Jane Austen began writing in her early teens, and filled three notebooks with her fiction. Her earliest work reflects her interest in the novel as a genre; in brilliant short pieces she plays with plots, stock characters, diction, and style, developing a sense of form at a remarkably early age. The characters of these stories have a jaunty and never-failing devotion to themselves. They perpetually lie, cheat, steal — and occasionally commit murder. Throughout these short or unfinished pieces, Austen exhibits her sense of the preposterous in life and fiction with tough-mindedness and robust humour. Alice, the mock-heroine of Jack and Alice has 'many rare and charming qualities, but Sobriety is not one of them'. In her later published fiction, Austen had learned to take demands for propriety seriously, reining in whatever might be thought boisterous or coarse. Here we see Jane Austen without her inhibitions. In addition to prose fiction and prayers, this collection also contains many of Jane Austen's poems, written to amuse or console friends, and rarely reprinted. The texts have been compared with the manuscripts and edited to give a number of new readings.The notes recreate the texture of daily life in Jane Austen's age, and demonstrate her knowledge of the fiction of her time. The introduction by Margaret Anne Doody sets the writings within the context of Jane Austen's life and literary career.

The text and notes are reproduced from the Oxford English Novels edition. The introduction sheds light on the relationship of the Journal to Pepys's diary, and a medical note relates the latest research on the Plague.

Resurrection, the last of Tolstoy's major novels, tells the story of a nobleman's attempt to redeem himself for the suffering his youthful philandering caused a peasant girl. Tolstoy's vision of redemption achieved through loving forgiveness, and his condemnation of violence dominate the novel. An intimate, psychological tale of guilt, anger, and forgiveness, Resurrection is at the same time a panoramic description of social life in Russia at the end of the nineteenth century, reflecting Tolstoy's outrage at the social injustices of the world in which he lived.

In The Sea-Wolf, London's most gripping novel, Humphrey Van Weyden is rescued from the freezing waters of San Francisco Bay by a demonic sea captain and introduced to fates far worse that death. Through this story London recalls his own adventures on a sealing vessel at the age of seventeen. John Sutherland's notes include a history of pelagic seal hunting and an account of the many cinematic versions of this novel.

'New eyes were opened in her soul. She saw a strange creature from another world, in him. It was as if she were enchanted, and everything were metamorphosed.' In Women in Love (1920), Ursula and Gudrun Brangwen, who first appeared in Lawrence's earlier novel, The Rainbow, take centre stage as Lawrence explores their growth and development in their relationships with two powerful men, Rupert Birkin and his friend Gerald Crich. A novel of regeneration and dark, destructive human passion, Women in Love reflects the impact on Lawrence of the First World War in the potential both for annihilation and salvation of the self. Quintessentially modernist, Women is Love is one of Lawrence's most extraordinary, innovative and unsettling works.

This authoritative and accessible guide to the British monarchy spans the Romano-British rulers of 55 BC to the present day House of Windsor. Generously illustrated with maps, photos, paintings, and genealogies, it contains a wealth of information on the rulers of Britain, including their policies, personalities, key dates, and legacies. There are almost 600 entries, which are organised by regions up to 1066 and by royal lines thereafter. Feature articles throughout the guide provide in-depth information on key royal topics, including Coronations, Regalia, the Tower of London, and — new to this edition — Westminster Abbey and St Paul's Cathedral. Revised and updated to include recent events, such as the second marriage of Prince Charles, this new edition also contains a topical introductory article on the changing role of the monarchy. There is a useful glossary, a list of recommended further reading, and a new appendix of recommended web links, accessed and kept up to date via a companion website. Comprehensive and elegantly written, this fascinating guide to the British monarchy is an essential reference resource for teachers and students of British history, and for anyone with an interest in Britain's rulers through the ages.

Who was the first King of England? What prompted the Cat and Mouse Act? When was Wembley stadium demolished? Where did the Rebecca riots take place? How long did the Hundred Years War last? Containing more than 3,800 authoritative entries written by over 100 specialist contributors, this dictionary describes the people and events that have shaped and defined domestic, political, social, and cultural life in Britain since 55 BC. New entries to this edition include Gordon Brown, David Cameron, Gerry Adams, and Rowan Williams and existing entries on Tony Blair, Iraq, Northern Ireland, and terrorism have been updated. Following the A-Z text is an appendix of recommended web links that provide relevant and useful extra information. Web links are conveniently accessed via the Dictionary of British History companion website, where they are regularly checked and kept up to date. Derived from the highly acclaimed The Oxford Companion to British History, A Dictionary of British History has been a leading historical reference work since its publication in 2001.Now thoroughly revised and fully updated, this handy and invaluable A-Z remains essential for anyone studying or with an interest in British history as well as for those in need of a compact reference book covering 2,000 years of people, events, places, and change.

This wide-ranging and authoritative dictionary contains 7,000 entries covering all areas of business and management, including marketing, organizational behaviour, business strategy, law, and taxation. Written by a team of experts, it features the very latest terminology, for example, the recent vocabulary associated with structured finance and the associated subprime lending crisis, including collaterized debt obligation and special purpose vehicle. The new edition of this established bestseller dispels modern financial and management jargon, defining entries in a clear, concise, and accessible manner. It contains US business terms, general management concepts (e.g. competence, knowledge management), named theories (e.g. Tannenbaum and Schmidt, Blake and Mouton) as well as expanded coverage of the contemporary theory of the firm and human resources. New terms are included from the fast-moving areas of current affairs (e.g. MiFID), Internet business and information technology and there is full coverage of the new Companies Act. With recommended web links for many entries, accessible and kept up to date via the Dictionary of Business and Management companion website, this edition is more informative than ever. This A-Z reference work is essential for business students, teachers and professionals, and useful for anyone needing a guide to business terminology.

The history of Russia — from Kievan Rus to Vladimir Putin Russia: A History cuts through the myths and mystery that have surrounded Russia from its earliest days, with startling revelations from classified archives that until comparatively recently were not even known to exist. A distinguished team of historians has stripped away the propaganda and preconceptions of the past to tell the definitive story of Russia, from tenth-century Kiev and Muscovy through empire and revolution to the fall of Communism and the 'new order' of the 1990s and early 21st century. A compelling story in its own right, it is essential reading for anyone with an interest in Russia and its place in the world. This updated edition now covers the developments in the Putin era in the first decade of the 21st century.

Find out what happens to the unfortunate Humpty Dumpty, ride with a fine lady to Banbury Cross, watch a cow jump over the moon, listen to Old King Cole's fiddlers, and march with the Duke of York in this wonderful collection of nursery rhymes. Brian Wildsmith has chosen over eighty best-loved rhymes that are full of charm and rhythm, and has illustrated them with great exuberance and imagination. Nursery rhymes are delight to share from one generation to the next and this beautiful book is sure to be enjoyed by young and old alike.

Smidge is used to Karlson, the funny little man with a propeller on his back, living on the roof. They are firm friends. Now, anytime Karlson pops in, Smidge knows that there's fun and adventure in store. In this collection of stories, they flood the bathroom, celebrate Karlson's birthday, and prompt a newspaper to offer a reward when Karlson is mistaken for a spy!

Smidge is used to Karlson, the funny little man with a propeller on his back, living on the roof. They are firm friends. Now, anytime Karlson pops in, Smidge knows that there's fun and adventure in store. In this collection of stories, they gobble cream buns, do their very best to frighten the new housekeeper and almost become television stars!

Winnie the Witch has many talents! In 'Winnie's Wheels' she magics an old wreck of a car to take herself and Wilbur on holiday and demonstrates some rather unconventional driving skills; in 'Blooming Winnie' she summons the help of the ghost of Great Aunt Winifred in order to control a class of unruly children who have come to see her garden; in 'Winnie's Tea Party' Winnie is playing hostess and showing off her culinary repertoire to her oddball relatives; and in 'Giddy-Up, Winnie!' Winnie and Wilbur head for the local race meeting on a homemade hobby horse — with hilarious results. Four crazily funny stories featuring everyone's favourite witch, her big black cat, Wilbur, and a supporting cast of zany new characters. Korky Paul's exuberant black line illustrations complement the humour, slapstick, and moments of real drama that run through each story. Pure magic! The 'Winnie the Witch' series has sold over two million copies worldwide and has been translated into over twenty languages.

Oxford Children's Myths and Legends bring you the greatest stories ever told, from around the world and long ago. Heroes and villains, witches and wizards, warriors and royalty — there's something here for everyone. These spell-binding tales of love, loyalty, greed and jealousy come from the mountains and valleys of Wales. From Pwyll, the prince of Dyfed, to Arthur's court, they tell of a world where peasants and kings live alongside the folk of the faery, and where reality and enchantment intertwine.

Oxford Children's Myths and Legends bring you the greatest stories ever told, from around the world and long ago. Heroes and villains, witches and wizards, warriors and royalty — there's something here for everyone. This lively collection brings to life the very best English traditional fairy-tales and stories. From Johnny Gloke the giant killer and the frog prince at the World's End, to the better-known characters of Dick Whittington and Tom Thumb, this magical collection is full of adventure and humour.

Oxford Children's Myths and Legends bring you the greatest stories ever told, from around the world and long ago. Heroes and villains, witches and wizards, warriors and royalty — there's something here for everyone. From the Highlands and islands, to the Border country, there are stories from all over Scotland in this wonderful collection. You'll find tales of Tam Lin the elfin knight, MacCodrum of the Seals and many more — all told with a thrilling sense of adventure and fun.

When Dizzy the duck oversleeps and misses the flight South, he knows that he must, somehow, catch his friends up. Unfortunately, Dizzy doesn't have a good sense of direction. Can anyone help him on his way? Join him as he encounters a mischievous pigeon, a well-meaning parrot, and a hungry vulture... not to mention swampy jungles and a chase into space! This amusing, quirky tale is perfectly paired with Korky Paul's exuberant illustrations.

Scratch the cat has never been so itchy. A flea has hopped into his fur and no matter how much he scratches he can't get rid of it! However, Scratch isn't easily defeated-he has some clever ideas in mind to evict the flea once and for all. But despite his drastic endeavours, including vigorously vacuuming himself, a hideous haircut, and a trip to the carwash, the flea is determined to stay. Will Scratch ever be free of his lousy louse? This enormously entertaining text is the perfect outlet for Korky Paul's wonderful illustrations.

There's no one Karl Lion loves more than his older brother, Jonathan, who is brave, strong, and handsome — everything Karl believes he is not. Karl never wants to be parted from him. But Karl is sick, and knows he's going to die. To comfort him, Jonathan tells him stories of Nangiyala, the wonderful place he'll be going to when he dies, and where he will wait until Jonathan is ready to join him there. Then the unthinkable happens... Jonathan is killed in an accident. Heartbroken, Karl longs for the day he'll be reunited with his brother. When the time comes, he finds Nangiyala just as wonderful as he'd imagined. However, Nangiyala is under threat. A cruel tyrant is determined to claim it as his own, and at his command is a terrible beast that is feared throughout the land. Karl must summon all of his courage to help his brother prepare for the battle that lies ahead... 'I adored Astrid Lindgren as a child' Francesca Simon, author of the 'Horrid Henry' books.

Life is never dull for Winnie the Witch! There's the time she is getting ready to perform at the witches' magic show but then accidentally puts her magic wand in the washing machine, along with her party dress. It comes out crumpled and certainly not in working order! And there's the day Winnie decides to load all her magic onto her new computer and throw away her book of spells, only to discover that the computer has disappeared into thin air, taking her precious Wilbur with it! And, if that were not enough, there's the outing Winnie arranges for herself and Wilbur to go to the seaside. What should have been a relaxing day at the beach turns into a crisis when Winnie's broomstick is swept out to sea. Three of Winnie and Wilbur's best-loved escapades for young readers are here to enjoy in one bright beautiful book.