Barbara Pym became beloved as one of the wittiest novelists of the late twentieth century, revealing the inner workings of domestic life so brilliantly that her friend Philip Larkin announced her the era's own Jane Austen. But who was Barbara Pym and whywas the life of this English writer - one of the greatest chroniclers of the human heart - so defined by rejection, both in her writing and in love?

Expert interviews and Austen's own words tell the tales of her brief life and her place in the literary world.

"Biographer Rona Parish is keen to finish her series on successful single mothers for local glossy magazine, Chiltern Life -- and interviewing the mysterious and intriguing Nicole Summers should round it off nicely. But on a visit to Nicole's house, Rona makes a shocking discovery. Meanwhile, Rona has also taken on a new project -- finishing the book acclaimed biographer Russell Page was writing on Gideon Ward, a TV presenter, before the recent car...

"It has been one hundred years since Agatha Christie wrote her first novel and created the formidable Hercule Poirot. A brilliant and award winning biographer, Laura Thompson now turns her sharp eye to Agatha Christie. Arguably the greatest crime writer in the world, Christie's books still sell over four million copies each year?more than thirty years after her death?and it shows no signs of slowing. But who was the woman behind these mystifying,...

Sarah is a famous British murder mystery author. Tired of London and seeking inspiration for her new novel, she accepts an offer from her publisher to stay at his home in the south of France. Sarah finds that the beautiful country locale and unhurried pace is just the tonic for her - until late one night, when John's sexy and provocative daughter, Julie, unexpectedly arrives. Sarah's English reserve is jarred by Julie's lifestyle. An increasingly...

Revealing an aspect of history not yet explored, this illuminating and thought-provoking book brings to vibrant life the second generation of the iconic Bloomsbury Group who inspired their elders to new heights of creativity and passion while also pushing the boundaries of sexual freedom and gender norms in 1920s England.

Containing excerpts from earlier tributes to Dahl's work and wit, this is an eclectic and funny collection of tidbits by and about the late author. It also features a missing chapter from "Charlie and the Chocolate Factory."

Biographer Rona Parish has a new project, contributing a series for the local glossy magazine, Chiltern Life, documenting life changing experiences from those who have lived through them. When her father suggests she speaks to his friend Frank Hathaway, who was in Iraq during the invasion of Kuwait, Rona decides to pay him a visit. But Frank was also badly injured in a failed rescue attempt following a car crash the previous year, and has been tormented...