Showing results by author "Hugh Walpole" in All Categories

This 1927 work is the third and final in Walpole’s Jeremy series. (The others are Jeremy and Jeremy And Hamlet.) Jeremy’s home is in Polchester, a fictional English cathedral town in Walpole’s imagination. In this book Jeremy goes to boarding school. “Jeremy at Crale [1927] has been my single attempt at a school-story. The genre is not an easy one for the very simple reason that a school-story can be only truly written by a boy who is still at school. It is all very well for us to say that we remember, but the things that we recall are for all of us the same things. There is the ...

A rich and varied anthology of inventive classic tales by some of the world's top storytellers. 'A Deal in Ostriches' by H. G. Wells, 'The Scarecrow' by G. Ranger Wormser, 'Only a Dream' by H. Rider Haggard, 'The Magic Shop' by H. G. Wells, 'The Business of Madame Jahn' by Vincent O'Sullivan, 'The Old Portrait' by Hume Nisbet, 'The Yellow Globe' by Alexander W. Drake, 'The Last Trump' by Hugh Walpole, 'The White Cat' by W. W. Jacobs.

A wolf howls through the forests of Transylvania, the murky graveyards of H.P. Lovecraft, the mythic marshes of Count Stenbock and the ghostly vaults of English cathedrals in these timeless stories read by award-winning actors from The Story Circle company.

A wonderful collection of 50 of the best classic ghost stories ever written. 'The Missing Model' by Lettice Galbraith, 'Pomegranate Seed' by Edith Wharton, 'The Screaming Skull' by F. Marion Crawford, 'The Ghost in the Cupboard Room' by Wilkie Collins, 'The Shadow on the Blind' by Louisa Baldwin, 'A Ghost's Revenge' by Lettice Galbraith, 'The Lost Ghost' by Mary Wilkins-Freeman, 'On the Northern Ice' by Elia W. Peattie, 'The Cold Embrace' by Mary E. Braddon, 'The Dust Cloud' by E. F. Benson, and many more.

A famous English author's thoughts on the power of reading. - Summary by David Wales

Hamlet is Jeremy’s dog. This 1923 book is Hugh Walpole’s second volume in his Jeremy semi-autobiographical trilogy (Jeremy (1919 available at librivox.org), Jeremy at Crale (1927, available at fadedpage.org)), about a ten-year-old English boy. One commentator wrote this of the first book: “With affectionate humor, Mr. Walpole tells the story of Jeremy and his two sisters, Helen and Mary Cole, who grow up in Polchester, a quiet English Cathedral town…. Mr. Walpole has given his narrative a rare double appeal, for it not only recreates for the adult the illusion of his own happiest youth...

A rich and varied collection of classic short stories by British writers: 'Quality' by John Galsworthy, 'The Mark on the Wall' by Virginia Woolf, 'The Horse Dealer’s Daughter' by D. H. Lawrence, 'The Ticking of the Clock' by Louisa Baldwin, 'The Fiddler of the Reels' by Thomas Hardy, 'The Return' by R. Murray Gilchrist, 'Kew Gardens' by Virginia Woolf, 'Seashore Macabre' by Hugh Walpole, 'Satan’s Circus' by Eleanor Smith, 'The Coffin Merchant' by Richard Middleton....

This is a literary biography of Joseph Conrad (1857 – 1924) who is regarded as one of the greatest novelists in English. He was granted British nationality in 1886, but always considered himself a Pole. Though he did not speak English fluently until he was in his twenties (and always with a marked accent), he was a master prose stylist who brought a distinctly non-English sensibility into English literature. He wrote stories and novels, many with a nautical setting, that depict trials of the human spirit. Sir Hugh Seymour Walpole, CBE (1884 – 1941) was an English novelist. He was the son ...

In his debut novel, *The Wooden Horse* (1909), Walpole weaves the tale of the Trojan family, who have long embraced the notion that they are the chosen people of the world. The story takes a transformative turn when Harry Trojan returns home after twenty years in New Zealand, bringing with him the rich ideals of democracy learned through hard work. He becomes the wooden horse, ushering in a wave of foreign concepts that challenge the familys egotism and foster a deeper sense of humanity among them. With vivid imagery of the old Trojan house perched on the windswept Cornish cliffs, surrounded ...

Step back into 1919, a time when the world is slowly emerging from the shadows of World War I, and the promise of peace hangs in the air. At Hortons, an elegant building of luxury flats nestled off Piccadilly in London, the fabric of society is unraveling. Expectations clash with a new reality, leaving residents grappling with confusion and uncertainty. Each story unfolds the life of a unique individual connected to Hortons, revealing their struggles and resilience as they navigate the profound changes of the post-war era. Immerse yourself in twelve captivating tales from the acclaimed early ...

Immerse yourself in The Secret City, a gripping first-person narrative that unfolds across three captivating parts. Journey through the tumultuous landscape of post-World War I Russia, where our hero embarks on a voyage in 1916, only to be swept into the heart of the Revolution. Amidst the chaos of Civil War and economic despair, haunting memories of a more luxurious life linger in his mind, painting a poignant backdrop to his struggles and discoveries.

Dive into the unsettling world of a father whose sanity teeters on the edge of sadism, a man trapped within a dark spirit of malevolence. This compelling 1925 novel by a keen observer intricately navigates the complexities of human nature and morality. – Summary by David Wales

In Hjalmar Johansons captivating 1926 novel, we meet Harmer John, a young, idealistic Swedish bodybuilder drawn to the enchanting cathedral town of Polchester. Simplified by the locals, his name becomes a symbol of hope and transformation. Envisioning a healthier, more beautiful community, Harmer John opens a gym to inspire the townsfolk to embrace fitness and well-being. However, his ambitious dreams clash with the interests of greedy slumlords who profit from the impoverished residents. As he faces xenophobia, jealousy, and hostility, Harmer John emerges as a modern-day Francis of Assisi—a...

Dive into Hugh Walpoles captivating 1927 novel, the final installment in the Jeremy series, following the adventures of young Jeremy as he navigates life at a boarding school. Set in the fictional English cathedral town of Polchester, this story explores the complexities of adolescence—the blend of mischief and heroism that defines boyhood. Walpole himself acknowledged the challenges of writing a school story, emphasizing the unique sentiments that only those who experience this tumultuous time can truly express. Join Jeremy as he faces the trials of growing up, friendships, and his one ...

In The Golden Scarecrow, Sir Hugh Seymour Walpole blurs the lines between reader and narrator, author and character, imagination and reality. This captivating collection unfolds across nine chapters, each weaving a unique tale about nine children, all connected by a shared setting, albeit in varying degrees. A tenth story, framed by a Prologue and Epilogue, introduces an intriguing layer of unity. These enchanting yet unsettling narratives delve into the realm of the bizarre, making them equally suitable for young readers and those with a taste for the uncanny. (Summary by Cynthia Moyer)

Join young Jeremy and his loyal dog Hamlet in this charming exploration of life in a quaint English cathedral town. Published in 1923, this is the second installment of Hugh Walpole’s semi-autobiographical trilogy. As Jeremy navigates childhood alongside his two sisters, Helen and Mary Cole, the narrative captures the warmth and humor of youth. One commentator beautifully described the first books appeal it not only evokes nostalgia for adults but also offers children a heartfelt experience with relatable characters and delightful moments. Dive into this enchanting tale that resonates with ...

In the vibrant world of early 20th-century London high society, spirited Rachel finds herself torn between two very different suitors her disowned cousin Francis Breton, whose unpredictable nature challenges her, and the reliable yet dull Roddy Seddon, who comes from wealth and privilege. After choosing Roddy, their marriage quickly begins to unravel, forcing Rachel to confront her feelings for Francis once more. Looming over their lives is the formidable Duchess, Rachels grandmother, who has her own plans for the family and favors Roddy. Adding to the complexity is Lizzie Rand, the secretary ...

This captivating 1926 collection features sixteen thought-provoking essays on religion by prominent figures of the early 20th century, primarily authors. Originally published in The London Daily Express, the anthology includes the insights of notable writers such as Arnold Bennett, Hugh Walpole, and Rebecca West, alongside esteemed personalities like Sir Arthur Conan Doyle and Israel Zangwill. Join us on a reflective journey through their diverse perspectives on faith and spirituality, as compiled by David Wales.

Dive into the poignant tale of alienation and entrapment as experienced by a young woman whose seemingly ordinary life is abruptly upended. Journey with her through a maze of restrictive social circles and unfulfilled romantic dreams, all while grappling with the shadows of her upbringing. (Summary by Peter Tucker)

1730. Driven by a wild romantic impulse, Francis Herries uproots his family from Doncaster to the lakeland valley of Borrowdale. Accompanied by his housekeeper/mistress, Alice, they settle in his tumbledown ancestral home, Herries, in the shadow of the Cumberland fells. Proud, stubborn and temperamental, Francis cuts himself off from his brother, spurns his long-suffering wife and becomes embroiled in drink and debauchery. When he sells Alice at Keswick Fair, his reputation is ruined, and the locals dub him 'Rogue' Herries.