'A beautiful and important book' - Marina MahlerGustav Mahler wrote some of the most challenging and cherished music of all time: eleven extraordinary symphonies that continue to fascinate, intrigue and infuriate music lovers around the world.In his dazzling new book, David Vernon celebrates these vast but often very private works of art. In stimulating prose, he investigates their theatricality and grandeur, as well as their poetry and intimacy, examining ...

Trent was shorter than she had envisaged but he was fit looking with sun-bleached hair and a neatly trimmed beard. He was in bare feet and wearing a short white robe. He made some small talk – did she have any trouble finding the place, was she having a good day? That sort of thing. Then it was down to business.— From "M'deira M'dear?" by Stephen KnoxBold as day, she strips off in front of me. Her nipples are overly large and dark against her pale skin. From the corner of my...

This collection of erotic tales, by sixteen established and new authors, gives a fresh insight into contemporary erotica. Chosen from the entrants in the Stringybark Erotic Fiction Awards, David Vernon has selected eighteen entertaining, amusing and definitely arousing tales of passion. Ranging from the Garden of Eden to the sizzling streets of Spain, each story is sure to excite."Adam watched her as she stood with her back to him, slender legs apart; her firm buttocks looking like...

'[An] extraordinary and exciting book' - John SimpsonBeethoven's string quartets have long been held up as the pinnacle of chamber music: their fertility, complexity, depth and range mark them out as amongst the greatest of all musical creations. Yet they are also elusive, slippery works of art.In his new book, David Vernon - author of Disturbing the Universe: Wagner's Musikdrama and Beauty and Sadness: Mahler's 11 Symphonies - explores th...

" Bubbling hot fudge breathes chocolate and caramel steam. Quivering white marshmallows nestle in dunes of crispy roasted coconut. Smooth layers of pink and white coconut ice settle beside transparent Turkish Delights, dusted with icing sugar. We arrange them in cardboard boxes, each lined with a paper doily."— from 'Last Post' by Joanna Capelle"His was an elegantly compelling courtship, a steady acquisition of herself that she was hardly conscious of. Her younger suitors ha...

A tale with a twist is a tantalising read. Showcased here are thirty-three award-winning stories from Australian and international authors, all which have a neat little twist in the tail. See if you can guess the ending before reaching it. Written by new and established writers each story has been chosen for its unique contribution to Australian literature as judged by Antoinette Merrillees, Julia Robertson, Dr Rick Williams and David Vernon. Enjoy the journey!"I know what's going ...

Arms, legs and breasts were thrust through the bars and the desperation caused Mr. Fox to stumble back, muttering, "Good God!" before being accosted on the other side and pinned by dirty arms to the bars and his waistcoat pocket was explored by boney fingers. Fortunately Mr. Fox had displayed some forethought and left his pocket watch at home, but he still seemed genuinely surprised by the molestation."Geeeeeet back!" one of the sailors yelled and swung a bat at the limbs, which rec...

Forty-one engaging and clever short stories feature in this latest anthology from Stringybark Stories. Selected from over 290 entries these winning and highly commended tales are wickedly intriguing, thought-provoking, sometimes sad, sometimes funny, but always a rollicking read.Marco meandered through the checkered picnic blankets in the park, trying not to step on their owners. Plates of potato salad and coleslaw threatened to trip him up. The tasty smell of sausages tickled his ...

'David Vernon's book helps everyone, no matter how previously informed, to find their own way into Sibelius's extraordinary world.' - Sakari Oramo, chief conductor, BBC Symphony Orchestra'Sibelius's music is as synthetic as a skyscraper but as natural and spontaneous as a dividing cell'Developing a style and logic all his own, outside the trends of modernism, Jean Sibelius wrote some of most captivating and resonant orchestral works of the twentieth century...

Thirty-seven award-winning short stories fill these entertaining pages. Written by Australian and international authors these stories explore Australian culture — sometimes funny, often poignant, occasionally unsettling, this anthology showcases the best of contemporary short story writing.Everyone has been embarrassingly kind. When Colin died, I received flowers and sympathy and even two casseroles. A very private person, I had not expected that living in Edenvale Lifestyle Vi...

Bikinis undulated, underwater pennants marking high points in Lachie's life. Pink crocheted triangles, stiff with salt water, unknotted with fumbling fingers his first time. Sporty Lycra, cupping surf carnival competitors' taut buttocks. Sequinned strings, slinking from the glittering loins of tired-eyed strippers at his brother's buck's night. Today, his girlfriend Em wore a shimmering cobalt bikini, the colour of the flash on a kookaburra's wing (from Free-Diving by Morgana MacLeod)....

What does it mean to be seen, heard, loved, forgiven—or simply understood? In Thanks for Asking, forty award-winning stories from the Stringybark Short Story Awards explore the small moments and life-changing choices that shape who we are. Across country towns, city streets, family kitchens, train carriages, beaches and backroads, these stories introduce characters experiencing longing, loss, humour, resilience, mystery and hope. Some tales are tender, some unsettling, so...