Written in 1882, and set in the author's beloved West Country, Two on a Tower is one of Hardy's earliest works. This fast moving story combines tragedy, romance and humour in a convoluted tale of human relationships. It also reflects Hardy's interest in the stars and astronomy.Lonely Viviette Constantine awaits the return of her husband from a hunting expedition to Africa. She becomes involved with a young astronomer, Swithin St. Cleeve, who observes the night sky from a d...

One of Henry James’ main themes was the interaction between the Old World and the New. Restless Baroness Eugenia Munster and her charming bohemian brother Felix are visiting their American cousins in Boston, New England. The effect these two extravagant characters have on their austere Puritan relations forms the substance of the book and is told in a series of scenes or ‘sketches’. The author writes with subtly observed good humour which accelerates and escalates into higher comedy as Fel...

Hamlet was written between 1597 and 1600, just after the death of Shakespeare’s only son, Hamlet, one of twins, who died aged 11 in 1596. Despite scholarly argument that this was mere coincidence, it is impossible to believe that a writer as sensitive as Shakespeare would not be questioning the reason for the life and death of his son during those years.This production contends that Hamlet was to a large degree shaped by the answers to those questions. In the drama a lot o...

It is 1899. Old Jolyon has long since been buried at Robin Hill, and with the death of Aunt Susan in 1895 and Roger’s funeral opening this instalment of the Saga, the Forsyte’s are fast becoming aware of their mortality.Yet more problems beset the family. Montague Dartie leaves his wife for Buenos Aires to pursue his latest flame, a dancer. Young Jolyon’s wife has died and his father entrusted him as executor of his will, ensuring that Irene receives the interest on the sum the old man lef...

'A great and educational read..' Amazon 5 star reader review ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐**'**Would definitely recommend to anyone thinking .' Amazon 5 star reader review ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐Criminology is a multi-disciplinary subject - but it doesn't have to be difficult. This book, complete with case studies and key facts, forms a course which will take you from beginner or intermediate level to having a confident grasp of th...

The house at Richmond is finished at last, but Soames takes Bosinney to court for exceeding the budget. The final judgment of their case turns on ‘a very fine point’ in their correspondence.The architect does not heed Young Jolyon’s warning and continues to pursue Irene - with fatal consequences.Old Jolyon effects a complete reconciliation with his son and changes his will as a result, further distancing himself from his brother James in the process. The rift will continue ...

This is your go-to guide to politicsAs the UK gears up for a snap general election on the back of a hotly contested and divisive referendum, there has never been a better time to discover more about politics and how it works.Politics: A Complete Introduction explains everything you need to know, giving you a comprehensive and easy-to-understand introduction to a complex subject.Inside you will learn about different political ideologies and ...

On one level Melville’s tale is an historical adventure story telling of life aboard ship shortly after the mutiny at Spithead in 1797. Billy is taken from a homeward bound merchantman to serve on the ‘Seventy Four’ HMS Indomitable. He falls foul of Claggart, the ‘Master at Arms’, and the final confrontation results in death. Billy becomes an unwilling martyr - what passes for justice must be implemented because of the rebellious climate of the time. However, below the surface lie some of ...

The columnist of the New York Post-Dispatch, Miss Lonelyhearts, is initially cynical about the letters he receives for help. They are a joke. Gradually however, the letters start to move him but he is powerless to do anything. Retreating from the pain into a fantasy world he starts to believe that he is a Christ figure, a universal saviour. But Christ died for the sins of others! The pen may be mightier than the sword but the author wields his like a cleaver, splicing images together to pr...

Set in stifled industrial Staffordshire in the late nineteenth century against a strong evangelical background Anna of the Five Towns tells of the courting of hard businessman Ephraim Tellright's daughter by prosperous and accomplished Henry Mynors. As her father's fortune grows so does Anna's understanding. She realises her legacy and responsibility for the possible ruination of her father's tenants Titus Price and his son Willie, who also loves her. Mynors is soon in partnership with Tel...

‘This was the original GAME OF THRONES’ George R.R. MartinAvailable for the first time in English, THE KING WITHOUT A KINGDOM is the seventh and final volume of The Accursed Kings series.The reign of the Capetian kings has ended and John II, ‘The Good’, second of the Valois dynasty, has taken the throne.Under his leadership the Hundred Years War, one of the longest and bloodiest conflicts in history, escalates and England and France begin to tear each other apart.

Having been married for over 40 years, 69-year-old Arthur Pepper is mourning the loss of his wife. He finally musters the courage to go through her possessions and happens upon a charm bracelet that he has never seen before. What follows is a surprising adventure that takes Arthur on an epic quest to find out the truth about his wife’s life, a journey that leads him to find healing, self-discovery, and love in the most unexpected of places.