Best British & Irish Horror
The daughter of a pioneering feminist and an Enlightenment philosopher, Shelley lived and wrote at the center of British Romanticism, the “exuberant, young movement” that rebelled against tradition and reason and "with a rebellious scream gave birth to a world of gods and monsters" (del Toro). Nearly 1,000 notes that provide information and historical context on every aspect of Frankenstein and of Mary Shelley’s life Over 200 illustrations, including original artwork from the 1831 edition and dozens of photographs of real-world locations that appear in the novel Extensive listings of films and theatrical adaptations An introduction by Guillermo del Toro and an afterword by Anne K. Mellor. Klinger does not presume to add to the comprehensive body of scholarship on Shelley’s novel; he wants to illuminate the original text itself and showcase how complex and engaging it was―and still is. “In annotating Mary Shelley's Frankenstein , Les Klinger has pulled off the nearly impossible trick of making the original novel as interesting as the phenomena (from the many incarnations of the monster to the field of science fiction) which it spawned. “With the mind of a mad scientist and the heart of a voluptuary, Leslie S. Klinger has been striding through Sherlock Holmes and masterpieces of Fantastica for years now, illuminating, enlightening, clarifying, and amusing as he went. Klinger's deep research and knowledge of his subject shines through this entertaining and fascinating insight into Mary Shelley, her life and times, and the themes and vast impact of her earth-shaking novel Frankenstein; or, The Modern Prometheus. “A stunning one-stop emporium of all things Frankenstein, a standout volume even in the limitless sea of editions of this book.”. - Steve Donoghue, Open Letters Monthly.
Reviews
Find Best Price at Amazon"If you're reading this review, you only have one question. You already know this is the most original, and one of the best, and best-written horror stories in literature. So, your only question is, "Is this really the uncensored 1818 version?"
"That all changed once Walton rescued Victor Frankenstein from the icy sea near the North Pole. The overlying themes of love, friendship, loneliness and loss enrich this story and the question of whether Frankenstein has the right to create life makes you think about the larger responsibilities of man to his fellow man. The monster's shocking reaction and Frankenstein's horror, his mental collapses and the race against time make this story a true thriller. This style and the letter-writing format are the only things that make Frankenstein seem less modern, but they are minor points."
"Frankly, this is one heck of an enjoyable story, and, if you need some relief after finishing this mesmerizing tale, than watch 'Young Frankenstein', perhaps the funniest movie I have ever seen, but that is for another time... got the nerve...?"
"Contrary to popular belief, the story does not climax with Frankenstein's creation of his iconic monster."
"Read this book in high school years ago."
"I cannot possibly express how much I am for this book being one of the best renowned classics of all time."
With the 1984 publication of Books of Blood , Clive Barker became an overnight literary sensation. Barker launched his best-selling career in 1984 with the Books of Blood trilogy, which are published together here as a single volume.
Reviews
Find Best Price at Amazon"To read the stories behind the films like Book Of Blood, and Midnight Meat train is both revealing and never disappointing. To call his writing painting with words is not far of the mark, but it still does not convey the way he writes."
"Right off bat, the first guy's story is suspenseful, as we get introduced to the killings going on in his home town as we meet our lead guy and then we get to meet the killer, this chapter goes from the good guy to the killer, who don't know of eachother, yet, but it seems like he might be the victim the killer has been searching for all night!"
"Something dark and sinister awaits in these pages, and leave it to Mr. Barker to create something extraordinary with his imagination, that is painted in your own so vividly you can picture everything with clarity."
"Rawhead Rex, Dread, Pig Blood Blues, The Midnight Meat Train (just to name a few) all masterpieces of Horror."
"The prose is engaging, witty, and the characters are interesting and relateable!"
"As with all collections of short stories, some are a lot better than others, as is the case here."
"This hard back edition of Clive Barker's The Books of Blood is essential reading for any horror fan. After these, I was quick to get In the Flesh and The Inhuman Condition to add to my collection of Clive Barker short stories. He dwelled soon into fantasy after these (although The Great and Secret Show was heading toward horror), but to me the man will always be known for these graphic short stories I grew to love after high school. So sit back and enjoy this collection and see how long it takes for your skin to crawl."
"There are no new stories in this book!"
The book also features extensive interviews with the team of artists who helped realize the world of Crimson Peak, from the film’s sumptuous period costumes to the dilapidated majesty of Allerdale Hall and the eerie red-hued ghosts that haunt the halls of “Crimson Peak.” Also featuring insights from the films stars, including Mia Wasikowska, Tom Hiddleston, Jessica Chastain, and Charlie Hunnam, Crimson Peak: The Art of Darkness explores the themes at the heart of this breathtaking supernatural mystery in unparalleled detail.
Reviews
Find Best Price at Amazon"This is perhaps the most gorgeous "coffee table book" I've ever seen. Each turning of a page reveals even more sumptuous, gorgeously rendered and detailed visual art: photos, drawings, pull-out items - all."
"It is amazing see the amount of detail done on a grand scale that goes into del Toro's movies. Set to the tone of a Gothic Romance, yet with the surreal color vividness of a Giallo movie it's truly mesmerizing. The house is a character and it won't let go so easily of the other characters (or the following readers). This movie is scary, but it makes you really think about the character's mentalities and motivations."
"I absolutely loved Crimson Peak when it came out, and knew that I had to get my hands on this book. Loved the movie and loved the "Art of Crimson Peak" book as well."
"What makes Guillermo delToro's bold Gothic vision a masterpiece is the director's grand attention to every little detail. One word of caution: there is some very disturbing (sexual) content in regard to the plot twists and also some extreme illustrated/photographed grotesquery--albeit very arty--that is not suitable for young children."
"Beautiful book to accompany an equally beautiful movie."
"The ink transferred to pages opposite and sometimes this was on full color character shots."
Best British & Irish Poetry
Make a cup of tea and let yourself feel. In October 2016 she released the best-selling Poetry collection Pillow Thoughts .
Reviews
Find Best Price at Amazon"I read this book in 4 days, i could not stop reading."
"Time doesn’t mean a thing” could just have easily come from "Aleph" by Paulo Coelho, another favorite author."
"Read it in one sitting, could not put it down."
"This book has put so much into perspective for me."
"I loved the love poems and the sad ones were so beautiful and this book was just amazing."
"Hit the nail on the head for every thing I felt."
"I think any reader would relate to the thoughts and emotions conveyed here, but I don't understand the high praise for the actual writing."
Best British & Irish Literature
World War II comes to Farleigh Place, the ancestral home of Lord Westerham and his five daughters, when a soldier with a failed parachute falls to his death on the estate. “The skills Bowen brings to her several mystery series, including Molly Murphy and Royal Spyness, inform the plotting in this character-rich tale, which will be welcomed by her fans as well as by readers who enjoy fiction about the British home front.” — Booklist. It features an English aristocrat’s daughter who works at London’s top-secret home of code breakers, Bletchley Park, and a number of others with high-stakes plots and plans.” — Library Journal. “ In Farleigh Field delivers the same entertainment mixed with intellectual intrigue and realistic setting for which Bowen has earned awards and loyal fans.” —New York Journal of Books. Through the character’s eyes, readers will be drawn into the era and begin to understand the sacrifices and hardships placed on English society.” — Crimespree Magazine. With a deep understanding of the wounded human heart, and an uncanny ability to capture the quiet emotions and the grand scale of war, she rises above her contemporaries. Rhys Bowen’s knowing voice transports Downton fans into a unputdownable family saga—a compelling journey through history, loss, honor and love.
Reviews
Find Best Price at Amazon"Pamela works at Bletchly Park breaking German codes, Margot is in Paris working for the French Resistance, and Phoebe is at home (she’s only 12) and discovers the body of a soldier whose parachute failed as he tried to land near Farleigh Place. The resolution of each plot line was very realistic and convincing. I loved learning about the group of aristocrats that supported Hitler and created a group to try and make peace with Germany (she calls them the Ring in the novel; in actuality she explains in her Author’s Note that they were called the Link)."
"As the body arouses suspicion - MI5 operative and family friend Ben Cresswell is confidentially asked to investigate who the deceased is as he has no identification and work out whether he is in fact a German spy... and this is where the action seriously begins. The first half of the book is filled with characters’ individual stories which were interesting, but does require intense concentration however it is the last 100 pages where everything takes off and were totally action packed."
"The other was the role of the aristocracy who began to lose privilege, property, power and an entire way of life during the war and their willingness to embrace fascism to hold on to that. The story is well told, although some characters (there is a dauntingly long cast of characters at the front of the book – best to ignore that and plunge in, in my opinion) are stereotypical and thinly drawn."
Best British & Irish Humor & Satire
The Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy Seconds before the Earth is demolished for a galactic freeway, Arthur Dent is saved by Ford Prefect, a researcher for the revised Guide . It could only happen to the cosmically displaced Arthur Dent and his comrades as they hurtle across the galaxy in a desperate search for a place to eat. So Long, and Thanks for All the Fish Back on Earth, Arthur Dent is ready to believe that the past eight years were all just a figment of his stressed-out imagination. Mostly Harmless Just when Arthur Dent makes the terrible mistake of starting to enjoy life, all hell breaks loose. It's safe to say that The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy is one of the funniest science fiction novels ever written. Then in The Restaurant at the End of the Universe , Arthur and his new friends travel to the end of time and discover the true reason for Earth's existence.
Reviews
Find Best Price at Amazon"The humor sustains the jerky pacing and lack of central plot but I wonder how well this will hold up across all five chapters."
"This book takes one by surprise, because it shows he could also write with great tenderness, gentleness, and love."
"It did. Douglas Adams really started something when he wrote this parody of one genre, and in so-doing he started his own genre and others have followed in his footsteps such as Robert Aspirin, Terry Pratchett and even Piers Anthony could be counted among those who have emulated this tongue in cheek, irreverent treatment of what had in the past come to be a science fiction genre that took itself very seriously indeed. It didn't need to be in my opinion, but others might find it entertaining and informative."
"Read this book after watching a poor movie remake (bcs of Allen rickman being in it)."
"However, once you have read it, and you know that you like it, this is a represntation of the story that is very fun to read."
"They tried to cram as much of the different books into a single movie and ended up losing almost all of what makes these books so great."
"So many parts of these books are a part of our family lexicon - 42, so long and thanks for all the fish, thank you for making a simple door very happy, life...don't talk to me about life, and it just goes on from there."
Best British & Irish Dramas & Plays
The playscript for Harry Potter and the Cursed Child was originally released as a 'special rehearsal edition' alongside the opening of Jack Thorne's play in London's West End in summer 2016. When Albus hatches a plot to go back in time to save the life of Cedric Diggory—what Albus views as the biggest mistake his father made—time becomes distorted and Harry is left to examine his own life, his relationship with his son, and how love can sometimes be much more complicated than it seems. This is an interesting extension of the "Harry Potter" universe, but readers should go into it knowing that it's its own beast. Rowling didn't write it (much to the fury and vitriol of many fans), and it is in script form, so it loses some of the magic that won over millions of readers back when it all began.
Reviews
Find Best Price at Amazon"I read the books 2-3 times per year since I was a child. These books are a part of me, I've named my children after characters in these books. I have waited for this book like the rest of you. I get more of a harry potter vibe from the fantastic beasts trailer than this entire book. I think the best way to go into reading this and saving yourself from despair is to read it as a fanfic and not the true works of rowling."
"I keep wondering if there's a therapy group where all the disgruntled fans can congragate and weep together. The entire 7 book series was about friendship, love and loyalty, and Harry knew that; and most importantly, knew that's what made him different from V. You're telling me, he, Ron and Herm didn't continue to live and instil those values in their children? Harry wouldn't have choosen work over time with his family, which after all he'd been through WAS ALL HE EVER WANTED. This new book is the worst kind of trash, the one that destroys the soul of our hero. Also, what they did to calm, measured, quirky, wise Dumbledore, making him a weepy, rude mess, who spoke in cliches, issuing a completely unnecessary "apology" to why Harry was at the Dursleys, when Dumbledore had already apologized profusely for that in HP5 AND severely told off the Dursleys in HP6 for their abusive behavior! And what a weak, floppy mess Harry was during the fight scene?!"
"I am horrifically obsessed with these books, for the past 19 years (tattoos, pet names, my adult apartment covered in maps and memorabilia - you get the point). I sighed, scowled, and groaned mercilessly while reading, and eventually completely gave up trying to understand even a semblance of what was going on in this story.This is NOT cannon, nor something I can physically or mentally endure sitting on my bookshelves next to what was the light of my childhood (and early adulthood if I'm honest). **SPOILER WARNING**. So many issues: the timeturner now apparently having the ability to go back decades, and create butterfly effect implications; Hermione's visage as a cold, cruel, DADA professor; Harry's Hermione-like myopic focus on his work, above his family; Ron - as a whole; too many others to list without losing my cool once again."
Best Historical British & Irish Literature
International bestselling author Ken Follett takes us deep into the treacherous world of powerful monarchs, intrigue, murder, and treason with his magnificent new epic, A Column of Fire . As power in England shifts precariously between Catholics and Protestants, royalty and commoners clash, testing friendship, loyalty, and love. The shrewd, determined young monarch sets up the country’s first secret service to give her early warning of assassination plots, rebellions, and invasion plans. Recommended reading by * The Washington Post * USA Today * New York Post * The Christian Science Monitor * The Philadelphia Inquirer *. A Column of Fire is absorbing, painlessly educational, and a great deal of fun.” —The Washington Post “Follett’s historical epics, including this one, evoke the Romantic adventures of Alexandre Dumas. “Fans of Follett's epic sagas The Pillars of the Earth and World Without End , set in the Middle Ages in the fictional city of Kingsbridge, will be thrilled by this latest installment.” —New York Post “[Follett is a] master of the sweeping, readable epic.” —The Philadelphia Inquirer.
Reviews
Find Best Price at Amazon"We waited three years for a new Ken Follett novel and almost ten for the next, the third, book of his Kingsbridge story. If you know novels by Ken Follett, you know what you get: Tension, entertainment, a lot of well researched knowledge – and unfortunately a little black and white where you expect more gray. Two things first: Ken Follett gets back to Kingsbridge, his fictional town in England, for the third time, ten years after “World Without End” and 28 (!). It plays in Modern History, right after the reformation by the German monk Martin Luther (these days exactly 500 years ago). But there are evil villains, sexist and racist, very bad according to these our values and these guys giving him a hard time. But experience told us that the world is gray and evil characters are more interesting if they are complicated. Because Follett is such a good writer that you never lose track, also there are so many persons and plots."
"It's the greatest book I've ever read and it unearthed my passion for historical fiction. Even IF you're not into historical fiction, it's impossible that you wouldn't love this book or its series or any of Ken's novels."
"Centered in Elizabethan England and peopled primarily with English characters, it portrays the conflicting views (not all that many when you come down to it) between Catholics and Protestants and the ensuing horrible bloodshed through much of the 16th century. Evil Pierre, whose entire being is permeated by greed rather than religion, conspires with supporters of Catholicism in France (who are power-hungry rather than religious believers), triggering multiple episodes of bloodshed. A host of other characters, some historical and others fictional, take the reader from the coronation of Elizabeth to the Guy Fawkes plot and hopefully remind readers that religious (and racial, too, for that matter) differences are really superficial and that a great deal more unites people than divides them."
"That they seem too modern is periodically reinforced by the inclusion of words and phrases such as "dreamboat," "talking trash" and "puke,"--somewhat jarring to come across."
"I really wanted to like this book ."
Best Contemporary British & Irish Literature
Look out for Jojo’s new book, Still Me, the next book featuring Louisa Clark from Me Before You and After You , coming soon! They had nothing in common until love gave them everything to lose . “READ IT AND WEEP: Heartbreak collides with humor in Jojo Moyes’s Me Before You .”. — Good Housekeeping. There are also books where you become so invested in the characters, you force yourself to stop reading to prolong the experience because you don't want the story to end, and that's what can happen when you read Jojo Moyes' latest book, Me Before You . — Adriana Trigiani , New York Times bestselling author of The Shoemaker's Wife. “ME BEFORE YOU is a delicious surprise—funny and hopeful and heartbreaking, the kind of story that will keep you turning pages into the night. Lou Clark and Will Traynor will capture your heart and linger there long after their story has ended." — Eleanor Brown , New York Times bestselling author of The Weird Sisters. “Some books make you stop and think, compel you to examine your own take on life or your position or stand on an issue. Jojo Moyes’s Me Before You will surprise you—it is impossible not to put yourself in the characters’ shoes and you will find yourself thinking about the choices you might make if life changed in an instant. “Moyes’ twisting, turning, heartbreaking novel raises provocative moral questions while developing a truly unique relationship between two people brought together by chance. With shades of David Nicholls’ beloved One Day , Me Before You is the kind of book you simply can’t put down—even when you realize you don’t want to see it end. "Moyes’ latest is made heartwarming, thanks to the vibrancy of its main characters, both of whom will keep readers on their toes with their chemistry and witty repartee.
Reviews
Find Best Price at Amazon"I myself was concerned with the way Alex spoke about his situation so the ending didn't surprise me but it was a bit sad to see that Louisa was caught in his web of negativity."
"This was the kind of book that I read through without thinking about the writing style because I was so immersed in the character development."
"When a job comes up that she literally has to take, that is when two unlikely people from different parts of the class spectrum collide into each others worlds. While Louisa is the funny and amusing and somewhat free spirited girl in the story, we also have Will who was once very different than what has put him in in current situation. The story goes on to show signs of love, life, happiness, changes, heartbreak and bravery. I understand where he came from and support his decisions, but a little part broke in me when Louisa finally understood."
"I have to applaud Moyes' high-quality writing, the way she seems to effortlessly string words together to tug the reader in whichever direction she pleases is impressive and the beginning of the book seemed promising, akin to the fault in our stars' plot line where the characters' illnesses provide them with a depth and humanity that makes their relationship and interactions intriguing. Will is surrounded by a family that cares for him, he has financial stability, he can still do countless activities despite his condition and most importantly, his life is enhanced by the presence of a character who is willing to give up absolutely everything for the slim chance to change his mind. No reason could have justified his choice but his decision to die is summed up as his inability to cope with the fact that he can no longer live the adventurous life he used to have or behave as the successful, athletic, popular, rich kid he once was. Will despises the fact that he can not make his own choices, and yet he urges Louisa to go back to school, move on with her life, and witness his death without regard for her only request - his presence."
Best Shakespeare Works & Criticism
The authoritative edition of Macbeth from The Folger Shakespeare Library, the trusted and widely used Shakespeare series for students and general readers, includes: -Freshly edited text based on the best early printed version of the play. -Newly revised explanatory notes conveniently placed on pages facing the text of the play. -Scene-by-scene plot summaries. -A key to the play’s famous lines and phrases. -An introduction to reading Shakespeare’s language. -An essay by a leading Shakespeare scholar providing a modern perspective on the play. -Fresh images from the Folger Shakespeare Library’s vast holdings of rare books. -An up-to-date annotated guide to further reading. The Folger Shakespeare Library in Washington, DC, is home to the world’s largest collection of Shakespeare’s printed works, and a magnet for Shakespeare scholars from around the globe. Although some think that sometime between 1610 and 1613 Shakespeare retired from the theater and returned home to Stratford, where he died in 1616, others believe that he may have continued to work in London until close to his death.
Reviews
Find Best Price at Amazon"This book was not the exact edition of the book that I needed for class but the only differences were the page numbers and the cover, which is not a big deal."
"A good choice for The Tempest."
"They make all the difference to me, a new student to Shakespeare, at the ripe age of 59 years old....now I can understand and appreciate these amazing works of literature."
"I enjoyed Shakespeare in college (50 years ago) and now I get to attend a class with adults who are reading just for the joy, fun, of learning discussing."
"Although I was generally familiar with the story of Macbeth, it definitely made reading the play more enjoyable and understandable."
"Love Arkangel productions of Shakespeare plays."
"I got this for our 13 yr old daughter because I knew that she would like the story better if she could get around the language."