The fascinating history of Audley, illustrated through old and modern pictures.

'Roger wore his collar of golden Yorkist suns to show that he was one of the King's knights, ludicrous piked shoes to show that he was fashionable, and a massive codpiece to show that he had a vivid imagination.' Alianore Audley is a good, submissive, demure woman of the fifteenth century ... and if you believe that, you'll believe anything. But she is a spy in Edward IV's intelligence service, and the author of a chronicle that casts - well, a new light, let's say, on the times of the Yorkist kings. History will never be the same after Alianore. Nor will most other novels. Brian Wainwright's debut novel The Adventures of Alianore Audley is a brilliantly funny, subversive spoof.

Lady Audley’s Secret was the most successful of a long series of novels written by Mary Elizabeth Braddon in what was then called the “sensation” genre because of the inventive and slightly scandalous plots of such works. Published in 1862, Lady Audley’s Secret was immediately popular and is said to have made a fortune for its author. It has never been out of print and has been the basis for a number of dramas and movies. The novel begins with the return from the Australian goldfields of ex-dragoon George Talboys. Three years earlier, in the depths of poverty, he had abandoned his young wife and their baby in order to seek his fortune. He returns to England having made that fortune by finding a huge gold nugget. He enlists the help of his friend Robert Audley, a rather idle young barrister, to seek out his wife. To George’s dismay and overwhelming grief, however, he sees a newspaper notice of the death of his wife only a few days prior to his return. A year later, when visiting Audley’s relatives and after catching a glimpse of the pretty new wife of Robert’s uncle, George goes missing. Robert becomes increasingly convinced that his friend has met with violence and is dead, and begins to investigate. What he discovers fills him with despair. This book is part of the Standard Ebooks project, which produces free public domain ebooks.

Bigamy, arson, and murder are among the secrets a seemingly perfect lady is concealing in this 1862 "sensation novel," a source of intriguing insights into Victorian anxieties about social rank and identity.

When beautiful Lucy Graham becomes Lady Audley, her future looks secure. But her past is shrouded in mystery, and the disappearance of a young man sparks an investigation that will reveal her dark secret... This new edition explores the novel in the context of nineteenth-century sensation fiction and the lively debates it provoked.

Mary Elizabeth Braddon's 'Lady Audley's Secret' is a captivating Victorian mystery novel that explores themes of deception, betrayal, and the consequences of societal expectations. The book is written in a suspenseful style, with intricate plot twists and a focus on the complexities of human nature. Set in the midst of the Victorian era, the novel provides a vivid depiction of the time period's social norms and expectations, making it a valuable piece of literature for those interested in historical fiction. Mary Elizabeth Braddon, a prominent Victorian author, drew inspiration for 'Lady Audley's Secret' from the sensational literature of the time, as well as her own experiences in society. Braddon's background as a trailblazing female writer in the 19th century undoubtedly influenced her portrayal of strong, complex female characters in the novel. Her keen understanding of human psychology and societal structures shines through in the intricate plot and character development of the book. I highly recommend 'Lady Audley's Secret' to readers who enjoy classic mysteries with a touch of social commentary. Braddon's masterful storytelling and insightful exploration of Victorian society make this novel a must-read for fans of historical fiction and literary thrillers.

After the death of his son, a young college professor takes a sabbatical leave to regain his inner strength rocked not only by his son’s death but his own inner turmoil. He believes that he can reconnect with his distraught wife in London and stabilize their marriage, far from the site of their tragedy. Yet while his marriage continues to deteriorate, he finds his own salvation in a London gay pub with a rent boy named Audley in a liturgical journey of redemption.