This is a fanciful story as the main character mainly recounts one particularly eventful year of his life as a young boy living in a fictional small town in rural Australia. Sawtip was a unique hamlet that had strangely attracted a hodgepodge of characters from all over the world. People who never quite felt they belonged anywhere until they found Sawtip. Among the folk who entered the boy’s life was his teacher, Mr Cramburn; a troubled soul who escaped what he could of life by anchoring himself to his cherished Rules of Life. The somewhat dotty but dear Miss Julia Castalia and Mr Cramburn’s mother whose sad life had turned her into a selfishly possessive parent and drove her son to his excesses, but whose eccentricities revealed a woman of imagination and love. There were also the O’Nancyitches, an impish family of peplechauns; a cross between leprechauns and people. In particular the daughter of that family, Peggy O’Nancyitch, who kept to herself but was ever present when the young narrator needed rescuing. The narrator’s family consisted of his nine siblings which included his elder twin brothers whom he had always perceived as the worst of his tormentors. There was his story telling father and his mother, who was always there with tenderness and wise, comforting words. And not to forget the was his walking-stick wielding and cantankerous grandmother who was also always there and always to be avoided. The narrator’s life revolved around his friends, school, playing marbles, avoiding the bullies and his lifelong infatuation with Charlotte (Prissy-Face) Righteous-Worthington. Having fun and getting into mischief were prime ingredients in the boy’s life. In pursuit of these he and his companions tormented the valley’s cows into going on a milk strike before getting their revenge. The young narrator had constantly to be on his toes to cope with the bullies that plagued his life. However although bullies had the brawn he had a reservoir of cunning and imagination and of course Peggy. Playing marbles was a great attraction to the boys of Sawtip and the narrator was a champion. Unfortunately Simon (the Bulldog from Brooklyn) Jones also fancied himself as a marbles aficionado and worse still he was also enamoured with the beautiful Charlotte. This led to several potentially unpleasant encounters, as she manipulated them both, that culminated in the greatest marbles game in the entire history of all marbles games. It was during that game that the fabled Blue-Glow Fire Unbeatable Marble appeared when utter defeat loomed large. In adulthood he saw his friends from childhood drifting away and out of his life. His infatuation with Charlotte eventually led to a wedding ceremony, however the enigmatic Peggy O’Nancyitch and another appearance of the mythical Marble saved the young man; this time from a fate of nagging and mundane boredom.

The Best of D. H. Lawrence is a collection of some of the most notable works by the legendary author, showcasing his unique and provocative literary style. Known for his bold exploration of human relationships, sexuality, and the modern world, Lawrence's writing is characterized by its raw emotion and vivid imagery. This anthology includes excerpts from classics such as 'Sons and Lovers', 'Women in Love', and 'Lady Chatterley's Lover', providing readers with a comprehensive overview of his oeuvre. The book offers a glimpse into Lawrence's complex characters and their struggles with societal constraints, making it a compelling read for those interested in modernist literature. D. H. Lawrence's insightful commentary on love, desire, and power dynamics continues to resonate with contemporary audiences, making this collection a timeless addition to any library. With his unconventional approach to storytelling and fearless exploration of taboo subjects, Lawrence remains a significant figure in the history of literature, inspiring readers to question conventional norms and embrace the complexities of the human experience.

Journey Across the stars and universe with four classical science fiction tales to excite and inspire your Imagination. 1.....Flame-Jewel of the Ancients. The tiny golden sphere, blazed with terrible energy, and spelled doom for the Galactic Empire. 2.....The Rebel of Valkyr. From the dark ages of space emerged the second Empire ruled by a child, a usurper, and a fool. 3.....The Rocketeers have Shaggy Ears. Someday there will be a Legend, from steamy Venus or arid Mars, building a great glory the men of Terra will choke with pride. 4.....Witch of the Demon Seas. A black Galleon is guided back to the lost Citadel of Xanthi, A tale of Corun the condemned pirate of Conahur and his lover, the Demon Witch! Classical science fiction from the masters of the genre!

A history of our time.

Featuring 350 pages of spectacular designs from around the globe in breathtaking full-colour photography with accompanying explanatory drawings - the ultimate companion to best selling title 100 of the World's Best Houses. Designed by some the world's leading architects, the homes featured in this visually spectacular title are works of art, as beautiful as they are innovative and practical. Built in some of the most inspiring and challenging locations in the world, these houses boast an astonishing variety of styles reflecting architecture of the past, present and future. A companion title to the best selling '100 of the World's Best Houses', this book is sure to impress the general public and design devotees alike. Both the book and the houses featured therein stand as testimony to the ingenuity and passion of architects and owners, and the desire within us all - to have a place that we can call 'home'. Praise for '100 of the World's Best Houses': ''A title to send architects and interior designers into a state of high excitement.'' The Telegraph ''You'll feel simultaneously compelled to linger on each image, soaking up the splendour'' Su Casa Also Available: '100 of the World's Best Houses' ISBN 9781876907426 '100 of the World's Best Houses' (Compact Edition) ISBN 9781864704358 700 col.

Henryk Sienkiewicz, the renowned Polish author, wrote "The Best Historical Novels by Henryk Sienkiewicz" as a collection of his most celebrated works. Known for his vivid storytelling and meticulous historical research, Sienkiewicz's novels transport readers to different eras, immersing them in rich settings and complex characters. Through his captivating prose, he brings to life pivotal moments in history, shedding light on the human experience within tumultuous times. The collection showcases Sienkiewicz's mastery of historical fiction, drawing readers in with gripping narratives and profound insights into the past. Sienkiewicz's literary style is marked by a deep understanding of historical events and an ability to weave together intricate plots that delve into the depths of human emotions and motivations. Each novel in this collection serves as a testament to Sienkiewicz's skill in crafting compelling historical fiction that resonates with readers of all backgrounds. Sienkiewicz's dedication to research and his passion for storytelling shine through in this collection, making it a must-read for anyone interested in historical fiction and the timeless themes of love, honor, and courage.

"Hercule Poirot meets Fox Mulder . . . raises genuine shivers. "—Kirkus Reviews A collection of the 20 greatest tales of Jules de Grandin, the supernatural detective made famous in the classic pulp magazine Weird Tales. Today the names of H. P. Lovecraft, Robert E. Howard, August Derleth, and Clark Ashton Smith, all regular contributors to the pulp magazine Weird Tales during the first half of the twentieth century, are recognizable even to casual readers of the bizarre and fantastic. And yet despite being more popular than them all during the golden era of genre pulp fiction, there is another author whose name and work have fallen into obscurity: Seabury Quinn. Quinn’s short stories were featured in well more than half of Weird Tales’s original publication run. His most famous character, the supernatural French detective Dr. Jules de Grandin, investigated cases involving monsters, devil worshippers, serial killers, and spirits from beyond the grave, often set in the small town of Harrisonville, New Jersey. In de Grandin there are familiar shades of both Arthur Conan Doyle’s Sherlock Holmes and Agatha Christie’s Hercule Poirot, and alongside his assistant, Dr. Samuel Trowbridge, de Grandin’s knack for solving mysteries—and his outbursts of peculiar French-isms (grand Dieu!)—captivated readers for nearly three decades. The Best of Jules de Grandin, edited by George Vanderburgh, presents twenty of the greatest published works featuring the supernatural detective. Presented in chronological order with stories from the 1920s through the 1940s, this collection contains the most incredible of Jules de Grandin's many awe-inspiring adventures.