems really solve them?A hilarious rom com about falling in love, falling out of love, and finding out who you really are. Fans of Jenny Colgan, Marian Keyes and Mhairi McFarlane will love Keris Stainton!Read what everyone is saying about The One Who's Not the One:‘A fabulous feel-good read... This book had me in tears, both happy and sad ones in equal doses! It had me hooked from the first page and it certainly had me laughing out loud unashamedly!’ Stardust Book Reviews‘I absolutely adored this book from start to finish. All the characters were so lovable and the story was lovely and totally laugh-out-loud funny... I love funny and heartwarming love stories so this ticked all my boxes.’ Goodreads reviewer, 5 stars‘I couldn’t put it down. It’s funny, engaging and thoroughly relatable. I really enjoyed it. It’s got some genuinely laugh-out-loud moments while being full of real heart as well. Loved it!’ Bibliophile Book Club.Over 34,000 copies soldKeris lives in Lancashire with her husband and two sons. She’s written a bunch of books for young adults and children, and is obsessed with Twitter, tea, and 1D.

"Beautiful and heartbreaking. I know it will stay with me for a long time." Reader Review"I'm greeted by the strangest sight. A small dark-haired boy is standing there. It's like he's a human parcel, delivered to my front door."My name is Luke," he says."When Johnny meets Lauren in a bar in Santa Cruz, there's an instant connection. On an American road trip with best friend Will, Johnny promises to return to the girl who has stolen his heart.Until tragedy strikes, forcing Johnny to fly back home without ever seeing Lauren again.Six years later, Johnny is living his life in London, even if he's never forgotten the girl with the grey eyes and dark hair.Until one September morning, he opens his door to find a little boy standing there - a child, Johnny quickly comes to learn, who was created that one magical night. Lauren is dying, and her last wish is to reunite five-year-old Luke with the father he doesn't yet know.Thrown into unexpected parenthood, Johnny finds himself navigating school-gate politics, Disney movies and tantrums, guided by the notes Lauren has written for him.Life as an instant dad isn't always easy, but as Johnny and Luke open their hearts to each other, Johnny is about to discover that life's joy isn't always where you expected it.An emotional, feel-good read that will have you laughing while you wipe away a tear - readers of Dani Atkins, Mike Gayle and Jojo Moyes will be captivated.Readers are falling in love with this debut novel:"Delightful. Pulled at my heart strings. I would totally recommend this as a feelgood book." Reader Review"What a beautifully emotive read. The perfect feelgood read that will make you laugh and cry." _____ Reader Review"A heart-wrenching, heart-warming story of a young man forced by circumstance to become an instant dad - a lovely read about growing into responsibility and love." Reader Review"My heart is just so full from this book. Watching Johnny navigate his unexpected new fatherhood was so gentle and raw." Reader ReviewGordon is a former journalist writing about media and technology. He now works in marketing for Twitter UK. He has also blogged about dating and politics. His first novel Songs For Your Mother was published in May, 2021. His second novel, Ten Dates to Happiness, will be published in 2022.

Faye Bonsu seems to have it all: a drop-dead gorgeous and successful boyfriend, a bourgeoning career as an interior designer and a rent-free mansion in leafy Hampstead to call home. But with all her friends shifting into yummy-mummy mode, a man who seems to have no desire to put a ring on it, tricky clients, and a very attractive and single boss, things are not quite as simple as they might appear.Hoping to escape from her suddenly complicated life and revive her wilting romance, Faye returns to sunny Ghana for what she hopes will be the time of her life. But life doesn't always offer second chances and when disaster strikes, she is forced to confront the biggest question of her life and to make a choice that comes with consequences she will have to live with forever.Perfect for fans of Talia Hibbert, Joya Goffney and Farrah Rochon.Frances Mensah Williams was born in Ghana, but spent her early childhood in the USA, Austria and Ghana before settling in the UK. Her first novel 'From Pasta to Pigfoot' was published in 2015 and was selected by WH Smith Travel as one of the top 25 best summer reads. Williams has also written extensively about the benefits of harnessing the talents of the African diaspora to accelerate Africa’s development. In 2020, she was awarded a CBE by Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II for her services to the African community in the UK and in Africa.

Nel momento in cui si conoscono, Gabriel Oak e Bathsheba Everdene sono due persone antitetiche: fattore benestante, dai modi un po’ frugali, il primo; bellissima e nullatenente, ospite di una zia, la seconda. Nonostante l’invidiabile posizione sociale del signor Oak, Bathsheba rifiuta la sua appassionata corte. Dopo una terribile tempesta, tuttavia, i ruoli si invertono: Bathsheba ha ora ereditato la florida azienda agricola dello zio, mentre Gabriel, caduto in miseria, è costretto a farsi assumere proprio da lei come pastore. Per lungo tempo, ancora, Gabriel dovrà contendersi con altri uomini l’amore di Bathsheba, in particolare col vicino di casa William Boldwood e col sergente Francis Troy. Posto dal prestigioso "The Guardian" al decimo posto fra le storie d’amore più belle mai raccontate, "Via dalla pazza folla" è un romanzo struggente, in cui la sorte dà o toglie senza pietà, e in cui la spinta vitale data dall’amore sembra essere l’unica via di scampo...Quella di Thomas Hardy (1840-1928) è stata senz’altro un’esistenza consacrata alla letteratura. Pochi eventi, infatti, concorrono ad arricchire la sua ben scarna biografia: nato a Higher Bockhampton, nel Dorset, studia architettura e si trasferisce a Londra, dove esercita per breve tempo la professione. Nel 1874 sposa Emma Lavinia Gifford, con cui vivrà in una quieta casa di campagna fino al 1912, quando, rimasto vedovo, sposerà Florence Emily Dugdale. Nel corso dei lunghi anni trascorsi al cottage di Max Gate, scrive innumerevoli opere, fra romanzi e poesie. Al momento della sua morte, nel 1928, Thomas Hardy è considerato un pilastro della narrativa vittoriana, avendo prodotto alcuni capolavori indiscussi come "Tess dei D’Urbervilles", "Estremi rimedi" e "Jude l’oscuro".

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

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

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

‘Pearl-Fishing – First Series’ by Charles Dickens is a collection of short stories which were first published in ‘Household Words’. Featuring titles such as ‘Loaded Dice’, ‘My Wonderful Adventures in Skitzland,’ ‘The Old Churchyard Tree’, ‘Father and Son', and 'The Ghost of the Late Mr. James Barber’ amongst others. These tales were very popular amongst readers of the magazine when they were first published and are still classic reads to be enjoyed by any modern-day fan of Charles Dickens. When you’ve read them all, re-live them all over again or read even more of the author's short stories in ‘Pearl-Fishing – Second Series’.Regarded by many as the greatest novelist of the Victorian era, Charles Dickens is best known for creating some of the world’s best known fictional characters who feature in his most popular novels, including The Artful Dodger in 'Oliver Twist’, Ebenezer Scrooge in ‘A Christmas Carol’, and Miss Havisham in ‘Great Expectations’. Dickens’ timeless novels and short stories are still widely read today and many have been adapted into countless TV programmes and films including the Academy Award-winning musical ‘Oliver’, and 'A Christmas Carol' which well known worldwide and is a huge favourite movie for families to watch together at Christmas time.

Upon returning to her humble village life in Dorset after years of schooling, Grace Melbury discovers that her family have new plans for her, as her childhood sweetheart, the woodsman Giles Winterborne, is now considered beneath her.When a new suitor, the charming Doctor Edred Fitzpiers, notices Grace, her father decides the two must marry. Will Grace find a way to choose a future for herself, or will she be doomed to a loveless marriage?A tale of adultery, lies, and betrayal, ‘The Woodlanders’ follows the scandal of Grace Melbury as it consumes the town of Little Hintock. A classic Thomas Hardy affair, readers of ‘Wuthering Heights’ or ‘Jane Eyre’ will fall in love with ‘The Woodlanders’.Thomas Hardy (1840-1928) was an English writer of poetry, novels, and short stories. He belonged to the Victorian realist tradition in English literature and was influenced by the writings of Romanticism.His novels strongly criticise Victorian society for constraining individuals in regard to 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’.

Jude Fawley is a simple working-class man who dreams of one day becoming something more. Yet after the failure of his first marriage, a loveless entrapment built upon lies, Jude starts to have feelings for his cousin, Sue Bridehead, and soon sacrifices all that he has to pursue a life together with her.A dark and pessimistic story of how man's unfettered desire may lead to the ruin of everyone around him, ‘Jude the Obscure’ led to a scandalous outcry amongst its Victorian readership. It is the final novel written by Thomas Hardy, and one of his most powerful in its unabashed exploration of class, religion, and sexuality.‘Jude the Obscure’ is a perfect tragedy for readers of Brontë’s ‘Wuthering Heights’ or du Maurier's ‘Rebecca’.Thomas Hardy (1840-1928) was an English writer of poetry, novels, and short stories. He belonged to the Victorian realist tradition in English literature and was influenced by the writings of Romanticism.His novels strongly criticise Victorian society for constraining individuals in regard to 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’.

While out walking with his fiancé Juliet in Virginia Waters, a young Neville stumbles across the unmarked grave of his childhood friend, Ellen. Juliet demands to know the truth and Neville is forced to reveal a long held secret and face up to his heart-breaking past. ‘The Mourner (1829) is a classic, short story by the English writer Mary Shelley, famous for her best-selling novel ‘Frankenstein’. This tale is a reflection of the grief and guilt experienced by Shelley after her husband, Percy Bysshe Shelley drowned at sea.Mary Shelley (1797–1851) was an English author and travel writer best known for her ground-breaking Gothic novel ‘Frankenstein’ (1818). Considered one of the first true works of science-fiction, the book became an instant bestseller.It has been adapted for TV, stage and film on many occasions, with Boris Karloff famously playing Frankenstein’s monster on screen in 1933. Other adaptations include ‘Mary Shelley's Frankenstein’ (1994) starring Kenneth Branagh and Robert De Niro and ‘Viktor Frankenstein’ (2015) starring Daniel Radcliffe and James McAvoy.Shelley’s other novels include Valperga (1823), The Last Man (1826), Perkin Warbeck (1830), Lodore (1835), Falkner (1837) and the posthumously published Mathilde (1959). However, she will always be remembered as the creator of Frankenstein.The book continues to influence filmmakers, writers and popular culture to this day, inspiring and terrifying new audiences the world over.

For fans of Bridgerton, this classical gossip novel follows the lives of Becky Sharp and Amelia Sedley as they deal with relationships with both friends and family.Set during the Napoleonic Wars, 'Vanity Fair' satires British society and how the upper classes worship money and social standing. Thackeray also explores illusion versus reality - are the affluent lives these people live really a normal reality for everyone?Known worldwide and sure to captivate you with its representation of 19th century high society in England, this classic will leave you questioning your own opinions of yourself and how you rank others' opinions of you.William Makepeace Thackeray was a British novelist, author and illustrator, best known for his satirical works, particularly his 1848 novel Vanity Fair which gave a panoramic portrait of British society.Born in British India in 1811, Thackeray was sent to England in 1815. He went to Cambridge University before leaving early to go travelling in Europe. When he turned 21, he got his inheritance from his father who died when he was only four but lost most of it due to gambling and the collapse of two Indian banks.In order to support himself, he turned to art, which he studied in Paris, but did not pursue fully; only using it in later years as the illustrator of some of his own novels and other writings. He died of a stroke in 1863.

Enwrapped in indescribable mysteriousness, ‘The Figure in the Carpet’ (1896) is a short story by the American-born British writer Henry James. It explores the meaning of art and how it is found in what other people see.Hugh Vereker is a famous author who says the secret to his greatness and skill is hidden in his works ‘like a complex figure in a Persian carpet’. When the narrator of the story meets Vereker, he becomes obsessed with discovering the secret meaning of his favourite author's works.Those who enjoy Henry James' short story will likely find ´Eureka´ by Anthony Quinn interesting as The Figure is an important part of the plot.Henry James (1843-1916) was an American-born, British author, and one of the founders of the school of realism in fiction. His inventive use of interior monologues and unreliable narrators, brought a complexity and depth to his work that made him hugely popular.A prolific writer, he published numerous novels, articles, travel books, biographies and plays. Many of his stories have been adapted for TV and film, such as ‘What Maisie Knew’ (2012) starring Steve Coogan and Julianne Moore.However, it is his celebrated Gothic novella ‘The Turn of the Screw’ (1898), regarded as one of the greatest ghost stories ever written, that has been adapted more than any other. Most recently, the eponymous 2009 BBC TV series starring Michelle Dockery, and the Netflix series, ‘The Haunting of Bly Manor’ (2020).James was nominated for the Nobel Prize in Literature in 1911, 1912, and 1916.

"Shall I compare thee to a summer's day? Thou art more lovely and more temperate..."It is one of the most memorable and memorised lines of poetry of all time. But there is no need to stop here because the beginning of one of William Shakespeare's sonnets is the entry point to a treasury of his great verse.'The Sonnets' contains 154 examples of the one-stanza, 14-line poems written by The Bard.They take you on a sweeping journey through themes including love, infidelity, mortality and destruction - and the previously barely-touched areas of homoeroticism and misogyny.As with his peerless plays, Shakespeare shows his unique gift for touching hearts and challenging minds.This is perfect for fans of T.S. Eliot's 'The Waste Land' and 'The Collected Poems of W. B. Yeats'.William Shakespeare (1564-1616) was an English playwright, poet and actor who is considered to be the world's greatest dramatist.He wrote 39 plays, 154 sonnets and three narrative poems. His plays are still performed more often than those of any other writer, living or dead.He invented more than 1,700 words that are in common use today, including frugal, gnarled, obscene and sanctimonious.Among his best-known plays are the comedies 'As You Like It' and 'Much Ado About Nothing', the histories 'Richard III' and 'Henry V' and the tragedies 'Hamlet' and 'Romeo and Juliet' which Baz Luhrmann brought to the big screen in the blockbuster hit starring Leonardo DiCaprio and Claire Danes.

Jocelyn Pierston wants above all to find the ideal woman, but perfection is elusive as ever. A masterful sculptor, he starts to grow obsessed with the idea of capturing beauty in stone - and the statue he calls his "well-beloved".But when he falls in love with two women from the same family, three generations apart, his thirst for perfection soon escalates into an uncontrollable desire.With its unique approach to love and marking a shift in Hardy’s emotional and psychological portrayal of his characters, ‘The Well-Beloved’ is a compelling journey through an artist’s erotic obsession and the labyrinthine world of Victorian society.A nightmare version of ´Pygmalion´, ´The Well-Beloved´ matches up to Oscar Wilde’s ‘The Picture of Dorian Gray’ and Mary Shelley’s ‘Frankenstein’ with the ultimate tale of tragic love and the pursuit of art.Thomas Hardy (1840-1928) was an English writer of poetry, novels, and short stories. He belonged to the Victorian realist tradition in English literature and was influenced by the writings of Romanticism.His novels strongly criticise Victorian society for constraining individuals in regard to 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’.

Charles Dickens is renowned as one of the best writers of the Victorian era, and his after-dinner speeches were very much in demand during his lifetime. Dickens spoke on public occasions as a literature representative, and in sympathy with humanitarian movements. He even delivered a speech at the Theatre Royal in Drury Lane, London on Wednesday, 27th June 1855. On one occasion, Dickens became critical of the administrative costs of running a charity and certainly didn't hold back in saying so. "I say openly, and plainly, that this fund is pompously and unnaturally administered at great expense, instead of being quietly administered at small expense."Can you imagine enjoying a meal in the 19th century and suddenly Charles Dickens stands up to deliver a speech? This collection of speeches from Charles Dickens allows readers to experience that moment for themselves.Regarded by many as the greatest novelist of the Victorian era, Charles Dickens is best known for creating some of the world’s best known fictional characters who feature in his most popular novels, including The Artful Dodger in 'Oliver Twist’, Ebenezer Scrooge in ‘A Christmas Carol’, and Miss Havisham in ‘Great Expectations’. Dickens’ timeless novels and short stories are still widely read today and many have been adapted into countless TV programmes and films including the Academy Award-winning musical ‘Oliver’, and 'A Christmas Carol' which well known worldwide and is a huge favourite movie for families to watch together at Christmas time.

The majority of the poems in this collection ‘The Poems and Verses’ are a classic collection of poetic works by Charles Dickens. They are brought together in this anthology after appearing in Dickens' other works, including ‘The Pickwick Papers’ and several plays that he wrote together with Wilkie Collins.Regarded by many as the greatest novelist of the Victorian era, Charles Dickens is best known for creating some of the world’s best known fictional characters who feature in his most popular novels, including The Artful Dodger in 'Oliver Twist’, Ebenezer Scrooge in ‘A Christmas Carol’, and Miss Havisham in ‘Great Expectations’. Dickens’ timeless novels and short stories are still widely read today and many have been adapted into countless TV programmes and films including the Academy Award-winning musical ‘Oliver’, and 'A Christmas Carol' which is well known worldwide and is a huge favourite movie for families to watch together at Christmas time.

‘Pearl-Fishing – Second Series’ is a second collection of short stories written by the renowned author of ‘Great Expectations’, Charles Dickens. First published in ‘Household Words’, Pearl-Fishing – Second Series’ follows Dickens’ first anthology of short stories ‘Pearl-Fishing – First Series’. Featuring titles such as ‘The Young Advocate’, ‘The Last of a Long Line’, ‘Evil is Wrought by Want of Thought’ and ‘The Home of Woodruffe the Gardener’, amongst others. These tales were very popular amongst readers of the magazine when they were first published and are still classic reads to be enjoyed by any modern-day fan of Charles Dickens.Regarded by many as the greatest novelist of the Victorian era, Charles Dickens is best known for creating some of the world’s best known fictional characters who feature in his most popular novels, including The Artful Dodger in 'Oliver Twist’, Ebenezer Scrooge in ‘A Christmas Carol’, and Miss Havisham in ‘Great Expectations’. Dickens’ timeless novels and short stories are still widely read today and many have been adapted into countless TV programmes and films including the Academy Award-winning musical ‘Oliver’, and 'A Christmas Carol' which well known worldwide and is a huge favourite movie for families to watch together at Christmas time.

What would you do if you accidentally killed someone at the age of 18 and had to become an outlaw? In the classic ‘The Merry Adventures of Robinhood’ by Howard Pyle, young Robin finds himself in this exact predicament and forms a group of other outlaws as they trek through the medieval English forest fighting their way out of trouble and conflicts with the law. Join Robin and his hood along in their great adventures as they discover what it means to be an outlaw, and how they can fight for the poor and their world’s many injustices.American author Howard Pyle, well known for his writing of ‘The Merry Adventures of Robinhood’ and ‘King Arthur’ is also a very well respected illustrator, gaining recognition for his drawings of pirates and attributed with the creation of the modern pirate look. His illustrations were featured in Harper’s Weekly where they quickly became fan favorites. Robinhood is a classic tale, which has been adapted for the classic Disney film, and the newer 2018 movie featuring Taron Egerton and Jamie Foxx.

Packed with twists and turns, ‘The Four Stragglers’ by Frank L. Packard is a mystery novel in which the reader meets four allied soldiers lost behind enemy lines during the Great War.As the story progresses, three of the soldiers realise that they all played parts in a daring jewel heist just two years earlier. The three soldiers set up a criminal organization running scams in England and France which eventually leads them on a complex and thrilling journey to America.This novel will be greatly enjoyed by fans of ´The Great Train Robbery´ and ´Hatton Garden the Heist´.Frank L. Packard was a Canadian novelist born in Quebec. As a young man, he worked as a civil engineer for the Canadian Pacific Railway, and this experience led him to write many railroad stories. Packard also wrote a series of mystery novels, the most well-known of which featured a character called Jimmie Dale.

Charles Dickens' ‘Children Stories’ is a collection of tales for kids from one of history’s finest storytellers. In this wonderful anthology, children are introduced to characters who also appear in Dickens’ adult fiction including; Tiny Tim from ‘A Christmas Carol’, Trotty Veck and his daughter Meg from ‘The Chimes’, Oliver Twist and Little David Copperfield among other entertaining characters that we already know and love. These stories are the perfect bedtime reading, with wonderful tales to read out loud. Children and adults alike will delight in hearing them.Regarded by many as the greatest novelist of the Victorian era, Charles Dickens is best known for creating some of the world’s best known fictional characters who feature in his most popular novels, including The Artful Dodger in 'Oliver Twist’, Ebenezer Scrooge in ‘A Christmas Carol’, and Miss Havisham in ‘Great Expectations’. Dickens’ timeless novels and short stories are still widely read today and many have been adapted into countless TV programmes and films including the Academy Award-winning musical ‘Oliver’, and 'A Christmas Carol' which is well known worldwide and is a huge favourite movie for families to watch together at Christmas time.

Have you ever spent an evening in the English countryside and marveled at the beauty around you? In ‘The Pageant of Summer’, Victorian British author Richard Jefferies takes you on a poetic journey that examines all of the warmth and wonder of a bright summer’s evening. You will feel as if you are along for the ride as he describes the luscious green grass below and the light buzz of a dragonflies wings above your head. A type of nature meditation awaits as you dive into the world of Jeffries’ vivid imagery and imagination. Lovers of nature documentaries such as Sir David Attenborough’s 'Planet Earth' will enjoy this short relaxing read.Victorian English author Richard Jefferies is well known as a nature writer focusing on the British countryside. His works also include two well received books, one, a children’s book ‘Bevis’ (1882) as well as a sci-fi book 'After London’ (1885) among other works. Jefferies is regarded as a brilliant imagery creator, showing the world all of the wonder happening right in front of us that we have been too busy to stop and see.

A snowstorm delays four friends on their journey from Brighton to Lewes. While they wait for the storm to clear, Harry Valency tells his friends about his adventures as a soldier during the Greek revolution.Desperate to prove himself as a worthy fighter, Harry is wounded during a Turkish ambush. But having proved his bravery, he is saved by Constantine who recounts the tragic story of his sister Euphrasia while they wait for help.‘Euphrasia’ (1838) is one of many classic short stories by the English writer Mary Shelley and will delight fans of her best-selling novel ‘Frankenstein; or, The Modern Prometheus’ (1818).Mary Shelley (1797–1851) was an English author and travel writer best known for her ground-breaking Gothic novel ‘Frankenstein’ (1818). Considered one of the first true works of science-fiction, the book became an instant bestseller and continues to influence filmmakers, writers, and popular culture to this day, inspiring and terrifying new audiences across the globe.It has been adapted for TV, stage, and film on many occasions, with Boris Karloff famously playing Frankenstein’s monster on screen in 1933. Other adaptations include ‘Mary Shelley's Frankenstein’ (1994) starring Kenneth Branagh and Robert De Niro and ‘Viktor Frankenstein’ (2015) starring Daniel Radcliffe and James McAvoy.Shelley’s other novels include ´Valperga´ (1823), ´The Last Man´ (1826), ´Perkin Warbeck´ (1830), ´Lodore´ (1835), ´Falkner´ (1837), and the posthumously published ´Mathilde´ (1959). However, she will always be remembered as the creator of ´Frankenstein´.

'The carpenter's daughter has won a name for herself, and deserved to win it.'"Contributions to 'All the Year Round'" by Charles Dickens is a collection of short stories originally published in 'All the Year Round' - a weekly British literary journal which was founded and owned by Charles Dickens himself.Featuring titles such as 'The Poor Man and his Beer', 'Five New Points of Criminal Law', 'Leigh Hunt: A Remonstrance', 'The Young Man from the Country' and 'The Late Mr Stanfield' among others.These tales were very popular amongst readers of the magazine and will be with any classics and Charles Dickens fan too.Charles Dickens (1812-1870) was a widely popular English author and social critic. Among his most famous novels are ‘Oliver Twist’, ‘A Christmas Carol’, and ‘Great Expectations’. Dickens is best known for his depictions of poor Victorian living conditions and his unforgettable characters, some compassionate and others grotesquely malicious.Dickens’ timeless tales are still as celebrated today as when they were written, and his literary style is so influential that the term Dickensian was coined to describe the literature he inspired.Many of Dickens’ novels have been adapted for movies and television, including the Academy Award-winning musical ‘Oliver’. 'A Christmas Carol' is well known worldwide and is a huge favourite movie for families to watch together at Christmas time. The most famous movie was from Disney in 2009 starring Jim Carrey, Gary Oldman and Colin Firth.

Vitus von Campodios hat endlich gefunden, wonach er so lange gesucht hat: eine Familie und damit die Wahrheit über seine Herkunft. Als sein Großonkel ihn auf dem Totenbett bittet, nach seiner Enkelin Arlette zu suchen, beginnt für Vitus die nächste große Reise. Er ist in Arlette verliebt, seit er sie zum ersten Mal gesehen hat, und würde alles tun, um sie zu finden. Auf seiner Reise nach der Liebe stößt er auf Hindernisse und Gefahren. Wird er es schaffen, sie rechtzeitig zu finden? "Der Chirurg von Campodios" knüpft an "Der Wanderchirurg" an und führt Leser*innen das nächste, große Abenteuer.Wolf Serno (1944) ist ein deutscher Autor, der mit seiner Wanderchirurgen-Reihe große Erfolge feierte. Bevor er 1997 Vollzeit-Autor wurde, arbeitete er als Messegestalter, Elektriker und Theaterbeleuchter. Heute lebt und arbeitet er in Hamburg.