"Anyone requiring the perfect bedside book need look no further . . . a now-rediscovered masterpiece of character-painting, anecdote and understated wit." — Smithsonian MagazineAugustus John Cuthbert Hare (1834–1903) was a Victorian writer who had clung, so to speak, to the edges of fame. He was born into the maddest of upper-class English families and survived one of the cruelest of childhoods to write monumental travel guides to the Cont...

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 Augustus Hare.

"The Last of the Bushrangers: An Account of the Capture of the Kelly Gang" by Francis Augustus Hare provides a gripping narrative of one of Australia's most infamous outlaw groups. The book delves into the lives of the Kelly Gang, exploring their motivations, the societal conditions that bred such notorious figures, and the dramatic events leading to their capture. Hare's account is rich in detail, offering readers a vivid portrayal of the bushranging era, the challenges faced by law enfor...

The book is written in the first person, giving a detailed, autobiographical account of Hare’s experiences as a superintendent in the Victorian Mounted Police, particularly during the pursuit and final capture of the Kelly Gang. Hare’s account offers insights into the social and criminal landscape of colonial Victoria, the operations of the police force, and the complexities of pursuing outlaws who were both feared and, by some, romanticized.

The exploits of the Ned Kelly gang have entered legend. Seen now as a sort of Australian Robin Hood, and immortalised on screen by none other than Mick Jagger, and in paint by the great Australian artist Sidney Nolan, the reality - as related in this contemporary book written soon after the events it describes - was less romantic and more sordid than the myth. Kelly and his band were Irish 'larrikins' who preferred a career of brutal crime to honest toil. They operated as mounted bushrange...

Life is to be lived. Experiences gained, pleasures sampled. But, troublingly, when you are a classic author your thoughts sometimes lean towards darker thoughts. Within the space of a few paragraphs these literary masters shape a new world; more difficult experiences, darker pleasures. Life becomes uneasy, a queasy feeling, perhaps a repulsion here, a disgust there and very soon what was cosy, warm and comfortable becomes cold, painful, even horrific.The talents of their pens now f...

Throughout the long centuries of human history is the want, and the need, to share information, to exchange ideas and for that knowledge and experience, for curiosity and learning, to be the basis of a civil society.In literature the ambition is much narrower. In order to be known, to be popular, you had to be published. And for that people had to know you existed and your ideas worth reading. Obviously for most of humanity’s time people couldn’t read and texts couldn’t be publishe...

An author’s talents may seem obvious and indisputable as they move words and ideas into gathered phrases and stories.But where do these ideas and stories come from? A lonely thought that suddenly gathers form? An inspiration from a Muse? A suggestion from an everyday event?Perhaps in the case of their darker, more malevolent stories, other forces are at work. They help to nourish single words into sentences and paragraphs that ease themselves from the shadows and are sudden...

Pure Evil is one of our greatest fears. No appeals to reason, no pleas of mercy or forgiveness will have the slightest impact on the mind of the oppressor. These Evil entities, surely we can’t name them as beings, include all sorts of monsters, demons, devils, vampires and other assorted ghouls that care little about the fate of you or I.1 - Essence of Evil - Tales of Monsters, Demons, Devils, Vampires & more2 - The Call of Cthulhu - Part 1 by H P Lovecraft3 - The C...

Short stories have always been a sort of instant access into an author’s brain, their soul and heart. A few pages can lift our lives into locations, people and experiences with a sweep of landscape, narration, feelings and emotions that is difficult to achieve elsewhere.In this series we try to offer up tried and trusted ‘Top Tens’ across many different themes and authors. But any anthology will immediately throw up the questions – Why that story? Why that author?The theme ...

Vampires have fascinated mankind for centuries. These creatures of the night enthrall us, terrify us, and seduce us. The Vampire Super Pack brings together 42 vampires stories spanning almost 200 years. With over 225,000 words of fascinating fiction this is the Vampire anthology you’ve been waiting for. Included herein are: • ‘Lipstick on a Business Card’ by Alledria Hurt • ‘The Vampyre’ by John William Polidori • ‘Saving Grace’ by Lillian Csernica • ‘For the Blood is the Life’ by F. Mario...

An author’s talents may seem obvious and indisputable as they move words and ideas into gathered phrases and stories.But where do these ideas and stories come from? A lonely thought that suddenly gathers form? An inspiration from a Muse? A suggestion from an everyday event?Perhaps in the case of their darker, more malevolent stories, other forces are at work. They help to nourish single words into sentences and paragraphs that ease themselves from the shadows and are sudden...