Most Popular Books by Arthur Ransome

Arthur Ransome''s ''Winter Holiday'' is an evocative portrayal of a bygone era, capturing the idyllic adventures of youth amidst the serene landscape of the English Lake District. The narrative unfolds with a meticulous balance between detailed description and lively dialogue, transporting readers directly into the world of the Walker and Blackett children as they embark on a quest filled with daring and camaraderie during the school holidays. Ransome''s work, as republished in this DigiCat edition, maintains the timeless charm that characterizes his contributions to children''s literature, situating ''Winter Holiday'' within the pantheon of classics that continue to fascinate new generations. The text''s preservation in both print and ebook formats perpetuates the cultural heritage inherent within its pages, substantiating DigiCat Publishing''s commendable initiative to amalgamate tradition and technological advancement in the dissemination of literary treasures. Arthur Ransome, a revered figure in children''s literature, was profoundly influenced by his own experiences and the pastoral beauty of the English countryside. His background as a journalist, coupled with a zest for adventure and sailing, infuses ''Winter Holiday'' with authenticity and a palpable sense of wonder. Ransome''s craftsmanship in storytelling not only reflects an era of exploration and imagination but also emanates his philosophical belief in the resilience and capability of young minds. It is this very essence that has etched Ransome''s works into the memory of countless readers, prompting the preservation and revival of his stories through editions such as this. ''Winter Holiday'' is a treasure trove for any admirer of classic children''s tales, a literary gem that both young readers and adults will find delightful. Through the expertly crafted escapades of its youthful protagonists, the book invites readers to recapture the spirit of adventure and the warmth of friendship. This DigiCat edition, conscientiously restored to honor the novel''s historical significance, is a testament to the relevance of Ransome''s storytelling in today''s world. Readers seeking a blend of nostalgia and escapade, underpinned by rich narrative skill, need look no further than this enthralling rendition of ''Winter Holiday''.

DigiCat Publishing presents to you this special edition of "Great Northern?" by Arthur Ransome. DigiCat Publishing considers every written word to be a legacy of humankind. Every DigiCat book has been carefully reproduced for republishing in a new modern format. The books are available in print, as well as ebooks. DigiCat hopes you will treat this work with the acknowledgment and passion it deserves as a classic of world literature.

The Walker family endures a shipwreck, discovers a secret cave and valley, builds a camp on the mainland, and goes hiking in the mountains.

The crew of the Swallow spend an adventurous summer on an English lake.

"First published in 1936 by Jonathan Cape Ltd.; revised edition published in 1983"--Copyright page.

This new edition of "Racundra''s First Cruise" includes the original maps, text and photos from the 1923 first edition, of which only 1500 copies were printed. The book also contains a detailed introduction detailing Ransome''s Baltic sailing in "Slug" and "Kittiwake" and includes unpublished articles and essays together with many original Ransome pictures and present day photographs of the area. The manuscript has been researched, edited and introduced by Brian Hammett, who received critical acclaim for his work on "Racundra''s Third Cruise." Details of "Racundra"''s life after Ransome are also included. It has the full support of Ransome''s literary executors who are delighted to see it republished.

DigiCat Publishing presents to you this special edition of "Coot Club" by Arthur Ransome. DigiCat Publishing considers every written word to be a legacy of humankind. Every DigiCat book has been carefully reproduced for republishing in a new modern format. The books are available in print, as well as ebooks. DigiCat hopes you will treat this work with the acknowledgment and passion it deserves as a classic of world literature.

Arthur Ransome''s ''Ultimate Collection'' is a literary masterpiece that beautifully combines various genres such as adventure, children''s fiction, and travel writing. The collection showcases Ransome''s ability to transport readers to different worlds through vivid descriptions and engaging storytelling. Ransome''s writing style is captivating, with a focus on character development and detailed world-building, making the stories come alive on the page. His works are a perfect example of timeless classics that continue to resonate with readers of all ages. The ''Ultimate Collection'' includes beloved titles such as ''Swallows and Amazons'', ''We Didn''t Mean to Go to Sea'', and ''Secret Water'', each offering a unique and immersive reading experience. Arthur Ransome''s contribution to literature is commendable, and this collection serves as a testament to his unparalleled talent and creativity. Fans of adventure, exploration, and well-crafted storytelling will find this collection to be a true treasure trove of literary gems.

The Big Six is the ninth book of Arthur Ransome''s Swallows and Amazons series of children''s books, published in 1940. The book returns Dick and Dorothea Callum, known as the Ds, to the Norfolk Broads where they renew their friendship with the members of the Coot Club. This book is more of a detective story as the Ds and Coot Club try to unravel a mystery that threatens the Death and Glories'' freedom to sail the river.The Ds return to Norfolk, hoping to enjoy a holiday with their friends of the Coot Club. Unfortunately, they find the Death and Glories (Pete, Bill and Joe) coming under a gathering cloud of suspicion of setting moored boats adrift.

The Swallows and Amazons author''s lost study of the author of Treasure Island, finally available with a substantial introduction detailing its rediscovery and Ransome''s extraordinary early career.

The eight installment in the Swallows and Amazons children''s book series. It explores a new setting in an attempt to diverge from the setting of the prior books.

But for Swallows and Amazons, some of Arthur Ransome''s earlier writings would be better known. The extraordinary success Ransome achieved as a children''s writer, from the 1930''s until his death in 1967, perhaps inevitably eclipsed his earlier work, but in the case of his two books and pamphlet on the Russian revolutions of 1917 and the tumultuous events that followed that is a great loss: it can be said unequivocally that these writings are on a par, perhaps even exceeding, such classics as John Reed''s Ten Days that Shook the World . Arthur Ransome knew Russia. He lived there from 1914 to 1918 almost all the time. He taught himself Russian and became a foreign correspondent for the liberal Daily News and Manchester Guardian. More than that, he came to know many of the Bolshevik leaders like Lenin, Trotsky and Checherin almost as personal friends, and, indeed, married Trotsky''s secretary, Evgenia Petrovna Shelepina. Arthur Ransome as a commentator on the Russian scene at the most convulsive moment in its history is unique. Unlike famous visitors like H. G. Wells (though his marvellous book, Russia in the Shadows shouldn''t be overlooked) and Bertrand Russell, his was no brief journalistic inspection: and unlike other reporters such as John Reed, Victor Serge and Alfred Rosmer there was no tendentiousness in what he wrote - they were convinced revolutionaries, Ransome, although not unsympathetic to the Bolshevik cause, was a more objective recorder. Six Weeks in Russia , The Crisis in Russia and the pamphlet, The Truth about Russia constitute the best contemporary writing about Russia at the time of the Bolshevik takeover. They were reissued in the early 1990s, with an introduction by Paul Foot which has been retained for the Faber Finds reissue of Six Weeks in Russia ; otherwise they have been out of print since first published

The two Blackett sisters are to stay at Beckfoot on the lakeshore with their cook, but when their great aunt hears of the abandonment, she''s on the next train.

Arthur Ransome''s ''Peter Duck'' creates a vivid and spontaneous adventure that is nothing short of classic Ransome fare. Wrapping the reader in a rich tapestry of maritime escapades, the novel sails beyond the realms of typical children''s literature into a well-crafted amalgamation of suspense, comradery, and the spirit of exploration. Written with a nostalgic nod to the innocence of youth and the lore of seafaring tales, this book, meticulously reproduced by DigiCat Publishing, retains its original charm while being accessible to modern audiences through both print and electronic formats. Ransome''s prose is breezy yet evocative, capturing the era''s narrative style while remaining timeless in its appeal and contextualizing the novel within a grand tradition of British adventure literature. Arthur Ransome was not only a skilled author but an avid sailor, qualities that confer a rich authenticity to his ''Swallows and Amazons'' series, of which ''Peter Duck'' is an extraordinary example. Drawn from Ransome''s knowledge and passion for the sea, this volume may well be imagined as a rendition of a tale spun by the author himself amidst the rolling waves. The narrative is infused with insights that only a sailor''s experiences could impart, grounding its fanciful elements within a palpable reality. It''s through this lens that Ransome shared his evocative visions of youth, adventure, and freedom, which continue to resonate with readers decades after their initial publication. In ''Peter Duck'', Ransome archives childish imagination and the purity of tell-tale adventures, uniting them into a story that rewards the hearts of both young readers and the young at heart. Those with an affinity for classic literary voyages will find themselves well-served by this edition. DigiCat Publishing''s commitment to preserving such timeless literature ensures that the call to adventure is but a page-turn away, inviting new generations to set sail into the wonderful and often untamed seas of their own imaginations.

Most people know of Arthur Ransome, the author of the classic children''s sailing tale, Swallows & Amazons, and many other books in the same series. But besides his exciting tales of children on the water there is much more to the man. Before he wrote Swallows & Amazons, Ransome was a journalist for the Daily News, based in Russia. He is reputed to have played chess against Lenin and he married Trotsky''s secretary. He cruised extensively in the Baltic in the 1920s on board his beloved Racundra. His account of his first cruise on that boat was his first commercially successful book, Racundra''s First Cruise (also available from Fernhurst Books). The second cruise was spoilt by bad weather, but the third cruise was special – it was his honeymoon having married Evgenia Shelepina. Ransome clearly intended to publish the account of this cruise, but never finished it. Ransome enthusiast, Brian Hammett, got hold of the unpublished manuscript and found Ransome''s hand-written notes, diaries, logbooks and photographs in the Ransome archive at Leeds University. Brian compiled this book, adding his own notes from his cruises in the same area. The result is a glorious volume which has delighted Ransome enthusiasts, sailors and landlubbers equally. This new paperback edition and eBook will be published on 8th May – the very day that Ransome and Shelepina got married in 1924 before their honeymoon cruise which is recounted in this book.

"The Crisis in Russia" by Arthur Ransome is an incredibly vivid, though short, account of the narrator''s time spent in Russia as the revolution began to find its footing at the end of the First World War. Ransome was a reporter at the time and had multiple first-hand experiences with figures like Trosky and Lenin, who would be pivotal in changing the country. Framed by his wit and well-thought-out opinions, this book is an essential resource for those interested in Russian and ultimately world history.

In "Old Peter''s Russian Tales," Arthur Ransome artfully weaves a tapestry of Russian folklore, presenting an enchanting collection of traditional stories that captivate both the young and the young at heart. Drawing from a rich literary heritage, Ransome employs a conversational narrative style, enhanced by his vivid imagery and a musical cadence that brings the tales to life. This anthology not only serves as a delightful introduction to Russian culture and mythology but also reflects the author''s deep appreciation for storytelling as a means of cultural transmission, situating it within the broader context of early 20th-century children''s literature. Arthur Ransome, known for his own experiences in Russia as a journalist and his fascination with the country''Äôs history and traditions, channels his profound understanding into this compilation. His time spent amongst Russian folk informed not only the themes of his stories but also his ability to bridge cultural divides, making ancient tales accessible to modern readers. Ransome''Äôs personal connection to these stories imbues them with authenticity and warmth, inviting readers to engage with their whimsical yet poignant lessons. "Old Peter''s Russian Tales" is highly recommended for readers seeking a magical journey through folklore, enhancing their understanding of Russian identity and values. Ransome''Äôs storytelling is a portal to the imagination, perfect for those wishing to explore the universal themes of courage, wisdom, and the human condition, making this collection a timeless addition to any literary repertoire.

"The Soldier and Death" by Arthur Ransome is an old Russian folk story. The narrative revolves around a man who seizes ''death'', places it in a bag, and hovers it from a tree. No one dies as a result. Excerpt: "The devils looked at all the money they had lost. It seemed a pity to lose all that good silver and gold. "Tear him to pieces, brothers," they cried, "tear him to pieces, eat him and have done!" The soldier tapped his little pipe on the table. "First make sure," says he, "who eats whom." And with that he whips out his sack, and, says he, to the devils, who were all gnashing their teeth and making ready to fall on him, "what do you call this?" "It''s a sack," said the devils. "Is it?" says the soldier. "Then, by the word of God, get into it!" And the next minute all those devils were tumbling over each other and getting into the sack, squeezing in one on the top of another until the last one had got inside. Then the soldier tied up the sack with a good double knot, hung it on a nail, and lay down to sleep."

"First published in 1937 by Jonathan Cape Ltd.; revised edition published in 1983."--title page verso.

When their boat is burned and they are cast adrift in the South China Sea, Titty, Roger, Peggy, John, Nancy, Susan, and Captain Flint make their way to land only to find themselves the captives of the redoubtable Missee Lee, one of the last pirates operating off the China coast.

The English interwar writer Arthur Ransome, best known for the ‘Swallows and Amazons’ children’s books, is noted for popularising the pattern for “holiday adventure” stories. A writer of various genres, his first success, ‘Bohemia in London’, is a partly autobiographical account of his early days. He also published a noted general ‘History of Story-Telling’, as well as landmark critical works on Edgar Allan Poe and Oscar Wilde. During the Great War, Ransome worked as a war correspondent in Russia, where he studied native folktales, which he retold for children. He also wrote extensively about his passion of angling, producing the seminal work in its field, ‘Rod and Line’. For the first time in publishing history, this eBook presents Ransome’s complete fictional works, with numerous illustrations, rare texts, informative introductions and the usual Delphi bonus material. (Version 1) * Beautifully illustrated with images relating to Ransome’s life and works * Concise introductions to the major works * All the ‘Swallows and Amazons’ novels, with individual contents tables * Includes Ransome’s original illustrations to the novels * Many rare texts appearing for the first time in digital publishing * Images of how the books were first published, giving your eReader a taste of the original texts * Excellent formatting of the texts * Rare short stories available in no other collection * Includes Ransome’s rare non-fiction works * Features the celebrated autobiography – discover Ransome’s intriguing life * Ordering of texts into chronological order and genres CONTENTS: The Swallows and Amazons Books Swallows and Amazons (1930) Swallowdale (1931) Peter Duck (1932) Winter Holiday (1933) Coot Club (1934) Pigeon Post (1936) We Didn’t Mean To Go To Sea (1937) Secret Water (1939) The Big Six (1940) Missee Lee (1941) The Picts and the Martyrs (1943) Great Northern? (1947) Other Children’s Books The Child’s Book of the Seasons (1906) Pond and Stream (1906) The Things in our Garden (1906) The Hoofmarks of the Faun (1911) Old Peter’s Russian Tales (1916) Aladdin and his Wonderful Lamp in Rhyme (1920) The Soldier and Death (1922) The Horror Novel The Elixir of Life (1915) The Short Stories Miscellaneous Stories The Non-Fiction The Souls of the Streets and Other Little Papers (1904) Bohemia in London (1907) A History of Story-telling (1909) Edgar Allan Poe (1910) Oscar Wilde (1912) Portraits and Speculations (1913) Six Weeks in Russia (1919) The Crisis in Russia (1921) Racundra’s First Cruise (1923) Rod and Line (1929) Racundra’s Third Cruise (1972) The Autobiography The Autobiography of Arthur Ransome (1976)

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.

Spring always seems to begin on the morning that the Imp, in a bright pink nightgown, comes rushing into my room without knocking, and throws himself on my bed, with a sprig of almond blossom in his hand. You see, the almond blossom grows just outside the Imp''s window, and the Imp watches it very carefully. We are none of us allowed to see it until it is ready, and then, as soon as there is a sprig really out, he picks it and flies all round the house showing it to everybody. For the Imp loves the Spring, and we all know that those beautiful pink blossoms mean that Spring is very near.And what are the things we know the Summer by? Summer clothes say little girls, and big straw hats say boys. Well, and what do they mean but the heat? The Imp wears a huge straw hat and a loose holland overall but he goes about panting, and lies flat on the ground with the straw hat over his nose to keep the sun from burning his face. And the Elf wears an overall, too, and a pale blue calico sunbonnet over her curls. All the same she is often too hot to enjoy anything except sitting in the swing in the orchard and listening to fairy tales. And I, well, I am often too hot to tell fairy tales. For fairyland is a cool, comfortable place, and big, hot Ogres melt it away like an ice palace.I told you that we are sad when we know that Summer is passing away; but that is only because we love the Summer, with her gay flowers and fair green clothes, and not because we do not like the Autumn. The Imp and the Elf laugh at me when I tell them that all Ogres and Ogresses, all people who are grown up and can never be Imps and Elves again, love the Autumn and the Spring even better than the Summer herself. And then, to make them understand, I tell them a fairy story, how, once upon a time, Spring and Summer and Winter and Autumn were four beautiful little girls.

Middle-class, Jewish Hans finds himself charmed by Konradin, the young aristocrat in his class and they quickly become best friends. But it is 1932 and the boys live in a rapidly changing Germany. The rise of Hitler compromises their friendship irrevocably but their story does not truly end until after the war. Readers across the world have been devastated and moved by the shocking denouement of this beautiful and profound exploration of the nature of friendship and the impact of history on human relationships. Includes an introduction by Rachel Seiffert, bestselling author of The Dark Room.

Eight peasants with magical powers help the youngest of three sons win the Czar''s daughter. The...illustrations which fill the pages with animation and gleaming colors have a folk character and Russian flavor. --Booklist