USED BOOK. MAY CONTAIN MARK-UP

By Hilary Mantel

FROM CHAPTER 1:

“So now get up."

Felled, dazed, silent, he has fallen; knocked full length on the cobbles of the yard. His head turns sideways; his eyes are turned toward the gate, as if someone might arrive to help him out. One blow, properly placed, could i kill him now. Blood from the gash on his head--which was his father's first effort is trickling across his face. Add to this, his left eye is blinded; but if he squints sideways, with his right eye he can see that the stitching of his father's boot is unraveling. The twine has sprung clear of the leather, and a hard knot in it has caught his eyebrow and opened another cut.”

NY. Henry Holt and Company. 2009. 548p.

By John Meade Falkner

Edited with an Introduction by Edward Wilson who notes: “The detailed apparatus to this edition has been demanded not only by Time, which has altered not just the senses of words but a whole cultural hinterland beyond a modern reader's recognition, but by Falkner himself, who delighted in sowing his novel with literary and antiquarian allusions. Indeed, a character, Mr Gaskell, in The Lost Stradivarius itself, when reading an eighteenth-century diary in pursuit of highly sensational matter cannot resist telling us that "the minute details given were often of high antiquarian interest'“

London. Oxford University Press. 1954. (1895). USED BOOK. CONTAINS MARK-UP.

By Madeline Miller

FROM USA TODAY: “"It takes a truly gifted writer to make a song this old feel this beauti- fully new. What's startling about this sharply written, cleverly reimagined, enormously promising debut novel from Madeline Miller is how fresh and moving her take on the tale is--how she has managed to bring Achilles and his companion Patroclus to life in our time without removing them from their own."

NY. Harper Collins. 2012. 426p. USED BOOK. CONTAINS MARK-UP

By Colleen McCullough

FROM THE COVER: “The publication thirteen years ago of Birds was a landmark event, a remarkable achievement now surpassed by a novel in which storytelling and scholarship combine to bring to life one of history's most important epochs. The First Man in Rome sweeps the reader into an irresistibly vivid world of political intrigue, danger, wars, assassinations, devas- tating upheaval, intricately passionate family alliances and rivalries - and undeniable reality. It is New Year's Day of 110 B.C., and two of the latest in a long line of noble Roman mediocrities are assuming the coveted mantle of consul. But among those watching are two very different men, men whose vision, ruthlessness, and courage will force shattering change upon the Roman Republic, strug- gling to cope with mushrooming territorial possessions and the growing resentment of the Italians it treats as third-class citizens. One of these two men is Marius, a wealthy rustic barred by his low birth from grasping his prophesied destiny, to become the First Man in Rome- he who stands above all his peers through sheer excellence. The second is (continued on back flap)…..”

NY. William Morrow and Company, Inc. 1960. 897p. USED BOOK CONTAINS MARK-UP

By Henry James

The Bostonians is a novel by Henry James, first published as a serial in The Century Magazine in 1885–1886 and then as a book in 1886. This bittersweet tragicomedycentres on an odd triangle of characters: Basil Ransom, a political conservative from Mississippi; Olive Chancellor, Ransom's cousin and a Boston feminist; and Verena Tarrant, a pretty, young protégée of Olive's in the feminist movement. The storyline concerns the struggle between Ransom and Olive for Verena's allegiance and affection, though the novel also includes a wide panorama of political activists, newspaper people, and quirky eccentrics.

• More...

  Henry James originally entered into an agreement with the Boston publisher James R. Osgood & Co. to publish the book in the United States for $4,000. Osgood made a separate agreement with The Century for the magazine to serialize the novel. In May 1885, before the serialization had finished and James had been paid any of the money owed to him, Osgood's firm went bankrupt.[1] James was able to recover part of the lost sum by selling the copyright to Macmillan and Co., which published The Bostonians in a three-volume edition in Britain in February 1886, and in a one-volume edition in the US in May 1886.[1] James was not, however, able to recover any money for the serialization in The Century.[2]

• Plot...

  Mississippi lawyer and Civil War veteran, Basil Ransom, visits his cousin Olive Chancellor in Boston. She takes him to a political meeting where Verena Tarrant delivers a feminist speech. Ransom, a strong conservative, is annoyed by the speech but fascinated with the speaker. Olive, who never has set eyes on Verena, is equally fascinated. She persuades Verena to leave her parents' house, move in with her and study in preparation for a career in the feminist movement. Meanwhile, Ransom returns to his law practice in New York, which is not doing well. He visits Boston again and walks with Verena through the grounds of Harvard College, including the impressive Civil War Memorial Hall. Verena finds herself attracted to the charismatic Ransom. Basil eventually proposes to Verena, much to Olive's dismay. Olive has arranged for Verena to speak at the Boston Music Hall. Ransom shows up at the hall just before Verena is scheduled to begin her speech. He persuades Verena to elope with him, to the discomfiture of Olive and her fellow-feminists. The final sentence of the novel shows Verena in tears – not to be her last, James assures us.

London. Macmillan . 1886. 419p.

By Kim Scott

"That Deadman Dance" is a novel by Kim Scott, first published in 2010. The novel is set in Western Australia in the early 1800s, and tells the story of a young Noongar boy named Bobby Wabalanginy and his encounters with the first British settlers in the region.

Bobby is a curious and energetic child who is fascinated by the newcomers and their strange customs, language, and technology. He befriends several of the settlers, including the kind-hearted Dr. Cross and the ambitious Lieutenant Dan Horton, and becomes a bridge between the two cultures.

However, as the British settlers begin to establish their presence in the region, conflicts and tensions arise between them and the Noongar people, and Bobby finds himself caught in the middle. As he navigates his way through the rapidly changing landscape of his world, Bobby must confront difficult questions about identity, belonging, and the legacy of colonialism.

Australia Macmillan. 2010. 401p.

By Phillippa Gregory

London. Harper Collins. 2009. 491p.

"The Other Queen" is a historical fiction novel by Philippa Gregory, published in 2008. The book is set in 16th century England and Scotland, and tells the story of Mary, Queen of Scots, who is imprisoned by her cousin Queen Elizabeth I of England.

The novel is told from the perspective of three women: Mary, Queen of Scots; Elizabeth Talbot, Countess of Shrewsbury; and Georgiana, Duchess of Bedford. Elizabeth Talbot is charged with the care of Mary during her imprisonment and becomes her confidante, while Georgiana is a friend of Elizabeth I who becomes involved in the political intrigues surrounding Mary's imprisonment.

"The Other Queen" is a richly detailed and meticulously researched work of historical fiction that offers a compelling glimpse into the lives of the powerful women who shaped 16th century England and Scotland. Gregory's prose is vivid and engaging, and her characters are complex and nuanced, with their own desires, fears, and motivations.

By Phillippa Gregory

NY. Touchstone. 2004. 512p.

"The Queen's Fool" is a historical fiction novel by Philippa Gregory, first published in 2003. The book is set in England in the 16th century, during the reigns of King Henry VIII and Queen Mary I, and tells the story of a young girl named Hannah Green who becomes a servant in the royal court.

Hannah is a gifted "fool," a type of entertainer who uses jokes and acrobatics to amuse the court. She catches the eye of Queen Mary, who takes her under her wing and makes her a trusted confidante. But as Hannah gets caught up in the political machinations of the court, she must navigate dangerous alliances and protect herself from those who would do her harm.

"The Queen's Fool" is a well-researched and engaging work of historical fiction that offers a window into the complex and turbulent world of Tudor England. Gregory's prose is vivid and evocative, and her characters are richly drawn and memorable. The book offers a fresh perspective on well-known historical figures, such as King Henry VIII and Queen Mary I, and provides a compelling glimpse into the lives of the ordinary people who served them.

By E. V. Timms

NY. Pyramid. 1951. 315p

"The Valleys Beyond" is a novel by Australian author Peter Kocan, first published in 1995. The novel follows the lives of a group of working-class Australians living in the fictional town of Walgaree, New South Wales, in the 1950s and 1960s.

At the heart of the novel is the character of Brian Madden, a troubled young man who struggles with mental illness and a sense of alienation from the world around him. Madden's struggles are mirrored in the lives of the other characters, including his mother, who works as a cleaner, his father, a factory worker, and his girlfriend, an aspiring singer.

Kocan uses vivid and poetic language to capture the landscape and atmosphere of Walgaree and to explore the characters' inner lives and struggles. The novel also explores themes of class, identity, and the impact of social and economic change on working-class communities in Australia.

By Robert Harris

London. Hutchinson. 2003. 341p.

The novel is set against the backdrop of the impending eruption of Mount Vesuvius, which eventually destroys the city of Pompeii and leads to the death of thousands of its inhabitants. Harris uses meticulous historical research to bring the city and its inhabitants to life, and the novel provides a vivid and immersive portrayal of life in ancient Rome.

The novel also explores themes of greed, corruption, and political intrigue, as Attilius uncovers a conspiracy involving the corrupt aquarius in charge of Pompeii's water supply, as well as the wealthy and powerful Pompeian elite. The novel's suspenseful plot and vivid descriptions of the eruption of Mount Vesuvius create a gripping and immersive reading experience.

By Steele Rudd

Sydneeele Ruddy. Angus and Robertson. 1899. 258p.

"On Our Selection" is a play and a collection of stories written by Australian author Steele Rudd (real name Arthur Hoey Davis) in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. The stories are based on Rudd's own experiences growing up in rural Queensland and revolve around the trials and tribulations of a farming family, the Rudds.

The character of Dad Rudd, the patriarch of the family, has become an iconic figure in Australian literature and is known for his wit, wisdom, and resilience in the face of adversity. The stories offer a humorous and affectionate portrayal of rural life in Australia at the turn of the century, and explore the themes of family, community, and the struggle for survival in a harsh and unforgiving environment.

"On Our Selection" was first published in 1899 and became an instant success, both in Australia and overseas. The stories have been adapted into several films, plays, and television series over the years, and continue to be celebrated as a classic example of Australian literature.

Editor-in-Chief, Kuno Francke

NY. The German Publication Society. 1914.

The collection includes works by famous authors such as Johann Wolfgang von Goethe, Friedrich Schiller, Thomas Mann, and Franz Kafka. It also includes lesser-known works by writers such as Adalbert Stifter, Gottfried Keller, and Gerhart Hauptmann.

Each work in the collection offers a unique perspective on the cultural, social, and political issues of its time, and reflects the distinctive style and voice of its author. The works in the collection range from romantic poetry and lyrical prose to philosophical essays and modernist fiction.

By Chris Cleave

NY. Simon and Schuster. 2008. 298p.

The novel alternates between the perspectives of Little Bee and Sarah, a British woman whose life intersects with Little Bee's when they meet on a Nigerian beach two years before Little Bee's arrival in England. As the two women's stories unfold, the novel explores themes of identity, trauma, and the complexities of human relationships.

Through the character of Little Bee, the novel sheds light on the experiences of refugees and asylum seekers, and the challenges they face as they try to build new lives in unfamiliar and often hostile environments. It also explores issues of race, privilege, and the legacy of colonialism, as well as the impact of global economic and political forces on the lives of individuals and communities.

By George Eliot III

Silas Marner is George Eliot's (1819-1880) short novel of 1861, in which the protagonist is obliged to leave his small religious community after being falsely accused of theft. He settles in Raveloe, where he works diligently as a weaver for 15 years and manages to accumulate and hoard a substantial amount of gold.
“The Lifted Veil” concerns themes of fate, extrasensory perception, the mystery of life and life after death. Eliot's interest in these themes stemmed partly from her own struggles with religious faith, as she was an extremely devout Christian as a child and young adult who later renounced Christianity completely. “Brother Jacob'“raises issues of perennial concern to George Eliot as an author who was also a woman. In particular, this fabular tale about a hapless confectioner and his imbecilic broth- er exposes the pitfalls in women's relationship(s) to cultural authority, 'the strange bright fruits of knowledge' (Woolf 160). As a fable whose hero is distinguished by fraudulence and guile, 'Brother Jacob' reflects its author's attitude towards plagiarists and other impostors with pre- tensions to authorship. Even as Marian Evans disguised herself as George Eliot, the 'silly lady novelist' of her day is disguised in the story's protagonist, David Faux.

London. Oxford University Press. 1861., 1859, 1860. 318p.

By Mrs. Craik.

The action is centred on the town of Tewkesbury, scarcely disguised by the fictional name Norton Bury, in Gloucestershire. The story is narrated by Phineas, a friend of the central character. John Halifax is an orphan, determined to make his way in the world through honest hard work. He is taken in by a tanner, Abel Fletcher, who is a Quaker, and thus meets Phineas, who is Abel's son. John eventually achieves success in business and love, and becomes a wealthy man. (Wikipedia)

London: Ward, Lock and Co. 1856. 449p.

By D. H. Lawrence

Kangaroo is D. H. Lawrence's eighth novel, set in Australia. He wrote the first draft in just forty-five days while living south of Sydney, in 1922, and revised it three months later in New Mexico. The descriptions of the country are vivid and sympathetic and the book fuses lightly disguised autobiography with an exploration of political ideas at an immensely personal level. Based on a collation of the manuscript, typescripts and first editions, this text of Kangaroo is closest to what Lawrence would have expected to see in print. There is a full textual apparatus of variants, a comprehensive introduction giving the background and history of composition and publication and a summary of contemporary reviewers' opinions. Explanatory notes elucidate the many geographical, political and literary allusions in the text; there are three maps and an appendix detailing Australian locations.

London. Thomas Seltzer Inc. 1923. 367p.

By Elizabeth Norton

Doomed queen of Henry VIII, mother to Elizabeth I, the epic story of Anne Boleyn.Anne Boleyn was the most controversial and scandalous woman ever to sit on the throne of England. From her early days at the imposing Hever Castle in Kent, to the glittering courts of Paris and London, Anne caused a stir wherever she went. Alluring but not beautiful, Anne's wit and poise won her numerous admirers at the English court, and caught the roving eye of King Henry. Anne was determined to shape her own destiny, first through a secret engagement to Henry Percy, the heir of the Earl of Northumberland, and later through her insistence on marriage with the king, after a long and tempestuous relationship as his mistress. Their love affair was as extreme as it was deadly, from Henry's 'mine own sweetheart' to 'cursed and poisoning whore' her fall from grace was total.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Elizabeth Norton gained her first degree from the Universiy of Cambridge, and her Masters from the University of Oxford. Her other books include Jane Seymour: Henry VIII's True Love, Anne of Cleves: Henry VIII's Discarded Bride (both published by Amberley Publishing) and She Wolves: The Notorious Queens of England. She lives in Kingston Upon Thames.

Glocderstershire. Amberly Publishing. 2009. 221p.

By Jackie French

This is a love song to our nation, told in a single sweeping story

Jed Kelly has finally persuaded her great aunt Nancy to tell the story of her grandparents. The tale that unfolds is one of Australia's greatest romances - that of Clancy of the Overflow, who gave up everything for Rose, the woman he adored, and yet still gained all he'd lost and more.

But Nancy's story is not the history that Jed expects. More tales lurk behind the folklore that surrounds Clancy - the stories of the women hidden in Australia's long history, who forged a nation and whose voices need to be heard.

It is also a story of many kinds of love. Clancy's growing passion for the bush, immortalised in Paterson's poem, which speaks to him in the ripple of the river and the song of the stars, and Nancy's need to pass on her deep understanding of her country.

But perhaps the most moving love story of all is the one that never happened, between Matilda O'Halloran and Clancy of the Overflow. And as Jed brings all of these stories to life in her book, Matilda and Clancy will once again waltz beside the river and the forgotten will be given a new voice.

Australia. Harper Collins Australia. 2019. 446p.

By Geraldine Brooks

An extraordinary novel woven out of the lore of American history—by the author of the international bestseller Year of Wonders. Winner of the 2006 Pulitzer Prize for Fiction.

From Louisa May Alcott’s beloved classic Little Women, Geraldine Brooks has animated the character of the absent father, March, and crafted a story "filled with the ache of love and marriage and with the power of war upon the mind and heart of one unforgettable man" (Sue Monk Kidd). With"pitch-perfect writing" (USA Today), Brooks follows March as he leaves behind his family to aid the Union cause in the Civil War. His experiences will utterly change his marriage and challenge his most ardently held beliefs. A lushly written, wholly original tale steeped in the details of another time, March secures Geraldine Brooks’s place as a renowned author of historical fiction. Winner of the 2006 Pulitzer Prize for Fiction.

Australia. Harper Collins. 2005. 365p.

By Geraldine brooks

This gripping historical novel is based on the true story of Eyam, the "Plague Village," in the rugged mountain spine of England. In 1666, the bubonic plague is brought to this isolated settlement and the people choose to seal themselves off to prevent the spread of infection.

This gripping historical novel is based on the true story of Eyam, the "Plague Village," in the rugged mountain spine of England. In 1666, a tainted bolt of cloth from London carries bubonic infection to this isolated settlement of shepherds and lead miners. A visionary young preacher convinces the villagers to seal themselves off in a deadly quarantine to prevent the spread of disease. The story is told through the eyes of eighteen-year-old Anna Frith, the vicar's maid, as she confronts the loss of her family, the disintegration of her community, and the lure of a dangerous and illicit love. As the death toll rises and people turn from prayers and herbal cures to sorcery and murderous witch-hunting, Anna emerges as an unlikely and courageous heroine in the village's desperate fight to save itself.

Exploring love and learning, fear and fanaticism, and the struggle of science and religion to interpret the world at the cusp of the modern era, Year of Wonders is at once a story of unconventional love and a richly detailed evocation of a riveting moment in history. Like Arthur Golden's Memoirs of a Geisha and A. S. Byatt's Posession, Year of Wonders blends learning and romance into an unforgettable read.

NY. Penguin.2001. 336p.