Best Selling Books by Arthur Ransome

The Swallows and Amazons and Captain Flint sail round the world and are captured on the China seas by a female Chinese pirate with a Cambridge education.

While working on his book The Life of Arthur Ransome, Hugh Brogan chanced upon the unfinished scrip of a thirteenth ''Swallows and Amazons'' story in Ransome''s desk in the Abbot Hall Museum in Cumbria, where it had lain unknown except to a few. It had no title (''Coots in the North'' is Brogan''s invention) but there were a few preliminary drawings which Ransome might have included had this gem been brought to life in book form. Why he abandoned it is not know, for he left a clear outline of how he intended to go on once the three young Coots - Joe, Bill and Pete - had completed their hair-raising journey as stowaways from Norfolk to the lakes in the North. There, on a salvage mission, they encounter for the first time the intrepid Nancy Blackett. ''Coots in the North'' is introduced by Brogan''s lively account of how Arthur Ransome found fame and fortune through the Swallows and Amazons, and is accompanied in this collection by other delights which turned up among Ransome''s papres in the Brotherton Library at Leeds University. An unfinished Victorian ''Bevis''-style novel yielded two superb stories, complete in themselves - ''The Cloudburst'' and a fishing tale called ''The River Comes First''. The Baltic sailing mysteries originally published in Pall Mall Magazine in 1929, ''Two Shorts and a Long'' and ''The Unofficial Side''; the Breton ghost story ''Ankou'', which first appeared in English review in1914; and an eerie cautionary tale of old Russia called ''The Shepherd''s Pipe'' complete this testament to Ransome''s storytelling genius, which should not be missed by enthusiasts young or old.

The Walker children (John, Susan, Titty and Roger) are staying at a farm near a lake in the Lake District of England, during the school holidays. They sail a borrowed dinghy named Swallow and meet the Blackett children (Nancy and Peggy), who sail a dinghy named Amazon. The Walkers camp on an island in the lake, while the Blacketts live in their house nearby. When the children meet, they agree to join forces against a common enemy – the Blacketts'' uncle Jim Turner whom they call "Captain Flint." The book relates the outdoor adventures and play of two families of children. These involve sailing, camping, fishing, exploration and piracy.

As the classic series continues, an unexpected visitor forces a group of children to go to great lengths to enjoy a summer of fun and adventure. The Amazons’ mother (doubtless suffering from exhaustion) has gone off sailing in the North Sea with Captain Flint on a rest cure, but she has allowed her two daughters to stay on the lakeshore with their trusty cook. She’s also permitted their two old friends, Dick and Dorothea Callum, to come up for a visit. But when the redoubtable Great Aunt hears of their abandonment, she’s horrified and off on the next train. The Amazons are dismayed; not only will their solo holiday be ruined, but now they’ll also have to hide their two guests in the woods in an abandoned shepherd’s cottage (where they’ll be forced to live off the land like the ancient Celtic, “Picts”) while the Blackett sisters will be required to dress up in white pinafores, practice the piano, and recite reams of poetry aloud (therefore “The Martyrs”). Friendship and resourcefulness, dangers and excitement: Arthur Ransome’s Swallows and Amazons series has stood the test of time. More than just great stories, each one celebrates independence and initiative with a colorful, large cast of characters. The Picts & the Martyrs (originally published in 1943) is the eleventh title in the Swallows and Amazons series, books for children or grownups, anyone captivated by a world of adventure, exploration, and imagination.

In "Portraits and Speculations," Arthur Ransome masterfully blends biography with speculative insight, offering readers a vivid tapestry that weaves together the lives of various intriguing figures. The text employs a rich yet accessible literary style, reminiscent of Ransome''s characteristic blend of narrative and reflection, inviting readers to ponder the interplay between art and reality. Set against the backdrop of early 20th-century British literature, this work captures the aesthetic movements and philosophical currents that informed Ransome''s creative vision, while exploring the enduring impact of cultural figures on individual and collective identities. Arthur Ransome, best known for his beloved ''Swallows and Amazons'' series, was a multifaceted writer whose extensive travels, deep literary engagements, and acute observations of human nature significantly shaped his work. His experiences as a journalist, sailor, and political observer, notably during the Russian Revolution, provided him with a unique lens through which to examine and portray the intricacies of character and circumstance, ultimately inspiring the reflective nature of "Portraits and Speculations." This book is essential reading for anyone interested in the intersections of biography, philosophy, and literary exploration. Ransome''s deft storytelling invites readers to delve into the rich complexities of his subjects, making it a valuable addition to the libraries of scholars, students, and general readers alike.

The Russians very well know how to weave intriguing stories that keep readers hooked till the end. This edition represents a thoughtful and beautifully illustrated collection of some of the finest Russian fairy and folk tales for people of all ages: Picture Fables for the Little Ones: The Cock and the Bean The Goat and the Ram The Hungry Wolf The Peasant and the Bear The Dog and the Cock King Frost The Bear''s Paw The Bear and the Old Man''s Daughters The Straw Ox The Fox and the Blackbird Fairy Tales: Snegorotchka Fire Bird Winged Wolf Self-Playing Harp Seven Brothers Ivan Story of the Golden Mountain Robber Nightingale Renowned Hero Mild Man Duck with Golden Eggs Bulat the Brave Tsarevich and Ivashka with White Smock Knight Yaroslav and Princess Anastasia The Golden Mountain Morozko Flying Ship Muzhichek-As-Big-As-Your-Thumb Tsarevich Ivan Tale of Little Fool Ivan Little Feather of Fenist Peasant Demyan Enchanted Ring Brave Labourer Sage Damsel Prophetic Dream Two Out of the Knapsack Marko and Vasily Muscovite Folk Tales: The Fiend The Dead Mother The Dead Witch The Treasure The Cross-Surety The Awful Drunkard The Bad Wife The Golovikha The Three Copecks The Miser The Fool and the Birch-Tree The Mizgir The Smith and the Demon Ivan Popyalof The Norka Marya Morevna Koshchei the Deathless The Water Snake The Water King and Vasilissa the Wise The Baba Yaga Vasilissa the Fair The Witch The Witch and the Sun''s Sister Emilian the Fool Witch Girl Headless Princess Soldier''s Midnight Watch Warlock Fox-Physician Fiddler in Hell Ride on the Gravestone Two Friends Shroud Coffin-Lid Two Corpses Dog and the Corpse Soldier and the Vampire Elijah the Prophet and Nicholas Priest with the Greedy Eyes Hasty Word.....

The Greatest Bed-Time Stories anthology gathers an unparalleled collection of tales that delve into the heart of imagination, culture, and the timeless battles between good and evil, sense and nonsense. Featuring a diverse range of literary styles, from the whimsical enchantments of fairy tales by the Brothers Grimm and Hans Christian Andersen to the pioneering animal stories by Rudyard Kipling and Beatrix Potter, the collection presents a rich tapestry of narratives. The anthology is significant not just for the enduring quality of the stories within its pages but also for showcasing the evolution of children''s literature and its ability to enchant, inform, and educate across generations. Each work stands as a testament to the creativity and enduring legacy of its author, creating a collective masterpiece that transcends the sum of its parts. The contributing authors and editors of The Greatest Bed-Time Stories come from diverse backgrounds, spanning different centuries, cultures, and literary movements, yet they share a common goal: to awaken the reader''s sense of wonder. The collection aligns with significant historical and cultural narratives, from the Victorian fascination with folklore and morality tales to the early 20th century''s exploration of anthropomorphism and fantasy. The anthology serves not only as a window into the varied worlds created by Lewis Carroll''s innovative use of language, Oscar Wilde''s nuanced storytelling, or L. Frank Baum''s fantastical realms but also as a mirror reflecting the universal themes of growth, exploration, and the importance of narrative in shaping ethics and character. The Greatest Bed-Time Stories offers readers an extraordinary opportunity to traverse vast imaginative landscapes through the minds of some of literature''s finest. It appeals to scholars and enthusiasts of classic children''s literature, inviting a detailed exploration of thematic depth, stylistic innovation, and cultural significance found within these narratives. This anthology is recommended for anyone looking to immerse themselves in a comprehensive and enlightening journey through the evolution of storytelling, offering endless nights of wonder and adventure. It stands as an essential addition to any library, serving both as an educational resource and a testament to the enduring power and appeal of well-told stories.

This work has been selected by scholars as being culturally important, and is part of the knowledge base of civilization as we know it. This work was reproduced from the original artifact, and remains as true to the original work as possible. Therefore, you will see the original copyright references, library stamps (as most of these works have been housed in our most important libraries around the world), and other notations in the work.This work is in the public domain in the United States of America, and possibly other nations. Within the United States, you may freely copy and distribute this work, as no entity (individual or corporate) has a copyright on the body of the work.As a reproduction of a historical artifact, this work may contain missing or blurred pages, poor pictures, errant marks, etc. Scholars believe, and we concur, that this work is important enough to be preserved, reproduced, and made generally available to the public. We appreciate your support of the preservation process, and thank you for being an important part of keeping this knowledge alive and relevant.

In "The Picts and The Martyrs: or, Not Welcome at All," Arthur Ransome masterfully weaves a rich narrative that explores themes of childhood, adventure, and social dynamics within the context of a group of young friends. The novel employs Ransome''s characteristic blend of whimsical prose and vivid descriptions, drawing readers into the enchanting world of secret camps, covert operations, and the tension between imagination and reality. Set against the backdrop of rural England, the text subtly critiques adult societal norms while celebrating the creativity and resourcefulness inherent in childhood play, reflecting broader literary trends of early 20th-century British literature that valued the innocence of youth and the joys of exploration. Arthur Ransome, renowned for his ability to capture the spirit of childhood, was also a journalist and a sailor, experiences that profoundly influenced his writing. His own adventurous youth, coupled with a passion for nature and sailing, is echoed throughout this narrative, which mirrors the author''Äôs adaptations of his travels into engaging tale-telling. Ransome''Äôs background, specifically his deep familiarity with the Lake District, enriches the narrative with local color and authenticity, allowing readers to feel the landscape''s palpable presence within the story. This enchanting tale is highly recommended for readers who relish adventure, camaraderie, and the exploration of youth''s imaginative realms. Ransome''s skillful storytelling not only captivates young readers but also resonates with adults who remember the innocence and wonder of their own childhood. It is a delightful addition to the canon of children''Äôs literature that illustrates the vibrant interplay between fantasy and reality.

Swallowdale is quite an achievement. It''s a book where nothing, really, happens - and yet even young readers learn to be caught and held by the richness of its sensual detail. Here are children building a camp, walking up a hill, watching a hunt, fishing for trout, eating breakfast. Where is the plot? Where is the struggle? Ransome is the child''s precursor to Proust and Woolf; he suggests the intense pleasures of plotlessness.Of course Ransome is utterly unfashionable now. "I say, Roger!" "Jolly good the able seaman!" these children shout across the lakes at one another, and their ability to hold to the hierarchies and good manners that their parents have taught them even when they are alone can seem absurd now.

Can you imagine finding gold? That''s just what the Swallows and Amazons and Dick and Dorothea decide to hunt for in the hills high above the lake. But it''s a hot and dry summer and water is in scarce supply. Worse still for the troubled campers, they have competition: Squashy Hat. Anybody can see he is a prospector. And talk about squashy hats! The children have never seen squashier. Just who is he and what sort of traps is he laying? Using pigeons to carry messages, braving dangerous mines and fires, the Swallows, Amazons and D''s Mining Company must stake their claim before their dreaded rival...Includes exclusive material: In ''The Backstory'' you can test your knowledge of the book and learn all about homing pigeons!

Set in England''s Lake District in the 1930s, "Swallows and Amazons" is the rollicking story of four young children--John, Susan, Titty and Roger--who embark on an island adventure in their boat, the Swallow. Upon arriving, the friends are besieged by Amazon pirates, Nancy and Peggy, who claim ownership of the land. Luckily, the Swallows and Amazons soon call a truce and set off together on wild escapades, camping under open skies, swimming, fishing, and exploring. This deluxe hardcover edition of Arthur Ransome''s charming tale will find a treasured spot in many home libraries as well as transport children to a real-life Neverland, a fantastical place where they can roam freely without an adult in sight.

Roman i 12 bd. om "The swallows", fire søskende, der er opkaldt efter deres båd. Sammen oplever disse børn en masse spændende ting