Best Selling Books by Ford Madox Ford

The Inheritors: An Extravagant Story (1901) is a quasi-science fiction novel on which Ford Madox Ford and Joseph Conrad collaborated. It looks at society''s mental evolution and what is gained and lost in the process. Written before the first World War, its themes of corruption and the effect of the 20th Century on British aristocracy appeared to predict history. It was first published in London by William Heinemann and later the same year in New York by McClure, Phillips & Co. In the novel, the metaphor of the "fourth dimension" is used to explain a societal shift from a generation of people who have traditional values of interdependence, being overtaken by a modern generation who believe in expediency, callously using political power to bring down the old order. Its narrator is an aspiring writer who himself makes a similar transition at a personal level only to feel he has lost everything.

Romance (1903) is a novel by Ford Madox Ford and Joseph Conrad. One of just three collaborations between two of the greatest English language novelists of the twentieth century, Romance plays to the strengths of each author to weave a tale of adventure, bad luck, and political intrigue. Adapted into The Road to Romance (1927), a lost silent film, Romance remains a highly entertaining and largely forgotten work of English fiction. “What are these days to me? But that far-off day of my romance, when from between the blue and white bales in Don Ramon''s darkened storeroom, at Kingston, I saw the door open before the figure of an old man with the tired, long, white face, that day I am not likely to forget.” Forced to flee his native England after being accused of smuggling, John Kemp joins his cousin Carlos in Jamaica. Soon, however, he grows wary of their comrade Castro, a shadowy figure who poses a danger to Kemp’s anonymity. Setting out on his own, he crosses paths with O’Brien, a notorious Irish nationalist who sees in Kemp an easy target for manipulation. Once again forced to flee for his life, Kemp searches for his cousin, only to find him on his deathbed. Left with no choice, he joins forces with Castro and the local beauty Serafina, who prove the greatest of friends. Eminently entertaining, this swashbuckling adventure is perfect for fans of Conrad and Ford, or for anyone looking to escape into a world of unending romance. With a beautifully designed cover and professionally typeset manuscript, this edition of Joseph Conrad and Ford Madox Ford’s Romance is a classic work of British literature reimagined for modern readers.

This early work by Ford Madox Ford was originally published in 1908 and we are now republishing it with a brand new introduction. Ford Madox Ford was born Ford Madox Hueffer in Merton, Surrey, England on 17th December 1873. The creative arts ran in his family - Hueffer''s grandfather, Ford Madox Brown, was a well-known painter, and his German émigré father was music critic of The Times - and after a brief dalliance with music composition, the young Hueffer began to write. Although Hueffer never attended university, during his early twenties he moved through many intellectual circles, and would later talk of the influence that the "Middle Victorian, tumultuously bearded Great" - men such as John Ruskin and Thomas Carlyle - exerted on him. In 1908, Hueffer founded the English Review, and over the next 15 months published Thomas Hardy, H. G. Wells, Joseph Conrad, Henry James, John Galsworthy and W. B. Yeats, and gave débuts to many authors, including D. H. Lawrence and Norman Douglas. Hueffer''s editorship consolidated the classic canon of early modernist literature, and saw him earn a reputation as of one of the century''s greatest literary editors. Ford''s most famous work was his Parade''s End tetralogy, which he completed in the 1920''s and have now been adapted into a BBC television drama. Ford continued to write through the thirties, producing fiction, non-fiction, and two volumes of autobiography: Return to Yesterday (1931) and It was the Nightingale (1933). In his last years, he taught literature at the Olivet College in Michigan. Ford died on 26th June 1939 in Deauville, France, at the age of 65.

In "Joseph Conrad," Ford Madox Ford constructs a nuanced and intricate portrait of one of the most significant literary figures of the early 20th century. Through a blend of biographical insight and literary critique, Ford explores Conrad''s complex narratives, rich thematic preoccupations, and his distinctive stylistic innovations. Set against the backdrop of a rapidly changing world, Ford emphasizes how Conrad''s experiences as a sailor and √©migr√© inform his exploration of imperialism, morality, and human psychology, thus establishing him as a precursor to modernist thought. The book is imbued with Ford''Äôs own literary influences, reflecting the vibrant cross-currents of fin-de-si√®cle literature, making it a key text for understanding both Ford and Conrad''s contributions to the literary canon. Ford Madox Ford, a pivotal figure in the Modernist movement and a close contemporary of Conrad, was deeply influenced by his interactions with the author. As a writer and editor, Ford''Äôs literary career gave him a unique vantage point from which to appreciate Conrad''s genius. Their friendship and shared artistic values reveal the undercurrents of collaboration and mutual respect, informing every page of Ford''s analysis. This work is highly recommended for readers seeking deeper comprehension of not only Joseph Conrad''s legacy but also of the transformational literary landscape of the early 20th century. Ford''Äôs eloquent prose not only celebrates Conrad''s achievements but also invites readers to ponder the intricate connections between life and literature.

The Inheritors: An Extravagant Story (1901) is a quasi-science fiction novel on which Ford Madox Ford and Joseph Conrad collaborated. It looks at society''s mental evolution and what is gained and lost in the process. Written before the first World War, its themes of corruption and the effect of the 20th Century on British aristocracy appeared to predict history. It was first published in London by William Heinemann and later the same year in New York by McClure, Phillips & Co. In the novel, the metaphor of the "fourth dimension" is used to explain a societal shift from a generation of people who have traditional values of interdependence, being overtaken by a modern generation who believe in expediency, callously using political power to bring down the old order.

A cherished owl protects a young princess enabling her to rule against the wiles of crafty wizards and brings the Prince of India to be her champion.

In ''The Fifth Queen: And How She Came to Court,'' Ford Madox Ford crafts a richly textured narrative that intertwines historical fiction with intricate psychological depth. The novel is set in the tumultuous court of King Henry VIII, focusing on the life of Katherine Howard, one of the king''s many queens. Through lyrical prose that blends dialogue and introspection, Ford explores themes of ambition, power, and betrayal, all while capturing the vivid intricacies of Tudor life. This work reflects the literary context of the early 20th century, where a resurgence of interest in historical narratives allowed authors like Ford to examine the interplay between personal and political realms in a visually arresting style. Ford Madox Ford (1873-1939) was a prominent English novelist and critic, known for his keen insights into human nature and society. His diverse artistic background, including his relationship with various avant-garde movements and prominent literary figures, significantly influenced his storytelling. His own experiences and encounters with history through literature made him uniquely positioned to envision the complexities of historical characters like Katherine Howard, allowing him to bring a fresh perspective to their lives and motivations. I highly recommend ''The Fifth Queen'' to readers interested in a masterful blend of history and personal drama. Ford''Äôs vivid depiction of royal intrigue and moral ambiguity is both captivating and enlightening. This novel not only appeals to those fascinated by the Tudor era but also resonates with anyone intrigued by the eternal conflicts between desire, ethics, and power in human relationships.