The Tale of Squirrel Nutkin is Beatrix Potter’s second book. It tells the story of an impertinent and funny red squirrel and of Mr. Brown, an old owl who lives in an island. Nutkin, his brother and their cousins sail to the island on little rafts. There they offer Mr. Brown a gift and ask him permission to gather nuts in the island. That’s when Nutkin starts being silly and impertinent. Squirrel Nutkin was born in a letter to Norah Moore, daughter of a governess who became Beatrix Potter’s friend. The illustrations represent Derwentwater, in the Lake District, where Beatrix Potter spent her summer holiday for some time. The Tale of Squirrel Nutkin, published after The Tale of Peter Rabbit but quite different from it, has been a tremendous hit to this day.

"Barnaby Rudge: a portrait of London's descent into anarchy, where 'King Mob' rules the streets, and innocent lives are swept up in the chaos. Set against the backdrop of the Gordon Riots of 1780, Barnaby Rudge is a story of mystery and suspense which begins with an unsolved double murder and goes on to involve conspiracy, blackmail, abduction and retribution. Through the course of the novel fathers and sons become opposed, apprentices plot against their masters and Protestants clash with Catholics on the streets. And, as London erupts into riot, Barnaby Rudge himself struggles to escape the curse of his own past. Hard times: Coketown is dominated by the figure of Mr Thomas Gradgrind, school owner and model of Utilitarian success. Feeding both his pupils and his family with facts, he bans fancy and wonder from young minds. As a consequence his young daughter Louisa marries the loveless businessman and “bully of humility” Mr Bounderby, and his son Tom rebels to become embroiled in gambling and robbery. And, as their fortunes cross with those of free-spirited circus girl Sissy Jupe and victimized weaver Stephen Blackpool, Gradgrind is eventually forced to recognize the value of the human heart in an age of materialism and machinery"--Penguin Books.

It is impossible to overstate the importance of British novelist CHARLES DICKENS (1812-1870) not only to literature in the English language, but to Western civilization on the whole. He is arguably the first fiction writer to have become an international celebrity. He popularized episodic fiction and the cliffhanger, which had a profound influence on the development of film and television. He is entirely responsible for the popular image of Victorian London that still lingers today, and his characters-from Oliver Twist to Ebenezer Scrooge, from Miss Havisham to Uriah Heep-have become not merely iconic, but mythic. But it was his stirring portraits of ordinary people-not the upper classes or the aristocracy-and his fervent cries for social, moral, and legal justice for the working poor, and in particular for poor children, in the grim early decades of the Industrial Revolution that powerfully impacted social concerns well into the 20th century. Without Charles Dickens, we may never have seen the likes of Sherlock Holmes, Upton Sinclair, or even Bob Dylan. Here, in 30 beautiful volumes-complete with all the original illustrations-is every published word written by one of the most important writers ever. The essential collector's set will delight anyone who cherishes English literature...and who takes pleasure in constantly rediscovering its joys. This volume contains Part I of Barnaby Rudge, which was originally serialized in Dickens's own periodical, Master Humphrey's Clock, in 1841. Subtitled "A Tale of the Riots of Eighty," it is the story of the religious Gordon riots of 1780, told through the eyes of the gentle, simpleminded title character. As one of Dickens's lesser-known works, it remains a treat to be rediscovered by modern readers.

Nathaniel Hawthorne's compilation 'The Complete Works of Nathaniel Hawthorne' showcases his versatility as a writer, including his most famous novels such as 'The Scarlet Letter' and 'The House of the Seven Gables', as well as lesser-known works like his short stories, poetry, essays, letters, and memoirs. Hawthorne's literary style is characterized by intricate symbolism, exploration of moral and psychological themes, and deep psychological insight into his characters. This collection provides a comprehensive look into the literary context of 19th-century American literature, with Hawthorne's works reflecting the anxieties and conflicts of his era. The inclusion of illustrations adds a visual element to enhance the reader's experience of Hawthorne's rich imagination. Nathaniel Hawthorne drew inspiration for his stories from his Puritan ancestors, his own experiences growing up in Salem, Massachusetts, and his observations of human nature and society. His background in Transcendentalism and Romanticism heavily influenced his writing, as he delved into the darker aspects of the human soul. For readers interested in exploring the depths of American literature and delving into the complexities of human morality and psychology, 'The Complete Works of Nathaniel Hawthorne' is a must-read. This collection offers a comprehensive insight into one of America's most renowned literary figures and provides a rich tapestry of stories and poems that continue to captivate readers to this day.