Daphnis and Chloe is the most acclaimed of the early Greek novels. Its popularity is enhanced by the splendid illustrations it has generated - from High Victorian to Bonnard and Maillol, and of course musically in the ballet of Ravel. There are numerous translations of the prose text of Longus, but the reader may sense that something is missing, that some poetic charm in the original has been lost. Accordingly, John Watson has devised a metrical version in which, it is hoped, the ...

"The War and Democracy" is a compelling exploration of the intricate relationship between warfare and democratic governance. The authors, Arthur Greenwood, R. W. Seton-Watson, John Dover Wilson, and Alfred Zimmern, delve into the impact of war on democratic institutions and the political landscape. They analyze how conflicts can both challenge and reinforce democratic ideals, providing a nuanced perspective on the interplay between national crises and civic responsibility. Through historic...

"Poachers and Poaching" by F.L.S. John Watson delves into the complex and often controversial world of wildlife conservation and illegal hunting. The book explores the motivations behind poaching, examining the socio-economic factors that drive individuals to engage in this illicit activity. Watson provides a thorough analysis of the impact of poaching on biodiversity and ecosystems, highlighting the urgent need for effective conservation strategies. Through compelling narratives and case ...

The book is a collection of stories and anecdotes detailing the experiences of a poacher, from his methods of evading gamekeepers to his intimate knowledge of the countryside and its wildlife. Watson presents poaching not just as a crime but as a craft and a way of life, showcasing the skill and cunning required to outsmart both the law and the natural challenges of the landscape. He describes the tools of the trade, such as snares, traps, and nets, and gives insight into the behavior of a...

The Mystery of the Downs is a captivating anthology that compiles a dazzling array of mystery narratives set against the haunting and enigmatic landscapes of the English Downs. This collection offers an exhilarating tapestry of suspenseful tales that seamlessly fuse elements of traditional whodunits with intricate character studies and psychological depth. Each story within this anthology unfolds a meticulously woven plot, rich in atmospheric tension and profound insight into the human exp...

This book was created when John Watson McCrindle lived and worked in India as a schoolteacher. His interest in the state poured into years-long research of the ancient Greek and Latin text, where he collected the mentions of India. For this research, he collected materials from the works by Arrian, Q. Curtius, Diodoros, Plutarch, and Justin. The book follows Alexander's invasion in India, with all the great leader's campaigns on his way, including his invasion in Afghanistan, the Panjâb, S...

The rewriting of prose texts in iambics is perhaps primarily a way of reading them with deliberation; the texts here - favourites of course - have much in common. Those from Lampedusa posit the possibility of extraordinary events. Similarly, 'Sylvie' depends on extremities of tenderness exemplified by the scene in the Othys section when the narrator and Sylvie, descending the stairs, stage a re-enactment. And in the scene from Dali's novel Hidden Faces there is something in common...

In "War Stories for my Grandchildren," John Watson Foster crafts a compelling narrative that intertwines personal anecdotes with broader historical events, reflecting on the complexities of war through a deeply personal lens. The book employs a reflective and conversational style, inviting readers into intimate moments while providing a poignant exploration of the ramifications of conflict. Foster's vivid storytelling is rooted in the American literary tradition of recounting familial tale...

When Harry Marsland was caught in a sudden down pour he sought shelter at Cliff Farm. Met at the door by a young woman clearly expecting someone else he is only too glad to get inside to wait out the storm. When they hear a noise upstairs in the deserted house they investigate only to discover the body of the farm's owner, Frank Lumsden, dead of a gunshot wound. Who then, killed Lumsden, and why? Who was the woman expecting and did she have any roll in the murder? These are the questions t...

High Court Justice Sir Horace Fewbanks found shot dead in his Hampstead home, a butler with a criminal past, a scorned lover and a hint of scandal. These are the elements of the Hampstead Mystery that Detective Inspector Chippenfield of Scotland Yard must unravel with the assistance of the ambitious Detective Rolfe. But will he be able to sort out the tangled threads of this case and arrest the culprit before he is upstaged by the celebrated gentleman detective Crewe. Follow the details of...

"The Annals of a Quiet Valley" is an 1894 novel by John Watson. Set primarily in a single valley in the Lake District, England, it offers an authentic insight into more and manners of traditional English country life, beautifully narrated by a master of the language. Fantastically-illustrated and highly-readable, this wonderful novel will appeal to all lovers of the English language, and deserves a place on all bookshelves. Many vintage books such as this are becoming increasingly scarce a...

When Harry Marsland was caught in a sudden down pour he sought shelter at Cliff Farm. Met at the door by a young woman clearly expecting someone else he is only too glad to get inside to wait out the storm. When they hear a noise upstairs in the deserted house they investigate only to discover the body of the farm's owner, Frank Lumsden, dead of a gunshot wound. Who then, killed Lumsden, and why? Who was the woman expecting and did she have any roll in the murder? These are the questions t...