In her second volume of short stories, which follows the hugely successful 'Encounters', Barbara Erskine has created a compelling world of love, betrayal, suspense and grief.A biographer investigating a tragic death hears voices from the past drawing her towards the truth…A nineteenth century parson’s daughter is caught up in the excitement and romance of a smuggling intrigue…A young boy from a deprived background finds his own haven in the wastelands of the inner c...

In 2018 the RAF is one hundred years old. In his new book, destined to be a classic, Patrick Bishop examines the high point of its existence – the Second World War, when the Air Force saved the nation from defeat then led the advance to victory.A SUNDAY TIMES BESTSELLERAir warfare was a terrible novelty of the modern age, requiring a new military outlook. From the beginning, the RAF’s identity set it apart from the traditional services. It was inno...

Bloomsbury presents Pub by Philip Howell, read by Tim Frances"Erudite, quirky, and amusing." Sebastian FaulksObject Lessons is a series of short books about the hidden lives of ordinary things.The pub is an English institution. Yet its history has been obscured by myth and nostalgia. In this unique book, Philip Howell takes the public house as an object, or rather as a series of objects: he takes the pub apart and examines its constituent e...

A New York Times bestseller.From bestselling author and historical consultant to the award-winning Netflix series The Crown, an unparalleled insider account of tumult, secrecy and schism in the Royal family.The world has watched Prince William and Prince Harry since they were born. Raised by Princess Diana to be the closest of brothers, how have the boy princes grown into very different, now distanced men?From roya...

SELECTED FOR THE RUSA 2023 LISTEN LIST FOR OUTSTANDING AUDIOBOOK NARRATION!The self-appointed mayor of a tiny Italian village is determined to save his hometown no matter the cost in this “charming farce that highlights the triumph of hope and community” (People).Vacuum repairman and self-appointed mayor of Prometto, Italy (population 212) Signor Speranza has a problem: unless he can come up with 70,000 euros to fix the town’s pipe...

An entertaining and openhearted tale of a naïf eventually getting to understand a complex, glittering, beautiful and often cruel society - at least a little.When Simon Kuper left London for Paris in his early thirties, he wasn't planning to make a permanent move. Paris, however, had otherplans. Kuper has grown middle-aged there, eaten the croissants, seen his American wife through life-threatening cancer, taken his children to countless football matches on f...

An anthology released to raise funds for the NHS and UK Healtcare workers. Fifty-three stories, 253,000 words of fiction, including several pieces that are original to this volume. A treasury of stories from some of the finest writers of science fiction, literary fiction, fantasy, horror, and more.Introduction by Ian WhatesLast Contact – Stephen BaxterSlink-Thinking – Frances HardingeGossamer – Ian WhatesThe Feather Dress – Lisa TuttleThe...

Read by the author.NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLERThe American Dream isn’t a thing of the past, but a miracle of the present.Now more than ever, it’s easy to focus on the divisions that plague our nation. It may seem as if our best days are behind us, but bestselling author and senator Tim Scott believes we have yet to realize the fullness of our identity. We are in the midst of a story that’s still unfolding. An...

With vibrant artwork and an affecting poetic text narrated by the Earth, this magnificent ode to our planet serves as a call to action.I am the Earth.All yours to share.The mountains and the Arctic air. . . .And now you’re here, so small and new—a tiny little dream come true.Don’t worry. I’ll take care of you.Will you take care of me?Told from the perspective of ...

Step into a world of festive cheer with "A Christmas Miscellany 2017," a delightful collection of stories, poems, and essays that capture the magic of the holiday season. From Anatole France's poignant tale of a humble Christmas Eve to the whimsical adventures of Santa Claus in "The Night Before Christmas," this anthology offers a heartwarming and nostalgic journey through the traditions and spirit of Christmas. Immerse yourself in the timeless charm of these literary gems and let the spir...