This collection of letters from a parish priest to people of fiction, history, and literature will delight, encourage, and inspire. It is a reminder to us that everything and everyone can speak to us of God if we look hard enough.

Fighting Fantasy gamebooks have sold over 17 million books worldwide, in over 30 languages. But when Steve Jackson and Ian Livingstone sat down to write The Warlock of Firetop Mountain they had no idea this one book would go on to spawn another eighty or more titles, and have an immeasurable impact on a generation of children growing up in the 1980s. Part history, part celebration, YOU ARE THE HERO chronicles more than three decades of Fighting Fantasy. Written by Jonathan Green (author of seven Fighting Fantasy titles), this mighty tome will appeal to anyone who ever wiled away a washed-out summer holiday with only two dice, a pencil, and an eraser for company. This is a fixed format PDF eBook, with all of the same stunning, full-colour artwork as the hardback and paperback. Best viewed on a colour screen of 7" upwards, as a daily reader to keep your precious hardback safe. “YOU ARE THE HERO is as read-under-the-covers immersive as its subject matter; great characters, amazing stories and a surprise behind every door. 5 stars!" -- SCIFI Now “The most comprehensive history of the Fighting Fantasy phenomenon I've ever seen. With its maps, notes, art and photographs it's not just a celebration but a fascinating resource." -- SFX “How many thousands of heroes did these books create? And how many lost their lives with a bad roll of the dice? A publishing phenomenon, without which computer games wouldn't be what they are today. About time these books were celebrated. Now go to page 45 and face your nemesis." -- Charlie Higson

The Greatest Classics for Children in One Volume presents an unrivaled collection that traverses the realms of fantasy, adventure, and moral fables, embracing a wide spectrum of literary styles. This anthology brings together the timeless works of some of the most beloved authors in children's literature, offering readers a rich tapestry of narratives that have shaped and enriched the literary landscape for generations. The diverse array of stories, from the whimsical lands of Lewis Carroll to the rugged adventures by Jack London, and the magical realms of George MacDonald, underscores the anthology's capacity to cultivate imagination and ethical reflection through literature. The inclusion of fables by Aesop, alongside tales of valor and perseverance by authors such as Johanna Spyri, embeds universal values and lessons within its pages, making it a compendium of not just stories, but life's lessons transposed onto the written word. The contributing authors and editors, hailing from various cultural and historical contexts, collectively underscore the anthologys thematic richness and literary diversity. Each author, with their unique voice and perspective, contributes to the anthology's overarching objective: to enchant, educate, and inspire young minds. Figures like Mark Twain and Oscar Wilde, with their incisive wit and profound moral insights, alongside visionaries like Jules Verne and H.G. Wells, pioneer readers through imaginative journeys and technological marvels, reflecting the transformative power of literature. This collection not only serves as a testament to the enduring legacy of these authors but also emphasizes the role of children's literature in fostering creativity, empathy, and intellectual curiosity across generations. This anthology is recommended for anyone interested in exploring the vast landscapes of human experience and imagination through the lens of children's literature. The Greatest Classics for Children in One Volume is not merely a collection of stories; it is a gateway to worlds of wonder, challenge, and discovery. It offers a unique opportunity to engage with the diverse themes and myriad voices that have shaped childrens literature and, by extension, the cultural and moral fiber of societies across time. Readers, educators, and scholars alike will find this volume to be an invaluable resource for both enjoyment and study, inviting a deeper appreciation for the art of storytelling and its capacity to inform, delight, and transform.

L. Frank Baum originally published 14 Oz books. Presented here in The Big Book of Oz, Volume 1: The Oz Series, are the first 7 books. The first one being the famous 'Wonderful Wizard of Oz.' The books are still sure to delight all ages.

The Road to Oz is a complete retelling of how The Wizard of Oz was influenced and created, and attained its iconic status. The new volume by Jay Scarfone and William Stillman will reflect recent research and much more through newly discovered period interviews, media resources of the era, transcriptions and unique contemporary interviews with those who were there. Additionally, never-before-published imagery accompanies the text. In its truth and candor, this new historical contribution is ideal to tie-in with the 2018-19 80th anniversary of the 1939 movie. Tantalizing highlights of the text include: · A thorough synopsis of L. Frank Baum’s The Wonderful Wizard of Oz (1900) and the script, inspired by the book, of the 1903 Broadway musical-comedy extravaganza. · An overview of the plots of prior silent film adaptations of Oz and how they influenced the M-G-M film. · An analysis of newly-discovered audio transcriptions of Wizard of Oz radio programs from 1931-32 and 1937-38—all of which were previously unknown. · A complete accounting of Sam Goldwyn’s proposed (and aborted) 1934 Technicolor musical version of Oz starring Eddie Cantor (including commentary from Cantor’s sole surviving child). · A thorough analysis of the October 10, 1938 M-G-M shooting script (provided by descendants of comedian and Cowardly Lion actor Bert Lahr) that predates the beginning of production by seventy-two hours. · Startling revelations about the operetta that seemingly inspired “Over the Rainbow.” · Judy Garland’s trials and tribulations with the studio, including the threat that M-G-M was grooming a sound-alike who tested for Oz. · The supporting player who was cast in two roles in Oz’s fantasy sequence—the second role revealed for the first time in Scarfone and Stillman’s text. · The Munchkin midgets’ pre-1939 Wizard of Oz connection. · Oz’s film editor with a direct connection to Walt Disney and Snow White. · Studio nepotism, favoritism and politics at the height of Hollywood’s golden age on the making of the world’s most famous film. “The Road to Oz not only delivers exciting, previously unpublished information and insight, but does so in an extremely well-cited format. This is absolutely a must-have for any Oz fan or film historian.” —Sean Barrett, theatrical/film producer and artistic director, Land of Oz, North Carolina “A new and wonderful book penned by the foremost Oz movie history authors. This is a must-read for all old and new Oz fans worldwide.” —Roger S. Baum, author of Dorothy of Oz (on which the film Legends of Oz: Dorothy’s Return is based) and great-grandson of L. Frank Baum “Numerous books have celebrated the fan appeal of MGM’s Wizard of Oz, but there’s far more to this story than nostalgia. Scarfone and Stillman delve deep into the history of this landmark film, exploring its place in the pantheon of classic fantasy films, as well as fascinating details of production. The Road to Oz is an important addition to the film-history bookshelf.” —J.B. Kaufman, film historian and author of The Fairest One of All: The Making of Walt Disney’s Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs “The Road to Oz is a gamechanger in the world of motion picture history books. Long considered the leading authorities on the making of The Wizard of Oz, Scarfone and Stillman have crafted decades of extensive research into a new and unparalleled historical recalling of the classic film.” —Randy L. Schmidt, editor of Judy Garland on Judy Garland: Interviews and Encounters and author of Little Girl Blue: The Life of Karen Carpenter

CHILDHOOD CLASSICS - Ultimate Collection, comprising over 1400 tales, embraces a literary tapestry woven from the fabric of magic, adventure, fairytales, and legends. This anthology showcases the rich diversity and profound depth of literary styles, ranging from the whimsical enchantments of Lewis Carroll to the robust adventures of Mark Twain, underpinned by the universal themes of exploration, moral discovery, and the quest for understanding. Each story stands as a pillar of the genre, with the collection as a whole highlighting significant milestones and transformative narratives that have shaped our cultural heritage and continue to inspire generations of readers and writers alike. The contributing authors and editors, heralds of their time, brought forth a collective treasure trove that transcends the mere act of storytelling. Figures such as Jules Verne and Rudyard Kipling, with their forward-looking visions, Oscar Wilde with his incisive wit, and Harriet Beecher Stowe's poignant narratives, reflect a confluence of historical, cultural, and literary movements spanning from the Victorian era to the early 20th century. This assembly of legendary talents offers readers a unique window into the diverse contexts, values, and dilemmas that these stories navigated, highlighting the enduring relevance of these tales. CHILDHOOD CLASSICS - Ultimate Collection serves as an invaluable repository for those eager to embark on a journey through the landscapes of imagination and legacy. It appeals not only to young readers but also to adults who yearn to revisit the narratives that shaped their earliest reading experiences. This anthology presents a unique opportunity to explore a vast array of literary craftsmanship, themes, and the intricate interplay of cultural histories. Venturing into this collection promises a rewarding exploration of the worlds that have captivated hearts and minds, fostering a deeper appreciation for the art of storytelling and its power to reflect and shape the human condition.

All 14 Oz books in one single volume and more than 400 brillant illustrations. The books were written, as Baum tells us, as "a modernized fairy tales, in which the wonderment and joy are retained and the heart-aches and nightmares are left out", with no attempt to "point a fearsome moral" to its readers. Their success was both immediate and enduring, and they quickly won an enormous number of young enthusiasts who remained eager to read "more about Oz" for many years to come. The original story has been adapted and translated and dramatized, and it has also been used as the book for a musical comedy in stage and movie versions. Contents: The Wonderful Wizard of Oz The Marvelous Land of Oz Ozma of Oz Dorothy and the Wizard in Oz The Road to Oz The Emerald City of Oz The Patchwork Girl of Oz Tik-Tok of Oz The Scarecrow of Oz Rinkitink in Oz The Lost Princess of Oz The Tin Woodman of Oz The Magic of Oz Glinda of Oz