Charles Dickens` ”A Tale of Two Cities” portrays a world on fire, split between Paris & London during the brutal & bloody events of the French Revolution. This ” Penguin Classics” edition of is edited with an introduction & notes by Richard Maxwell. ` It was the best of times, it was the worst of times...` After eighteen years as a political prisoner in the Bastille the aging Dr Manette is finally released & reunited with his daughter in Engl&. There, two very different men, Charles Darnay, an exiled French aristocrat, & Sydney Carton, a disreputable but brilliant English lawyer, become enmeshed through their love for Lucie Manette. From the tranquil lanes of London, they are all drawn against their will to the vengeful, bloodstained streets of Paris at the height of the Reign of Terror & soon fall under the lethal shadow of La Guillotine. This edition uses the text as it appeared in its first serial publication in 1859 to convey the full scope of Dickens`s vision, &

Includes:: the original illustrations by H.K. Browne (” Phiz”). Richard Maxwell`s introduction discusses the intricate interweaving of epic drama with personal tragedy. Charles Dickens is one of the best-loved novelists in the English language, whose 200th anniversary was celebrated in 2012. His most famous books, including ” Oliver Twist”, ” Great Expectations”, ”A Tale of Two Cities”, ” David Copperfield” & ” The Pickwick Papers”, have been adapted for stage & screen & read by millions. If you enjoyed ”A Tale of Two Cities”, you might like Dickens` ” The Old Curiosity Shop”, also available in ” Penguin Classics”.

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Charles Darnay & Sydney Carton are alike in appearance, different in character & in love with the same woman. In the midst of the French Revolution, Darnay, who has fled to London to escape the cruelty of the French nobility, must return to Paris to rescue his servant from death. But he endangers his own life & is captured. Carton may be able to help, but will his resemblance be enough to save Darnay`s life? This title provides an enticing introduction by bestselling author, Roddy Doyle. ...

It was the best of times, it was the worst of times.... These well-known & loved lines begin Dickens`s most exciting novle, set during the bloodiest moments of the French Revolution. When former aristocrat Charles Darnay learns that an old family servant needs his help, he abandons his safe haven in England & returns to Paris. But once there, the Revolutionary authorities arrest him not for anything he has done, but for his rich family`s crimes. Also in danger: his wife, Lucie, their young daughter, & her aged father, who have followed him across the Channel. The world`s greatest works of literature are now available in these beautiful keepsake volumes. Bound in real cloth, & featuring gilt edges & ribbon markers, these beautifully produced books are a wonderful way to build a handsome library of classic literature. These are the essential novels that belong in every home. They`ll transport readers to imaginary worlds & provide excitement, entertainment, & enlightenment for years to come. All of these novels feature attractive illustrations & have an unequalled period feel that will grace the library, the bedside table or bureau. ...

`I wouldn`t scream if I were you. Unless you want the whole world to learn about your husband & his mistress.` Agatha Christie, in London to visit her literary agent, boards a train, preoccupied & flustered in the knowledge that her husband Archie is having an affair. She feels a light touch on her back, causing her to lose her balance, then a sense of someone pulling her to safety from the rush of the incoming train. So begins a terrifying sequence of events. Her rescuer is no guardian angel; rather, he is a blackmailer of the most insidious, manipulative kind. Agatha must use every ounce of her cleverness & resourcefulness to thwart an adversary determined to exploit her genius for murder to kill on his behalf. ` Wilson not only knows his subject but he deftly moves the tale away from mere literary ventriloquism & into darker territory. Great fun, too` Observer ` The queen of crime is the central character in this audacious mystery, which reinvents the story of her mysterious disappearance with thrilling results` Guardian `A thoroughly clever entertainment & a fitting homage to the great author, but it has a chilling melancholy all its own` The Tablet What readers are saying about A Talent for Murder: ` The initial premise of the story is pure genius, & when the reader realises by the end of chapter one whose head they are inside, goose bumps are guaranteed to occur` Greg, Goodreads, 4 stars `A darkly twisting tale of murder & manipulation` Erin Britton, Net Galley, 4 stars ` This is a must-read for crime fiction fans, & Agatha Christie fans especially who will discover a new side to the Queen of Crime herself!` Vincent, Goodreads, 5 stars `I enjoy Agatha Christie & this book did not disappoint. I devoured this book in two days` Annie, Goodreads, 4 stars ` Great mystery & action novel featuring Agatha Christie as you`ve never seen her before. Part biography/part thrill ride this is one novel I didn`t want to end` Nikkia Neil, Net Galley, 5 stars ` An intriguing homage that stirs the imagination of the amateur sleuth in all of us.. . A Talent for Murder is one novel that definitely deserves attention & praise` Elspeth G. Perkin, Goodreads, 4 stars ` This was a really good read especially for fans of Agatha Christie & even those who have never read her books` Teresa, Goodreads, 4 stars ` So, so enjoyable! Great for book club discussion due to the ”real” mystery behind it` Kaylee Mitchell, Goodreads, 5 stars `A fun read for Christie fans` Roman Clodia, Net Galley, 4 stars `I`ll admit to being totally drawn along by this novel; I couldn`t wait to keep reading & find out how it would all turn out. I really would recommend this book as an interesting account of Christie`s missing eleven days; you will be entertained` Kate Baty, 4 stars, Net Galley ` An exciting novel, a must for all Christie fans! Did you see what was happening? Did you spot the red herrings? The obvious clues. No? I didn`t & that is probably what makes this a very clever novel` Joanne D`arcy, Net Galley, 5 stars `A very enjoyable read, in the tradition of Christie herself, well researched & inventive.. . plenty of unexpected plot twists to keep you on your toes. What fun!` Lisa Friel, Net Galley, 4 stars ` Unusual & entertaining` Tina Stringer, Net Galley 4 stars ` Entertaining, feasible plotting & an authentic narrative make this a highly enjoyable read` J Graham, Net Galley, 4 stars ...

It is normal for British travel writers to head south for a destination that is hot, exotic, dangerous, or all three. The author of this book chose a country which is damp, safe & of legendary banality: Belgium. But can any nation whose most famous monument is a statue of a small boy urinating really be that dull? Pearson lived there for several months, burying himself in the local culture. He drank many of the 800 different beers the Belgians produce, & ate local delicacies such as kip kap (jellied pig cheeks) & a mighty tonnage of chicory & chips. In one restaurant the house speciality was ”hare in the style of grandmother”. This book commemorates strange events such as The Festival of Shrimps at Oostduinkerke, & laments the passing of the Underpant Museum in Brussels. Mixing description & low-grade buffoonery, Pearson paints a portrait of Belgium that is more rounded than a Smurf after a night on the mussels. ...

If you`re an adventurer with an appetite, then this cookbook is for you! This lovely cookbook is a collection of globetrotting gastronomy to help you recreate your travels at home. The recipes in this book are from all over the world, from Vietnamese Pho & Indian Mango Lassi, to traditional African flatbreads, Middle Eastern Lamb Tagine, & Spanish Paella. With these recipes you`ll have the whole world at your fingertips! ...

A Taste of France takes the reader on a gastronomic tour of regional France, introducing the classic recipes from each region. Compiled by Gabriel Gate, this book is a must-have for lovers of French cuisine. This beautiful cookbook is illustrated by Antonia Pesanti, who has spent much time travelling around France. Antonia interprets French life through her drawings, from the pretty patisserie windows to the charcuteries & street markets. ...

It is amazing that in these times of passion for the food from every corner of the globe, the cooking of Portugal remains unexplored by so many, especially given its vibrant flavours & simple domestic style. In this authoritative & fascinating book Edite Vieira traces the rich legacy of her country`s culinary excellence from medieval through to modern times lacing it with history & anecdote & a collection of authentically delicious recipes. From simple & wholesome peasant fare to elaborate celebratory meals, ingredients include salt cod (bacalhau) in all its myriad variations, cumin & oranges are both remnants of the voyaging past, green coriander is the main flavouring herb; essentially the food is the food of a country which grows grapes, peppers, melons, quinces & apples, & few other countries have such a repertoire of pork dishes. Fresh pork is much in evidence as well as ham (presunto), pork & red pepper sausages (chouricos) & black pudding (morcela), all foods very much in present vogue. ...

Legendary cook & writer Elizabeth David changed the way Britain ate, introducing a postwar nation to the sun-drenched delights of the Mediterranean, & bringing new flavours & aromas such as garlic, wine & olive oil into its kitchens. This mouthwatering selection of her writings & recipes embraces the richness of French & Italian cuisine, from earthy cassoulets to the simplest spaghetti, as well as evoking the smell of buttered toast, the colours of foreign markets & the pleasures of picnics. Rich with anecdote, David`s writing is defined by a passion for good, authentic, well-balanced food that still inspires chefs today. ...

Food plays an important role in Donna Leon`s bestselling Commissario Brunetti novels. In A Taste of Venice, Roberta Pianaro invites readers into the Brunettis` kitchen to learn how to prepare for themselves the delicious meals Paola Brunetti cooks for her family. We are given the secrets to Brunetti`s favourite pasta (penne rigate), Paola`s famous apple cake, a lasagne recipe from Brunetti`s mother, Donna Leon`s favourite meal (risotto di zucca), & a host of other sumptuous & authentic Italian classics. Beautifully illustrated with vignettes by Tatjana Hauptmann, & with culinary stories by Donna Leon & extracts from the Brunetti novels, this is so much more than a cooking guide
- it is a wonderful journey, full of ideas for recreating the delights of Venetian cuisine in your own home. So whether you want to eat spaghetti with clams, aubergine & prosciutto roulades or baked omelette with courgettes, you`ll find all you need here to create the perfect Venetian feast.
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