Other books that might interest you

• 

  Marsyas in Flanders - From their...

  Vernon Lee

  • 0
  • 0
  • 0

  Vernon Lee was born Violet Paget on 4th October 1856 in Boulogne, France to intellectual expatriate British parents.   
  In common with several other very talented literary women of the day she felt it necessary to publish under a masculine pseudonym in order for her writing to be taken seriously.  Indeed she seems to have adopted that persona across her whole lifestyle becoming personally known and acknowledged by all as Vernon Lee and accordingly dressed as a man.    
  Her first published work, in 1880, was taken from her collection of essays that had originally appeared in Fraser’s Magazine with the scholarly title of; ‘Studies of the Eighteenth Century in Italy.’ It reflected her passion for music and centered on the rich creative lives of poet-librettist Pietro Metastasio and dramatists Carlo Goldoni and Carlo Gozzi.   
  She wrote over a dozen volumes of essays on art, music, and travel with her scholarly appreciation animated by wit and imagination.  Lee was well-regarded as an expert on the Italian Renaissance and was a proponent of the Aesthetic movement. 
  Her literary talents were extensive and she wrote a number of novels and plays.  Perhaps her best remembered works are her haunting and powerful short stories exploring the supernatural.  Lee has often received accolades for these and glowingly compared to other authors such as M R James. 
  A committed pacifist she was resolved to protest against World War I. Her social activism in other areas was perhaps fueled by her feminist beliefs.  In her private life she was a lesbian and had long-term passionate relationships with three women including the doomed author and poet, Amy Levy.   
  Vernon Lee died on 13th February 1935 in San Gervasio Bresciano, Italy.

  Show book

• 

  Lord Arthur Savile's Crime and...

  Oscar Wilde

  • 0
  • 0
  • 0

  Lord Arthur Savile's Crime and Other Stories is a sparkling collection of short fiction that showcases Oscar Wilde's unmatched wit, irony, and satirical brilliance. First published in 1891, these stories reveal Wilde at his most playful and incisive, blending humor with sharp social commentary and a keen understanding of human vanity, morality, and hypocrisy.
  
  The collection includes some of Wilde's most celebrated tales, such as "Lord Arthur Savile's Crime," "The Canterville Ghost," "The Sphinx Without a Secret," "The Model Millionaire," and "The Portrait of Mr. W. H." Each story explores the absurdities of Victorian society, often turning conventional moral expectations upside down. With elegant prose and clever plotting, Wilde exposes the follies of aristocracy, the pretensions of respectability, and the curious ways people justify their actions.
  
  At the heart of these stories lies Wilde's fascination with fate, identity, and the tension between appearance and reality. Whether following a man determined to commit murder out of a misplaced sense of duty, a ghost tormented by modern Americans, or a mystery built on aesthetic obsession, Wilde delights in subverting expectations while offering subtle philosophical insight.
  
  Though humorous and entertaining, these stories are far from trivial. Beneath their lightness lies a deeper critique of social norms, moral rigidity, and the contradictions of human behavior. Wilde's distinctive voice—witty, polished, and paradoxical—shines throughout, making each story both a pleasure to read and a subject for thoughtful reflection.
  
  Lord Arthur Savile's Crime and Other Stories is an essential collection for readers who enjoy classic short stories, satirical fiction, and literary masterpieces. Timeless in its themes and irresistibly clever in its execution, this book stands as a testament to Oscar Wilde's enduring genius and his ability to combine laughter with lasting insight.

  Show book

• 

  The Magic Ring - From their pens...

  Kenneth Grahame

  • 0
  • 0
  • 0

  Kenneth Grahame was born on 8th March 1859 in Edinburgh. 
  At age 5 his mother succumbed to puerperal fever.  His father, who had a drinking problem, now sent his 4 children to live with their grandmother at her large house in Cookham, Berkshire. Here the children lived in large open grounds next to the river.  These early experiences would in later years, be retold in his writing through a myriad of characters. 
  Grahame loved being a pupil at St Edward's School, Oxford and wanted to enroll at the university there but his guardian demurred on account of the cost. 
  Instead, a banking career was chosen for him, starting in 1879 at the Bank of England, where he rose steadily to the rank of its Secretary until retiring, with a pension, in 1908 due to ill health. 
  Alongside his commercial career Grahame had written and published various stories and essays in several periodicals. Some were anthologized as ‘Pagan Papers’ in 1893, and two years later ‘The Golden Age’ and later still ‘Dream Days’ and its masterpiece ‘The Reluctant Dragon’ became part of many home libraries.  His ability to view life through the lens of a young and curious child was superb, enabling the reader to easily identify with the character.   
  Grahame married Elspeth Thomson in 1899 and they had one child; Alastair, born semi-blind and plagued by health problems.  In a heart-rending tragedy he would later take his own life whilst attending Oxford University in 1920.   
  In 1908 Grahame reworked many of the bedtime stories he had fashioned for his son into the enduring favourite; ‘The Wind in the Willows’, describing the heart-warming adventures of Mr Toad and his friends.   
  Kenneth Grahame died in Pangbourne, Berkshire, on 6th July 1932.

  Show book

• 

  The Cold Embrace - From their...

  Mary Elizabeth Braddon

  • 0
  • 0
  • 0

  Mary Elizabeth Braddon was born in London on the 4th October 1835. 
  At age 5 her parents separated but her ambition to succeed was not daunted.  After being privately educated she took to acting, and the minor roles she obtained where enough to support both her and her mother.  This potential career waned as soon as she began writing and secured an income from it. 
  In 1860, she met John Maxwell, a publisher of periodicals, and moved in with him the following year.  At the time Maxwell was already married with five children but his wife was confined to an Irish mental asylum.  On her death they married and she had six children by him. 
  Braddon was prolific and wrote over 80 novels, perhaps the most famous is ‘Lady Audley's Secret’ (1862), which won her both sales and a fortune as a bestseller.  She also wrote a number of historical fiction novels which again increased her reputation. 
  She was equally prolific as a short story writer, primarily supernatural and ghost stories, all of which continue to be anthologized to this day, such is the high regard they are kept in. 
  Braddon founded Belgravia magazine in 1866, its fare being serialised sensation novels, poems, travel narratives and biographies, along with essays on fashion, history and science, all lavishly illustrated.  She also edited Temple Bar magazine. 
  Mary Elizabeth Braddon died on 4th February 1915 and is buried in Richmond Cemetery.

  Show book

• 

  Little Women

  Louisa May Alcott

  • 0
  • 0
  • 0

  Discover the timeless charm of "Little Women," Louisa May Alcott's beloved novel that has captivated readers for generations. This heartwarming tale follows the lives of the four March sisters—Meg, Jo, Beth, and Amy—as they navigate the complexities of growing up, pursuing dreams, and experiencing the bonds of sisterhood during the American Civil War.Each sister is distinctively portrayed with their aspirations and personality, making them relatable figures for readers of all ages. From Jo's ambitious literary dreams to Amy's artistic pursuits, the novel beautifully illustrates the resilience and courage of young women facing societal expectations. Alcott's rich narrative invites readers into the intimate world of the March family, offering a blend of romance, adversity, and growth, all underscored by the power of unity and familial love.Ideal for fans of classic literature and stories of personal development, "Little Women" promises to inspire, entertain, and provoke thought about the roles of women in society and the importance of family.

  Show book

• 

  The Adventures of a Lady Pearl...

  Beatrice Heron-Maxwell

  • 0
  • 0
  • 0

  The bookshelves of British literature are incredible collections that have gathered together centuries of very talented authors.  From these Isles their fame spread and whilst among their number many are now forgotten or neglected their talents endure.  Among them is Beatrice Heron-Maxwell.

  Show book