Marguerite de Lamberdy has grown up in the care of her grandmother, a true English lady. To the Norfolk estate on a frozen winter's day, comes a stranger whom she recognises as the love of her life. But Marguerite is half French and the storm of Revolution is gathering. Can she, and her love, survive the death throes of the Ancien Régime and the dreadful Republican Terror that will follow?

The Secret Agent: Ultimate Spy Collection brings together an unparalleled assembly of espionage narratives from the pens of some of the most prolific authors in the genre. This extensive anthology spans a wide array of styles, from the classic intrigue of Arthur Conan Doyle to the adventurous tales of John Buchan, and the psychological complexity of Joseph Conrad. Comprising a diverse suite of literary approaches, this collection offers readers a panoramic view of the evolution and thematic depth of spy fiction, from the suspenseful and the fantastical to the deeply introspective, reflecting the variegated scope of human intelligence and duplicity. The authors contributing to this colossal anthology are not only pioneers in the spy and adventure genres but have also been influential voices in shaping the literary landscape of the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Through their collective works, this collection aligns with and contributes to a variety of historical, cultural, and literary movements, offering insights into the zeitgeist of their times. Distinct in their narrative voices, these authors together weave a rich tapestry that explores the nuances of espionage, loyalty, and moral ambiguity, enriching the readers understanding of the complexities involved in the world of international intrigue and covert operations. For enthusiasts of spy fiction, The Secret Agent: Ultimate Spy Collection is an indispensable tome, offering an unrivalled opportunity to explore the domain of espionage across different periods and perspectives. Readers are invited to delve into this comprehensive volume not only for its entertainment value but for its scholarly merit as well; providing insights into the evolution of spy fiction as a genre. This anthology stands as a testament to the enduring appeal of the spy narrative, engaging with themes of subterfuge, geopolitical stakes, and the perennial question of what it means to lead a double life. In navigating the shadows with these master storytellers, readers will find themselves on a thrilling journey through the annals of literary espionage.

John le Carré and the Cold War explores the historical contexts and political implications of le Carré's major Cold-War novels. The first in-depth study of le Carré this century, this book analyses his work in light of key topics in 20th-century history, including containment of Communism, decolonization, the Berlin Wall, the Cuban missile crisis, the Cambridge spy-ring, the Vietnam War, the 70s oil crisis and Thatcherism. Examining The Spy Who Came in from the Cold (1963), Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy (1974), Smiley's People (1979) and other novels, this book offers an illuminating picture of Cold-War Britain, while situating le Carré's work alongside that of George Orwell, Graham Greene and Ian Fleming. Providing a valuable contribution to contemporary understandings of both British spy fiction and post-war fiction, Toby Manning challenges the critical consensus to reveal a considerably less radical writer than is conventionally presented.

Little fibs can lead to big trouble! Julian hates bicycles. He thinks they are boring and stupid . . . and maybe just a little bit scary. But his best friend, Gloria, has just got a new bike, and all she wants is to go cycling with him. Julian needs to think of an excuse, and fast. Surely anything is better than braving a bicycle. Even if it means sweeping floors, weeding the garden and doing chores all summer . . .

The remarkable bestseller about the fourth-century Roman emperor who famously tried to halt the spread of Christianity, Julian is widely regarded as one of Gore Vidal’s finest historical novels. Julian the Apostate, nephew of Constantine the Great, was one of the brightest yet briefest lights in the history of the Roman Empire. A military genius on the level of Julius Caesar and Alexander the Great, a graceful and persuasive essayist, and a philosopher devoted to worshipping the gods of Hellenism, he became embroiled in a fierce intellectual war with Christianity that provoked his murder at the age of thirty-two, only four years into his brilliantly humane and compassionate reign. A marvelously imaginative and insightful novel of classical antiquity, Julian captures the religious and political ferment of a desperate age and restores with blazing wit and vigor the legacy of an impassioned ruler.