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The Romantic to Regency Collection

The novel as a distinct literary form was fathered by Samuel Richardson in 1740 with the publication of ‘Pamela’ the first fiction of everyday life. One of Richardson’s proof readers was Oliver Goldsmith and the novel had to wait until the the coarse age of Fielding and Smollet passed before Goldsmith’s ‘Vicar of Wakefield’ was hailed as a masterpiece, expressing the ‘value of self’ and possessing qualities of romanticism. Passion and horror were emotions essential to the movement and Walpole’s ‘Castle of Otranto’ was a classic example of supernatural romance. Conan Doyle, an admirer of Jane Austen’s work, believed his historical romances were masterpieces.


Image of book cover. Click to find out more about this title John Halifax, Gentleman
by Dinah Craik
from £39.49
The greatest romantic narrative novel of the early 19th Century, John Halifax, Gentleman, tells the story of an orphan boy whose first words in the story are “Sir, I want work; may I earn a penny.” By hard work, diligent study and an unshakeable faith in his God John attains wealth and happiness, despite much ... more on this title.
Listen to John Halifax, Gentleman Available on compact disc

Image of book cover. Click to find out more about this title The Vicar of Wakefield
by Oliver Goldsmith
from £17.99
The uplifting and heroic tale of a north country clergyman. The story is told by Dr. Charles Primrose, 'a priest, and husbandman and the father of a family'. He lives his life of quiet contentment until he loses his independent income. Moving to a humbler dwelling near the estate of Squire Thornhill starts a series of misfo ... more on this title.
Listen to The Vicar of Wakefield Available on compact disc and audio cassette

Image of book cover. Click to find out more about this title Rodney Stone
by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle
from £19.99
As well as penning some of the most popular detective fiction, Conan Doyle also wrote thrilling adventure stories. ‘Rodney Stone’ is a combination of both, featuring some of the greatest figures in English history, set against a backdrop of two boys' journey to manhood and the sport of boxing - when it was seen as a noble a ... more on this title.
Listen to Rodney Stone Available on compact disc and audio cassette

Image of book cover. Click to find out more about this title The Castle of Otranto
by Horace Walpole
from £11.99
'Visions have always been my pasture. I almost think there is no wisdom comparable to that of exchanging the realities of life for dreams. Old castles, old pictures, old histories take one back into centuries that cannot disappoint. I waked one morning from a dream of which all I could recover was that I had thought myself ... more on this title.
Listen to The Castle of Otranto Available on audio cassette
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