Modern Classics

First published in 1924, A Summer on the Test remains an essential read for fly fishermen. No author has surpassed the Right Honourable John Waller Hills' description of classic chalk stream fishing, or indeed knew more about the history of the sport. The Test is a river much affected by decline and deterioration, with the days of crystal clear waters and plentiful brown trout seemingly impossible to recover. A Summer on the Test reflects on the golden age giving an estimation of what it was once like and what we have lost.

Yamamoto Tsunetomo was a samurai for thirty years, following his father, and grandfather. Tsunetomo did not commit ritual suicide on his master's death (as was the practice) because his master forbid it. Later, Tsunetomo recounted his thoughts and stories to Tashiro Tsuramoto who compiled and published this work in 1716. "Hagakure" (literally "hidden leaves" or "in the shadow of leaves") is also known as "The Way of the Samurai". Aphorisms from the book were popularized in the 1999 Jim Jaramusch film "Ghost Dog" starring Forest Whitaker.

Long-suffering spy Bernard Samson has, against all the odds, enticed a Soviet agent to defect to London - but this proves to be the start of something even bigger. For he learns that there is treachery within his own Service, and no one is free from suspicion. To discover who really controls the game of spies, he must attempt a desperate gamble. As the Game, Set and Match trilogy reaches its shattering finale, who will make the winning move?

In the elite dressage circles of New Orleans, where tradition and excellence reign supreme, Grant faces an unexpected challenge. As a seasoned and classically trained dressage instructor, he has dedicated his life to perfecting the art of horsemanship and guiding his students. But his steadfast commitment is put to the test when Melody McFarland, the barn's influential owner, introduces a new trainer. Kitty Beauveloir, a spoiled debutante fresh from a brief stint studying riding in Europe, arrives with an air of entitlement and a penchant for disruption. Delighting in tormenting Grant, ...

History is swamped by patriotic myths about the aerial combat fought between the RAF and the Luftwaffe over the summer of 1940. In his gripping history of the Battle of Britain, Len Deighton drew on a decade of research and his own wartime experiences to puncture these myths and point towards a more objective, and even more inspiring, truth.

At 17, Anna K is at the top of Manhattan and Greenwich society (even if she prefers the company of her horses and dogs); she has the perfect (if perfectly boring) boyfriend, Alexander W.; and she has always made her Korean-American father proud (even if he can be a little controlling). Meanwhile, Anna's brother, Steven, and his girlfriend, Lolly, are trying to weather a sexting scandal.

I.L. Peretz, the acknowledged "Father of Yiddish Literature", captured the essence of Eastern European Jewish life. He wrote of the magical quality of kindness, and the bitter fruits of blind faith.

An unforgettable tale of an orphan in Victorian London, based on the boy whose plight inspired Dr Barnardo to found his famous children's homes. When his mother dies, Jim Jarvis is left all alone in London. He is sent to the workhouse but quickly escapes, choosing a hard life on the streets of the city over the confines of the workhouse walls. Struggling to survive, Jim finally finds some friends...only to be snatched away and made to work for the remorselessly cruel Grimy Nick, constantly guarded by his vicious dog, Snipe. Will Jim ever manage to be free?

This is a story from the Canterbury Tales I: Modern Verse Translation collection. Chaucer's greatest work, written towards the end of the fourteenth century, paints a brilliant picture of medieval life, society and values. The stories range from the romantic, courtly idealism of "The Knight's Tale" to the joyous bawdy of the Miller's; all are told with a freshness and vigor in this modern verse translation that make them a delight to hear.

Steinbeck's first posthumously published work, The Acts of King Arthur and His Noble Knights is a reinterpretation of tales from Malory's Morte d'Arthur. In this highly successful attempt to render Malory into Modern English, Steinbeck recreated the rhythm and tone of the original Middle English.

Orwell chronicled his experiences as a militiaman in the Spanish Civil War in Homage to Catalonia. Here he brings to bear all the force of his humanity, passion and clarity, describing with bitter intensity the bright hopes and cynical betrayals of that chaotic episode: the revolutionary euphoria of Barcelona, the courage of ordinary Spanish men and women he fought alongside, the terror and confusion of the front, his near-fatal bullet wound and the vicious treachery of his supposed allies.

This outstanding collection brings together Orwell's longer, major essays and a fine selection of shorter pieces that includes 'My Country Right or Left', 'Decline of the English Murder', 'Shooting an Elephant' and 'A Hanging'. With great originality and wit Orwell unfolds his views on subjects ranging from a revaluation of Charles Dickens to the nature of socialism, from a comic yet profound discussion of naughty seaside postcards to a spirited defence of English cooking.

In 1960, John Steinbeck set out in his pick-up truck with his dog, Charley, to rediscover and chronicle his native USA, from Maine to California. He felt that he might have lost touch with its sights, sounds and the essence of the American people. Moving through the woods and deserts, dirt tracks and highways to large cities and glorious wildernesses, Steinbeck observed - with remarkable honesty, insight and a humorous eye - the gamut of America and the people who inhabited it.

Bernard continues to chip away at the mystery of his sister-in-law Tessa Kosinski's death in Berlin on the crucial night when his wife, Fiona, was brought out of the East. Fighting to uncover the truth, he must also confront the key relationships in his own life: Fiona is still far from stable now that she has returned to work, and their children remain in the clutches of his wealthy and manipulative father-in-law. Meanwhile, Werner Volkmann, Bernard's friend since childhood, is reluctant to get involved in Bernard's crusade.

This is a story from the Canterbury Tales II: Modern Verse Translation collection.

🌟✨ Discover the Magic Anew: "Cinderella Reimagined" ✨🌟 Hey there, young readers! Get ready to dive into a world where fairy tales are redefined. "Cinderella Reimagined" isn't just another Cinderella story. It's a journey that brings more magic, more dreams, and more heart to a tale you thought you knew! 👑 Why You'll Love This Book: A New Cinderella: She's not just waiting for a fairy godmother! Our Cinderella is a hero with big dreams and an even bigger heart, especially for helping others. Adventure and Magic: Enchanting balls? Glass slippers? Yes, please! But there's so much ...

Mussels are a versatile and delicious ingredient that are widely enjoyed around the world. From the bustling seafood markets of Europe to the tranquil bays of New England, mussels have been a staple food for centuries, and are beloved for their sweet, briny flavor and tender texture. This cookbook is a celebration of all things mussels. Whether you're a seasoned chef or a home cook looking to experiment with new flavors, you'll find a range of inspiring recipes that showcase the versatility and taste of these wonderful shellfish. From classic French dishes like moules marinière and baked ...

Get ready to immerse yourself in the enduring power of Epictetus’ Stoic philosophy, brought to life by the strong, masculine voice of a rugged outdoors philosopher, also known as "the rucking philosopher." This audiobook isn’t just a recitation—it’s a bold journey into the timeless lessons of resilience, inner strength, and true freedom.

Miyamoto Musashi was a Japanese swordsman and ronin (masterless samurai). Musashi died in 1645 of what was most likely thoracic cancer. He remained undefeated, having fought 61 duels. His work "The Book of Five Rings" is a treatise on his unique style of swordsmanship. Musashi also practiced other arts such as painting, poetry, and carpentry, and believed to be profoundly releated at the level of mastery.

World-weary agent Bernard Samson is losing control of his personal and professional life. Sent to Mexico to aid the defection of a KGB agent to the West, he has a chance to prove his worth. Instead, he is torn between conflicting loyalties and lost in a maze of double-dealing and duplicity. The second novel in the Game, Set and Match trilogy is a gripping portrayal of a man who can trust no one, not even those closest to him.